Battle of Wakefield
The Duke of York, realizing his forces are overwhelmed, attempts a desperate last stand against the advancing Lancastrian troops. Surrounded and outnumbered, he fights valiantly but is ultimately cut
Setting
A frozen battlefield near Wakefield, surrounded by sparse woodland and open fields. The ground is covered in patchy snow and churned mud from the movement of troops and horses. The remnants of a broken wooden fence line the edge of the field, and smoke rises from distant fires.
Characters
Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late forties with a strong Plantagenet jawline and piercing blue eyes. His face is weathered from years of campaigning, with deep lines of stress around his mouth and forehead. His dark brown hair, streaked with grey, is plastered to his head with sweat and blood from a minor head wound.
Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his early thirties with a strong, angular face. His dark brown hair is slightly disheveled from the battle, and his piercing blue eyes scan the battlefield with urgency. His hands are calloused from years of wielding a sword, and there's a fresh cut on his left cheek.
Lancastrian Captain
secondary
A battle-hardened man in his late 30s with a muscular build and weathered features. His face bears several old scars, including a prominent one running from his left temple to cheekbone. His dark brown hair is cropped short beneath his sallet, and his piercing grey eyes survey the battlefield with practiced efficiency.
Yorkist Knight
secondary
A battle-hardened knight in his late thirties, with a muscular build from years of combat. His face is streaked with dirt and blood, and a deep gash runs across his left cheek. His chainmail is dented and torn in places, revealing glimpses of the padded gambeson beneath. Dark, sweat-matted hair clings to his forehead, and his intense blue eyes burn with determination despite his exhaustion.
Lancastrian Archer
background
A wiry man in his late twenties, with sunken cheeks and a weathered face from years of campaigning. His eyes are sharp and focused, trained on his target. His hands are calloused from drawing the longbow, and his stance is steady despite the chaos around him.
Dialog
Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York
By the blood of our ancestors, we shall not yield this field! Warwick, rally the men to my standard!
Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick
Aye, my lord! Archers, loose upon their flank! Spearmen, hold the line!
Lancastrian Captain
Advance, you dogs! The traitor's head will adorn Micklegate by nightfall!
Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York
Would that Henry could see his loyal subjects now—baying like wolves for innocent blood!
Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick
My lord, we must retreat—the field is lost! Live to fight another day!
Lancastrian Captain
They break! After them! No quarter for Yorkist scum!
Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York
Never! I would rather die a king than flee like a coward! To me, men of York!