The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 143

The first day of the new year saw a major breakout of violence within the Floating Market. A large and bloody battle appears to have taken place between the forces of the Toddman and Skillet with both sides appearing to have hired mercenaries. The Witanmoot Guard were quickly on the scene and all accesses to the market were closed. By mid morning the King's Archers had deployed onto the wall and with their arrows raining down, the market was finally calmed around midday. The following day saw many requests from the councillors and citizens of Bridge and Dowgate that the market be put to the flame. Lady Samantha refused all of these requests, and made it quite clear that she saw the Witanmoot's responsibility being to stop the fight spreading. Some citizens attempted to take the matter into their own hands but, with the King's Rangers shooting anything that moved near the market, they were soon dissuaded. At one point a fire did break out, but this appears to have been contained. It is rumoured that during this confusion, Draco, crimelord of the Cursos was killed by a Solistel assassin, although the Chronicle has been unable to confirm this. On Fifthday, with no further incidents having occurred, the King's troops withdrew and this almost immediately precipitated a resurgence in violence, with fights breaking out in the Babel area and a general mobilisation taking place through the rest of the market. However, whilst the Council debated whether or not to request the return of the troops, further action within the market seems to have taken place. At noon on Seventhday the bloody head of Skillet was displayed at the edge of the River Dow. This seams to have had a near instant calming effect on the whole area, with the Toddman regaining control of the entire Athion area. No further incidents have been reported.

This year's committee elections look set to see one of the hardest fought contests for some time with major posts, such as Treasury and Law and Order, having three or four nominations. The only exceptions are Nicolas Bowden's uncontested election to Trade and the embarrassingly widespread support for sending Malcolm Mowbray to Cascorach. The full nominations were as follows:

In between campaigning to have their people elected and making pronouncements on the Floating Market, our councillors have spent much of their time swapping between the various factions in the aftermath of the elections. George Rimon has moved to the Mowbray faction, where we suspect his blunt speaking will be much at home. Meanwhile the increasingly mobile Gibian Horl has switched to the growing Truestaff group; and a major scare was caused when Suzan Faithside, rising star of the Mowbray camp, was seen in deep discussions with Miranda Andrews, who has been carrying out a powerful recruitment campaign on behalf of Larken Drumm.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 142

The motion to increase the Witanmoot Guard has been passed by an overwhelming majority, bringing the Guards' full complement up to 75. Lady Samantha Cox has expressed delight that her motion gained so much support and went on to tell the Chronicle, "This is an excellent result and proves once and for all the Council's ability to make difficult decisions decisively". The Chronicle, whilst not wishing to argue with Her Ladyship, suspects that the decision had more to do with the fact that none of the councillors dared risk upsetting the guard. We have noted many privately voiced reservations. Many citizens fear more interference with the ward watches and the use of the Witanmoot's troops to crush dissent. It will be interesting to see if our rulers can resist the temptation to use the personal army they are creating.

His Majesty King Edmund has announced his intention to hold the Dragonfeast Council at the Citadel. Any person wishing to seek audience with him should approach Lord D'Assarn, who will be administering the lottery. In celebration of the day the King has announced a major tournament and has declared that a special archery contest will take place in which a team from each of the four great cities, Linrodeth, Salvoyn, Eresan and Cascorach, will compete with a team from the Kings Rangers. Acting Guildmaster Helen Kreft has announced that all citizens interested in representing the city should apply initially to the Bowyers Guild.

Miranda Andrews and Olnorth Dexter are delighted to announce the birth of their son, Oliver George Alexander Wesley, on Sixthday Secondweek during the early hours of the morning. Both mother and son are described as 'vociferous and lively', although Olnorth is looking a little tired nowadays. Olnorth has recently shocked the ward of Dracas by selling the Dexter mansion and moving into the Andrews household, "in order to spend more time looking after my family". This, obviously, makes him ineligible for re-election in Dracas.

