Election of Adolf of Nassau as King of the Romans
The prince-electors of the Holy Roman Empire gather in Frankfurt Cathedral to elect Adolf of Nassau as King of the Romans, a pivotal step toward imperial coronation. The ceremony is marked by politica
Setting
Frankfurt Cathedral, a grand Gothic structure with soaring ribbed vaults and towering stained glass windows. The interior is vast, with a nave lined with wooden pews and a high altar at the far end. The space is filled with the murmurs of assembled nobles and clergy.
Characters
Adolf of Nassau
primary
A man in his early 40s, athletic build with broad shoulders, clean-shaven face, and piercing blue eyes. His hair is cropped short, dark blonde with hints of gray at the temples.
Archbishop of Mainz
primary
A tall, imposing figure in his late fifties, with a strong but slightly stooped frame from years of study and prayer. His sharp, hawk-like features are framed by thinning silver hair, and his piercing blue eyes convey both intelligence and authority. His hands, though aged, are steady and often clasped together in prayer or folded within the sleeves of his robes.
Elector of Saxony
secondary
A middle-aged man of sturdy build, with a broad chest and strong arms befitting a warrior-noble. His face is weathered from years of campaigning, with a close-cropped beard streaked with grey. Piercing blue eyes survey the room with a calculating gaze, framed by deep-set wrinkles earned from both battle and courtly intrigue.
Cathedral Notary
secondary
A middle-aged man of slight build with a pale complexion, his face framed by thinning brown hair cut in a clerical tonsure. His ink-stained fingers move with practiced precision, and his sharp eyes dart between the proceedings and his parchment.
Noble Attendant
background
A nobleman in his late twenties, of medium height and sturdy build, with a clean-shaven face and short, dark brown hair. His sharp features and alert posture mark him as a man accustomed to duty and discipline. His hands grip the ceremonial sword firmly, revealing callouses from years of training.
Dialog
Archbishop of Mainz
By the authority vested in me by God and this sacred assembly, I present to you, Adolf of Nassau, as King of the Romans. May he govern with wisdom and piety.
Adolf of Nassau
I accept this burden with humility before God and duty to the empire. The welfare of Christendom shall guide my hand.
Archbishop of Mainz
Let none dispute this consecrated choice, for as Ecclesiastes teaches: 'Woe to the land whose king is a child.' We have chosen a man proven in war and council.
Adolf of Nassau
By the blood of Charlemagne and oath upon this altar, I swear to defend both cross and crown against all adversaries, be they foreign or... domestic.
Archbishop of Mainz
Thus is the imperial majesty transferred, not by earthly ambition but through divine disposition. Let Te Deum be sung!