The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 141

In his first act as Sheriff, Alan Griffiths has placed Cllr Armundus Septer under house arrest, pending a trial to take place next month. Sheriff Griffiths was at pains throughout the hearing to show impartiality, and after careful consideration he decided that sufficient evidence had been presented by Alderman Mowbray and Cllr Perignon for a full trial to be held. Many citizens will remember that Armundus is no stranger to such events, in Galemir of last year he faced a trial on charges of sedition which were brought by the same people. Indeed the similarity of the events has led Ariane Pencric to accuse Alderman Mowbray of "hounding a disabled old man to his death", and she has challenged him to a duel.

The election of the new Alderman of Dracas has produced a surprise result. Nearly everyone had assumed that Olnorth Dexter would easily win the contest, however Philip Portman was elected with 121 votes to Dexter's 99, and Sharon Berhon trailing at 50 votes. Philip ascribed his success to the support of Cllr Perignon whose large faction swamped the combined efforts of the Justice League. Two people noticeably absent from the vote were Sheriff Cox and Alderman Mowbray. Alderman Mowbray later denied rumours of a split; "We were simply far too busy working on the Septer case" he claimed.

His Majesty the King has announced that Prince Kieran is to lead a detachment of the Kings Rangers to the Gravelkinden, which has recently been suffering from serious banditry. The Chronicle notes that this appointment strengthens Prince Kieran's involvement with the Rangers, and give credence to the rumours that he will be given formal command on them come his Eighteenth birthday next Skelern.

A major dispute seems to be brewing between the Carpenters Guild and the Thatchers Guild. The Carpenters have accused the Thatchers of wildly inflating the prices they are charging when working for the Carpenters Guild. When the Chronicle asked Guildmaster Marc 'the Thatcher' Bergeren for a comment on the dispute, he told us, "The Carpenters have treated the thatchers as slave labour for years. Now that His Majesty has granted us a guild charter we are merely redressing the balance. In my opinion the bastards deserve everything they get." Lord Courtney has demanded that Marc withdraw these statements against his guild, however the Thatchers are remaining defiant.

Plans for the relocation of the Floating Market seem to be progressing slowly, Cllr Duncan Barnett has been expressing his support for the scheme, as a means of eliminating the competition the market presents to the Guilds of Linrodeth. However although everyone seems to support the idea, few constructive suggestions have come forward on how it should be achieved. Cllr Buggs Moran of Dowgate has proposed one novel solution, " We set fire to this end of it and see how fast it moves".

Amid much pomp, Plenipotentiary Belleme has left for the Dukedom of Cascorach. He will be accompanied by Sir Menzies, the Archimandrite's personal envoy, and a full company of the Knights Templar, led by Sir Magnus. The Temple has been unwilling to comment on the reason for all this military might, however they have denied rumours that it is there to protect Edward from the attentions of the Lady Caroline.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 141

The Archimandrite is pleased to announce that, at the special request of the Princess Eleanor, Edward de Belleme is to become the new Plenipotentiary of Cascorach. The appointment follows the retirement due to ill health of the current Plenipotentiary, Henry Algernon Persevanten, who will be leaving for a Hahnite retreat in the Celidon Forest. Edward de Belleme, currently a Pendentite in the Linrodeth Temple, said that he was "pleased and honoured" to have been chosen for the task, and that he hoped to be in Cascorach by Higharvestide.

The Chroniclers are pleased to announce the results of the elections held at Midsummer are:

Samantha Cox	10 Votes
Alan Griffiths	7 Votes
Kennet Maxil	6 Votes

So long-serving Kennet Maxil retires from the Witanmoot for the time being, refusing to comment on whether he will stand again at the Midwinter elections. Likewise Sheriff Cox, her position obviously strengthened by topping the poll, is refusing to say if she intends standing for Lord of the City next year.