This year has seen some of the most intensive campaigning ever, with all the major factions fighting to maintain their position against an upsurge of dissatisfaction with the establishment. There has been a notable closing of the ranks with very little inter faction fighting, as everyone concentrates on keeping their seat against a large number of new hopefuls. Money has been flowing out of the Guilds to support their people and the city has been bedecked in coloured ribbons and each faction attempts to demonstrate their supremacy. The drab brown and green of Adam Avery has been much in evidence, although this may be because it's a lot cheaper to produce. The most expensive campaign appears to be that of Matthew Dixon with intricate wooden gifts being dispensed to all and sundry. Sheriff Perignon's blue banners have also been much in evidence as she throws her weight behind the campaigns of Lilith Lansdowne, Philip Portman and Matthew Dixon, much to the latter's surprise. Amused residents of Levestone have commented that Dixon appears to be running to keep up with his own bandwaggon. More surprisingly still, Beatrice has put money into the campaign of Richard Saunders, although Richard strenuously denies any involvement in her faction.

The winter is proving surprisingly mild and with no snow drifts to bury them, Cllr Randy Parkinson has been early to issue his usual warning against the dumping of dead beggars in the Ishtan. He told the Chronicle, "It's the duty of all our citizens to keep the city clean and safe for decent people to live in. Those who dump dead beggars in the Ishtan are simply lazy and inconsiderate of their fellow citizens. The Witanmoot Guard should be instructed to put an end to this practice." The celebrations at the Andrews household may have been dampened by the news that the purchaser of the Dexter mansion was none other than Sheriff Beatrice Perignon, who made the purchase through an intermediary. Beatrice told the Chronicle, "Of course it will probably need a lot of renovation, but I'm looking forward to putting things in order".

LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS!

As predicted, the establishment has suffered a number of setbacks with four Aldermen losing their seats. Kennet Maxil was defeated by Melanie Romanie in Cadene whilst in Dowgate the battle turned into a four way fight with Alice Fytton emerging victorious from the bitter fight between Moran, Clifford and Barnes (although all three gained a seat on the wardmoot). In Faringdon the longstanding Alderman George Rimon was defeated by Marcus Lambourne in a backlash against the raising of taxes this year. Over in Dracas Philip Portman, backed by a late but powerful Perignon bandwaggon, swept to victory. Other Aldermen given a close call this year were Ann Tasker in Kingsgate and Douglas du Bolay in Arpent, who just fought off David Ravensdale and Margery Haynes respectively. Lilith Lansdowne in Berewic managed to weather the storm produced by the treachery of the family, with Aralan Derwent offering the strongest challenge. In Levestone Matthew Dixon fought off strong challenges from Martin Key and Malcolm Mowbray, whilst in Welland James Isenbard scraped home by three votes, and if Reg Marc had not made a last minute offer of free beer to anyone supporting James, Gillian Howe would probably have defeated him. Joanna Paynell lost her seat on the Wardmoot of Ishtan. Richard Firethorn and Larken Drumm, both of Avigon, succeeded in their campaigns to be elected and the Chroniclers welcome them to the strange and wonderful world of the Court of Common Council.

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 142

Lady of the City Samantha Cox has caused uproar in the council by proposing a £50 increase in the Witanmoot budget. The lion's share of this increase is to fund an expansion of the Witanmoot Guard to a total strength of 75. Proposing the new budget she told the council, "The council has seen fit to bestow many further duties on the guard this year. This is the minimum increase necessary for the guard to fulfil these duties properly. I don't believe it is right to fiddle the books by partially funding this from the trade budget or any of the other fudges that have been proposed. It's about time some members of this council realised that when they vote for an increase in service, they have to be prepared to back it up with an increased budget." What prompted this uncharacteristic outburst is unclear, but some sources have suggested that Lady Cox is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the number of 'worthy' motions which are being passed and then forgotten.

The campaigning for the midwinter elections is beginning to get underway, with Levestone, Welland and Dowgate emerging as the hottest wards. Cllr Buggs Moran has been canvassing to replace Alderman Mary Clifford. Buggs told the Chronicle, "Mary is a nice person, but the time when there were any nice solutions to Dowgate's problems has long passed." However, it looks as though the anti-Clifford vote will be split by Jocelyn Barnes who is campaigning vociferously on a policy of, "burn out the vermin in the floating market". Elsewhere in the city Matthew Dixon has been working hard to retain his Aldermanship, and Gillian Howe has launched a surprisingly strong campaign for the Welland Aldermanship.

