The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 137

The last days of Lorinfall have seen a massive increase of violence in the floating market. A bitter internal war, aided by fire, has destroyed a large portion of the floating slums. A detachment of the Kings Archers is keeping watch from the section of city wall above the river, and the area is said to be "quiet". Fishermen report that most of the dead are Cursos, and indeed a small flotilla of these people are now moored around Masons Stairs, refusing to return across the river to the floating market.

Earlier in the month D'Alenson, the notorious cat-burglar, escaped from Marshgate prison which had held him for over two years. Several days later an archer was found stabbed to death on the northern wall overlooking the marshes. The events may not be connected, but certain nervous Goldsmiths have seen fit to set a rooftop guard.

Merchants from the southern border bring the interesting news that the Crown Prince has graciously knighted Roger Colleton, his household chamberlain. The unexpected ennoblement of a Scrivener's son from Salvoyn has caused some surprise, and the Knight Marshall is openly furious after so many of his own recommendations were refused "for lack of funds". Sources at the Citadel have confirmed that Sir Roger Colleton is currently writing a history of the Prince's Gelt Campaign.

Citizens of Linrodeth,

May I, on behalf of the College, thank all those keen zoologists who have called on us throughout the past month. I trust that it will not be taken amiss if I point out that the College welcomes all knowledge freely given, but will not exchange coin on this matter. I trust that all misunderstandings have now been fully clarified.

Archivist Major

Chinon Starsinger is extolling 'The Sea-Serpent' as this months place to eat out. The lampreys in galantine sauce come highly recommended, although the owner is prepared to flambee almost anything at your table. (River opposite for those of a nervous disposition.)

The Court of Common Council and the Aldermanic Court have elected Master Raphael Fitz-Simmons of the Grossers Guild as the next Lord Chief Magistrate of the City.

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 137

Several independent eyewitnesses have reported seeing a large greenish bulk at the mouth of the River Ishtan. Attempts to dismiss this as floating debris were confounded when it started to move upriver, against the flow of the tide. It continued a short way into the Ishtan and then submerged. These reports are particularly disturbing in view of the recent and still unexplained loss of the merchant ship 'Hogwash'.

The rally called for by Marc the Thatcher was attended by over a hundred people, mainly Thatchers families. The assembling of the rally at Newgate was watched by an interested Citadel guard from the battlements. The good-humoured crowd made their noisy way through the City to the Witanmoot, where they drew the councillors attention to the plight of the Thatchers. Rumours that the part of the rally led by Marc ended up at the Levestone in error appear to be utterly unfounded.

Readers may remember an article last month wherein a possible sale of land by the Hahn Temple was considered. The Chroniclers are pleased to be able to publish (at last) an official comment by the Temple;

Sirs, It has come to our notice that certain erroneous and misleading articles concerning the Temple of Hahn and purporting to originate from so-called informed sources have recently been appearing in your publication. During the summer recess the Temple has decided that the existing Law School? is to be demolished and new expanded premises with the same function will be constructed on the same site. There is no question of the lands being sold, nor is there any truth in the rumours concerning the temple's financial situation. Certain of the Guilds of the City have seen fit to bestow generous gifts towards the rebuilding of the Law School, which commonly serves to improve the services provided by the Temple. These gifts will not have escaped the notice of the Holy Trinity? whose blessings will ever fall upon the deserving just. -- The Temple of Hahn

As the be-dusted buildings of their neighbours eloquently testify, the demolition is now half completed. An observer at the start of the work reports that the work has been cursed and ill-omened, but could not identify the hag that foretold this.

Gax is on tour this month, but readers are reminded that he returns to Linrodeth on the 29th to speak at the 'Empty Barrel'. As a prelude to this event our roving reporter has been to this respectable "councillors' local" to sample the fare. Chinon particularly recommends imbibing the 'Marcstons Old Peculiar', the house special of this establishment.

Councillor Tholin's team of investigators appear to have shelved the murder investigation "pending further information". Their enquiries were apparently not helped by the non-cooperation of the bereaved families. Councillor Tholin is, however, pleased to report the following facts discovered by the team: The murderer is female, about 5'6" in height. The murders occur at the end of a Tuesday watch. The murderer is believed to have 4 barbed arrows remaining (of a make which has now been withdrawn from sale in Linrodeth).

