The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 145

A bejewelled and glittering Lady Cox, clearly enjoying her role, opened the first meeting of the new Court of Common Council. Although lively, the proceedings were frequently disrupted by the large numbers of new councillors requiring explanations, order papers, advice on procedures or directions to the garderobes. Progress was further delayed by the many veterans who were absent from the main chamber as they intercepted key figures for recruitment in what has been described as a "feeding frenzy in the corridors of power". A number of well-known names have found new political homes in the wake of the elections. These include Sharon Brehon, Alan Griffiths, Gibian Horl, Bernard Hubold, Samuel Rucche, Alison Shefford and Olivia Warin. Back in the chamber Cllr Alan Monterey took the floor, looking surprisingly chipper after a Midwinter feast so dedicated to the promotion of his craft. "May I congratulate Lady Cox on her engagement? She deserves our thanks for her selfless devotion to the city over these past years. I am sure that her wise governance and handling of our recent troubles (what about the bread riots' shouted newcomer Alderman Rucche) will stand her in good stead in her future married life", continued Monterey doggedly. He then went on to make a rather optimistic plea for continuity in the committees. "Many improvements to our lives and the city's well-being have come from having the same steady hands directing the affairs of the various committees. There is little chance of such improvement when we continually change direction and vote in different committee heads ‘except of course to remove those who have fulfilled their duties."''

Cllr Drumm was summoned (or dragged in from the corridors) next. Ignoring past events and Lady Cox entirely, he placed an emergency motion before the Council.

That those nominated by Larken Drumm, in consultation with the chairman of Lands & Agriculture, be allowed to gather firewood from the city's forests, in the form of dead wood. That as little damage as possible is done. That there be proper working parties, with verderers to supervise. That the whole forest be available so as not to concentrate the work to the detriment of a small area. That the working parties be small and organised properly to minimise harm to and disturbance of the forest as a whole.

He continued, in a clearly emotional voice, to offer thanks for the success of his earlier firewood expedition. "The city owes a debt of gratitude to Sheriff Dixon, whose selfless generosity has doubtless saved the lives of many who suffered grave losses last year in my ward and others. For myself, I can only say that I feel privileged to have encountered and been able to assist such generosity." The stunned silence which followed this endorsement was disturbed only by the sound of Lady Cox casually stirring her tea.

Cllr Derwent next took the floor, to ostentatiously deliver the sum of one guinea to Cllr Phred Marcos, as required by last month's council motion. Equally deliberately, the Grosser's treasurer immediately handed the entire sum to a nearby Mandatien as a donation to Hahn. Before further speeches could be made, Lady Cox decided to quickly move the council business onto the important matter of nominations. The results were as follows:

Aldermen Shefford, Pencric and Downe were therefore elected unopposed. The chairmanship of Welfare & Education became the surprise appointment of Lady Cox, a development which turned her smile of amusement into something rather more predatory. After summoning all four new aldermen in turn to the dais for a whispered interview, Lady Cox appointed the now white Alderman Rucche to the post.

Attempts by Cllr Aralan Derwent to take the firewood collecting expeditions under more official control ran into a number of logistic setbacks. Exhortations to crowds in the burnt wards, to join a prolonged journey up the river for enough willow coppicing to last the entire winter, went down well enough. The problem came as the harried councillor tried to muster sufficient wagons for the trip, only to discover that first all the grossers' wagons, and then subsequently all the vintners', had been called in to the guild yards for an overwinter 'safety check'. Further visits to borrow wagons off the skinners and mercers revealed that these had already been taken by Cllr Larken Drumm, who had also acquired the bulk of the eager crowds. As the massive caravan disappeared up the iced-over river, Cllr Derwent finally gathered a half dozen wagons from the cornmongers, some willing latecomers and a few remaining verderers still hungover from Sheriff Dixon's party, and set off in hot pursuit. A bemused Cllr Drumm, watching her progress from the warmth of the Witanmoot belltower commented, "I had no idea. If only the poor lass had said something". "Always was an impetuous filly," added Cllr Rimon.

The guild of Fruiterers has sent official notice to the Witanmoot that supplies of preserved fruit and stored vegetables are at an all time low, and that stocks are unlikely to last another month. Trade has been temporarily suspended to prevent a run on goods, and to give the Council time to decide whether to release the city stock, impose rationing, fixed prices or some other response. Cllr Fulcher commented, "There's no cause for alarm yet, I'm sure that there cabbage mountain got in last autumn will go a long way to getting us through the winter."