Perhaps taking up the point made by Lady Samantha, Richard Firethorn has been continuing his work to bring fresh water to the city. An idea which the council voted for, but which it has been singularly ineffective in pursuing. In a surprise move Richard brought two Abbotts, of the Brynettes and the Torians, together for a meal to discuss the project. The Chronicle believes that this is the first time the religions have met since the Brynette bombardment of the Abbey of Gerlantia during the civil war, and congratulates him on this major breakthrough.

Roland and Julia Perignon have been seen looking at houses in Levestone, however the Chronicle expects that rather than buy an old house they will be acquiring some of the land freed up in certain riots last year, and building it themselves. The incentive behind this business expansion is rumoured to be a certain sheriff who has mentioned that "we wish to become a grandmother".

Ann Tasker has been continuing her investigation into the disappearance of Armundus Septer however, as she and Aralan Derwent have been discovering, the trail is somewhat cold. On the subject of Aralan Derwent, devoted Chronicle readers may be wondering as to the outcome of the article in last year's Chronicle of Ternost. We are now happy to report that our intrepid reporter Chinon has investigated and has been walking around with a smile on his face ever since.

Big, hearty Harry Truestaff has pulled of the, to him, coup of the year with Maud Blessop joining his faction. A faction which has never been noted for its abstinence and which may now be changing its title to the Party Party! Detailed planning for the Midwinter celebrations are already said to be underway, regardless of the election results.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 142

The harried Alderman of Levestone, Matthew Dixon, is offering a ten shilling reward for information leading to the arrest of the Levestone mugger. Last month this mugger assaulted a resident of Levestone who had attempted to prevent him removing the local copy of the Chronicle. Information gathered so far simply describes him as tall, well dressed with a foreign accent. He was seen to head off in the direction of the Witanmoot.

Lady Amelia and Sheriff Griffiths have been seen out and about town this month, with visits to the College production, music evenings and, most conspicuously, a fund-raising party at 'The Bullion'. This latter event culminated in a long conga of revellers, headed by our august duo, weaving back to the Citadel via the docks, Mrs Blessop's rose garden, the cellars of the Vintners Guild (thrice), Alderman Isembard's kitchen, the city ditch and the Royal Mews.

That well-known hypothetical envoy, Malcolm Mowbray, has been seen much in the vicinity of Sheriff Perignon this month, particularly during full council sessions. At one stage the two were seen in animated conversation, although the subject matter remains unknown since none of the many interested observers circled close enough to overhear. It was noted, however, the Mowbray had previously taken the precaution of acquiring a couple of bodyguards to cover his back.

In a surprise move Sheriff Perignon has appointed Alderman Ann Tasker chair of a special committee to investigate the disappearance of Armundus Septer from his prison cell last year. Alderman Tasker has already appointed Robert Beaureli, Martin Key, Arianne Pencric, David Northropp and Mary Hastings to assist her in this task. With her usual sure nose for where trouble (and a good fight) are to be found, Councillor Aralan Derwent has also been observed hanging around the prisons recently.

In the Witanmoot session there was uproar when Alderman Gibian Horl confessed that no budget or accounts were available for the Shipping Committee this year. He attempted to blame this on repeated meddling by his former faction, but this was perceived as a poor excuse for failing in his duties towards the city. After a noisy afternoon session, Alderman Horl resigned from his post as Chairman. This was followed by an announcement that the proposed Welfare and Education budget would be the same as the previous year.

The following day the Council reconvened to vote on the motion to censure Richard Saunders, which was proposed by Alderman Dixon. After a spirited debate in which the evils of enforced courtesy versus complete freedom of speech were disputed, the motion was passed by the extremely narrow margin of 146 votes to 130.

After a petition by the Vintners Guild, the Treasury has postponed until next budget day the outstanding tax owed by the orphanage founded and run by Gax the Heretic. The orphanage has been built on an abandoned vineyard to the east of the city, and it now appears that this plot of land was an outright gift to the orphanage from the Vintners Guild rather than, as initially assumed, a long term nominal lease. As the trustee landowner, Gax appears to be taking the debt to society very seriously. He has even been observed reprimanding some of the orphans who protested rather bluntly to the Treasury Committee.

