First Defenestration of Prague
Hussite protesters, led by Jan Želivský, storm the New Town Hall in Prague and violently throw council members out of the windows in retaliation for the execution of their leaders, marking a brutal es
Setting
The New Town Hall in Prague, specifically the council chamber and adjacent windows overlooking the square below. The room is filled with a mix of Hussite protesters and panicked council members, with furniture overturned and documents scattered.
Characters
Jan Želivský
primary
A gaunt man in his early 40s with sharp cheekbones and piercing dark eyes that burn with religious fervor. His shoulder-length brown hair is unkempt, and his beard is trimmed short but uneven. His frame is wiry from years of ascetic living, with calloused hands that grip religious texts like weapons.
Council Member
primary
A middle-aged Catholic official, portly with a balding pate and a florid complexion. His face is lined with stress, and his hands are soft, unused to manual labor. His eyes are wide with terror, and his mouth is contorted in a scream.
Hussite Protester
secondary
A burly, middle-aged man with a ruddy face and calloused hands, his beard streaked with grey and his eyes burning with righteous fury. His muscular frame speaks of hard labor, likely as a blacksmith or farmer before joining the Hussite movement.
Town Clerk
secondary
A middle-aged man of slight build with thinning brown hair and a pale complexion, his face etched with lines of worry and fear. His hands tremble visibly, and his posture is hunched as if trying to make himself smaller.
Dialog
Jan Želivský
Thus saith the Lord—purge the unrighteous from His house! Let the windows of Heaven rain down justice upon these vipers!
Council Member
Misericordia! Per Deum vos obtestor—I beg you, good people! Have mercy!
Jan Želivský
Your Latin filth won’t save you now! The Lord’s judgment speaks in Czech today!
Council Member
Non sum dignus—I am not worthy! Spare me and I swear—
Jan Želivský
Swear? You swore oaths to Rome while crushing Christ’s poor! Now swear to the cobbles!