Start of the Sonderbund War
Federal troops march into Aarau, Canton of Aargau, as tensions escalate between the Protestant-dominated Swiss Confederation and the Catholic cantons mobilizing against it. The townsfolk watch with a
Setting
The cobblestone streets of Aarau, lined with timber-framed houses and shops, leading to the central square where Federal troops are assembling. The town is nestled between rolling hills, with the Aare River visible in the distance.
Characters
Federal Officer
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 40s with a weathered face, deep-set eyes, and a neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper mustache. His military bearing is evident in his rigid posture and the sharp angles of his movements. A faint scar runs along his left cheekbone, hinting at past battles.
Town Mayor
primary
A middle-aged man with a slightly portly build, thinning gray hair, and deep-set, worried eyes. His face bears the lines of responsibility, and his hands are often clasped nervously in front of him.
Young Soldier
secondary
A lean youth of about 18 years with a freshly shaven face and close-cropped brown hair. His light blue eyes dart nervously beneath thick brows, and his hands tremble slightly as he adjusts his uniform. The beginnings of a mustache shadow his upper lip.
Local Merchant
secondary
A middle-aged man of solid build, with a well-groomed beard and keen eyes that reflect his mercantile acumen. His face is weathered from years of travel and trade, and his hands are calloused but clean, indicative of his profession.
Old Farmer
background
An elderly Catholic farmer in his late 60s, with a weathered face, deep wrinkles from years of labor under the sun, and a sturdy but slightly hunched posture. His hands are calloused, and his eyes are sharp with disapproval. His white hair is thinning, and he sports a short, unkempt beard.
Dialog
Federal Officer
By order of the Federal Diet, we march to restore unity to the Confederation. Any resistance will be met with the full force of military law.
Town Mayor
Herr Hauptmann, surely there is room for... for negotiation? Our people have lived peacefully under the Confederation for years.
Federal Officer
Peace requires obedience, Herr Bürgermeister. The Sonderbund's defiance threatens all we've built since '48.
Young Soldier
Sir, the... the men are asking if we'll see action today, sir. I mean to say—
Federal Officer
Stand ready, soldier. The time for questions has passed.
Town Mayor
Must it come to bloodshed? Our granaries are full—perhaps we might discuss provisions instead of... of muskets?
Federal Officer
The time for bread has passed. Now we bring iron.