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 142

A major meeting of the City's crimelords was disrupted by the Witanmoot Guard, who it is thought came within a few minutes of capturing the Toddman. The guards, who were in the catacombs beneath Faringdon investigating the disappearance of some Masons, stumbled upon the gathering and with swift action captured a number of the criminal scum. Alderman Rimon of Faringdon told the Chronicle, " The audacity of these criminal elements in choosing to hold a meeting within the city, shows that we are failing in our fight against crime. I implore the sheriffs to impose the death sentence upon those captured, in order to set an example to others that crime does not pay." The Chronicle would like to offer its condolences to the relatives of Henry Beecham, Colin Watson, Sandra Coombes and Cory Kale of the Masons Guild, who the guard later determined had been killed in a rockfall.

There are rumours of scandal within both the Vintners and Carpenters guilds this month, with both guilds launching 'behind the scenes' investigations. Cllr Mowbray, treasurer of the Vintners, told the Chronicle, "We were acting on a tip off, which we have determined to be completely unfounded, and I will be having words with the originators." The Carpenter treasurer, Alderman Dixon, is also inspecting the books, and the occurrence of this just weeks after Sir Paston's final public engagement is the cause of much speculation.

Reg Marc's 'Uncle Marcus' brew seems to have had an odd effect on some members of the Witanmoot Guard, who were seen attempting to 'repair a shutter' on an upstairs window of the Empty Barrel. What the guard were actually doing breaking into this popular councillors' pub is unclear and James Isenbard, the Alderman of Welland, has made a formal complaint to the Witanmoot. He told the Chronicle, "I was not aware that the guard were in the ward, and the possibility that a crime may have been committed worries me greatly. It is clear that the guard is getting out of control."

Alderman Dixon has been having a busy time. Not content with the quiet passage of the Trade budget, the demands of the new job and the time-consuming Carpenter's investigation, Dixon has proposed a motion of censure. The motion, seconded by Nicholas Bowden, condemns Cllr Richard Saunders and demands that he retract his statements reported in the Chronicle last month. Sheriff Perignon may not have time to worry about Richard Saunders, following the disintegration of her faction. What caused this sudden rush to defect from the most powerful grouping in the Witanmoot is unclear, but as far as the Chronicle can gather nearly 50 councillors have abandoned her faction this month. One councillor reported that the faction was disintegrating so fast that people were being hit by the shrapnel. To further complicate matters, Ann Tasker has marked the anniversary of the disappearance of Armundus Septer with a renewal of her campaign to have the matter investigated. She told the Chronicle, "Armundus has now been missing for a year, and we are no further towards discovering what actually happened. Last month the 'Levestone Mafia' again showed its true face and I and the rest of my group will be continuing our campaign to expose their abuses of power."

Seasoned readers of the Chronicle may remember an incident a few years ago when a fire at a dockland pub managed to inflict a number of sword wounds. It would appear that this damage is contagious, since a number of the Witanmoot Guard have sustained serious slashes and burn injuries in a catacomb 'rockfall' a few days after their successful raid on the crimelords meeting. Rumour has it that the crimelords successfully ambushed the guards as they continued their search, and an embarrassed Witanmoot has concocted the rockfall story to cover it up.

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 142

The City has averted the threatened constitutional crisis over Bridge Ward refusing to pay its taxes. A last minute switch of vote at the Wardmoot by Cllr Hugo Kelly meant that (on the Alderman's casting vote) the non-payment motion was defeated. Cllr Kelly told the Chronicle, "I still believe that we were right to register a protest in the way we did, but the whole situation was getting out of hand and I decided to defuse the issue before someone got hurt". Indeed, until this point the situation was looking increasingly dangerous with a number of confrontations taking place between the Local Watch and the Witanmoot Guard. At one stage two of the guards were arrested by the Watch for assaulting a citizen, and an armed confrontation seemed inevitable. A large proportion of the Wardmoot remains unrepentant; their leader Cllr Richard Saunders told the Chronicle that, "Kelly's defection was the result of blatant intimidation by Sheriff Perignon and her professional thugs. I think she threatened to 'disappear' him in the same way as she, and the rest of the Levestone Mafia, arranged the 'disappearance' of Armundus Septer."