Councillor Tholin commented; "We are unable to go any further with the investigation due to obstruction by the Morgan and Wainwright families. The team should not be considered to have failed. Considering the difficulties they had to overcome they did a magnificent job".

An open letter to the Masons Guild.

Sirs, I find your rejection of my accusations bland and uninspired. As every councillor is aware, the Carpenters? act for the Masons in council. The financial interests of these two guilds overlap enough for it to be unnecessary for the Masons to stand for election for them to exercise effective means of achieving their aims. My imprisonment was a blatant and despicable attempt to prevent me and my fellow workers from forming a guild, which would of course mean that the builders (guess who) would have to start paying us a decent return for our labours.

Marc, Thatcher

Dear Sirs, I wish to commend the Master masons and their guild for not sinking into sloth when faced with a shortage of work. Instead they promote the new sport of bugger to occupy their apprentices?, saving the latter from idleness and boredom which might have given rise to who knows what mindless violence. Even when a game is over bugger still provides occupation for the apprentice masons as the survivors build and decorate the tombs.

C. Ncur Esq.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 137

We open this months Chronicle with the sad news that another member of the watch has been killed by an unknown assailant. Kembel Faithside died last Tuesday while returning home from watch duty, along with his bodyguard.

Although his mother (a reputable silk merchant and member of the council) was unwilling to speak to the Chronicle, we have been able to ascertain that Kembel feared for his life and had arranged to be accompanied at all times. The bodyguard was also killed.

Councillor Tholin of Avigon has requested that a team be put together to solve this problem. Suitable citizens are requested to contact him via the Chronicle.

The Midsummer Fair was a washout as the heavens opened for the duration of the event. Councillors hoping to see their Ward Team excel in the archery contest crept quietly away as round after round was ruined by the rain and damp. Overall scores were, if anything, worse than last year. Prizes were presented by the Citadel Bowmaster, the King and Knight Marshall having left early.

Also disrupted by the heavy rain were the riding events, cancelled to prevent injury to the horses. The Second Cavalry were also disrupted by the noisy arrival of Sir Hugh Grosvenor leading a war-horse ridden by several small children. The King took obvious pleasure in announcing the appointment of Sir Hugh as the 2nd Cavalry's new Major. The churned mud fields provided an ideal setting for the wrestling and bugger contests. Fat Sal powered her way to the £5 wrestling purse; while the Brewers & Coopers were the winners of the Stone Cup presented by Master-mason James St George. In the first round the Coopers & Brewers had beaten the Squires by a comfortable margin, whilst the Masons scraped through against the Skinners. In the deciding match the Coopers beat the Masons by a
close margin.

Surprise of the Tournament was the appearance of a masked (but distinctly female) opponent to challenge the Kinjuru envoy to a duel with the Fara'ket, also called the Bladed Rope. This potentially vicious fight lasted a comparatively short time, and often resembled a dance. The challenger eventually conceded when she was forced to block with her rope, thus shredding it. The envoy declared himself delighted with
her skill and insisted on presenting her with his purse. The Chroniclers wonder whether this was in any way influenced by the fact that the King was watching.

The Midsummer meeting of the Witanmoot announced the election of the following two citizens as sheriffs: Paston Courtney (Master Carpenter) and Kennet Maxil (Master Mercer)

The Grocers announce the loss at sea of the merchant ship 'Hogwash'. Eyewitnesses on the shore describe the ship bursting into flame and sinking quickly. There were no survivors.

Gax has announced that the total of funds raised during 'Lemon-Aid' were £46 7s 2d. He declared the event to be a good success in view of the appalling weather. He also wishes to announce, via The Chronicle, a series of public debates under the title: "The
Marc's Tour – a better future"

Date	Places
1st Arvinoth	Vintners Hall (Linrodeth)
4th Arvinoth	Haybridge
11th Arvinoth	Dereham Cross
19th Arvinoth	Fethanleag
25th Arvinoth	Hawkhurst
29th Arvinoth	The 'Empty Barrel' (Linrodeth)

Councillor Marc wishes it to be known that, to the best of his knowledge, he is not in any way related to Marc the Thatcher.