The Chair of Law and Order, Alderman Malcolm Mowbray, has formally accused Cllr Armundus Septer of misconduct, creating turmoil in the previously torpid council chambers. The Hearing is scheduled to take place before the new sheriff, Alan Griffiths, early next month. Mowbray has so far refused to release details of his investigations into the Levestone riots of recent months, but this latest announcement is believed to be connected to the investigation. Unfortunately for the watch serving notice of the summons, it appears that the Old Man of the Witanmoot has already done a bunk. Shutters on his Levestone house are closed and the servants quarters are empty – although neighbours have pointed out that Armundus often visits his summer estate during the height of the summer.

The Chroniclers note the absence of both Alderman Andrews and Cllr Dexter from the council proceedings this month. Our impartial enquiries have confirmed that the pair have left the city to celebrate the passing of Midsummer in a deeply traditional manner; a nuptial hunting. The Chroniclers, along with all the other interested followers of their prolonged courtship, offer their heartiest congratulations.

In a poorly attended debate in the Witanmoot, Alderman Mowbray has proposed the mandatory removal of the Floating Market to a point further upstream from its present position, and on the far bank. Details of how this would be achieved were sparse, but Mowbray invited constructive suggestions. The move was supported by Cllr Aralan Derwent who said, "I hope that citizens will welcome this proposal, which will reduce the problems that the residents of Dowgate have been having, while maintaining the market." The proposal seemed to gather cautious support from the chamber, although several councillors could be heard suggesting that the whole caboodle was removed to about five mile beyond the Ishtan estuary and left there.

Lord Festus Perara, Ambassador from the Court of Kerun, is conspicuously avoiding the vicinity of Salvoyn this summer. This seems to be despite (or perhaps because of) the presence of his liege lady, the Princess Selina Karandreos, who is making a state visit this summer.

Gax the Heretic has returned to his old haunt; the steps of the Hahn Temple. Apparently a couple of the youngsters from his orphanage have been denied entrance to the Law School, and Gax is demanding to know why. The reason seems obvious to the Chroniclers – but according to Gax its because of, "the archaic establishment's repression of potential debate through the deliberate under-education of the people".

Due to the appointment of Alan Griffiths as Sheriff, there will be an election of the Alderman of Dracas ward next month, in the Court of Common Council.

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 141

Their Majesties King Edmund and Queen Emma are delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness, the Princess Eleanor, is expecting the birth of her first child around Midwinter. Their Majesties will be providing scores of casks of ale to the wards of Linrodeth on Midsummer Day, so that all loyal citizens can celebrate this announcement. The Chroniclers offer their congratulations, and have two questions: (a) is this the reason for Goodgulf re-arranging the astrological charts, and (b) has anyone told the father yet?

The Witanmoot have announced the following nominations for the two Sheriff posts. They are: Alan Griffiths (Andrews, Rimon) Samantha Cox (Warin, Mowbray) Kennet Maxil (Lansdowne, Horl) Voting will take place over the Midsummer festival at the Witanmoot.

An open letter to Cllr Beatrice Perignon Councillor,

So you had to take the first move. Not only do you condone a murderous attack on my nephew, Roland Dixon, but you cause trouble in Levestone, and cause Malcolm Mowbray, both yours and my Alderman, a great deal of trouble. But the last straw has to be your false accusation that Alderman Elliot Anderson started the riots! How could he? He was in Ishtan being visited by all and sundry (e.g., Alderman Malcolm Mowbray and Cllr Aralan Derwent). So please, don't do anything that would mean that I had to request Lord Paston Courtney to relieve me of my duties as emissary to Nyskilde, and thus return to solve the pending matters between us.

Yours Sincerely, Cllr Matthew Dixon

Lord Paston Courtney wishes to announce that Roland Dixon has been pardoned of the responsibility for the death of Guimar Perignon. The Committee for Law & Order is tracking down the person or persons responsible for stirring up the trouble between the families which led to this tragic incident. Commenting on the announcement, Malcolm Mowbray, Chair of the committee said, "I wish he'd make his mind up".

