1348 Friuli Earthquake
The central square of Udine is in ruins after a devastating earthquake. The Mayor and Town Crier attempt to organize rescue efforts while the Baker searches frantically for his missing daughter. The M
Setting
The central square of Udine, surrounded by medieval buildings, some partially collapsed. The ground is cracked, and rubble litters the cobblestones. A once-grand church facade stands precariously, its bell tower leaning dangerously.
Characters
Mayor of Udine
primary
A middle-aged man of average height with a stocky build, his face lined with stress and exhaustion. His dark hair is streaked with gray, and his beard is neatly trimmed but now dust-covered. His hands are calloused from years of administrative work, yet he moves with authority.
Town Crier
primary
A wiry man of average height in his late 40s, with a deeply lined face and a permanent squint from years of outdoor work. His salt-and-pepper beard is unkempt after the quake, and dust coats his weathered skin. A faded scar runs along his left cheekbone—a relic from younger days.
Baker
secondary
A burly man in his late 30s with flour-dusted forearms and a strong build from years of kneading dough. His face is streaked with sweat and dust, his dark hair matted with debris. His hands are rough and calloused, now scraped raw from digging through rubble.
Baker's Daughter
secondary
A young girl of about 8 years old, slight in build with dust-covered fair skin and tangled brown hair. Her face is streaked with tears and grime, and her wide blue eyes show fear and pain. Her hands are scraped from trying to free herself.
Mason
secondary
A burly man in his late 40s with muscular arms and calloused hands, his face weathered from years of outdoor labor. His dark hair is streaked with gray and tied back with a leather cord. A fresh cut on his forehead shows he's been working through the disaster.
Wounded Woman
background
A middle-aged woman with a gaunt face, her dark hair matted with dust and blood. Her tattered dress reveals a deep gash on her leg, and she clutches a makeshift bandage to her side. Her eyes are wide with shock and pain.
Dialog
Mayor of Udine
By the mercy of Santa Maria, sound the alarm again! The bell tower leans—clear the piazza at once!
Town Crier
Away, away from the walls! The mortar weeps—it falls!
Baker's Daughter
Papa! The stones pin me—it burns!
Mason
Herringbone footing's shattered. That arch won't hold past vespers.
Mayor of Udine
Then take the strongbacks from the granary—prop it!
Town Crier
Citizens to the well-field! No shelter under eaves!
Mason
Girl's leg's caught in the corbel. Pry bar here—now!