The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 149

Preparations for Princess Selina's Yuletide Ball continue apace this month with hectic to-and-froing between the Bards College and the Citadel. Numbers of amateur entertainers have been pulled in to supplement the students, with rumours of an eclectic dance exhibition circulating. An entirely new play by the poet Vespasian has also been commissioned. Clearly a major event is being planned and rumours of a massive budget for the lavish entertainment has heightened rivalries over attendance. Key members of the offended nobility have now been invited however, with the seating plan still a closely guarded secret and a large number of tradesmen still on the guest list, it seems clear that Princess Selina plans to send a strong message in favour of the City Guilds.

The feverish pace of Linrodeth's election campaigns has refused to abate this month with heavy activity in all areas. Last month's aggressive personal attacks seem to have died down and campaigning has returned to a more traditional pattern of bunting and canvassing. Most factions appear to have moved to defensive positions with only the Monterey faction still placing the taking of seats as a high priority. Alderman Monterey's political assistant, Ms Linette, has been much in evidence, and it would appear that she has enlisted the help of some of her mercenary friends to ensure that the Monterey campaign runs with "near military precision". Jim Bottler's heavy spending has continued and looks set to prevent the expected meltdown of his faction. Indeed Bottler himself is now reported to be doing very well – which may be a good thing given Tilly Falgar's clear lead over Gillian Howe. In Avigon Petro Cutario, operating without the support of any faction, is mounting an unexpectedly serious challenge to Samuel Rucche. A battle which Rucche is clearly ill-prepared for.

One possible explanation for the apparent revitalisation of Jim Bottler's fortunes is a rumour going around the City that he was responsible for rescuing Elizabeth Dixon from the Citadel. Elizabeth has been sighted at Fenny Bridges and a persistent story about how Jim Bottler and his craftsmen managed to spirit her out of imprisonment in the Citadel refuses to die down. According to reports, Bottler and his men discovered Elizabeth imprisoned in the Citadel and managed to get her out by disguising her as an apprentice. The clear problem with this tale is that Bottler is still alive and apparently in favour at court again. The Chroniclers conclude that this odd story is about as likely as Matthew Dixon returning to Linrodeth to sell meat pies.

Lady Eshi Cyarçon is to launch her summer collection in Salvoyn this year, according to word from the docksides. The loss of this prestigious event is yet another blow to the local aristocracy and their attempts to retain status. Princess Selina does not seem to be unduly worried by this turn of events. Investigations into the attempted burglary of Alderman William Trueman's house have revealed that many people spent money last month seeking dirt on Trueman and his lucrative business dealings – obviously to no avail. Apparently these offers of reward were generous enough to convince a speculative group of thieves to go and see what they could find. Attempts to trace the crime back to a particular faction have failed. However visits by the City Guard asking awkward questions may well have gone a long way toward the cessation of the attacks by Trueman's rivals.

Reactions from the various Linrodeth temples to the announcement of the Holy Church of Resh remain studiously neutral, a full two months after the announcement. Whether this is simply because of a need to verify with their authorities is unclear. Until the proclamation, the Holy Son Resh was virtually unheard of within Linrodeth. The Chronicle has now spoken directly to the merchants who brought the reports from Salvoyn, and can confirm that Archimandrite Ingulfus has declared to the Hahnite temples that Resh is an incarnation of Shin, the Son-that-Judges. In addition the Wellkeeper and the Chirurgeon in Salvoyn have announced that Resh is also the beloved child of Daleth and Torus. Archimandrite Ingulfus announced that the Gods gathered together before a great battle with evil and decided to collectively create Resh as an embodiment of their warrior spirit. According to the latest pronouncements, the return of Resh signifies that a great evil has once again risen. The Chronicle suspects that, at least on this point, that they may be right.

Late Midwinter News! Late Midwinter News!

The Citadel's Yuletide Ball was a stunningly successful event. The refurbished Great Hall lived up to expectations; Jim Bottler has clearly redefined the style of the Citadel, and perhaps all the future building in the City. Certainly judging by the number of people who wished to compliment him, he will not be short of commissions. The celebrations opened with the interesting idea of announcing the Midwinter election results. The many Councillors and Aldermen in the Great Hall clearly enjoyed seeing each other's reactions to the news, and it may be that a new precedent has been set. After a suitable period of discussion, the entertainment started with a dramatic flamenco by Maria Consuelo, the well known socialite, which stunned the audience into silence. Following this, Princess Selina's speech was heard with all due deference. Describing the new Hall as "symbolic of the benefits of combining Kerunian and Linrodeth styles", she made an impassioned call for people to work together for the good of the City. Her message was made all the more compelling by the announcement that Jim Bottler had succeeded as the new Alderman of Welland, a result which the Princess described as a shining example of the rewards and success likely to befall those who work for the good of Linrodeth. The speech was followed by a new play written and performed by the Vespasian Players. The audience was once again appreciative of the quality of the performances and the beauty of the plot. The production clearly confirms the Players as the foremost theatrical group in the city. Midnight was marked by another speech in which Princess Selina looked forward to the coming year and the problems which together the people of Linrodeth will have to overcome. A message which was reinforced by the immediate performance of a Nyskildian Sword Dance, where the violent, militaristic style and northern origin served to remind people of the threat facing the city.

