Death of Pliny the Elder
Pliny the Elder, renowned Roman naturalist and admiral, lies collapsed on the shore of Stabiae as the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Vesuvius engulfs the Bay of Naples. His loyal slave Marcus Tiro and
Setting
Stabiae, a seaside resort on the Bay of Naples, with luxurious villas nestled among vineyards and orchards. Pliny's ship is anchored in the smoky, ash-choked waters near the shore.
Characters
Pliny the Elder
primary
Aged around 56, Pliny is a robust, square-jawed man with close-cropped gray hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His piercing blue eyes, weathered skin, and calloused hands attest to a life spent observing nature's wonders and commanding fleets. Despite his years, he stands erect with the vigor of a seasoned military commander.
Marcus Tiro
secondary
A middle-aged Roman officer with a lean, muscular build, weathered features, and short-cropped graying hair. His intense blue eyes reflect a lifetime of military service.
Slave 1
secondary
A young male slave in his early 20s, with a lean build, short dark hair, and a clean-shaven face. His eyes are wide with fear, and his skin is coated in a light layer of ash.
Sailor 1
background
A wiry, sun-browned sailor in his late twenties, with short-cropped black hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His lean, muscular frame testifies to a life of hard physical labor.
Dialog
Pliny the Elder
Behold, the wrath of Vulcan himself, spewing forth from the mountain's maw!
Marcus Tiro
Sir, we must make haste to evacuate the survivors before the flames consume all!
Slave 1
Domine, great Jupiter, save us from this fiery doom!
Pliny the Elder
Fear not, slave. It is the will of the gods. We must face it with courage.
Marcus Tiro
Sir, the ash is thickening. Our time grows short. We must be away!
Pliny the Elder
One moment more. I must record the precise hue of the flames. It is a curiosity.