Senate Confirms Claudius as Emperor
The Roman Senate reluctantly confirms Claudius as Emperor, following the assassination of Caligula. The senators, many of whom view Claudius as weak and unfit for power, are pressured by the Praetoria
Setting
The Curia Julia in the Roman Forum, a grand marble hall with towering columns and intricate friezes depicting Roman victories. The winter midday light filters through high windows, casting angular shadows on the mosaic floor.
Characters
Claudius
primary
A middle-aged man of slight build with a noticeable limp, his thinning gray hair carefully arranged to conceal his receding hairline. His face bears the marks of a life spent in study rather than battle, with deep-set eyes that dart nervously but hold unexpected sharpness. His left hand trembles slightly when at rest.
Senator Lucius
primary
A senior senator in his late 50s, with a lean but dignified frame. His sharp patrician features are marked by deep-set eyes and a prominent aquiline nose, framed by neatly trimmed gray hair and a short beard. His hands show the ink stains of a lifelong politician.
Praetorian Captain
secondary
A broad-shouldered man in his late 30s with close-cropped dark hair and a weathered face marked by a diagonal scar across his left cheekbone. His piercing gray eyes constantly scan the room. His muscular frame suggests years of military training.
Senator Marcus
secondary
A middle-aged Roman senator with a lean, angular frame and sharp features. His dark brown eyes are deeply set under thick brows, and his short-cropped hair shows streaks of gray. A prominent aquiline nose and thin lips give him a perpetually skeptical expression.
Senate Scribe
background
A lean Greek slave in his late twenties with close-cropped dark hair and sharp features. His olive skin bears faint scars from childhood labors, and his ink-stained fingers move with practiced efficiency. His keen eyes dart between wax tablet and senators, missing nothing.
Dialog
Claudius
Conscript fathers... I come not by choice, not by ambition, but by duty to Rome. As our ancestor Augustus showed in his wisdom, the state must be served before all else.
Senator Lucius
The Senate recognizes the Princeps' devotion to the Republic's traditions. Whereas the divine Augustus restored peace after civil strife, so too shall this new administration bring order.
Praetorian Captain
The perimeter is secure, if it pleases the Emperor. The Guard stands ready.
Claudius
Your loyalty honors me, captain. Though I confess... (brief stammer) I'd rather have earned it through service than... circumstance.
Senator Lucius
Salus populi suprema lex esto. The people's welfare demands stability above all considerations.
Praetorian Captain
All exits remain guarded. Certain... enthusiastic citizens have been detained.
Claudius
Let them be released unharmed. Rome has bled enough these past days.