The election results turned out to be less dramatic than expected with most Aldermen retaining their seats. In Cartage Miranda Andrews predictably regained the Aldermanship. In Bassishaw Mark Bergeren defeated Gemma Downe by a surprisingly large margin, whilst in Marshgate Nicholas Bowden just defeated Maureen Quiller. The most interesting changes however were in Avigon where the popular Mercer Petro Cutario just edged ahead of Samuel Ruche to claim the seat and in Welland where Jim Bottler claimed victory at the expense of the previous Alderman Gillian Howe being forced into third place.

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 149

Princess Selina has announced a grand Yuletide ball to celebrate the completion of the renovation of the Citadel's great hall. Many of the city's most worthy citizens have found themselves in the surprising position of not being invited. It seems that the new regime has not yet entirely understood Linrodeth's social scene and the invitation of many prominent tradesmen in preference to the nobility has caused consternation in some quarters. The ball will however provide a massive boost for Linrodeth's dressmakers as few of those invited possess the necessary court clothes. The refurbished hall is being kept under close wraps however a number of people who have seen it claim that the new Bottler design has achieved a stunningly successful blending of Kerunian and Athionic styles.

Linrodeth has been gripped with election fever this month. Normal political activity seems to have come to a complete stop as all the factions throw everything into the hardest fought campaign the City has ever seen. Under a massive onslaught the Trueman bandwagon has begun to falter. Faced with accusations of being out of touch with the common people, and with rumours that Trueman's business is "unusually profitable" which by implication calls into question his honesty, the whole faction has been forced onto the defensive. However Trueman himself appears to be secure in his own ward where a backlash against the many accusations appears to be boosting his popularity. Alderman Trueman described the attacks as, "lies perpetrated by people more interested in politics than the good of the city". He went on to explicitly deny rumours that he intended to challenge Marcus Lambourne to a duel over the matter. Lambourne's faction itself is making a strong showing and looks set to continue its steady progress.

Elsewhere on the political scene perhaps the most starling turnaround has been that achieved by the Bottler faction, which has been spending significant sums of money. Melanie Romanie's vote-buying campaign has been particularly generous and looks set to secure her seat. The high level of campaigning makes it difficult to predict the outcome in many wards as opinions are rapidly changing, however one area where an upset seems likely is in Dracas where Randolf Flambourd is facing a strong challenge from Thomas Osbert. The competition is made all the more interesting be the fact that the protagonists are business partners and "the best of friends". The emergence of a strongly pro Selina faction is also causing confusion, in particular because of its novel strategy of only having one candidate in each ward.

Alderman William Trueman has been having a bad month all round. In addition to the many political attacks which he has suffered, his house was burgled last week. Fortunately for Alderman Trueman an alert member of the City Guard spotted the thieves as they made their entry through the roof of the house. A squad of City Guard arrived soon thereafter and, following a noisy and occasionally violent search of the house, all of the criminals were apprehended.

Rumours circulating in the City suggest that King Kieran has withdrawn most of his professional forces from Fenny Bridges, leaving Aralan Derwent's army seriously exposed to a potential attack by the City forces. General Olvini, who had originally refused to comment on the matter, was eventually forced to issue a statement in order to quell the growing hysteria over the matter. Speaking in an open address to the City Guard, the General evaded questions about Derwent's exact military position but did state, "The military force of the City has a duty to defend the property and prosperity of citizens. The forces at Fenny Bridges have continued an unacceptable campaign of intimidation and interference with trade. However launching an attack upon land we have not claimed is a serious undertaking. I would like to therefore advise that I have no current intention of ordering an attack upon Fenny Bridges by the City Guard or other units of the Army."

The City orphanage has finally received some funds following the intervention of Graeme Porter who has announced that due to careful budget management, the dock extensions will not cost as much as had previously been assumed. His motion that the surplus £100 be transferred from the dock extension to the "underfunded" orphanage received unanimous support.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 149

Last month's tensions between the Witanmoot and Princess Selina continued to run high following the arrest of Ralf Seagrim. It is believed that most of the prominent members of the Council, including those who are known enemies of King Edward, have lobbied for his release. Tensions were raised when a new scaffold was erected outside the city walls. However rumours that he was about to be executed proved false and after a week of incarceration Cllr Seagrim was released from prison. Soon after his release he spoke from the Mootstone and has made a formal and public apology to Princess Selina. He declared "I recognise Princess Selina as the rightful and only ruler of the Principality of Linrodeth. I reaffirm my support for King Edward in his battle with the usurper Kieran and call upon Princess Selina to ally the great city of Linrodeth with the rightful King of the rest of Athion". This latter proposal will probably not have pleased many of the people who lobbied for his release. Late returning merchants bring news of the elaborate and lavish celebrations held in Salvoyn over Harvestide to mark the official naming of baby Prince Edmund. The festivities, although subdued in the wake of Queen Kybele's murder, clearly demonstrated the growing prestige of Salvoyn as King Edward's capital city. The royal court has been enriched by the wealth and glamour of Salvoyn's noble matriarchs, and their generous patronage of the arts has already encouraged an explosion of new and exciting work. The naming ceremony also saw the traditional temples arrayed in a new order as a single pantheon under the unification of the Holy Son Resh.