Alderman Hubold has taken decisive leadership in Cripplegate, issuing a spate of new appointments and streamlining the watch rota. According to the new alderman, the recent measures are aimed at freeing up citizens' time so that they can concentrate on renewing their businesses. Most citizens feel that this has been successful experiment, with clear improvements in law and order around their ward, as well as extra free time. A few sceptics, most of whom have lost out in the appointments, continue to make dark mutterings about new-fangled, undemocratic quangos. Alderman Hubold has hinted that tax reforms may be next for review, and hoped that a generous budget from the Witanmoot would help him to improve conditions in his ward.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 144

A fire wood collection organised by Larken Drumm has eased the fears of many of the people who were short of fuel for the winter. A large body of people left the burn out wards and manhandling converted wagon/sledges forced their way up the frozen river and through the snow. The event has however called into question Sheriffs Matthew Dixon's ability to hold the office of Lord following the revelation that the collection had concentrated almost exclusively on the woodlands owned by Sheriff Dixon. Apparently Matthew has nearly all his capital invested in coppices and woods around the city, and their destruction may bankrupt him if he needs to raise funds quickly. Cllr Drumm, a known supporter of Sheriff Perignon, claimed that it was not a deliberate attempt to secure the Lordship of the city, and that the move was in fact at Sheriff Dixon's suggestion.

Lively debates punctuated the final session of the current Court of Common Council as it met to discuss the matter of Alderman Derwent's fine. A fine speech from Aralan herself explained that a guinea a year was as much as she could afford, although she thanked Lilith for her "sudden interest" in these matters. The debate then went rapidly downhill as councillors sought a pre-election platform, and it was rounded off by Adam Avery's contribution; "She's doing a bloody good job. Stop knocking Aralan, you bastards", which definitely brought the debate back to basics. At the vote the amendment failed by 95 votes to 147, and the substantive motion was then carried by 153 votes to 116. It was noticed that the main opponents to the motion were the Grossers, Perignon's faction and, surprisingly, much of Aralan's faction. A subsequent motion by Cllr Monterey, over lined cesspits, was speedily passed without obstruction.

The highlight of an extravagant Yuletide ball at the Citadel was Lady Samantha Cox's announcement of her engagement to Earl Arbuthnot, and her intention to marry at Springtide. The resulting ennoblement will mean that she will be no longer able to continue as Lord of the city and a straight election between Sheriffs Dixon and Perignon will decide the next Lordship. Lady Samantha told the Chronicles "To cease to be able to directly serve the city I love will be a great loss to me. However, I intend to spend much of my time at the Citadel, where I will continue my advise to his Majesty that all his decisions should be to the benefit of his capital and its undoubtedly loyal citizens". Lady Cox went on to explain that she has postponed the announcement for some time as she did not wish it to affect the Midwinter elections. Earl Arbuthnot has extensive and valuable lands to the North East. It is rumoured that his influence within the Royal Court vanished in an unfortunate incident some years ago, and that his political career has needed taking in hand for some time.

LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS!

The midwinter elections have thrown the existing political alignments into chaos, and the outcome of the forthcoming committee and lordship elections is currently anyone's guess. After a year of heavy tax increases, food shortages, fire, riot and martial law, a severe backlash against all the existing councillors has left many without seats. In Berewic a bitter fight between Lilith Lansdowne and Aralan Derwent caused both the Sheriffs to throw their full efforts into that ward. On election night this resulted in a dramatic finish which went to not one but two recounts, and resulted in the astonishing confirmation of scrivener Mary Hastings as the new alderman. Mary's solid concentration on local grass roots issues seems to have caught both major factions unawares. In Cartage Osgeard Dunn took the Aldermanship from Miranda Andrews by a narrow margin. In the burn out wards almost complete new Wardmoots have come into being with Faithside, Carter, Du Bolay and Barnett all losing their seats to 'unknowns.' In Avigon Susan Faithside suffered a stunning defeat, being thrust into sixth place, with Larken Drum coming in second and the Aldermanship going to Samuel Rucche. Alan Carter has been replaced by Bernard Hubold, Du Bolay has not only lost the Aldermanship to Judi Spich but nearly lost his place on the council completely, and Duncan Barnett is replaced in Oldgate by Emily Martel. Other victims include the emissary to Cascorach Malcolm Mowbray, whose decision to overwinter in Cascorach has proved too much to defend when his faction also had to hold off a strong challenge to Alison Shefford from Sue Quinn and Vanessa St Lawrence. Richard Firethorn has also retired from the council, having suffered continuing poor health since his inhalation of smoke during rescue efforts in the Great Fire. In all this chaos, a few Aldermen somehow managed to emerge unscathed. In Faringdon Marcos Lambourne defeated a strong challenge by Maud Blessop. Alice Fytton retained her large share of the vote despite a vigorous challenge by Mary Clifford. The Chroniclers would also like to welcome new councillor William Trueman of Faringdon, whose stirring speeches on the Mootstone last month were obviously well remembered by citizens.

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 144

The relative peace of the council chambers has again been disturbed by protesting citizens. The protests, so far conspicuously peaceful, have been by people demanding more money to spend on increasing the stores in the city's granaries. Sue Quinn, speaking to the Chroniclers yesterday, allowed that the grain stores were still marginal and that a prolonged winter might cause problems. "Despite this, I do pledge that the guild will do all it can to maintain the current price of a penny farthing a loaf." Amongst the protesters, opinion was strongly divided over the role of Aralan Derwent, with some grateful for her intervention in the negotiations with Salvoyn, and others saying that she could have got more from other sources, and yet others criticising her recent disposal of good grain in return for stores of greens and other cattle fodder.

