Treaty of Neuberg
Duke Albert III and Duke Leopold III of Austria are signing the Treaty of Neuberg, formally dividing the Habsburg territories between them in the great hall of Neuberg Castle. Advisors and scribes sta
Setting
The great hall of Neuberg Castle, a stone-walled chamber with high vaulted ceilings and narrow stained-glass windows. The room is dominated by a massive oak table where the treaty is being signed, surrounded by heavy wooden chairs with carved Habsburg crests. Tapestries depicting hunting scenes and biblical stories line the walls, and a large fireplace stands cold in the summer heat.
Characters
Duke Albert III of Austria
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 40s with a stern, angular face framed by a neatly trimmed beard streaked with grey. His piercing blue eyes and prominent Habsburg jawline convey both authority and the weight of responsibility. His hands, currently signing the treaty, are large and bear the callouses of a lifelong warrior.
Duke Leopold III of Austria
primary
A well-built man in his early 30s with sharp Habsburg features—a prominent chin, high cheekbones, and piercing blue eyes. His dark brown hair is cut short in the noble fashion of the time, with a neatly trimmed beard framing his jawline. His posture exudes noble bearing, though there's a tension in his shoulders betraying the moment's significance.
Advisor
secondary
A middle-aged man of slight build, with sharp, calculating eyes and a neatly trimmed beard. His gaunt face suggests years of careful contemplation and strategic thinking, with deep-set eyes that miss little. His hands are long-fingered and expressive, often gesturing subtly to emphasize points.
Scribe
secondary
A middle-aged monastic scribe with a lean frame and slightly hunched posture from years spent bent over manuscripts. His thin face is framed by a neatly trimmed brown beard streaked with grey, and his sharp eyes are focused intently on his work. His hands are stained with ink, and his fingers move with practiced precision.
Guard Captain
background
A broad-shouldered man in his late 30s with a weathered face, short-cropped brown hair, and a neatly trimmed beard. His piercing blue eyes constantly scan the room for threats. A faded scar runs from his left temple to his cheekbone, evidence of past battles.
Dialog
Duke Albert III of Austria
Let it be recorded in perpetuum that these holdings shall pass to my brother's line, though the blood of our father binds us still.
Duke Leopold III of Austria
And let it be known that Styria and Carinthia shall flourish under Habsburg rule, as Austria proper does under yours, brother.
Advisor
My lord, the southern passes must be secured before winter... the Swiss grow restless.
Duke Albert III of Austria
The scribe records all, dear brother. Even whispers carry weight in such matters.
Duke Leopold III of Austria
Then let him record this plainly: the lion of Habsburg has two heads now, but one heart.
Advisor
The terms are most equitable, my lords. Posterity shall praise this day's wisdom.
Duke Albert III of Austria
Posterity judges men, not parchment. May God grant we've chosen wisely.