Battle of Cortenuova
The Lombard League's Carroccio war wagon, a symbol of their defiance, lies captured and desecrated on the battlefield, marking the decisive victory of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II over the rebellio
Setting
A vast battlefield on the plains of Lombardy, strewn with fallen soldiers, broken weapons, and the remnants of siege engines. The ground is muddy from recent autumn rains, churned up by the hooves of warhorses and the trampling of armored foot soldiers. The Lombard League's once-proud Carroccio war wagon now lies tilted and damaged, its banner dragging in the mud.
Characters
Frederick II
primary
A commanding figure in his early forties, with a strong, athletic build from years of campaigning. His face is weathered by sun and wind, with piercing blue eyes that seem to assess everything at a glance. A neatly trimmed beard frames his jaw, and his blonde hair is slightly tousled from wearing his helmet.
Lombard Commander
primary
A middle-aged, battle-hardened warrior with a muscular build, his face lined with the scars of numerous campaigns. His dark hair is streaked with gray, and his beard is short and unkempt from weeks of campaigning. His armor is battered, his surcoat torn and stained with mud and blood.
Imperial Knight
secondary
A battle-hardened knight in his late 30s to early 40s, with a broad, muscular build befitting a warrior who has spent years in armor. His face bears the marks of previous battles—a scar running from his left temple to the corner of his mouth, and a nose that has been broken more than once. His eyes are sharp and watchful beneath the shadow of his helmet.
Carroccio Guard
secondary
A wounded Lombard soldier in his late 30s, with a stocky build and a face weathered by years of campaigning. His dark hair is matted with sweat and blood, and a deep gash runs across his forehead. His chainmail is torn at the shoulder where a sword thrust found its mark, and his left arm hangs uselessly at his side.
Battlefield Priest
background
A middle-aged man with a gaunt, weathered face, deep-set eyes reflecting the horrors of war, and a slight hunch from years of bending over the wounded. His hands are worn, with dirt ingrained in the creases, yet move with practiced gentleness.
Squire
background
A wiry youth of approximately 16 years, with sunburnt features and straw-colored hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. His lean frame is taut with exertion as he wrestles with the reins of massive warhorses. His hands bear fresh rope burns, and his simple tunic is stained with mud and horse sweat.
Dialog
Frederick II
Behold, your Carroccio lies in the mud, and with it, the pride of the Lombard League. Sic transit gloria mundi.
Lombard Commander
Curse your Latin and your empty pride! The blood of my men cries out from this field.
Carroccio Guard
Commander... don't waste breath on the Emperor's dogs. They'll only laugh.
Frederick II
Laughter? No. But I shall remember this day when next your cities beg for imperial mercy.
Lombard Commander
Mercy? You who burned Milan's orphans in their beds? We know your mercy.
Frederick II
An emperor's mercy comes only once. Pray I do not rescind even that.
Carroccio Guard
Let him go, Commander. Today belongs to the crows and the worms.