The Guild membership debate proved to be a highly charged occasion. Sheriff Davy opened the discussion by explaining the background to the proposals which, she explained, were the result of many hours work by herself and Marcus Lambourne. The speech has consolidated her position as the leading threat to Lady Tasker, she skilfully explained the reasoning behind what she described as "Genuinely the best solution possible" and warned of the "potentially disastrous implications" if this compromise was not accepted. It looked as though this motion would go through virtually unopposed with Bottler, Monterey, Trueman and many other leading Guild members all rising in quick succession to support it. However an amendment proposed by Jim Bottler to delete the penultimate word so that provisional guild members be prevented from voting in the Midwinter elections caused uproar in the chamber. Sheriff Davy weighed in first announcing in a commanding voice that she seconded the amendment, which had been part of her original proposal to Princess Selina. Cllr Petro Cutario was first off the mark in opposing the motion, describing it as an outrageous attempt to remove the right to vote from the householders of Linrodeth. Cllr Cutario was strongly supported by William Trueman who described the proposal as confused beyond belief. Alderman Trueman had clearly been well briefed. In a devastatingly well argued speech he reminded the Council of the great "Definitions of Citizenship" reform enacted by Lord Dixon and the rather unfortunate effect this amendment would have upon it. Using examples which had many Councillors roaring with laughter he explained that in effect immigrants who bought property in the city would be able to vote in elections, unless they joined a guild. His closing words "I ask you fellow Councillors, reject this lunacy, and let us get back to the simple, clear politics this city needs" received a standing ovation and it looked as though the amendment would be lost. However the strong Lambourne faction fought back and argued vehemently that the motion was not intended to affect the definition of citizenship. In a hurried conference with Cllr Bottler they revised the amendment to "Except that such provisional Guild membership, shall not in itself confer the right to hold guild posts or vote in elections". A proposal which passed by 112 votes to 108, with the main motion then being passed by a margin of 80 votes.

The city orphans, under the encouragement of their board of governors, is to put on a Yuletide miracle play to entertain and raise money for their coffers. The story of Persilus and the Golden Acorn was selected in honour of Her Highness Princess Selina and her foreign entourage. Tickets are on sale from the Trueman and Lambourne households in Faringdon for sixpence each.

The fallout from the guild membership debate is playing out in the already heavy campaigning for the midwinter elections. Observers suggest that major changes may be on the way. Many wards have been resettled following the disruptions of previous years and clear political positions are beginning to emerge in the Witanmoot. The Monterey and Lambourne factions were expected to do well in this environment as people seek stability, however William Trueman's many recent successes appear to have started a bandwagon rolling behind his "Efficient, Responsible and Honest" slogan, and across the city Trueman candidates are doing well. In contrast to last year the Bottler faction is struggling to hold ground against accusations that it has lost direction, and amongst suspicion that Princess Selina has withdrawn her support for him.

Alderman Alan Monterey has been at pains to recover from his embracing defeat by Gax the Heretic last month. Thanking Gax for pointing out the legal situation he has reiterated the need for people to gain fluency in Athionic, in particular to avoid "guild rules, and indeed the laws of the city being broken simply thorough ignorance". Unusually for our civic leaders Alderman Monterey has taken action to help the situation by arranging for the Bards College to provide formal teaching of the language. A move which has received significant funding from the Carpenters and a number of other guilds.

Gilbert de Clare has marked the end of the building season with a major celebration culminating in the completion of the first gate through the new Portwall. Announcing that the project is significantly ahead of schedule he assured the oversight committee that, funds permitting, it could be completed by the middle of next year. Cllr de Clare did however express concern that the repairs to the Citadel and the new docks extension could draw off many skilled craftsmen.

A week of thick fog in Linrodeth has closed the city more effectively than any curfew. Torches and improvised railings have not always helped disoriented citizens when fog concealed even houses across the street. Rivermen braving the water crossing have been spooked by mysterious shapes afloat in the port, and one patrol of the city guard has reported following a trail of blood which vanished at Levestone crossroads. The blanketing fog has brought an abrupt halt to the city's meagre trading convoys this year. It now seems unlikely that we will discover the outcome of the vital battle for Cascorach before the Springtide melting.

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 149

Sheriff Jenny Davy has taken decisive action to resolve the guild membership crisis. She has placed a hard hitting and controversial motion before council which, she announced, "will force people to face up to the issues and provide a clear path to resolving them".

'This Council recognises the important role of the Guilds and will resist all attempts to diminish this. We affirm our desire to see the many new and highly skilled craftsmen arriving in our City participating actively within this structure. Council resolves to establish a review committee, chaired by Sheriff Davy and tasked with determining how best this can be achieved. In the interim, this council strongly advises the Guilds of Linrodeth to immediately accept, without charge, any suitably skilled immigrant as a provisional member of the Guild with all rights and obligations except the ability to hold guild posts or vote in guild elections.'

Marcus Lambourne is believed to back the proposals and rumours are circulating that they originated from Princess Selina. With both Jim Bottler and Alan Monterey taking on Kerunians within their own business it seems that, despite the strong words, our councillors have already capitulated. Marc Bergeren has returned from Eresan with the dramatic news that King Kieran is marching a huge army south to Cascorach. Whether this force will be sufficient to raise the siege of that city is unclear and military pundits describe the move as a desperate risk, which is most likely to result in the loss of most of his forces. Cllr Bergeren also described how he was forced to disguise himself and travel cross country in order to get past Aralan Derwent's camp in Fenny Bridges. He described the village as an armed camp training to attack the City and massively disrupting its trade. He expressed outrage that Aralan had detained him there for several months on his way out to Eresan.

