Election of Pope Alexander VI
Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel are casting their votes in the papal conclave of 1492, with Rodrigo Borgia leveraging political alliances and bribery to secure his election as Pope Alexander VI.
Setting
The Sistine Chapel during the papal conclave of August 1492. The high-ceilinged chapel is filled with cardinals in their red robes, seated in rows of wooden chairs arranged in a semi-circle. The walls are adorned with frescoes depicting biblical scenes, and the floor is covered in intricate mosaic patterns.
Characters
Rodrigo Borgia
primary
A robust man in his early 60s with a commanding presence, his face marked by deep-set eyes and a strong jawline. His olive complexion and dark, piercing eyes exude both charm and calculation. His thick, silver-streaked hair is neatly trimmed, and his posture exudes confidence.
Cardinal Ascanio Sforza
primary
A robust man in his early forties with a strong, square jaw and piercing dark eyes that convey both intelligence and ambition. His olive complexion is framed by neatly trimmed dark brown hair, slightly receding at the temples, and a well-groomed beard. His stature is imposing, with broad shoulders that command attention in any gathering.
Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere
secondary
A tall, imposing figure in his late 40s with a strong, angular face, deep-set piercing eyes, and a prominent nose. His dark hair is streaked with grey, and his posture exudes authority and defiance.
Cardinal Giovanni de' Medici
secondary
A young man in his late twenties, with a slender yet poised build. His sharp, intelligent eyes are framed by a high forehead and a neatly trimmed beard. His pale complexion contrasts with the deep red of his cardinal's robes, and his delicate hands are clasped together in contemplation.
Conclave Guard
background
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 30s with a stern, weathered face and close-cropped dark hair. His piercing eyes scan the room with military precision, and his posture is rigid with discipline.
Dialog
Rodrigo Borgia
Deus vult, my dear Ascanio. The Lord's will shall be done, though men may murmur and plot in the shadows.
Cardinal Ascanio Sforza
Indeed, Your Eminence. Though I wonder... should the need arise, would the Bishop of Valencia find himself in need of... additional support?
Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere
By all means, whisper your intrigues. The stench of simony hangs heavy enough without your added scheming!
Rodrigo Borgia
Ah, Giuliano! Such passion for virtue! But tell me - does your zeal extend to those who might benefit from... mutual understanding?
Cardinal Ascanio Sforza
The conclave tires, gentlemen. Perhaps we might consider how best to serve Holy Mother Church... and those who serve her most faithfully.
Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere
Serve? Or be served upon silver platters? I know well the price of your 'faithfulness'!
Rodrigo Borgia
In nomine Patris... Let us pray cooler heads prevail. The College deserves nothing less than... harmonious deliberation.