After the recent months of blisteringly hot weather, the harvest this year is likely to be early. Although Temple of Daleth is still expressing concern over the lack of rain, this year's harvest should also be very good. Following the problems experienced in the last few years this will come as a welcome change for the Cornmongers and their customers.

Matters in the ward of Levestone seem to have settled down and the watch has once again taken over responsibility for the ward. Commenting on the situation Alderman Mowbray told the Chronicle, "I can assure the citizens of this city that the troublemakers who started this will be tracked down and dealt with. One thing I would like to clear up is the report that I had summoned Elliot Anderson to a hearing over the matter. That hearing was in fact to discuss some rumours concerning Beatrice Perignon which I believed him to be the source of. Although his actions may well have contributed to situation, I have now been convinced that he himself was not behind the riots."

Lord Festus Perara, Ambassador from the Court of Kerun, is pleased to announce that the Princess Selina Karandreos will be visiting Salvoyn over the summer months. The state visit is at the personal invitation of the King and Queen.

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 141

There were dramatic events in the Witanmoot this month. Cllr Neville Vincent, the Treasurer of the Watermen, had just tabled a motion calling for an emergency debate on the raiding of the Watermens Guild by the Witanmoot Guard, when Cllr Derwent rose and, amid a general uproar, charged Cllr Vincent and the Watermens Guild with Embezzlement, Conspiracy and Evasion of Taxes. Sheriff Cox ordered in the Guard to arrest Cllr Vincent and the Watermen faction rose to meet them. Lord Courtney was forced to suspend the session, and the Witanmoot guard, with swords drawn, cleared the hall and forced their way through to Cllr Vincent.

Our reporters have discovered that investigations by Cllr Derwent into the death of Baldwin Underwood and the disappearance of Cllr O'Leeny had led her to suspect the Watermen's Guildmaster Denys Spittle of corruption. In a midnight raid members of the Witanmoot Guard seized the Guild Offices and arrested Guildmaster Spittle. The next morning Guildmaster Spittle and 'a wagonload of books' were taken under a very heavy guard to the Witanmoot, where Cllr Spittle confessed that he, Gus O'Leeny and most of the Watermens Guild had been defrauding the city of a vast amount of tax for the last 5 years. Lord Courtney has ordered the assets of the Guild and all its senior members seized and it is believed that he is considering revoking their Guild Charter. A number of the more cynical members of the Council have commented that, given Lord Courtney's need to raise extra revenue this year, the chances of any of the Watermen's assets avoiding forfeiture to the city are pretty minimal.

The violence in Levestone has broken out into open warfare with supporters of the exiled Roland Dixon attempting to storm the Perignon household. Alderman Mowbray called in the Witanmoot Guard and a number of people were killed in the ensuing fight. Alderman Mowbray has now become a target, following his suspension of the ward council and watch. Only the presence of two squads of the Witanmoot Guard acting under his direct control is preventing further violence. Cllr Perignon appears to have collapsed during the attack on her house and was rushed to the Torian Temple, where her condition is described as serious.

The Witanmoot Guard seem to have been excelling themselves this month, earlier in the week two members of the guard captured an assassin after a dramatic chase through the streets of Portsoken and Bridge. The patrol leader, Sgt Mugge, has refused to comment on rumours that the target of the assassination was Cllr Olnorth Dexter.

Alderman Elliot Anderson of Ishtan must be Linrodeth's least happy man this month. Not only has one of the major guilds in his ward had most of its assets seized, and half of its councillors arrested, but he himself has been called to appear at a hearing before Sheriff Samantha Cox charged with a seditious involvement in the Levestone riots.

In perhaps the only light event this month, Cllr Dexter was almost arrested when he was found in the rear garden of Maud Blessop's restaurant in Levestone at three in the morning. A sheepish Cllr Dexter explained that he had been up all night with Aralan Derwent and Sam Cox and he needed to obtain a rose before he went back to Miranda. The watch sent him on his way and wished him luck – he was going to need it.

