Lombard Invasion of Italy Begins
The Lombard forces, led by their warrior chieftain, are advancing towards the city walls of Aquileia. The Byzantine commander, alongside a local priest and town elder, hastily organizes the remaining
Setting
The outskirts of Aquileia, near the city walls, with a view of the Roman-built defensive structures and the approaching Lombard forces. The area is a mix of open fields and scattered ruins from previous conflicts.
Characters
Byzantine Commander
primary
A middle-aged man with a weathered face, his dark beard streaked with grey, and a battle-worn physique. His sharp, calculating eyes betray years of military experience. A deep scar runs across his left cheek, a testament to past conflicts.
Local Priest
primary
A middle-aged man of slight build, with deep-set eyes and a gaunt face framed by a short, graying beard. His hands are calloused from years of manual labor and prayer, and his posture carries the weight of his spiritual duties.
Lombard Warrior
secondary
A tall, broad-shouldered warrior in his late twenties with sun-bronzed skin and a thick, unkempt beard. His face bears several old scars, and his piercing blue eyes scan the city defenses with predatory focus. His muscular arms show the wear of frequent combat.
Town Elder
secondary
A frail man in his late 70s with deeply lined skin and thinning white hair. His hands tremble slightly with age, and his stooped posture suggests a lifetime of labor. Pale blue eyes that still hold sharp intelligence beneath heavy brows.
Byzantine Soldier
background
A young man in his early 20s, lean but wiry with the beginnings of a soldier's build. His dark hair is cropped short in military fashion, and his olive skin bears the marks of recent sun exposure. His face is clean-shaven, and his dark brown eyes dart nervously.
Dialog
Byzantine Commander
Form testudo by the north gate—hold until the last man falls.
Local Priest
Deus vult! The Lord shields those who stand firm in faith.
Town Elder
Jupiter cursed us when the Goths sacked our fathers... now the Lombards? Will it never end?
Byzantine Commander
Rome stood because her sons did not waver. We are Rome today.
Local Priest
Take heart! The walls of Jericho fell, but our faith is stronger than stone.
Town Elder
Then let us pray the Lombards lack Joshua's trumpets...
Byzantine Commander
Enough talk. To your posts—for the Emperor and for Christ!