Marc the Thatcher wishes to announce a protest march in support of the Thatchers. The march will be on the first of next month and will start at Newgate and proceed
towards the Witanmoot. All are welcome.

The Chroniclers note that the fortunes of the Hahn temple appear to go from bad to worse. Apparently unable to maintain even their old school, the students are
being evacuated to the main Temple site. The possible sale of the valuable school lands on Shadow Street could well be the bargain of the year.

Sirs, We wish to inform Marc the Thatcher that the masons guild has no
representatives on the council – our interests are represented by the carpenters guild – so it is impossible for us to have acted as 'lackeys' in the rejection of an appeal for a rehearing. Perhaps the 'lack' that is involved is the lack in the Thatchers' leadership, when their spokesman allows himself to spend two months in a luxury apartment as a guest of 'The Company'.

The Guild of Masons

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 137

Welcome to summer. The Chroniclers wish to apologise for a small delay in publication. This was due to a move to the new, larger premises. Despite the hot weather, the incidence of 'summer sickness' has been light this year. The chronicle notes however that the royal household is taking no chances, and a move to the royal hunting lodge upriver is planned.

Final lists for the Midsummer Tournament have been posted in the market places. The archery contest has proved uncommonly popular, and several eliminating rounds will be held before the final contest. Entries for the joust have been a little thin this year, since many knights are away in the southern campaign; however the lance contest has been well supported by the 2nd Cavalry, who incidentally are also providing a display of mounted manoeuvres. Sword and quarter staff prizes are also contended, although no-one has yet taken up the Kinjuru envoy's challenge to try the Fara'ket. Away from the royal stands, Fat Sal is the hot favourite for the wrestling purse. The Masons Guild have kindly provided sponsorship for the new game of bugger, the prize is the 'Stone Cup'.

Master Thorold the Apothecary left town last month, noisily claiming that he had been put out of business by "foul rumours and vicious lies". A spokeswoman for the Torian priests merely commented that he was welcome to sue
for defamation of character if he wished. As well as lack of customers, Thorold has of late been disturbed by noisy gatherings of neighbours, usually late at night.

Another man was murdered this month while returning from watch duty. Thomas and Richard Wainwright were both shot as they returned home on Secondday. Thomas died instantly. Richard however is presently being tended by the Torian priests. His condition is described as critical and the arrow which is lodged near his heart has not been removed. Both are sons of Councillor Wainwright, who refused to speak to the Chronicle.

This attack brings the trade war theory into doubt as Councillor Wainwright is a Master Baker. Alderman Rimon in an interview with the Chronicle commented. "This is an obvious attempt by the criminal elements in our society to intimidate the watch. We are not going to be turned from our duty by a few deaths, no matter how dear the people are to us. The Watch will continue to keep our streets safe at night. It is only a matter of time before the people behind these murders are brought to justice and I for one will show no mercy. If
any citizen, no matter how lowly, knows who is responsible they should inform the council immediately. To encourage anyone who may fear reprisals I am offering a reward of two pounds."

When asked whether the council would take up the Knight Marshall's offer of putting the troops on the streets he replied " This would set a dangerous precedent, the City of Linrodeth is quite capable of policing itself without the assistance of the Knight Marshall".

Gax the Heretic is believed to have found a sponsor in the form of Councillor Marc. A series of public debates is to be announced, and Gax is already laying plans for a summer tour of the nearby market towns. Meanwhile Gax wishes to thank all citizens who have already contributed to the Lemon-aid fund, in particular the Vintners Guild for donation of a small plot of land outside Bardsgate.

The new Hahn Law School has been particularly noticeable for its absence. Rumour in the Guilds is that
the temple is short of cash, however a source close to the temple commented "we're not worried. Pendentite Edward has staked his reputation on the success of the project". Pendentite Edward was unavailable for comment.