Despite the likelihood that King Edward will soon be in charge of most of the country, Cllr Ralf Seagrim's motion that "The city of Linrodeth declares its intention to wage war upon the evil murder and oath breaker Kieran" has been heavily defeated. This is a reaffirmation that the pro-Kieran position taken by many of the senior members of the council is taking hold. Some are now suggesting that the City should formally declare for King Kieran, however the arrest of Cllr Seagrim by the City Guard on charges of Sedition may change this view. A major crisis may be about to blow up as the factions argue over whether to opposes Selina's move. Princess Selina's office however has expressed surprise that there is any controversy, commenting that anyone who attempts to unlawfully issue orders to the Army is committing a serious crime and is likely to have a nasty shock.

The proposals to restrict Guild membership on the basis of an ability to speak Athionic has been ruled invalid by a Hahnite Court. Gax the Heretic successfully argued that language was not a requirement to perform a craft. Since as only a monarch was able to amend the guild charters then the enactment of the Witanmoot's motion by any guild would in fact be a breach of that charter.

William Trueman has been elected as Guildmaster of the powerful Goldsmiths Guild. The outgoing Guildmaster George Rimon who was forced to retire by ill health announced his delight that Trueman's uncontested election. Trueman himself has been uncharacteristically quiet, simply commenting that he "was honoured that the Guild has seen fit to place this responsibility upon him" and praising George for "his many years serving the Guild and the City".

Arguments have raged in the Witanmoot this month over how to spend the extra funds provided by Alderman Trueman. A strong lobby came close to having the funds allocated to the restoration of the cuts in Welfare and Education budget. however an impassioned speech by Alderman Graham Porter extolling the virtues of trade as a means of generating future tax revenues convinced the Council to instead allocate the funds to "investments in the docks and associated roads to ensure continued growth in Linrodeth's trade".

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 149

The death of Queen Kybele has been announced by King Edward's court. According to the herald the Queen was murdered by Prince Kieran's envoys when she attended a diplomatic meeting under truce. King Edward is reported to be enraged by the attack on the Queen, who was still frail after the birth of their first child. He has vowed vengeance upon the knights responsible. According to several reports these are the same assassin knights who murdered King Edmund. Cllr Ralf Seagrim has called upon the Witanmoot to denounce Prince Kieran. Tabling an emergency motion he denounced the prince as "an evil murder and oath breaker against whom we must actively wage war". Credence has been given to the murder accusations by reports that the Queen did indeed leave Cascorach with a small escort a few days before she went missing. So far the Citadel has remained silent on the matter, however Colonel Aldridge has caused uproar by announcing that he intended to hold a party in celebration. The Colonel told the Chronicle "This is the evil woman who we know was behind the Little Sisters of Sedition. Her death is good news for Linrodeth and I intend to celebrate it"

The royal reception to formally welcome Prince Edwin to the city was a colourful and lively affair. The entertainment provided by the Bards College was magnificent and highly entertaining. Despite the obviously dilapidated state of the Citadel the main hall was beautifully arranged and the Princesses cooks provided a magnificent banquet. Few of the councillors and other prominent citizens invited can have experienced anything similar and many were clearly overwhelmed by the opulence of the Citadel surroundings. That so many citizens were invited shows a welcome change at the Citadel and augers well for future relations between the city and it rulers. Indeed the new commercial nature of Linrodeth's rulers was evidenced by the fact that most of the discussion at the gathering focused on the massive contracts for the rebuilding of the Citadel rather than on politics. Hopes that Prince Edwin would use the event to declare for one side in the civil war were not fulfilled, and it is now clear that the court intends to steer a delicate course between the warring factions.

Colonel Aldridge has provided the Witanmoot with details of the new watch arrangements. The City Guard now consists of a regiment of infantry, a regiment of archers and one company of cavalry. The Witanmoot Guard has been re-established as a unit within the new City Guard. In addition to the normal military staff, the City Guard has its own armoury and support staff making it able to operate completely independently of the main army. In all the Guard has an armed strength of nearly a thousand men, dwarfing any force previously deployed by the city. The Guard has total responsibility for law and order within the city and for the manning of the city gates and walls. The force has spent the month demonstrating its presence with what is hopefully an unsustainable show of activity. The cavalry in particular have been noticeable and the mounted patrols have already been seen, and more unfortunately heard, thundering through the streets practising their response to summons.

William Trueman has managed to stun the Witanmoot and gain himself the thanks of the City due to his strenuous efforts to uncover fraud. Storming into the Council chamber last week he announced that he had solved the funding crisis and whilst the rest of the council was still wondering what was going on, two City Guards men marched up to Olivia Warin and poured nearly three thousand pounds in gold coins at her feet. Alderman Trueman announced that this was stolen money from a fraud perpetrated upon the City by ex Alderman Emily Martel. Alderman Trueman told the council that he had noticed discrepancies in the funds received from the roof tax and after months of work tracked down the perpetrator. Amid a standing ovation he went on to explain that when Alderman Martel was killed in the invasion the money disappeared and perhaps would have been lost forever if he had not tracked it down to behind a false stone wall in her fireplace.

Rumours are circulating that Matthew Dixon has returned to the city to sell fast food in the ward of Welland. Quite why he should break the terms of surrender in order to support the Pastriers profits is not explained. However, Dixon fever appears to have gripped the city and judging from the rumours, he has transformed himself into a master spy and has also developed an ability be in more than one place at once.