Amid rumours that the King was considering sending in troops to seize the accounts of all the guilds, Lord Courtney and Sheriff Cox have been summoned to the Citidel. Lord Courtney dismissed the rumours as unfounded, and stated that His Majesty was merely concerned about the situation in the Wards of Ishtan and Levestone, and he was at pains to assure the city that at no stage had the King threatened to send in his regiments unless the city failed to sort out its affairs.

STOP PRESS

The Witanmoot was rocked yesterday by the shock announcement of the deaths in prison of Denys Spittle, Neville Vincent and Tony Walker, all of whom were under investigation over the Waterman scandal. Unconfirmed reports suggest that they were deliberately poisoned.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 141

This year's Springtide celebrations were dampened but not disrupted by the persistent downpour of rain which had the river Ishtar swelling dangerously close to the top of the banks. Although the religious ceremonies were well attended, the re-election of Lord Paston Courtney was a sparsely attended event. No doubt most of the Aldermen assumed that the result was a forgone conclusion, and avoided an unnecessary journey through the torrential rain. In his acceptance speech Lord Courtney warned that the city coffers were still in a poor state, and that despite the rebate from the Citadel this years budget would be very tight. He warned that some of the more ambitious welfare projects may have to be suspended, and would not rule out the possibility of an increase in taxation.

Guimar Perignon's funeral was held late last month, and was a private ceremony attended by family and close friends. The burial was at a small family willow grove to the west of the city. Beatrice Perignon, always a rather remote figure, has since withdrawn even more from public life. She is now in seclusion in the Torian Temple where young Antoine Lansdowne is making a slow but steady recovery from his wound.

Olnorth Dexter's love life seems to have developed complications with the sudden appearance of one Nigel Wimsloe, an old flame of Miranda Andrews. Despite Dexter's reputation as a nifty duellist (almost as dangerous as the Dixons), Craftsman Wimsloe appeared totally undaunted. When the pair met the following day on Wellhouse Green, it was apparent that the two were very evenly matched. A stylish and rapid series of exchanges set the standard for the rest of the duel, and the crowd were kept entertained for all but a period towards the end, when both duellists appeared to be getting their second wind. Eventually an almost imperceptible error from Dexter gave Wimsloe the opening, and a slash along the arm ended Dexter's activities for the day.

Alderman Malcolm Mowbray seems to have suspended his corruption investigations whilst he invests all his time trying to stop his fellow councillors in Levestone from killing each other. Cllr John Madigan of Oldgate commented, " Its about time. The Chairman for Law and Order should put his own Ward in order before nosing into the affairs of others. Levestone is disgrace, the irresponsible councillors of that ward have been running the city for far too long."

Finally, a query for the Astrologer Royal. Since he has been in Cascorach since last year, perhaps one of the Temples would like to verify and/or reply to this missive?

Dear Sir, It has come to my attenshun thro divers divinations that the Astrologer Royale, one Goodgulf by name, has the intenshun of rashionalizing the Calender. How can he change the Way of Things as is Ritten in the stars without changing the Heavunly bodies? Do he intend to work some devillish Majick to re-arrange the Order of Things of Wot the Gods intended? I think we should be be told!

Yours Respecfully, Mab Mugwort (Ms)

P.S. 'Ware the comming of the empty one for he brings tidings of terror to the Red Man. The short shall be long and the shallow suffishunt deep for his undoing!