Sirs, Having been recently prevented from fulfilling my duty as a spokesman at the Council Chambers, I find it necessary to accuse our Council of misconduct. It is well known that I was forcibly held during the last two months. Despite this the Council refuses to reconvene the hearing on the petition for a Thatchers Guild. This is a blatant attempt by the Carpenters, and their lackeys the Masons to prevent justice being done. I am shocked that our esteemed councillors have allowed themselves to be manipulated in this fashion.

Marc, Thatcher

The proprietors of the Bull and Bucket announce that they are closing for repairs until further notice.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 136

Be it known that by Royal Decree, from this day, the 15^th of Kruthos in the year of the Kingdom One Hundred and Thirty Six, that the most ungodly and riotous game of football is BANNED, on pain of imprisonment.

Observers note with interest that this edict reflects the recent absence of many of the younger people from the compulsory Tenthday archery practice. Alderman Rimon, whose ward suffered badly during the final matches of a football contest was unsympathetic:

“Young whipper-snappers ought to be used as the Tenthday targets…..”

Damage to the Milk Lane Market last autumn was estimated at over three guineas.

The city youth were again the subject of debate in Council Chambers after a dispute between apprentices of the Vintners and the Fishmongers Guilds got out of hand. Fighting had spilled over into Rood Hill, injuring several innocent passers-by. A complaint was made to the Council (loudly) by Mrs Blessop, who had received a broken ankle. A complaint by three apprentices against Mrs Blessop was over-ruled.

Rumours abound of a triple headed demon born at the full moon last month in a house on Burgon Street.

Caveth the Vintner has declared bankruptcy after his third caravan this year has failed to make it through the southern mountains. Creditors are advised to contact the Guild.

Pendentites today attempted to prevent the daily preaching of Gax the Heretic from their temple steps. After a brief, polite discussion the ex-Mandatien was persuaded to leave. A spokesman from the temple has refused to comment on this development.

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 137

Heavy snow late last month encouraged the Knight Marshall to stage a mock siege as a military exercise. Balistae loaded with snow were enthusiastically manoeuvred under heavy fire from the walls and the city's more junior citizens. Over the course of three days there were only five casualties, mostly frostbite. The exercise was called to a halt after it was noticed that the 5th Infantry (motto: If you've got them by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow) were getting their 'ranging shots' uncomfortably near the port. The 5th Infantry are affectionately known to the locals as 'The Kings Own Foot 'n Mouth'. A small prize is offered to anyone with an equally appropriate nickname for the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, also stationed at The Citadel (motto: Death Before Dishonour! CHAAARGE!).

Hahn Priests have been inviting masons to tender offers for the construction of their new Law School. Once again Gax the Heretic has preached from the temple steps, demanding equal education for the poor. Some stoning was begun by nearby people and Gax was quickly rescued by the local watch. Reports remain unclear as to whether the stones were aimed at Gax or the Hahn priests attempting to make him leave.

The first of the seasonal rain has already fallen over the city, bringing an easing of the cold. With this slight thaw most of the snowdrifts have melted away to reveal this years dead. Citizens on watch duty this month are reminded to dispose of the bodies of frozen beggars into the marshes, and not to just dump them in the Ishtan.

The Skinners regret to announce the death this month of Wulfward of Canavelin. Wulfward, an honoured and respected citizen, died peacefully in his sleep. A popular member of the Skinners Guild, Wulfward was commonly expected to become
Guildmaster when Master Leofwin retires later this year. The Guild succession has now been left "wide open", to quote one reliable source.

That well-known family of entrepreneurs, the Marcs brothers, have published a book containing the accumulated wisdom of their experiences. For example: "Societies evolve through a series of crises caused by internal contradiction." or as 'Dutch' explained; "if anything can go wrong, it will."

The Chroniclers emphatically deny that their institution is redundant, or that they would ever move out of the city.

Version 1.1

The latest version of 21 Years of the Chronicle includes fixes for all of the errata I've identified over the last five years.

Downloads

ODT (for editing with LibreOffice)

Athion-Newspapers-V1.1.odt

PDF (for printing)

Athion-Newspapers-V1.1.pdf

EPUB (for ereaders - note that the page divisions are omitted from this version)

Athion-Newspapers-V1.1.epub

MOBI (for kindle ereaders - note that the font and page divisions are omitted from this version)

Athion-Newspapers-V1.1.mobi

Note that all these downloads (apart from the MOBI format version) are about 100MB in size. The MOBI file is only 5MB or so in size - largely because the conversion I used has lost a lot of the formatting (including the font information).

