Python's NOT a Java derivative. It has some things in common though.
Python's WAY easier than C#, and faster/better supported too.
Stencyl probably won't come out for a while, and you can't do nearly as much in it as in Python.
In terms of difficulty, Python is around the level of Blitz BASIC. Download Python and the Pygame module, and you'll be able to quickly and easily make games that aren't tied to any company or proprietary product.