Well, at least that last part seems to be a clear warning to the Hahnites.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 141

With the thaw comes news from the Cascorach. Her Highness the Princess Eleanor has announced the formation of the Guilds of Merchant Adventurers, Provisioners and Craftsmen. These guilds replace those disbanded by the Princess last year. Chairman for Trade, Miranda Andrews, welcomed the news, saying that it vindicated her stance against the call for sanctions made by Salvoyn envoy Elrissa Sandelli. Other interesting news concerns the Duke's intention to keep the streets patrolled by the army, rather than permitting a return to a civic watch. He has announced the formation of the First Cascorach Infantry Regiment, which will be drawn from the City to carry out this task. A statement on this significant development has not been forthcoming from the Citadel, which has been at pains not to comment of the Princess’ management of the Cascorach Dukedom. However a reporter for the Chronicle has managed to discover that the King is keen to see the militarisation of Cascorach, in order to fend off the anticipated Gelt aggression. It has also been suggested that His Majesty has not been too impressed with Prince Edwards management of the Gelt campaign, and that his permission for the Princess to raise her own regiment is being seen by some as potentially very significant.

Other interesting news from the Citadel concerns Prince Edwin who, it has been announced, is to attend the Bards College. The Chronicle is interested to note that following the announcement a number of young ladies have also been enrolled at the College by their forward-thinking families.

Alderman Mowbray has announced that his investigations into the Baldwin Underwood affair are unable to continue until he has an opportunity to interview Councillor Gus O'Leary, who has not been forthcoming. Any citizens knowing the whereabouts of Cllr O'Leary are requested to contact the Witanmoot guard. Malcolm Mowbray refused to comment on the guards recent raiding of Cllr O'Leary's house, and refused to rule out the rumoured Floating Market connection. He did, however, dismiss the persistent rumours of Cllr Perignon's involvement.

The Temples of Torus and Brynette have made a joint announcement of a project to bring freshwater to the city. Atharvan Gareck told the Chronicle, "Following the plague last year, the Temple of Torus approached us regarding a means of providing freshwater throughout the city. We would now like to identify all the potential sources of freshwater within and near the city, and would like to hear from anyone offering generous funding for a pilot scheme."

The feud between the Perignon and Dixon families has exploded into violence. In a fight outside the walls of the Perignon household Roland Dixon has killed Guimar Perignon and seriously wounded Ferdinand Lansdowne's brother Antoine. According to a number of witnesses, an apparently chance meeting between Roland Dixon and a group of young men including Guimar and Antoine led to a duel between Roland and Antoine. After a short fight, Roland disarmed Antoine, and attempted to leave, however Guimar prevented him and continued the duel. Things turned ugly when Antoine recovered his sword and joined in the attack. When two others in the group also drew their rapiers Roland switched from the defence and, in a manoeuvre which one witness described as "bloody amazing", felled both Antoine and Guimar. Lord Paston Courtney was quickly called to the scene and took a severe view of the escalating violence between the two factions. All families involved in the incident have been fined £5, and Roland Dixon has been exiled from the City of Linrodeth and all its lands. Master Dixon has not been seen since and is believed to have already fled the city.

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 141

Bleak winds off the icy marshes made the civic funeral for Baldwin Underwood an uncomfortable occasion, but nonetheless a large crowd gathered to pay respects to the late alderman. After Lord Courtney's address several other colleagues were moved to speak, including Sheriff Cox, who had worked closely with Baldwin Underwood during the Castlemaine incident, and the new Alderman Mary Clifford, who was at pains to emphasis that Underwood was in good mental, physical and fiscal health at the time of his death. The pyre was lit by his widow Molly.

Immediately after the cremation the new chair for Law & Order, Malcolm Mowbray, announced an official wide-ranging investigation into the affairs of the aldermen and the Aldermanic Court, although he maintains that this is not a direct result of Underwood's mysterious death. Several other leading councillors have also begun investigations into each others affairs. The most interesting of these is Olnorth Dexter's investigation of the Perignon family, which is fuelling the dockside rumours that Cllr Beatrice was seen with Underwood shortly before his death.