Online Version

This is the index/contents page for the chronicle. You'll find:

Interludes

• Copyright page
• The Calendar
• Major Events
• Lords of the City
• Linrodeth Sherrifs
• Linrodeth
• Ghostmoons
• Athion
• Remains of a Writ
• Nyskilde in 141
• A map of Linrodeth Catacombs
• Furrin' Countries
• Floating Market Factions
• Shimiguchi
• A map in the Gelt Mountains
• The City Guilds
• A map of Linrodeth
• Military Units
• A map of Athion
• Religions
• A map of Eastern Athion
• Remains of a recipe
• Linrodeth City Governance
• Witanmoot Definitions
• A map of Oldgate Ward
• A history of the Kingdom of Athion
• Plays and Playhouses
• The Night Sky
• A Map of Salvoyn
• Caralingas Lineage
• Personage Count

The Chronicle

The times of Cascorach

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 148

The continued interrogation of the Little Sisters of Sedition produced a full confession and revealed that these Salvoynian-sponsored saboteurs were behind many crimes. Their actions ranged from multiple assassination attempts on leading citizens, debasing the coinage, strategic arson, introduction of addictive drugs, subversion of Citadel servants, leading the Free Trade rebellion, forming the seditious Retribution cult to criminal religious practices. In light of this extensive treachery, Princess Selina decreed that the prisoners be publicly hanged, drawn and quartered. The sentence was carried out on Firstday, Firstweek, and their remains are displayed above the city gates as a warning to other perpetrators.

The trial of Marcus Lambourne, chair of the Law & Order committee, dominated the actions of the Witanmoot this month. After weeks of speculation and gossip, the event itself became a tale of two parts. First came the case for the prosecution, offering a meticulously detailed account of his failures and omission during the course of the investigation into the activities of the Little Sisters. Lambourne's failure to properly oversee the case and order the arrest of the assassins was clearly shown to have endangered the lives of Jim Bottler and his team. So damning did the trail of confusion and woe become that by the end it seemed entirely possible that Lambourne himself was in the pay of the Little Sisters of Sedition. After the recess an entirely different picture was drawn by the Defence. Witness after witness was called forward to attest to Marcus Lambourne's good intentions and fine, upstanding character. Speakers ranged from the authoritative voice of Alderman Monterey to the generosity of Jim Bottler himself, who suggested that the new 'situation' caused problems of communication. In the end it was this argument which won the day for Cllr Lambourne. Lady Ann Tasker ruled him 'not guilty', blaming the incident entirely on "cultural misunderstandings". This reversal seemed to come as a surprise to a few, but Orvini remained impassive, describing the verdict merely as "interesting". Lambourne has declared his intention of remaining as chair of Law & Order.

Cllr William Truman has assisted Olivia Warin in drawing up a revised city budget for the new regime. The loss in tax base has been more than offset by the reduced levy required by Princess Selina, leaving the Witanmoot with a healthy balance to spend. The Chronicle notes with approval the restoration of Linrodeth's much-delayed replacement orphanage and a sweet water supply. New items include a Kerunian embassy and improved fortifications in stone for the city docks.

The Witanmoot may prefer to hold the extra monies in reserve given the newly perilous state of Linrodeth's overland trade. Reports from merchants arriving on the North road recently suggest that a major raid has been staged by the Noord. Whether this is a full invasion is unclear but large areas of land have been devastated and citizens are strongly advised to postpone plans to travel until the situation clears. The large force of cavalry assembled by General Orvini last week, which many believed would be sent to attack Aralan Derwent's force, was instead sent North to secure the Linrodeth approaches. However Aralan may be about to make herself a target after merchants arriving from the East announced that she had fortified Fenny Bridges and raised the levy in that area. Derwent is also blocking the shipment of food into the city and taxing any merchants she does let through at double rate. An official statement from Princess Selina's office commented that "After the last civil war Linrodeth suffered from a number of robber barons. It is a great pity that one of its former citizens has chosen to resort to this."

