Election of Rudolf I as King of the Romans
The electors of the Holy Roman Empire gather in Frankfurt Cathedral to cast their votes for the next King of the Romans, ending the Great Interregnum. Rudolf I of Habsburg is elected, marking the begi
Setting
Frankfurt Cathedral, a grand Gothic structure with soaring arches and stained glass windows, filled with the nobility and clergy of the Holy Roman Empire. The nave is lined with wooden benches for the electors, while the altar area is prepared for the solemn ceremony.
Characters
Rudolf I
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his mid-40s with a strong, weathered face marked by years of military campaigns. His dark brown hair is streaked with grey and falls just above his shoulders, framing a square jaw covered by a short, well-groomed beard. His piercing blue eyes convey both intelligence and determination.
Archbishop of Mainz
primary
A tall, stately man in his late 50s with a gaunt but imposing frame. His sharp nose and deep-set eyes give him an air of solemn authority, while his neatly trimmed silver beard and tonsured hair mark his ecclesiastical status. His hands are delicate but strong, accustomed to holding sacred texts and performing rituals.
Elector of Saxony
secondary
A robust middle-aged man with a square jaw and close-cropped blonde beard, his sharp blue eyes scanning the cathedral with quiet authority. His muscular frame suggests a warrior noble accustomed to wielding both sword and scepter.
Herald
secondary
A middle-aged man of slight, wiry build with a clean-shaven face and a prominent nose. His short, dark hair is neatly trimmed beneath his official cap, and his sharp eyes are accustomed to reading documents in dim light.
Scribe
background
A middle-aged man with a lean build, hunched shoulders from years of bending over manuscripts, and ink-stained fingers. His thin face is framed by short, greying hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His eyes are sharp and attentive, accustomed to capturing details.
Dialog
Archbishop of Mainz
By the grace of Almighty God and the sacred authority vested in Us, We declare Rudolf of Habsburg King of the Romans, chosen by the electors and consecrated by holy rite.
Rudolf I
I receive this burden with humility before God and service to the Empire, as my forefathers served Charlemagne.
Elector of Saxony
By my sword, he'll need that steel spine when Ottokar hears this news.
Archbishop of Mainz
Let the oil of wisdom consecrate your brow, that you may govern as Solomon governed Israel with justice and mercy.
Rudolf I
As the rivers flow to the Rhine, so shall my deeds flow toward the Empire's glory and the Church's protection.
Elector of Saxony
Well spoken, my liege. The Bohemian lion will test those words soon enough.
Archbishop of Mainz
Let the Te Deum be sung, for today God has granted His people an end to the years of discord.