Campaigning for the Midwinter elections has started early this year with a flurry of activity in a number of wards. Tilly Falgar in particular has been active and has launched a major bid to take the Aldermanship of Welland from Gillian Howe. Her fast start has clearly caught Alderman Howe, unprepared and it may be that she has already built up an unstoppable momentum. In what may be a panic move Cllr Howe has declared her support for Jim Bottler's faction within the Witanmoot.

Controversy is waging over plans to extend the docks outside of the city walls. Alan Monterey has been heavily occupied with the planning, and has found himself the centre of a veritable storm as Linrodeth's shipping family protest at the inadequate provision for their ships. The problem has been emphasised by Princess Selina's decision to build a private dock for the use of her ships.

The Guild membership crisis rumbles on with councillors lining up to make speeches in support of their guilds rights. Alan Monterey has been most prominent in attempting to move the debate beyond gesturing and took the time to make a major speech on the subject from the Witanmoot. In the speech Monterey warned of the dangers of making a "disastrous decisions, based on misinformation and muddy thinking" he described the plans to rescind the guild charters as likely to lead to impoverishment for everyone. Turning to the needs of the newcomers he made a major play of the financial loss which the guilds would suffer if these people were allowed to become members and in what is seen as a challenge to Princess Selina he demanded that significant payments be made to the guild for by each new member. He went on to assure everyone that "all of the possibilities are being investigated in order to ensure the future prosperity of Linrodeth". In reality however most Councillors do not see resolving the problem as a high priority. A view which they may need to change rapidly following the news that Cllr Bever Edge, and Gax the Heretic have held a private meeting with Princess Selina.

Major military movements have occurred around Linrodeth in the past two weeks. Lady Perignon appears to have joined forces with the army of Plenipotentiary Jasmine. The combined force has made a major push to the south and seems to be establishing a buffer zone (or perhaps a private kingdom) between Linrodeth and Salvoyn. In addition to all this activity to the south a large force of professional troops, including a regiment of Rangers, is reported to have arrived at Fenny Bridges. The news can not have been received well at the Citadel, where last months decision to send many mercenaries to Kingsport prior to sailing home now seems dangerously optimistic.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 149

Prince Edwin has unexpectedly joined Princess Selina in her new residence at the Citadel. The prince, who will be formally welcomed to the City at a Royal Banquet next week, seems to have been resident at a 'safe location' outside of the city for some time. The prince is reported to be delighted to have returned to the city and he has already paid one unofficial visit to see old friends at the Bards College. Keen court observers have noted that it is Princess Selina's colours which still fly over the Citadel and this is being interpreted by many as an indication that Edwin will not make a play for the crown himself. The views of the prince regarding the death of his father are still unknown although it is rumoured he supports the claim of his sister Eleanor. The prince's arrival at the Citadel is a clear indication that Princess Selina now feels secure in her power and may be preparing to take sides. The civil war has taken a new turn with the announcement of the birth of Prince Edmund to King Edward and Queen Kybele. The child was born on the fourthday, secondweek of Heliora at what is being described by the astrologers as a highly auspicious time. Both mother and child are doing well and King Edward is reported to be "delighted that the royal line is assured of continuance". King Kieran still remains unmarried and this birth is likely to weaken his political position.

In what is being seen as a draconian response to the election of Jenny Davy, General Olvini has announced a major reorganisation of the City defences. The polizei has been disbanded and merged with a regiment of the army to create a new Linrodeth City Guard. The Guards are lead by the newly promoted Colonel Aldridge who will report directly to the General. All responsibility for military matters has been removed from the Sheriffs, the Witanmoot and the elected structures. The General told the Chronicle,"Athion faces many years of unrest and civil war. Today I have put in place the measures necessary to ensure that Linrodeth can survive this strife. The Princess and I recognise the contribution made to the good of the city by Linrodeth's elected councillors. However they have clearly demonstrated that they are not competent to make decisions regarding the safety of our citizens." The General refused to answer any detailed questions saying only that "Colonel Aldridge would have a high degree of discretion in determining how the new force would operate". Ex-Sheriff Miranda Andrews was more forthcoming. "This in not the plan Princess Selina and I had been working on. However. following my removal from office it seems a reasonable approach." Major Aldridge welcomed his promotion and commented that it "demonstrates the Princess' commitment to work with the existing structures and people for the good of the city". The Chronicle wonders how he reconciles this statement with the removal of one of the City's most ancient rights. In a further military development the mercenary units have moved out of the city and rumours abound that they have begun to return to the city states.

The Witanmoot has, almost unanimously, passed an emergency motion in which it "reiterates its support for the traditional Guild system". The motion lays out in detail the requirements for guild members, including the ability to speak fluent Athionic. The growing numbers of Kerunian craftsmen arriving in the city has become of concern to many guild members and the motion is a clear challenge to Princess Selina's countrymen. The proposer of the motion is Jim Bottler, who many see as a supporter of the Kerunian regime, but currently out of favour with the court over his support for Jenny Davy. One councillor described the motion as a desperate attempt by Bottler to realign himself with the opposition. Princess Selina's response to the motion was succinct. An official of the court called on the guilds to urgently review their procedures and to actively seek ways of resolving the conflict between the traditional approach and the needs of the city. Councillor Bever Edge, who was one of the few to risk guild sanction by voting against the motion, called on the Princess to "revoke all guild charters and enable a new era of free trade for the benefit of all citizens".