The midsummer fair was a widely varied, often strange and frequently chaotic event which seems to have been thoroughly enjoyed by the entire city. Despite the constraints imposed by the need to stay within the city walls nearly all the traditional events took place. In addition many wards arranged special activities ranging from pig wrestling to poetry. The focus of events was on in Welland where Princess Selina chose to make her main speech of the day and where the Wellhouse Green became the centre of the main religious festival. Princess Selina used her first major public gathering as an opportunity to praise the actions of Jim Bottler, Benedict Plover, Eddie Englefield, Valindar, Wat Gurney and Bruce Harris in defeating the Little Sisters of Sedition. She went on to present them all with the Order of Merit. She finished her speech by denouncing the tax level demanded by the King and, to the obvious delight of the crowd, proclaimed that she intended to reduce it by a third. The removal of the curfew for the evening was also extremely popular, and the fact that the night passed without serious incident bodes well for a permanent lifting.

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 145

Cllr Jocelyn Barnes has been imprisoned following a lengthy trial at the law courts. Cllr Barnes never denied attacking Sheriff Dixon, however she claimed throughout the trial that her actions were justified on the grounds that Dixon was 'treacherously plotting with the Floating Market against the city'. However Pendentite Torrel (prosecuting) destroyed this accusation and went on to explain how Barnes had deliberately lured the Sheriff to a meeting with her supporters, so that he could be assassinated. The Sheriff had only been saved by the swift intervention of the Witanmoot Guard that he had ordered to follow him. Sheriff Dixon described the sentence as lenient, however the imprisonment has done something to quell the unrest in Dowgate where many observers had feared that a death sentence would have precipitated an immediate riot. Protesters in the ward are continuing to campaign for Barnes' release and many are still calling for Dixon to be tried for treachery.

Matthew Dixon's chances of surviving as Sheriff are deteriorating following a large number of nominations for the post. Apart from Dixon himself, Ariane Pencric, Alan Griffiths, Martin Key and Samuel Ruche have all been nominated. Dixon and Griffiths are clearly the front runners, but Ariane Pencric has the backing of the powerful Drumm faction and may do well, especially considering the deal Larken cut with Lady Perignon during the Lordship elections.

Aralan Derwent has once again disappeared upriver, this time accompanied by Gemma Downe. The purpose of this errand remains a mystery and rumours of a secret renewal of her liaison with Sir Henry Longbridge abound. However more than one wag has seen fit to suggest that she is just taking a summer break away from the chaos her fellow councillors seem to be creating. An alternate theory is that Gemma Downe has gone into hiding whilst she recovers from the embarrassment of nominating Duncan Barnett for Sheriff. This might have been a good choice if it wasn't for the fact that Barnett lost his Aldermanship last year.

Grain shortages continue to be a problem, and may not be alleviated for some time. Recent shipping arrivals concentrated on much needed fruit, and the harvest is expected to be late and patchy. The Dalethians are warning of another bad year and price rises seem almost inevitable. A large group of Avigon hovel holders has already mounted one protest against the proposed price rises and if as expected the Cornmongers raise prices, food riots seem almost certain to happen.

The Treasury proposals for the budget split have caused outrage in the wards of Cripplegate, Faringdon and Avigon where taxes have been reintroduced, and in Oldgate where the levy has been raised to its pre fire level. Guilds throughout the city have also been protesting at the increases in their taxation. Despite these increases many services are still not being provided. Treasurer Alison Shefford told the Witanmoot, "The Treasury committee regards the city finances as still being on an emergency footing, and has attempted to trim all the budget proposals presented. The proposals of the Welfare and Education Committee have been hardest hit, I regret to say, since it is our recommendation that expenditure be maintained in those areas which are an investment in the future of the city". Not satisfied with the outcry against these proposals Alderman Shefford went on to announce that there will be further tax rises in 146 and 147 and that "the Treasury committee is investigating other possibilities for raising money". Despite the protests, many observers are commenting that Alderman Shefford has performed an excellent job in attempting to organise the city's chaotic finances and are surprised that she did not receive a nomination for Sheriff. It is interesting to note that she was scathingly critical of Lady Perignon's agreement with the King over the Dragonfeast, describing it as "not worth a candle". and it may be that she is biding her time for a Lordship bid in 147.