The Chroniclers are pleased to announce the following election results:

Trade: Miranda Andrews, 19 votes Ann Tasker 4 votes

Shipping: Olivia Warin, 16 votes Gibian Horl 7 votes

Law/Order: Malcolm Mowbray 20 votes, Ariane Pencric 3 votes

Eresan: Bert Belcher 20 votes, Olivia Warin 3 votes

So again the Justice League achieves a clean sweep. Shortly after the elections, the Wardmoot of Dowgate announced that Mary Clifford had become the new alderman for the ward in an uncontested election.

In a short announcement, Lord Courtney made the unexpected appointment of Cllr Matthew Dixon as the envoy to Nyskilde, a post more usually filled by aldermen. Initial speculation that this was a ploy by the Justice League to remove opposition has been denied by Cllr Dixon himself, who insisted that he was pleased and honoured to be the envoy, and was looking forward to the posting. Punters have now decided that the appointment is in the nature of a subtle insult to the Gemot of Nyskilde, and are looking forward to a new trade war.

Aside from low-life rumours and Olnorth's persistent curiosity, Beatrice Perignon has had a busy month arranging candlelit dinners for young Julia and Ferdinand Lansdowne, while avoiding the stalking spectre of Cllr Dixon. Inevitably, Matthew Dixon eventually cornered her in the Witanmoot and issued a flamboyant challenge to duel, citing her criticism of his musical skills at Septer's banquet as his main grudge. Which only goes to show that in these times of sudden suicides and guild charter reviews, there are still people willing to die for their artistic opinions. Fortunately for music critics everywhere, the duel has been unexpectedly and indefinitely postponed by the appointment of Cllr Dixon to Nyskilde. Shortly thereafter he was escorted to the dock where he boarded the Leviathon, commanded by one Captain Eagleview, to convey an urgent communication to Nyskilde. The ship duly headed out of port into the biting winds, and hopefully we will be hearing of 'Mad Dog' Eagleview later in the year.

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 141

It is with deep regret that the Chronicle announces the death of Baldwin Underwood. The alderman's body was discovered this morning hanging from one of the supports of Linrodeth Bridge, by members of the local watch. Councillors from Bridge Wardmoot say that they have not yet ruled out the possibility of suicide. Alderman Underwood was a well-liked resident of Dowgate, and a tireless campaigner against the depredations of the nearby river scum. He will be best remembered for his strong leadership during times of crisis, such as when the floating market caught fire. Alderman Gibian Horl would like to hear from anyone who was travelling along the river last night, or from anyone who may have seen Baldwin Underwood after Four of the clock yesterday.

News from the Witanmoot. The following Aldermen have been returned to offices unopposed: George Rimon remains Chair of the Treasury, Alison Shefford remains Chair of Welfare and Education, Suzan Faithside remains Chair of Lands and Agriculture, and Alan Griffiths remains Envoy to Salvoyn

The following nominations have been received for the other offices:

Trade: Miranda Andrews (E, OD) Ann Tasker (AS)

Shipping: Gibian Horl (E) Olivia Warin (MM)

Law/Order: Malcolm Mowbray (OD) Ariane Pencric (AS)

Eresan: Bert Belcher (AD) Olivia Warin (E)

The office of envoy to Nyskilde has sadly become vacant, and will now be the direct appointment of Lord Courtney.

Armundus Septer continues his rebirth on the social scene with a major ball to celebrate his amazing recovery and, as he himself puts it, "to get back into the swing of things." The only problems seem to have come from the seating plan; which resulted in arch rivals Beatrice Perignon and Matthew Dixon sitting at the same table. Not perhaps the atmosphere young Ferdinand Lansdowne was hoping for when he escorted Julia to the ball. Perhaps it was Beatrice's cutting description of Matthew’s musical presentation, or Matthew's insistence on discussing the declining ethics of councillors that really set things going, but by the middle of the evening both respected councillors were losing their dignity. Only the audacious action of Roland Dixon prevented an ugly scene; his persistent choice of Julia Perignon as a dancing partner kept diverting Ma Beatrice's attention.