In an uncontested vote Richard Saunders has been elected as Alderman of Bridge ward. The elevation of the once unpopular councillor to such a powerful post is seen as the strongest indication yet that Marcus Lambourne is in complete control of the council. Many commentators have concluded that Alan Monterey's active support for Lambourne is a price he is having to pay to ensure that Lady Tasker remains as Lord of the City.

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 149

The return of the militarised wards to civic control is going smoothly and a major handover ceremony is being planned for the Midsummer Festival. The biggest problem has been finding accommodation for the displaced troops. Wards such as Levestone, Welland and Berewic which took a significant number of displaced residents after the invasion are suddenly finding these residents replaced by Kerunian Soldiers. The situation is not helped by the fact that the reason these wards could house so many was that most of the real owners had been killed by the very troops who are now moving in. The wardmoots have also been shocked to discover that Princess Selina has taken ownership of those properties for which no surviving heir exists and has already started to sell them to Kerunian officers and merchants. On a related note, General Olvini has moved into the Citadel and rumours persist that the Perignon mansion will be auctioned to the highest bidder.

The situation at the docks has eased slightly after an intervention by Graeme Porter. Ships are now being moored in the estuary unless actually loading or unloading, and a major effort is being made to ensure that sufficient Watermen's skiffs are always available to ferry sailors back to their ships. However the docks are still crowded and the growing disruption caused by the portwall construction is becoming a major problem. Dock watchers have also noted an influx of Kerunian youths disembarking from the various ships complete with the tools of their trade and a naive enthusiasm for the opportunities offered by Princess Selina's new City.

The Council has finally approved the city budget in a surprisingly quite and subdued debate. Major cuts across the board made few councillors keen to bring attention to the plans and a general consensus seems to have grown around just letting them go through on the nod. A few attempts were made to make something positive of the fact that taxes had not been raised but even this failed to raise the enthusiasm of the assembled councillors.

LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS!

The Midsummer Festival proved to be as enjoyable as ever. The marvellous weather helped the event and celebrations surrounding the restoration of all the wards of the city to civic rule provided a focus for the event. There were the usual competitions and festivities. Last year's success with events being held inside the City seems to have encouraged many wards laying on special activities. The Wellhouse Green once again emerged as the main religious centre, although the Hahnites made an unusual and welcome attempt to bring their normally hidden ceremony out onto the streets.

Later in the day the Sheriff election resulted in a surprise defeat for Miranda Andrews. Whilst Alison Shefford received unanimous support the remaining votes were split between Davy and Andrews. The victory of Davy by a clear margin of 4 votes confirms Marcus Lambourne's position as the leading challenger to Monterey's power block. The full voting was as follows.

Davy: Monterey, Shefford, Tasker, Hubold, Belcher, Barnett, de Clare, Porter, Davy, Spich, Romanie, Worton, Flambourd, Rucche

Andrews: Barbiter, Capel, Downe, Howe, Green, Hastings, Quiller, Andrews, Warin, Trueman

Princess Selina has yet to make a public comment on the Sheriffs elections and it appears that she does not wish to be seen to be interfering in the Witanmoot democracy. However Chronicle sources have discovered that she is amazed with the result. One source close to the Princess described her as simply stunned that in a time of war the Witanmoot would want its forces controlled by a milk seller rather than a skilled military commander. The plans for the rearrangement of the military, on which Andrews is believed to have been working, are also likely to be disrupted.

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 149

The fight for control of the Witanmoot has intensified with Marcus Lambourne finally breaking the status quo consensus with his nomination of Jenny Davy for Sheriff. Lambourne has the clear support of the commons and has been much in evidence supporting the rights of backbenchers and building support amongst the councillors. Richard Saunders told the Chronicle. "It is about time someone stood up against the rich and powerful of this City. The Commons are the elected representatives of the people, but Monterey and his ilk have for far too long ignored us. If Marcus is going to change that then I for one will be supporting him." Councillor Saunders protestations have not dissuaded Alan Monterey from proposing Alison Shefford, and William Trueman Miranda Andrews. The Sheriffs vote is after all a vote of the Alderman and Lambourne may not be strong enough in this area to pull off his coup. However the breaking of the consensus is an important event confirming a return to normal politics and a likely challenge to the Lordship.

The Commons' new-found independence did not prove a particularly receptive environment for Alan Monterey's proposed reinstatement of the envoy to Kerun. Despite his well reasoned arguments he narrowly failed to win the vote. It was also less than receptive to his criticism of the oversight committee. The councillors did not take well to having something they had voted for described as "an ill-defined, waste of money" and his attempt to have the committee removed failed. This of course means that the council will now have to define what the money is to be wasted on.

William Trueman has been exhibiting a bravery comparable with that of the much missed Richard Firethorn. Not content with the risks involved in approaching Princess Selina for a £12,000 loan to get the over the budget crisis, our fearless Goldsmith has made a very brave speech thanking the Citadel for their unselfish surrender which has enabled the city to be effectively defended despite Princess Selina's attack.

General Olvini has announced his intention to return the occupied wards to civilian control as early as possible. All citizens with a claim to property in the occupied wards are requested to present themselves along with supporting evidence of the Generals office in Dracas before the end of the month. The General hopes to restore houses before the Midwinter Festival with preference going to those people who can exchange a current accommodation in another ward for their old property.