Adam Avery seems to have decided to spend most of his month looking into the recent prison breakout. The councillor has been talking to people throughout the city and has been getting more and more blunt in his questioning and suspicions about the event. Meanwhile, concerned residents of Dracas have been demanding immediate action to recapture Higgins, and at least one murder has already been ascribed to the madman.

Alan Monterey has been relaxing following the hectic budget proposals. Obviously satisfied with the outcome of his consensus building activities, he has taken up a new hobby of wagon counting. The councillor's presence at a number of the city gates is beginning to cause concern amongst the merchant guilds who fear a new wagon tax may be forthcoming. However, a source close to Monterey denied this; "Alan has simply been spending time gaining an understanding of the flow of trade into the city. If other councillors did the same instead of wasting their time getting drunk the City would be in a much better state."

Gax the Heretic has made a rousing speech form the Mootstone demanding that the cities budget be revised to include funding of an orphanage. He told a large crowd, "Alderman Shefford tells us she wants to spend money on investments in the future of the city, and yet once again the vitally needed orphanage goes unfunded. Once again the financiers, guild adventures and traders will benefit from investment of the cities funds whilst its greatest resource goes to waste. The children of the city are where investment needs to be made. In many wards street gangs are forming of the dispossessed, who will become the disenfranchised. If we do not do something about this problem the next generation will curse the current council for their short term thinking and concentration on lining the pockets of their guild paymasters."

The last council session turned into a mammoth event with a huge raft of boring procedural and organisational motions dominated by Sheriff Dixon's 'Definitions of Citizenship' Bill' which was eventually passed with little dissent. After the exhaustion of this, the Avery 'easy payment' proposal was passed by a large margin, mostly with only Larken Drumm summoning up the enthusiasm to complain. Alan Monterey then proposed the creation of two new Trade delegate posts for the Western Isles and Kerun which also didn't raise much comment. Although we suspect this may get more controversial when it comes time to vote on the three hundred pound cost. As the evening approached and with the council in a state of near torpor, Adam Avery made a speech on the importance of land registry in the light of the recent fires and proposed that "By the end of 146 all plots of land in the City of Linrodeth shall be registered in writing at the Witanmoot. Such registration shall define the principal owner and any other co owners of such land. An administrative charge may be made by the Witanmoot for the initial registration and subsequent changes to these records or the inspection of said records". This apparently worthy proposal was about to go through on the nod when George Rimon stood up and asked how much the administrative charge was likely to be. Avery's reply that he had though something around a pound reasonable, caused uproar, with Cllr Rimon bellowing across the room that this was a disgraceful attempt at back door taxation on property ownership, caused many other councillors to wake up. There were speeches from Cllrs Edge and St Lawrence pointing out the stupidity of assigning a principal owner when most houses were owned by couples; there were protest from the wealthy about the cost of registering their own properties; there were protests about the plan to charge for access and so on. Despite the efforts of the various faction leaders to push through this, the councillors weren't going to let it go. Lady Perignon was forced to adjourn the debate until next month.

Lady Perignon is once again suffering a summer illness. However this time the Torians have been unwilling to ascribe the cause of the illness and some people have suggested it may be poisoning. Given that the problem struck the day after the Barnes trial, foul play may be a possibility. However the guard have denied that a poisoning was possible. "All Lady Perignon's food is extensively tasted by a volunteer guard who takes her duty very seriously" they told the Chronicle.