The ambiguity is reflected by their elders within the council chambers where councillors were once again debating Derwent's fine for damage to Reg Marc's business. A new motion was proposed by Cllr Adam Avery, "That, in accordance with Lady Cox's wish, the Court of Common Council permit Aralan Derwent to pay the fine over time with a minimum of a guinea per year. The payment will be restricted to Aralan Derwent herself, and not the heirs of her estate." Several strongly worded protests by indignant councillors on Reg Marc's behalf were quieted after a compromise was proposed by Cllr Lilith Lansdowne. "Out of fairness to both Aralan and Reg, I would like to amend Adam's motion by deleting 'one guinea' and replacing it with £5".

Rumours abound of a major cover up at the Witanmoot following the apparent theft and recovery of the city regalia. Sheriff Matthew Dixon was, despite his illness, drafted in to sort out the problem and is believed to have led a pursuit into the countryside. Matthew returned a few days before the guard who had accompanied him, bearing the regalia of the Lord of the city. along with his own Sheriff's sword. However all suggestions that anything at all happened are being strenuously denied. The only comment which the Chronicle has been able to get was when our reporter caught Sheriff Dixon in an unguarded moment and got him to admit that he, "could become accustomed" to the feel of the Lord's sword.

Sheriff Beatrice Perignon has reappeared on the political scene and confounded those who had been claiming that she was near death with a mysterious wasting disease. Beatrice has been seen in many parts of the city rallying her faction and campaigning hard in the run up to the Midwinter elections. She has been most in evidence in the ward of Berewic where her faction has strong hopes of unseating the much troubled Alderman Aralan Derwent.

A number of mysterious deaths have been linked to an arcane scroll which has now been confiscated by the Bards college. Brad Hardacre, a well known shipwright of Bridge, literally disappeared in a column of flame whist working at the dockyards. Rumours persist of a similar fate being suffered by a student at the Bards college. Brad's family has now disappeared, apparently taking with them a large haul of ancient silver which had been found with the scroll. Apart from these strange events the annually prophesied destruction of the city failed to materialise, with the night of the Ghostmoons passing uneventfully.

One surprise item which is selling well in the run up to the Midwinter feast and elections is a new range of dolls depicting the two Sheriffs of the city. The manufacture, Bill Gowther of Oldgate, told the Chronicle, "quite a few people are buying them for their kids. I'm thinking of expanding the range to include other notable citizens, but the cost of the first doll is quite high. So who gets produced may well depend on whether I can get some commissions." Bill refused to be drawn on which of the two Sheriffs was selling better.

The Winter snows have hit the city with a vengeance. Following the prolonged summer a storm blew and dumped several feet of snow on the city during a single day. The weather has now settled down to a more normal pattern but may unwary people have been left trapped in the surrounding villages by the unexpected blizzard.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 144

Watchers and members of our worthy Witanmoot were caught by surprise when Lady Samantha Cox announced an amnesty for all those involved in the recent trading riots, except the instigators. After a month of relatively peaceful protests at the mootstone, and innumerable 'special pleadings' in the courts, the move has done much to restore calm in the blackened wards. In the official statement Lady Cox declared, "This has been an inglorious episode, which I hope the city will quickly forget. To this end I am announcing a full amnesty for all rioters bar those who were the ringleaders. The fate of the ringleaders however, I will take a personal interest in." Commentators were also taken aback when the amnesty was announced from the Citadel, where Lady Cox appears to have taken up residence. Persistent investigation by the Chroniclers has uncovered the exclusive news that most of Lady Cox's retainers at her Oldgate residence have been given notice, and many trunks of personal belongings have been transferred to her official apartments at the Witanmoot.

Quietening the burnt wards appears to be the main occupation of councillor Larken Drumm, who is trying to speed up the work of the Guilds most affected by the fire, and persuading them to expand the apprenticeship programme to include adult and unskilled workers. This has drawn some considerable criticism from merchants in other quarters of the city, who fear that longstanding arrangements for their own children could be jeopardised. Resident have also been pleased to see a large donation of wood from the Shipwrights Guild. Despite muttering from councillor Adam Avery about "firewood stocks", a good portion of it has already vanished to complete shelters before the winter storms, which should be due any day now.

More disruption at the Citadel where, it seems, the contents of the ship Half Chance are being bargained for in a series of private showings. This seems to be causing much frustration amongst the Mercers and Grossers guilds who were expecting the choicest deals. Amongst the perfumes, spices and artwork, the fiercest bidding seem to be over the bolts of iridescent silk and the exotic fashion styles of Eshi Cyarçon. One particularly vicious skirmish is said to have involved Lady Cox over ownership of the bolt of emerald silk which matched the gem on her chain of office. The Lady Therese FitzGerald was only persuaded to back down after the relative size and proximity of their respective armies were raised.

