Battle of Towton
The Battle of Towton reaches its climax as Lancastrian and Yorkist forces engage in brutal, close-quarters combat amidst a snowstorm. King Edward IV leads the Yorkists against the Lancastrians under H
Setting
A vast, open field near Towton, Yorkshire, covered in fresh snow. The terrain is slightly undulating, with patches of frozen marshland and scattered trees. The battlefield is littered with bodies, weapons, and blood staining the snow.
Characters
King Edward IV
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late twenties with a commanding presence. His fair hair is tousled from battle, and his piercing blue eyes are sharp with focus. His face is smeared with dirt and blood, but his regal bearing is unmistakable.
Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late twenties with a strong, angular jawline and piercing blue eyes. His face is weathered from years of campaigning, with a prominent scar running from his left temple to his cheekbone. His dark brown hair is shoulder-length, matted with sweat and snow, and his beard is neatly trimmed but now disheveled from battle.
Yorkist Archer
secondary
A wiry man in his late twenties, with a sun-weathered face and calloused hands from years of drawing bows. His dark hair is matted with sweat and snow, and his left cheek bears a fresh cut from a glancing arrow. His eyes are sharp but bloodshot from exhaustion.
Lancastrian Knight
secondary
A battle-hardened knight in his late 30s, with a muscular build and a face weathered by years of combat. His dark hair is matted with sweat and blood, and his piercing blue eyes show a mix of pain and defiance. A deep gash runs across his left cheek, and his right arm is wrapped in a blood-soaked makeshift bandage.
Wounded Soldier
background
A young man in his early twenties, with a lean but muscular build from years of military training. His face is streaked with dirt and blood, and his hair is matted with sweat and snow. A deep gash runs across his left thigh, staining his leggings crimson.
Dialog
King Edward IV
Press the advantage! Their lines falter—one more push and the field is ours!
Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset
You'll not take England so easily, Edward! These men still bleed for Lancaster!
Yorkist Archer
Milord—their left flank buckles near the marsh. Give word and we'll feather them.
King Edward IV
Do it. Let no man say we showed mercy to traitors this day.
Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset
By God's wounds, is this how a king fights? Hiding behind peasants' shafts?
Yorkist Archer
Cords freeze stiff in this damned snow. Last volley, then we're to blades.
King Edward IV
Then make them count. Today we end this war or die upon this field.