William Trueman seems to be attempting to take on the mantle of the much missed Harry Truestaff. The councillor appears to have decided to blow the profits of his dried rosehip business on a major drinking session. Not wanting to cause any problems in his own ward of Faringdon, he seems to have ended up in Ishtan. Here, along with Captain Eagleview and most of the sailors in the port, he attempted to drink the ward dry. The ensuing debauchery led to a number of unfortunate incidents which the watch proved totally unwilling to deal with. Several citizens have demanded the restoration of the Wharf Guard.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 145

Lady Beatrice Perignon's negotiations with his Majesty the King have resulted in a complicated tribute agreement which commits the city to a payment this year of only £55,000. This agreement has been heralded as a major success by Beatrice's supporters, who say that it vindicates their decision to back her for Lordship. Indeed tax levels this year could even be cut. However, other groupings within the Witanmoot have pointed out that the deal commits the city to a tribute of £60,000 in 146 and £65,000 in 147 and 148. Worse; Lady Perignon has offered the King gifts of £10,000 and £5,000 in 147 and 148 in return for the Dragonfeast being held in Linrodeth. With the delicate budget negotiations in progress most of the faction leaders appear to be keeping a low profile on the issue, however Cllr Richard Saunders told the Chronicle, "Beatrice has really pulled a fast one here, she has bought short term prosperity and personal popularity at the expense of her successor." Gax the Heretic, however, disagreed in a speech from the Mootstone he complimented "Lady Perignon's bravery in accepting liability for the future payments".

The budget proposals from the various committees are currently generating a lot of heat. The Trade budget seems to be forming the main battleground. Alderman Rucche's attempts to restore the budget to pre-fire levels is meeting strong opposition. Alderman Rucche described the consequences of not having his budget passed as "disastrous to the future of the city". Controversy is also centring around the Welfare and Education budget which includes proposals for a city orphanage and for a "five year program to properly re-house all those all those who have properties in the wards that were destroyed". Looking at the proposals, the Chronicle is not convinced that Lady Perignon's agreement with the King is going to come anything like close enough to balancing the budget. Indeed, according to a source close to the Marshgate Wardmoot, secret negotiations are already under way to restore taxation of burnt out wards.

Jocelyn Barnes has been committed for trial on charges of attempted murder. She made an unrepentant speech accusing Sheriff Dixon of Treason and Conspiracy to undermine the city. Meanwhile Sheriff Dixon appears to be attempting to push through the reforms which gained him Jockey's animosity and lost him the Lordship election. He has started this process with a detailed bill proposing definitions of the status of Citizens and Inhabitants of the city. The Chronicle would like to report the controversy around this proposal, however it seems to have met a solid wall of apathy from the other councillors, who are obviously far too worried about the budget to try to define who should and should not be paying taxes.

Adam Avery has come forward with an interesting proposal to reduce the number of debtors held in prison. In a speech from the Mootstone he proposed that the City impose 'easy payment schemes' rather than prison terms. "We have already permitted such a scheme on behalf of Cllr Derwent and I believe we should permit the same for other debtors" he told the crowd. The Chronicle will be interested to know how Cllr Derwent intends to deal with this insult given that she can not duel with the crippled Avery.

An embarrassed Chairman for Law and Order, Ann Tasker, has announced that some prisoners in Cripplegate Prison seem to have pre-empted Cllr Avery's proposals. Apparently some thirty of them escaped when a new guard dropped his keys in one of the cells. Most of the escapees were indeed debtors, however one significant addition was Albert Higgins, who was awaiting execution for the murder of a number of residents of Dracas.

The Spring thaw has relaxed the pressure on food supplies, with many ships arriving in port. However there are continuing shortages of bread which it seems likely will not ease until the harvest. Cllr William Trueman's mystery rosehip supply business seems to have done well out of the fruit shortage (once he convinced people they were edible). William is clearly enjoying his success and a generous donation by him of most of his remaining supplies to the Torian Temple and the residents of Faringdon has done a lot to increase his popularity.

Alderman Alan Griffiths' clearly took his investigations into the activities of Eshi Cyarçon very seriously. The two were seen to be dining at Maud Blessop's and it seemed likely to most observers that the negotiations were likely to continue thorough the night. However the intervention of the Witanmoot guard disrupted his plans somewhat when they arrested his new paramour for a murder committed in Salvoyn. Talus Snapdragon, who was also accused, evaded the guard and escaped over the rooftops, adding to suspicion of their guilt. Things looked to be getting sticky and an execution seemed the likely outcome when Oliver Warin (the then envoy to Salvoyn) intervened to clear the accused. Citizen Snapdragon later handed himself in and was fined five pounds for evading justice.