A sudden fire has scorched a corner of the taproom at the Dancing Bear in Welland. Alert drinkers (such as there were) improvised on firefighting until Erik Dragonsbane arrived with buckets of water. Relieved regulars congratulated Erik on his prompt action, but have complained about the small group of affluent customers drinking there as the fire broke out. They are believed to be especially concerned at the presence of one small, stumpy character who bore a striking resemblance to Talus Snapdragon.

A spokesperson for the Temple of Torus has confirmed a statement by councillor Alan Monterey that many wells in the burnt wards are contaminated, and are the probable cause of a fever which has been lingering in those wards. Cllr Monterey has issued a further proclamation that all wells are to be closed in that area, pending clearance by the Witanmoot Guard. Rumours that the good councillor has even more unpleasant clean up duties in line for the Guard have not been confirmed.

Alderman Aralan Derwent is believed to have sent members of the Lands & Agriculture committee out to re-negotiate to grain tithe to the city. Disgruntled members have been disappearing out into the wild blue yonder for the past few weeks. The Chroniclers only hope that the roads will hold until both they and the wagons can return.

The last ship to arrive in harbour before the winter storm is the Black Banshee captained, inevitably, by one Eagleview. Crewmembers unloading the cargo of wines and wool have commented on the fair weather around the estuary, which is in contrast to the snow already falling in other lands. Captain Eagleview, disgusted at such an easy run, is believed to be in the Temple of Esprayenna doing penance.

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 144

Fears that martial law would be re-imposed following the civil disorder recently witnessed in the Ward of Cripplegate, are beginning to recede. Reports on the reasons for this incident are confused, but what is clear is that, following Adam Avery's motion to restore guild controls to the burnt out wards, the Witanmoot Guard began closing down a number of businesses in the Cripplegate area. Within a few days large gatherings were taking place, with local residents complaining at the closure of a number of bakeries and the death of one protester, shot in the back by the guard. The protesters set up barriers to prevent access by the guard to the area and declared it free of guild law. The 'Free Trade' leader Jasmine told the Chronicle, "People are starving to death here. We just cannot allow the fat cats of the Witanmoot to close down bakeries and murder shopkeepers, simply to protect the profits of their guild paymasters." The following morning the guard, assisted by a large body of citizens from other wards, launched an all out attack upon the ward of Cripplegate. Dozens of people were killed in the ensuing fight, although the guard suffered no casualties. The Chairman for Law and Order, Marcus Lambourne, said after the fight, "It is regrettable that a number of people have died. However we must remember that these scum were criminals, who were protecting illegal traders from the Law." It is believed that some of the ringleaders of the rebellion escaped. Our correspondent spoke to someone who was near the rebel headquarters throughout the incident. They described how a crack unit of the Witanmoot troops launched the final assault: "It was deadly. The people didn't stand a chance against them. There was indiscriminate arrow fire mowing down anything that moved. The few people who tried to defend themselves were cut down almost instantly. Nobody ever tried to talk to us. All we wanted to do was to work, so we could feed ourselves".

The arrival of the ship Half Chance has caused consternation amongst merchants of the city. The ship, a converted Corsair, was laden down with valuable and exotic items from the Empire of the Inner Sea. Travelling on the ship were the renown dressmaker Eshi Cyarçon, notorious apothecary Talus Snapdragon, unorthodox trader Raven Lindis, and a number of other people whom it was thought had perished in the City States. Rumour has it that this group have travelled to the very heart of the Empire of the Inner Sea, and the possibility of such a lucrative shipping route opening up is bound to cause major shifts within the Grocers Guild. Commenting upon their return to the city Raven told the Chronicle, "It's good to be home again. Although Linrodeth looks different from what I remember, and I'd forgotten about the smell. It certainly brings tears to my eyes".

It seems that new Councillor Alan Monterey has taken Raven's comments to heart. Our newest Councillor has been seen sneaking around the city wells and pouring the water into perfume bottles. Personally the Chronicle does not think he's onto much of a winner and anyway, with the crackdown on non guild trading, it seems rather risky for this Vintner to venture out into the realms of the Apothecaries. Alternately he may have caught the Firethorn madness and plans to make us drink the stuff.

The continuing illness of both Sheriffs, and the prolonged absence of Lady Cox at the Citadel has left the city council pretty much to its own devices. However, apart from passing the Avery/Drum motion on non guild trading, our councillors' don't seem to be taking much advantage of this. Indeed they have been nearly falling over themselves in their desire to do nothing. Their most noticeable inaction has been to ignore Lady Cox's instruction to consider mitigating the effects of Aralan Derwent's sentence. Apart from a brief speech by Alan Monterey to attack Lady Cox's sentence, poor Alderman Derwent has been left to fend for herself. Perhaps they are not as upset at her potential demise as they would have us believe?