Tension remains high in the Floating Market and the nearby Ward of Dowgate, after two Solistel were killed by Dowgate citizens. According to Jocelyn Barnes, a Mercer of Dowgate, "The people were only protecting the ward from these criminals". Accusing the Witanmoot Guard of co-operating with the scum, she called for the Knight Marshal to, "wipe out this infestation on the City's doorstep, before an attack is launched upon the ward". However Charain Meduenin, spokesman for the Solistel told the Chronicle, "We have no feud with the citizens of Dowgate. Cllr Edge has assured us that Alderman Clifford is honourable, and the attacks were not of her doing. Our dead have already been avenged." Unconfirmed reports suggest that perpetrators of the killing were captured by the Witanmoot Guard, however no official statement on the matter has yet been made.

Floating Market tensions have also been raised by an apparent coup within the Toddman's organisation. Rumour suggests that the city's crime lord has had a significant part of his organisation usurped by someone called Skillet. A number of killings and the large number of fights which have recently taken place around the docks, and the Floating Market would tend to confirm this rumour.

Witanmoot business remained subdued this month, possibly out of respect for the King's presence in the City. The Law & Order budget was passed without opposition, while the Dixon amendment to the Election of Sheriffs (itself amended by Mowbray's proposal) was passed overwhelmingly. Surprisingly, despite fierce battles earlier in the year, there appears to be no further debate over the spending of the Trade budget. The Chroniclers suspect that most councillors have already lost the draft of the proposed budget (cunningly circulated by Matthew Dixon before the summer festivities) and are to embarrassed to admit it.

The mysterious absence of Cllrs Dixon, Mowbray and Derwent, which was beginning to be a cause for concern, has been explained. The three Councillors returned from a tour of the surrounding Duchy where they have been negotiating with the Barons in an attempt to avert a repeat of last year's grain crisis. Although they have steadfastly refused to comment, their buoyant mood would suggest that the mission was a success. Upon their return both Levestone councillors set about creating a further stir. In a surprise move, Cllr Mowbray turned down a nomination for Alderman, and has instead accepted an appointment to the position of Envoy to Cascorach. This has enabled Cllr Dixon to be elected unopposed to the position of Alderman of Levestone, and the Chronicle would like to congratulate him on this long overdue reward for his tireless efforts. Those citizens who had been looking forward to a bruising fight between the two for the position of Alderman, and who at least thought that Mowbray would go down fighting, have been further disappointed by Cllr Mowbray's apparent delight at the way things have turned out. The new envoy, a largely theoretical post this late in the year, immediately opened his cellars and threw a truly memorable party. The cellars, famed for their select contents of City States' vintage wine, proved to be a very popular location, and just about every member of the Witanmoot turned up during the course of the evening. Even Sheriff Perignon, herself a renown vintner, remarked favourably on the evening's libations. Sheriff Griffiths also attended, and spent much of the evening welcoming Lady Amelia Fortesque to the delights of the capital city. All in all, only Aldermen Dexter and Andrews, away on a second honeymoon, missed out on the festivities.

Chinon Starsinger reports that the new 'Uncle Marcus' winter brew, which has been produced by 'The Empty Barrel' in Welland, is the best he's tasted in years. If you'd like to try some go there soon, otherwise Chinon assures us that he intends to drink the place dry himself if at all possible.

The Highsun Fete appears to have been a reasonable success, with a large crowd attending this first event. Most Guilds had made an attempt to put on a good display, although many had obviously simply picked a senior member to set up shop in the market for the day. Perhaps if the event is repeated more competition and display will take place. Despite this the event was clearly a success and raised a large sum of money, although wrangling over what exactly each exhibitor was meant to contribute marred some of the goodwill generated. In a clear snub to Sheriff Perignon, who is known to have offered her services, the event was opened by Sir Paston Courtney. Ma Perignon obviously forgot that the event was in aid of Gax's orphanage where, following the announcement of her plans to establish a Hahnite orphanage, she is not the most popular of people. Possibly it was her that Mad Mab was warning when she told the baffled crowd, "Honour the dragon's heart, for he treads the wine of life, and few can taste of his truth". Then again, perhaps not.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 142