With the Citadel firmly under her control Princess Selina has ordered much of the Cavalry to the north to deal with the Noordic threat. The troops have already had a number of successful engagements and Linrodeth's Northern approaches appear to be secure. Rumours suggest that the Noord may be in a mood to negotiate, and that this news is being suppressed by the Witanmoot in their desire to get the wall funded through excessive taxation.

Travelling merchants have confirmed earlier reports of the fall of Cascorach to forces of Prince Edward. Whilst the great castle is still holding out, it is now only a matter of time before Edward controls both the great cites of the south. Wild stories abound that Princess Eleanor escaped from the castle on the back of a great winged dragon. The Chronicle would normally discount such news, however a significant number of witnesses claim to have seen the great fiery beast.

Many citizens will already have felt the effects of the out-of-control wagon which rolled down Levestone hill last week causing much property damage and several injuries along the way. The ensuing attempts to clear up the mess effectively blocked all roads between the port and the Witanmoot for several hours, bringing much of the city to a halt. Unsurprisingly, no-one has come forward to claim the smashed wagon and its few remaining wool bales. Alderman Monterey is particularly keen to find the perpetrator after personally losing a crate of Kerunian white under those wheels.

The river Dow turned purple this week much to the delight of the street urchins and disconcerting the cluster of river families below Dowgate. The unusual event was rapidly traced to an outflow from the workshops of one Talus Snapdragon, whereupon a number of polizei patrols declined to investigate further.

The Bards' College have been much in evidence this month setting up pendulums and dowsing in a number of areas in and around the city. The participating students have described these odd exercises as "standard field work". The presence of several senior masters suggests otherwise. A number of eyewitnesses have reported a prolonged visit to Master Alethorn by Alderman Monterey, who appeared not to be reassured by whatever was discussed. A number of ex-Witanmoot Guard polizei have expressed concern about the enpurpled Berewic monument, recently the scene of activities by Salvoynian visitors.

Lilith Lansdowne's hopes of getting her house back may be delayed by the poor state of the Citadel. Those allowed into the Citadel soon after its capitulation were shocked by its deterioration. The outbuildings and much of the furniture have been demolished for firewood, and the kitchens may have been the scene of minor riots. Visitors speak of tapestries and substantial sections of the library burnt or missing. The Princess has ordered a great number of furnishings from the local guilds, but in the meantime is continuing to hold court within the Lansdowne residence. General Olvini is believed to still be undergoing a security sweep of the inner keep of the Citadel after a number of traps were found, and has sent several samples of well-water to the temples for testing.

The Trade Committee is lobbying for increased recognition from the Council, asking for better access to the port and improved wharves. Members point out that with the long distance land routes closed or very hazardous, almost all of Linrodeth's high value trade is coming in via the port. While a number of food guilds have chosen to take offence at the statement, it does appear that the numbers of ships in dock this summer is high. The Customs Master is believed to be implementing something called a 'fast turnaround' on ships, which seems to be immensely unpopular amongst the ships' crews.

The hot, sunny weather has brought Linrodeth's beggar community out in force. Citizens used to the clear, quiet streets of the military curfew seem bemused by the reappearance of the maimed, diseased and filthy poor. Street life has also taken a turn for the noisier with the appearance of a number of Kerunian style 'tea parlours' which are setting tables and chairs out on the street. These new drinking establishments, confusingly, do not sell normal alcohol but concentrate on tea and a number of "interesting addictive social drugs". The Torians are believed to already be investigating these tea dens with a view to lobbying for their immediate closure.

A pall of thick smoke is visible along the southern horizon beyond Botmoor. This has raised much speculation in the city on the eventual fate of Lady Perignon's army and what forces it might have met with on its march. Some commentators have pointed out that with the ex-Citadel regiments, the Hahnite cavalry, any local peasant levy and King Edward's forces all looking for supplies, life in the Tonoma Hills might be very interesting at the moment.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 149

The City is still recovering from a shock attack upon the Citadel by Princess Selina's forces. Just before dawn on Firstday the entire army, including members of the Witanmoot guard, stormed the fortress and within an hour had control of all except the Great Keep. It is believed that a substantial force still holds the Keep and a second siege is now expected. Reasons for the assault seem to include the Citadel's sinking of the Royal Phoenix and the apparent failure of negotiations over the supply of grain. Cllr Jim Bottler was responsible for the negotiations and played a major part in the taking of the fortress. Under cover of the construction of the new wall, Bottler was able to prepare a causeway across the moat and to sneak Babel and Kinjuru forces through a secret underwater tunnel into the castle. The causeway and the opening of the gate by the floating market troops proved decisive in allowing Selina's forces to overwhelm the Citadel.

Not all of Linrodeth's population seems entirely enamoured with Bottler's decision to betray the Citadel, and the relationship between him and Alderman Monterey is believed to be particularly frayed. Whether the councillors are upset at the betrayal or simply by the fact that they were not in on the secret is unclear. One guild however which does seem to know what it wants is the Brewers and Hostels, who immediately presented Bottler with several barrels of beer to aid celebrations. Their spokesman Bertram Southey has complemented Bottler on his "strenuous and brave efforts in the defence of the city".

The killing by Witanmoot Guard of several members from the entourage of the Ambassador from Salvoyn has been strongly supported by General Olvini. Whilst being careful not to insult Prince Edward or the Ambassador, the General denounced the Salvoynian dead as worshippers of the demon god Azial who had been caught in an attempt to commit a sacrifice upon the Battle of Berewic monument. Witanmoot troops, who have particular experience in dealing with devil worshippers, were waiting in ambush and did not take any prisoners. The Ambassador has claimed that the group was framed by pro-Kieran supporters and has demanded an immediate apology and the execution of Major Aldridge who lead the ambush. General Olvini remains firm in support for his men. Princess Selina has been noticeably quiet on the affair, however Chronicle sources suggest that relationships between her and Olvini are strained at the moment.