The Harvestide festivals were a subdued affair in some areas. As more detailed reports come in from the Daleth temples, it is becoming clear that those farmers who took the risk of a late second planting have reaped a rich rewarded. The continuing good weather has led to a successful crop and concerns over mass starvation are now receding. The good weather is now breaking up, with odd pockets of frost appearing in some parts of the city.

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 144

Aralan Derwent's trial turned out to be something of an anti climax following the dramatic hearing. Both the prosecution and defence had had much time to prepare their cases and the long trial, though well argued, lacked the drama of the earlier occasion. The only spice was added by the deaths of a number of witnesses in the run up to the trial, however the prosecution made little of this claiming that they suspected it was the work of factions within the floating market. In her summing up speech Lady Cox said "After consideration of all the evidence, the key facts which have guided by decision are; that at the hearing Alderman Derwent claimed that her reason for seeking Citizen Marcos was that he was suspected of involvement in the assassination attempts. However no evidence has been presented to suggest that she had any reason other than the offer of £500. Further officer Kali of the guard has been convicted of conduct unbecoming an officer as a direct result of the orders that "There is a man from Kerun called Marcos, get him" given by Alderman Derwent. Cllr Marc and Citizen Marcos have clearly been subjected to unacceptable treatment as a result of Alderman Derwent's orders and I must therefore find her guilty. I fine her the sum of £100 payable to Citizen Marcos. However bearing in mind the incredible strain Alderman Derwent was under and the immeasurable contribution to the future of the city which she made in negotiating the grain deal, I postpone the payment of this sum until Midwinter. I hope that this will give the Witanmoot time to consider what action it might wish to take to mitigate the effect of this sentence upon her." Opinions on the sentence vary, Derwent supporters claim that it is tantamount to bankrupting her, however other commentators have suggested that she was lucky to escape with her life.

The Chronicle has learnt that Sheriff Matthew Dixon intends to contest the Lordship election next year, and is already in secret negotiation with various powerful members of the Witanmoot. It is unclear whether Sheriff Dixon is responding to rumours that Lady Samantha does not wish to continue as Lord, or spreading them. However the uncertainty has already lead to one shock defection from the rapidly weakening Mowbray faction. Susan Faithside, long term supporter of Lady Cox, has moved to the newly emerging Monterey faction. Alderman Faithside told the Chronicle, "I have always backed Samantha and she continues to have my full support. However I feel that the problems the city will face in the years to come will require a new and radical agenda. I believe Alan is now setting that agenda and I am proud to be part of his team."

The Monterey faction has not wasted its time in making a mark on the city's government. In his maiden speech Cllr Monterey thanked the city for recognising his hard work, "even if only by the promise of further work" and then went on to launch an amusing and wide ranging attack on the complacent committee chairs. He also called for the immediate reinstatement of the guild examinations and the donation to the Temple of Torus. Much to the surprise of the faction leaders (who only a month ago had voted through these measures) Cllr Monterey summoned enough support to have these two proposals formally moved, and a full debate will take place next month.

Early reports of the harvest suggest that the city will suffer serious shortages despite the hard work by Alderman Derwent earlier this year. The recent heavy rains have damaged what was already a poor harvest and many Barons are now openly calling for the City to rely only on the imported grains rather than "ravage the countryside". Linrodeth is not the only city to be suffering grain problems. The deal with Salvoyn has left the Kings Army short of supplies and His Royal Highness has resorted to commandeering grain supplies which have not already been earmarked for us. The King has imposed a special tax on Linrodeth's richer citizens to assist in the cost of this action.

Adam Avery has launched an all out attack upon Marcus Lambourne, the chairman for law and order, claiming that non guild members were openly trading in the burnt out wards. Other councillors backed up the attack pointing out the committee's continuing funding for the Law Court whilst other committees had made wide ranging cuts. However some Avigon councillors defended the lack of enforcement, claiming that to force these people out of business when they have no homes and no other means of support would be tantamount to murder.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 144

The hearing of Aralan Derwent turned out to be the dramatic show everyone had hoped for. Once Gax the Heretic and Pendentite Antonius had got over the difficulties of finding themselves on the same (prosecuting) side the questioning got under way with some enthusiasm. Sheriff Perignon, presiding, showed a surprising impartiality, listening intently to all the witnesses. First of all many eminent members of the Mercers guild and of Welland were called to testify to the good and upright character of Phred Marcos. Next Alderman Derwent was called, she explained how during her successful negotiations to secure the city's grain supplies she had been subjected to a total of eleven assassination attempts. She had come to suspect someone called Marcos of having been involved and had ordered a member of the guard to "find that person". Sheriff Dixon was called next and wholeheartedly supported Aralan Derwent's story. Alderman Derwent was clearly upset to find herself facing a hearing as the result of her efforts to save the city from starvation, and the sympathy of the courtroom was very much with her. However the assembly then heard further details of the violent raid that took place in the early hours of the morning by the Witanmoot Guard, and heard a brief summary of this guard's court-martial where she was found guilty of conduct unbecoming to an officer. With opinions evenly balanced the proceedings were suddenly thrown into confusion by the arrival of Lady Amelia and some courtiers from the Citadel. They took the witness stand and described how Cllr Derwent had been offered £500 for finding Macros by Princess Selina. Sheriff Perignon intervened immediately and stopped the hearing. "This is a most serious accusation and clearly requires further investigation, I refer the case to Lady Cox for Trial" she told the stunned assembly. Commenting later to the Chronicle on Sheriff Dixon's robust defence of Aralan's actions she said, "If Sheriff Dixon has a fault it is that he is sometimes a little tender-hearted when perhaps impartiality might be more appropriate".