The Midsummer Fair has been a scorching occasion this year, with many revellers picnicking in the shade of the city wall for the afternoon. Despite the heat, there were no shortages of contenders for the main prizes, with Ned Bockran winning the freestyle wrestling, Di Taggart taking the horse racing trophy and 'Gutsy' Ginley retaining the pie eating prize. Most surprising win of the afternoon was the victory of young squint-eyed Sam Wallis in the 50 yard archery contest. His unflappable composure was largely due to the fact that he didn't recognise the King, whose unexpected arrival on the main stand caused panic amongst contestants and Aldermen alike. The King, his entire household and a detachment of cavalry rode in off the main road from Cascorach completely unannounced. An omission which seems to be being blamed on the lack (still) of an Envoy in that city. Our loyal councillors spent the next few hours rushing around trying to put things in order before Lady Samantha Cox was summoned to the Citadel. Why his Majesty should choose to return unannounced is unclear, some commentators have mentioned the grain taxation problems which will inevitably arise after the harvest.

Irving Grendle's rescheduled duel took place on Firstday at noon, amongst the half-cleared debris of the Midsummer fair. The audience were interested to note that Miranda Andrews, herself a mean duellist, turned out to replace Alderman Dexter for the occasion. The duel started badly for Grendle when his initial attack left him overextended and Andrews inflicted a light cut along his arm. Suspecting a trick, Andrews refused to attack and drew back, giving Grendle ample opportunity to recover himself. This move appeared to annoy both of them and the duel resumed with a furious exchange which drew applause from the onlookers. This was followed by a prolonged pause as both participants reconsidered their tactics, and restarted with a vicious exchange which left Andrews with a light cut and Grendle with a deep wound on the leg. This second wound bled profusely and quickly forced him to yield the fight. While the Torian Physickian attended to Grendle, onlookers were startled to observe Andrews, a veteran of many such encounters, make a sudden rush to the city ditch in order to throw up. The worried Torian eventually carted both duellists off to the infirmary for further attention.

A serious dispute has broken out between the Ward of Bridge and the Court of Common Council over the city's deployment of the Witanmoot Guard onto the bridge. The Wardmoot of Bridge has refused to collect the additional levy from its citizens, describing the extra taxation as an unnecessary and pointless burden. Alderman for the ward, Gibian Horl, deplored the Council's decision but maintained that the Wardmoot had a duty to uphold the decisions of the Council. However the rest of the Wardmoot apparently thought differently and Alderman Horl was outvoted. How the council will respond to this unprecedented action is unclear, but at least one angry councillor has suggested that the Witanmoot Guard extend its jurisdiction beyond the bridge.

Councillor Matthew Dixon is pleased to announce the birth of his second child, Paston Dixon. Mother and son are both said to be well. The Chroniclers would like to offer their congratulation and hope that the youngster will have a less interesting life than his elder sister.

With half the Council away on their estates and most of the Aldermen preoccupied with the King, much of this month's business has been postponed. This includes Cllr Dixon's proposals concerning the election of sheriffs, and Cllr Mowbray's amendment to it. Both of these will now be debated next month. In one of the few sessions to be held the Land & Agriculture budget, unchanged from last year, was passed without opposition. The proposed Law & Order budget is also unchanged from previous years, contrary to public expectation. Chairman for Law & Order, Alison Shefford, commented; "Although we wished to strengthen our support for the prisons, there simply isn't any money in the budget with which to do it. The existing budget is the fairest distribution of our inadequate funding, and I therefore see no reason to change it."

