Lombard Invasion of Italy
Alboin, the Lombard king, stands in the central square of Forum Julii, addressing a mixed crowd of Lombard warriors and local Italians. He declares the establishment of Lombard rule over the region, b
Setting
The central square of Forum Julii, surrounded by a mix of crumbling Roman buildings and newly erected Lombard wooden structures. The ancient Roman forum now serves as a gathering place for the Lombard warriors and the local Italian population.
Characters
Alboin
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered warrior in his late 40s with sun-weathered skin and piercing blue eyes. His long blonde hair is streaked with grey, braided with leather cords in the Lombard fashion. A jagged scar runs from his left temple to his jawline, a battle trophy from his youth. His beard is trimmed short but thick, framing a mouth accustomed to command.
Lombard Warrior
secondary
A burly, battle-hardened man in his late 30s with sun-weathered skin and deep-set blue eyes. His muscular frame bears scars from numerous skirmishes. A thick, braided blond beard reaches his chest, and his long hair is tied back with a leather strip. A diagonal sword scar crosses his left cheekbone.
Roman Magistrate
secondary
A middle-aged man of slight build, with thinning grey hair and a carefully trimmed beard. His face bears the lines of stress and responsibility, with sharp, calculating eyes that dart between Alboin and the Lombard Warrior. His posture is slightly hunched, a mix of deference and exhaustion.
Local Merchant
background
A middle-aged Italian man of slight build, with sun-weathered skin and deep-set eyes that dart nervously between the Lombard warriors and the Roman Magistrate. His hands, rough from years of handling goods, clutch tightly to a bundle of wrapped textiles.
Lombard Youth
background
A wiry boy of about 12 years with sun-browned skin and straw-colored hair tied back with a leather thong. His face still carries childhood roundness but shows the first sharp angles of adolescence. Bright blue eyes dart excitedly beneath thick brows.
Dialog
Alboin
Hear now, people of Forum Julii! Alboin's sword has carved you a new fate—like the raven flies to carrion, so we Lombards claim what the weak cannot hold!
Roman Magistrate
Most gracious lord, surely the wisdom of your noble ancestors would see value in preserving our municipal archives? The tax rolls alone—
Lombard Warrior
Pah! Roman sheep bleating about scrolls when their walls fell like rotten timber, eh?
Alboin
Peace, Guthram. Let the scribbler keep his chicken-scratch—Alboin measures wealth in the weight of a man's sword-arm, not his inkpot!
Roman Magistrate
Your magnanimity shines like Sol Invictus, noble king. Might we then discuss the grain stores before winter's bite—
Lombard Warrior
Winter? Ha! Our bellies will be full while Roman patricius lick empty bowls!
Alboin
Enough! The town lives by Alboin's mercy—let them eat from Lombard hands or not at all. My hearthguards hunger for land, not words!