The budget debate has come to a conclusion with our councillors reaching a surprising consensus, to tax us mercilessly and cut many essential services to boot! Adam Avery's proposal to forcibly cut the Torian budget was passed and has resulted in the immediate closure of the Aralan Derwent Memorial Ward. A distraught Chirugeon explained, "There is nothing we can do, we are already overloaded following the fire, with the city cutting its support to us we will be hard pressed to deal with the needs of all the people. The Derwent Ward has always been used for those mercenaries, guards and members of the Witanmoot who have suffered injuries as a result of their profession of violence. In these difficult times, we must prioritise, and we simply can no longer cater for these people." Defending his cuts Avery launched a swingeing attack on his fellow councillors, "I am deeply upset that only two committees have seen fit to help the city out of its current dire financial situation and make sacrifices for the good of the city as a whole. I am sure the city will remember those who were prepared to sit on their fat backsides and let others make the sacrifices."

Citizens are warned to be on their guard for polluted wines and beers following a spreading of the vomiting and diarrhoea illness reported in the last Chronicle. Commenting on the problems Guildmaster Martin Key told the Chronicle, "I have absolute faith in the quality of the guilds goods. I blame bad waters used for cooking". More worrying rumours contend that this is the first outbreak of a new plague caused by the refugee camps. Due to the Torians being extremely overworked, they have been unable to investigate this idea.

Unrest has been noted in the countryside as the peasants become aware of just how much grain the city will be needing this year. Baron Scrope told the Chronicle, "the late spring planting damaged the crops quite badly. The peasants are worried that they will not have enough to feed themselves, let alone the city dwellers." Travellers are warned particularly to avoid journeying alone in the Gavelkinden area, where local serfs are exploring the 'panic stock-up' concept without the consent of the goods previous owners.

An irate Cllr Drumm was incoherent with indignation yesterday as news reached him that his Avigon cup was being displayed in several market squares around the city. The perpetrators of this theft appear to be a miscellaneous mob of (apparently) homeless children. Their noisy appearances in the market squares coincide with the distribution of treasonous literature (not reproduced here) and a collection for money using the Avigon cup as storage. Amused onlookers appear to have donated quite a haul of coppers.

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 144

Cllr Reg Marc has lodged a formal complaint against Alderman Aralan Derwent following a raid upon the Empty Barrel. The Witanmoot Guard forced their way into the Barrel at three in the morning, assaulted a number of the staff, broke down doors, dragged residents out of their beds and threatened Cllr Marc's life. Aldermen Derwent then questioned a number of residents and left, without laying any charges, giving a reason for the raid or offering an apology. Gax the Heretic who is handling the case for Reg commented, "We cannot allow the imposition of Martial Law to remove our fundamental rights as citizens. Alderman Derwent has clearly exceeded her authority in ordering this unacceptable assault upon a citizen and his business".

The Witanmoot Guard and its connections with the councillors are also being questioned in relation to the murder of Simon Berryfield, who was apprenticed to Cllr Geoffrey Linden. Although Samantha Grange (also apprenticed to Cllr Linden) has been charged with the crime, there are rumours of a cover-up. Various sources have accused Cllr Linden of using his influence to involve the Guard in the intimidation of citizens, and of the Guards' possible contribution to the death of Simon Berryfield. It would appear that only the intervention of Gax the heretic prevented Cllr Linden from blaming an innocent group of young apprentices of indirectly causing this death.

Sheriff Beatrice Perignon has been taken seriously ill. Although the official line is that she is suffering from a stomach complaint, rumours persist of a poisoning or even an outbreak of summer plague. Despite the illness she is apparently determined to officiate at Aralan Derwent's hearing.

Our councillors appear to be close to setting a budget for the city which will include severe tax increases – both on citizens and the guilds. A major crisis has been avoided following the personal intervention of Sheriff Matthew Dixon, who is credited with having negotiated gifts to the city from the temples of Brynette, Hahn, Esprayenna and Daleth, which equal the funds the city gives them each year. However all is not yet settled, there is still a £400 shortfall and councillors will have to vote on whether to cut the donation to the Temple of Torus or accept an offer from the Carpenters guild to make a loan the city. Cllr Adam Avery seems to be the only person to take issue with the overall budget, although his proposals seem to be gathering a reasonable level of support. Avery has suggested that the level of record keeping at the docks be further reduced and that the donation to Torus be cut to £250. Ann Tasker the Chair of Welfare and Education, is refusing to take responsibility for the feeding of the homeless. "This is surely a matter for the Committee for lands and Agriculture," she told the Chronicle.