With the recent hot weather, the city was lucky to escape relatively unscathed from a fire which broke out in the Ward of Dowgate earlier this week. The fire was brought under control only after several houses had been destroyed. Most of the citizens from the surrounding area, and many of the Witanmoot Guard, were involved in the action to stop the fire's spread. The reason for the fire is unclear, however unconfirmed reports claim that a resident of Dowgate, who was seen on the wall with a number of fire arrows shortly before the fire started, was shot and fell backwards onto the thatched roof of the building below. Our informant was unclear as to whether the shot was fired from the Floating Market or, as some people have been claiming, from the bridge by a member of the Witanmoot Guard.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 142

This year's voting results from the Aldermanic Council show a sharp decrease in support for the Justice League, with the traditional Mowbray/Dexter alliance losing out to the new and rather tentative Dixon/Perignon axis. Interestingly Cllr Derwent's faction, although still claiming loose affiliation to the League, has chosen to vote with the newer team. One of the more landslide returns was for George 'hang em high' Rimon, who recently changed to Perignon's faction after some years with Olnorth Dexter, a fact which has either escaped the notice of the League (they voted for him anyway) or which shows devious plans are afoot. The only Alderman to escape the general purge seems to be Alison Shefford, and we're sure the fact that she is Ma Perignon's guildmaster is entirely coincidental. The full results of the voting were as follows:

Chair for the Treasury George Rimon 21 Kennet Maxil 2

Chair for Trade Nicholas Bowden 13 Miranda Andrews 10

Chair for Law & Order Alison Shefford 15 Duncan Barnett 7

Chair for Lands & Agriculture Jemma Downe

Emissary to Nyskilde Arianne Pencric 13 John Madigan 10

Following the season's elections, most active factions have spent the past month in internal rearrangements and self-investigation. Meanwhile Alderman Rimon is hard at work drawing up the new budget, while Lord Courtney still has the appointments of the Emissaries to Cascorach and Salvoyn to ponder. Should these be delayed they will become the appointments of the new Lord. Paston Courtney, Samantha Cox and Alan Griffiths have all been nominated for this post as expected.

The Nyskildian vice-emissary has lodged a formal complaint with the Witanmoot over the continuing detention, without trial, of one of his guards. The guard is suspected of having been behind the attacks on the Dixon household, which led to the near death of Cllr Dixon and the kidnapping of Lord Courtney's granddaughter. The vice-emissary accused the Witanmoot of attempting to frame the Nyskildians for the attacks, and has hinted at dire consequences should the matter not be resolved by the time the Nyskildian ambassador returns.

The first ships from the south have reached harbour after a particularly mild spring, and bring several pieces of news from the Royal court. Citizens will be delighted to hear that the Princess Alexis Emma was born to Princess Eleanor on Eighthday Thirdweek of Kruthos. Both mother and daughter are now said to be doing well. The ship also carried the news that, on the occasion of Prince Kieran's 18th birthday back in Skelern, the King appointed the Prince as Commander of the King's Rangers. The Prince will be joining the Rangers who are currently based in the highlands of east Athion. Last but not least, the long overwintering in Salvoyn has led to the happy announcement that Her Highness the Princess Selina Karandreos of Kerun is to become betrothed to the young Prince Edwin. This somewhat unexpected conclusion has confounded court watchers who had expected Crown Prince Edward to be the subject of the Princess' attention.

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 142

The proposal that the Witanmoot Guard patrols Linrodeth Bridge has been passed overwhelmingly by Council, despite protests from the Ward of Bridge and the Chairman of the Trade Committee. The proposal was passed by 158 votes to 50, and included a requirement for the Trade budget to provide funds, hence presumably, the protests. The Land & Agriculture budget has also been unveiled, and remains unchanged from last year. In anticipation of the forthcoming Midsummer elections, Matthew Dixon has suggested some electoral reform, and in a full session of the council proposed, "That from the Midsummer 143 election, each elector for the sheriffs shall have two votes. The two votes must be cast for different candidates (but one or both votes may be abstentions). In the event of a tie, the votes of the Lord of the City shall count double." Cllr Mowbray, while claiming to support the principle of the motion, offered the following amendment, which he claimed would prevent a number of potential problems with the original motion. "That the Lord of the City shall not normally vote, but shall have a casting vote with which to resolve any tie."

Aralan Derwent has once again been seen dining at Mrs Blessop's carvery in the company of Sir Henry Longbridge, and once more it would appear that Sir Henry has added to her jewellery collection. Perhaps Sir Henry is unaware that the reason Aralan keeps needing new jewellery is that she has flogged off all his previous gifts in order to finance her speculative business ventures.