Against the backdrop of the assault on the Citadel and the killing of the Salvoynians, the budget debate proved difficult for many faction leaders. A revolt by the, as yet unaligned, commons meant that despite the efforts of nearly all the faction leaders the budget proposals were substantially amended before they were passed. The speech by Marcus Lambourne proved to be the turning point. Whilst personally speaking in favour of the budget, Lambourne's reluctance to excessively fund the wall was picked up by many subsequent speakers. In particular his theme that "the future prosperity of our city cannot be ignored" and that "the wall will not become a bottomless pit, swallowing up the hard earned money of the good people of Linrodeth" gained strong support and resulted in more funding for the Trade budget and the appointment of Lambourne as leader of a financial oversight committee. Lambourne himself seemed surprised by this move and his elevation to a position of leader of the Commons, and the growth of his faction appears to be causing him problems with other factions.

The Temple of Hahn continues to be active this month with detailed planning now taking place over temple support for a great city orphanage. Both the Torians and the Welfare and Education Committee are involved and the Archimandrite has expressed himself well pleased with progress and "the developing relationship between the Temple and the people". The recent reopening of the Temple orders to candidates has also been welcomed. Once again Gax the Heretic has surprised the city by making a speech in support of the Archimandrite's "fair and meritorious selection of candidates"

LATE NEWS!

The Citadel has surrendered! At dawn of Fifthday the entire remaining force marched out of Newgate and departed south over the causeway. The terms of surrender are unknown but Princess Selina is believed to have secured the grain stores and a significant portion of the treasury intact.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 149

Jim Bottler has formally moved a motion that the City commit £32,000 to the immediate and rapid construction of the new city wall. Amid the stunned silence which this astronomical sum produced William Trueman’s consequently revised budget was proposed with surprisingly little dissent. Only Alderman Hubold voiced his immediate concern. “Trueman, Bottler and Monterey are in an unholy alliance and are conspiring to ruin this fair City” he proclaimed. It is thought that the budget will face more opposition from the full council when it comes to a formal vote next month. The loan of £7,000 from Princess Selina and major cutbacks are expected to prove contentious. Despite the lack of a formal approval of the budget work on the wall is starting. Work teams have been assembled and the clearing of buildings has already begun within the militarised zone. Concern is growing that Aralan Derwent intends to interfere with the stone supplies and her troops have become “very active” in the region near the Quarry. Most of the local cavalry has been deployed to the countryside to prevent her, however this leaves the northern approaches vulnerable to a surprise Noord attack.

The factions within the Witanmoot continue to strengthen with only a few Aldermen now uncommitted. The three leading factions remain equally positioned, with Bottler's rump now half the size of the other groups. Trueman's group seems to be pulling a little ahead and his recent long meeting with Princess Selina has heightened speculation that he intends to make a bid for Sheriff.

The Hahnite temple has been the centre of a number of major events this month. Devotees and onlookers have been marvelling at the ceremonies surrounding the formal excommunication of Archimandrite Ingulfos and his followers and the subsequent appointment of many new Plenipotentiaries and Pendentites. Questions as to whether the Linrodeth Archimandrite could back up this move were stopped by the shock arrival of 50 supportive Knights Templars who demonstrated their allegiance to the “True Archimandrite”. There was a tense moment as Selina's forces deployed however no conflict ensued. Two days later the full force of cavalry left the Temple and headed south led by Plenipotentiary Jasmine on an unknown mission. Later, a thick column of smoke was seen to rise beyond the Botmoor hills. The fact that the temple has become active on the military scene has been welcomed by many who remember how much it did to secure the lands following the last civil war. This pro-Hahnite sentiment was further enhanced by Plenipotentiary Antonius announcing “that the Hahnites planned to create a new Orphanage to provide for and educate the city’s youth.”

The River Ishtan has been in full flood this month following the spring melting, but very little damage has been caused now that the Floating Market no longer exists. Dock workers and traders have been busy preparing the port for the anticipated arrival of the first trading ships, expected within a week of the floods subsiding. Less welcome may be news of more Noordic longboats; travellers in the vicinity of Kingsport report much activity and rumours of damage to Kerunian ships.

The provisioners guilds have been distressed to discover substantial loss of stock over winter. Allegedly, an untimely increase in the mouse population has made big inroads onto food stores. Guildmasters are now urgently seeking a meeting with Witanmoot leaders to discuss what might be done. Other merchants have questioned these reports, having suffered little loss themselves. Given that most of the Treasury’s monies this year will be put into the Portwall, the guilds may be left with little choice but to accept the damage and attempt to reduce the mice numbers. A number of enterprising individuals have already offered to hire out their cats.

Now that the curfew has been lifted throughout the city, it has become apparent that the Bards College is enforcing its own curfew on residents. This is deeply unpopular with the students, and has prompted a sudden increase in youngsters seeking rented rooms outside the college. The college itself is refusing to comment, but it may be an attempt to protect those of its students who come from distant lands and kingdoms.

LATE NEWS:

The first ships have arrived, including the Royal Phoenix from Salvoyn.