The Midsummer Fair was well attended this year with many people trying to shake off their depression following the city fire. A larger than normal number of stalls demonstrated the determination of many citizens to rebuild their ruined businesses, however the day's focus was as always on the sports. The fine weather helped in the breaking of a number of records, including an amazing display of archery by Miranda Andrews. The weather did however make the pig wrestling something of a non-event with Jasper Tinny emerging from a massive dust cloud to claim the prize. There was at least some drama; A clearly illegal football challenge took place, and Cllr Drumm's irate comments following the theft of his newly donated Avigon Cup provided entertainment for a large crowd.

Alan Monterey and Richard Firethorn have announced an agreement with the Brewers and the Vintners guilds to supply cheap beer and wine to the damaged areas of the city. However before you all rush to move wards, the reason it will be cheap is that it will be watered down.

Citizens are warned that tension in the Floating Market remains high. A number of minor fights have occurred around the Dowgate entrance and the Kinjuru section in particular seems less than friendly. Rumours persist of a number of raids and counter raids between them and the Athion sector.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 144

The City is slowly recovering from the Great Fire, with many parts of the recovery plan devised by Sheriff Dixon and the Crisis Committee now in place. The scale of the damage to the city is becoming apparent; the rebuilding costs are estimated at many thousands of pounds. With the serious budget crisis caused by the devastation of a large area of the city, many of the services to which we have become accustomed are under threat and it is unclear which rebuilding projects, if any, will gain priority this year.

The Crisis Committee has so far concentrated its efforts on housing and feeding the refugees. Following the destruction of many of the city bakeries in the fire emergency bread ovens have been constructed. Alderman Derwent has toured the surrounding lands and has already secured much of the food the city will need in the immediate future. However this years very late winter is likely to mean a poor harvest and her efforts may only have postponed a food crisis. Housing has been a more serious problem. Although the guilds, relatives and friends were able to house most of the refugees, there still remain many hundreds of homeless. All the vacant land and property left over form the plague has been occupied and even the prisons have been pressed into service as temporary accommodation.

The repercussions of the fire on the city's finances are still being worked out. Lady Cox has announced the recalling of the Witanmoot for the purposes of setting a budget. The committee chairs are expected to come forward with their final proposals in the near future. The members of the crisis committee have caused much disruption as they attempt to get their various schemes funded through the appropriate committee. The committee chairs are believed to be resisting the additional expenditure in the light of the severe cuts they are already imposing on their own budgets. Likely things to feel the axe this year are the civic balls, the port and bridge maintenance, Guild examinations (to be abandoned) and the Emissaries. Even the donations to the Temples are rumoured to be under threat.

The newly combined Wharf and Witanmoot guard have defied rumours of an impending disaster following their merger and fought together to defeat a large band of mercenaries. The mercenaries had slain a number of Witanmoot guard and then fled down river on stolen boat pursued by the Wharf Guard. The Guard managed to disable the boat but were fought off by the enemies superior numbers. The Wharf guard continued the pursuit across land and were joined by a large body of mounted Witanmoot Guard. This combined force then fought the mercenaries at a manor house that had taken over and defeated them. The battle was fierce and the Wharf Guard in particular suffered serious losses, the entire force including their Captain being killed. It is believed that a number of very valuable looted goods were recovered from the mercenaries.

Crime remains a major concern following the fire. Despite marshal law and a merciless approach from the Sheriffs, much theft and mugging is being perpetrated. Impostors claiming to be refugees are now becoming a problem. Much of the Athionic section of the floating market has been vacated as these disreputable people move into the city to exploit the unfortunate and prey on the weak.

A number of incidents have occurred in Dowgate following the arrest of Cllr Barns. Some protest meetings have been held by her supporters and on one occasion the Dow entrance was blocked by an angry mob. Fortunately so far the protesters have dispersed before the arrival of the Witanmoot Guard but it is only a matter of time before a confrontation occurs. Whether Lady Cox is prepared to kill citizens in order to maintain her absolute control of the city remains to be seen. A spokesman for the guard told the Chronicle, "We have orders to maintain the rule of Law in this city. These troublemakers in Dowgate can not be tolerated, and we will do whatever we have to to deal with them".