Adverts have started to appear about the new Avigon fête, scheduled for Setheran Lastday, which Gax the Heretic has been promoting in his latest speaking tour. Sir Paston Courtney has confirmed that he will be opening the fête and signing autographs in positively his last public engagement before retiring to his manor. Unkind eavesdroppers have noted that Alderman Perignon also offered to open the fête, and is now having to get her ego reinflated.

Elsewhere, the hectic social whirlwind of Olnorth Dexter has been halted by an unexpected challenge to duel. The challenge comes from none other than his own sidekick, Irving Grendle, who is reckoned to be a fairly flashy wielder of the rapier outside his hours in the council chamber. The challenge appears to stem from certain derogatory remarks made by Alderman Dexter at a glittering summer ball hosted by Augustus Merle of the Goldsmiths guild. The duel will be at sunrise on Setheran Firstday, and will undoubtedly be a more exciting affair than Alderman Dexter's previous, unfortunate encounter.

Cllr Buggs Moran of Dowgate has demanded that the City take action against the drumming from the floating market, which has if anything increased in both intensity and volume. She told the Chronicle, "This is just typical of our Government's 'somebody else's problem' attitude over the Floating Market. It's about time someone actually did something, rather than just hoping that if they ignore it long enough it will go away."

LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS!

The results of the hotly contested sheriffs posts are;

Beatrice Perignon 11

Alan Griffiths 6

Elliot Anderson 5

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 142

The Court of Common Council reached a deadlock last month over the two budget amendments proposed following the controversial 1s.2d tax hike announced in this years budget. Both amendments were closer to last years figures, with the Perignon proposal suggesting a 6d average increase per household, and the Dixon one a 10d equivalent. It was left to newcomer Councillor Adam Avery to break the deadlock, with a speech pointing out that the Dixon amendment suffered from the same flaw as the original budget – that it contained items not yet approved by full Council session. The final council vote then went to 142 votes for the Perignon amendment, and 121 votes for the Dixon amendment. Councillor Avery then rose to his feet again to suggest that Councillor Dixon's suggestions should now be examined in more detail. He formally proposed "That the Council investigate the extension of the Witanmoot Guards' area of responsibility to include the Bridge, and the resultant transfer of funds from the Committee for Trade to the Sheriffs' Office." The vote on this will take place next month. Earlier this month the Treasury's budget outline was proposed for the year. It was identical to those of previous years and was passed without dissent.

Beatrice Perignon, Alan Griffiths, Eliott Anderson were nominated for Sheriff.

Somewhat belatedly, Gax the Heretic has spoken out against proposals for a new city orphanage. In a scathing attack delivered from the Mootstone, he told a large crowd, "The proposals of Ms Perignon that the city establish an orphanage, are indicative of the Establishment's failure to respond to the true needs of its citizens, and of the perversion of projects of the common good to the service of self interest. Citizens should be under no illusions as to the true purpose of Ms Perignon's proposals which is to establish a centre for the indoctrination of the youth of the city in the Hahnite faith". The good natured, although puzzled, cheering of the crowd subsided in time for them to hear about the new Highsun Fete, to be held in Avigon, the proceeds from which will go to Gax's orphanage out eastside.

Following the retirement of Sir Paston Courtney, the Carpenters Guild has been holding elections to determine the new look of the Guild. Punters had expected the high profile Matthew Dixon to emerge as the new leader, but it turned out that Nicholas Bowden was returned as the new Guildmaster. Cllr Dixon managed to land the office of Treasurer instead, and Mervyn James becomes the new Secretary.

Residents of the Ward of Dowgate have been losing sleep and temper to a fresh irritation from the Floating Market. On odd nights for the past two weeks a persistent noise, described variously as a low thrumming or deep drumming sound, has been emanating from the river slum. Angry residents have already started to shoot the occasional fire arrow into the area, but these have so far failed to make any difference. However, a petition has been sent to the Knight Marshal, Sir Salverian, asking him to clear this public nuisance from the King's Highway. Maybe we shall see sparks flying soon.

The Shipwrights are noted to be working on a particularly large and ornate ocean-going vessel, apparently a commission from the Temple of Esprayenna. Rumours continue that this is one of the rare, exploratory, Ships of the Dawn.