Finally, just to show that the Gods do have a sense of humour, many citizens will no doubt be amused to learn that whilst most of the city has been worrying about the Great Fire, the offices of the Chroniclers have been subjected to flooding.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 144

The Great Fire which destroyed most of the Wards of Cripplegate, Avigon and Faringdon has now died down. The smouldering ruins of top of Faringdon hill still dominate the skyline and much of the City's thoughts. A vast funeral pyre lies outside Cripplegate and hundreds of citizens are believed to have perished. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown; it is understood to have started near the top of Faringdon hill, although rumours of the fire starting in a number of places have led some people to suggest it was deliberately set. Throughout the night of the fire many acts of bravery were performed. The Witanmoot Guard led the fight to contain the fire, and without their heroic efforts a far greater area of the city would have been destroyed. Within the area of the fire Cllr Firethorn led the evacuation through Dowgate, returning many time to rescue stricken families. Martial Law was declared during the night and the Witanmoot bell tolled for the first time since the Civil war to summon all citizens to the Marching Watch.

Lady Cox in a speech form the Mootstone the day after the fire made the following announcements:

"First of all I would like to thank everyone for the strenuous efforts they have made on behalf of the City since the fire. My thanks especially go to Sheriff Dixon for collating the suggestions that have come forth since the great fire and to Alderman Shefford for producing a revised budget.

I have a number of announcements:

His Majesty the King has most graciously made a gift of £5,000 to the city to assist us in our moment of need. I am sure all of the City will join me in thanking His Majesty for this most valuable assistance.

Three cheers for the King.....

I have decided to make the following appointments to a crisis committee: Law and Order (Midnight to Midday), Dixon; Law and Order (Midday to Midnight), Perignon; Shelter for the Homeless, Avery; Food provision for the city and feeding of the refugees, Derwent; Planning, title deeds and building priorities, Truestaff; Orphans and Pensioners, Drumm; Drinking supplies for refugees, Firethorn; Assistant to the committee, Monterey.

I will take direct responsibility for Guild issues and the provision of the Kings taxation. All other responsibilities remain as determined in the committee elections. Committee Chairs and members of the Crisis Committee will produce budget proposals this month. In the interim Alderman Shefford will administer spending directly.

It is my intent to lift rule by decree at Midsummer. There will be no Sheriff's election. Sheriffs Dixon and Perignon will hold office until Midsummer 145. All Guild prices are fixed at their pre fire rates. Construction guilds will provide me with proposals for how they intend to manage the increased workload which I will be placing upon them.

I announce a general amnesty. All prisoners are hereby released. The Dow entrance to the city is opened.

The standing watch is disbanded. The Wharf guard and Witanmoot guard are merged. The complement of the new Witanmoot guard will be extended by a further 50 men."

The Chronicle would like to add its congratulations to the people who worked to save the City and to echo the thanks of the people to His Majesty for his most generous gift. Citizens are warned that the Sheriffs are pursuing a very vigorous line against looting. The Witanmoot Guard have already slain a number of suspected looters. The Chroniclers have been told to remind the city's councillors that sedition carries the death penalty and that, with the Witanmoot suspended, they have no right of open speech.

The most immediate problem facing the city is the homeless. The bitter winter which has been gripping the city thankfully broke the day after the fire, but the spring is still tentative and many people still risk death sleeping outside. The guilds are housing their own but this still leaves hundreds homeless, without possessions, or the means to feed themselves. The crisis committee must deal with this problem if another disaster is not to occur.

Tension with the floating market remains high. The closing of the Dow entrance has led to a number of incidents and prior to the fire full conflict between the Ward of Dowgate guard and the Solistel seemed inevitable. Lady Cox's decree reopening the Dow Gate has done much to relieve the pressure, but with the City in such a serious situation many fear that the criminal elements within the market will take this opportunity to strike against the city. Opinions in Dowgate are also running high, with the heavy hand of the Witanmoot Guard very much in evidence. Shortly before her arrest, Cllr Jocelyn Barns of Dowgate told the Chronicle, "Lady Cox has betrayed the ward of Dowgate, first she opposed Alderman Fytton's motion which would once and for all rid us of these creatures, and now she uses the excuse of the fire to overrule democratic decision of the Witanmoot and for us to admit these scum into our ward".

At the last council meeting before the fire the Witanmoot passed a motion revising the budgeting as follows: "In the month of Jasmarill the Chairman of each committee will produce proposals for expenditure in the year from Midsummer. In the month of Heliora, the Chairman of Treasury will propose and the full Council will determine the division of money between committees and levels of taxation. In the month of Menderal the chairman of each committee will propose and full council will determine each committee's spending plans. Each committee shall be responsible for the spending of its budget. Any spending beyond that approved in Heliora must be approved by the full council, the members of the Committee being held responsible for any unauthorised overspending."

This important motion will have major repercussions on future budgets; Lady Cox has declared her intention to lift Martial Law at Midsummer, and many Committee Chairs have been seen desperately negotiation for votes to defend their budgets from the cuts which must inevitably follow the fire. The revised budget produced by Alderman Shefford is rumoured to show £8,000, mainly resulting from the loss of income from the wards of Cripplegate, Avigon and Faringdon. and the reduced payments from the guilds some of whom have been devastated by the fire.