Elsewhere at the ball, Alderman Miranda Andrews was getting impatience at the tardy arrival of her partner, Olnorth Dexter. His eventual arrival and opening words "Abject apologies, I only just noticed what the time was" did nothing to improve her temper, and the relationship looks rather icy at the moment. A rather happier escort appeared to be Sir Henry Longbridge, who was accompanying Cllr Aralan Derwent.

In response to the call for sanctions by the Envoy from Salvoyn, the Justice League have made the following announcement:

"In the light of the current level of public concern about the status of the Guild Charters in Cascorach, we feel that a few comments would not go amiss. Last autumn the Guilds of Cascorach were found by Her Highness, the Princess Eleanor, to be corrupt. Consequently she took corrective action, namely their revocation. This situation has no direct bearing on the Guilds of Linrodeth. While it is true that the trade situation with Cascorach at the beginning of winter was unclear, we do not share the Envoy of Salvoyn's lack of confidence in Her Highness, and are confident that the thaw will bring with it news of a satisfactory resolution to the situation. We would therefore like to reassure the citizens that there is no cause for concern."

Alderman Miranda Andrews (outgoing Chair for Trade)

It has been brought to the Chroniclers attention that in our issue of Kryll 140 we published an article which could be read to imply that the Chronicle believes the rumours that the Astrologer Royal has indulged in necromantic practices. We would like to make it unequivocally clear that the Chronicle has never given any credence to these rumours.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 140

The Honourable Elrissa Sandelli, envoy from the city of Salvoyn, has called on the guilds of Linrodeth to protect their democracy and hard-won guild charters by joining Salvoyn in a boycott of trade with Cascorach. This unexpected and dramatic call was made at a civic banquet during Kruthos Firstweek, and has increased fears that Cascorach's abolition of guild privileges is the start of a much wider attack on free citizens across the country. Sandelli's after-dinner speech seems to have caught a complacent establishment by surprise, and as yet no official reply has been made by Lord Courtney's offices. Further enquiries by the Chronicle have revealed that the city of Salvoyn has already implemented this scheme, and has been restricting trade to Cascorach from the port for the past half year. While appreciating that the democratic government of a city should be stoutly defended, the chroniclers are wondering why such measures were taken before the Princess' marriage and subsequent reforms?

The run up to the midwinter elections has seen the media machine of the Justice League roll smoothly into action, offering a list of 'approved candidates' for voters from one side of the city to another. Surprisingly perhaps neither Cllr Dixon nor Ms Perignon, those long-standing faction leaders, have offered any alternatives. Ms Perignon refused to comment to the Chronicle and Cllr Dixon has taken to hiring bodyguards. It is a sad reflection on the state of politics today. Perhaps the new year will bring a healthy opposition party to the city, but don't hold your breath.

Aside from the usual bright young things, eager to party their way into the new year, the most persistent socialite this month has been none other than Armundus Septer. Master Septer has been afflicted by illness since the spring, and this month he seems to be determined to emphasise that he is still alive and doing business.

Rumours still surround the erratic relationship between Cllr Olnorth Dexter and Alderman Miranda Andrews. The latest snippet to reach our ears suggests that Miranda is examining the Dexter accounts; but as no announcement has been forthcoming we can only assume that Linrodeth's 'most eligible' bachelor isn't balanced enough for Guildmaster Andrews. (But maybe some asset stripping will come later?)

Late News

The midwinter elections saw a large turnout of citizens still upset by the plague and the rumours of an impending guild charter crisis. Apart from Welland and Cadene, most places saw a large swing of opinion away from the current office holders. Fortunately for them, opinions on alternative candidates remained deeply divided and most aldermen retained their posts with sharply reduced majorities. The only upset was Helen Kreft who, perhaps unsurprisingly, lost her recent appointment and is replaced by a local lass, Melanie Romanie. Elsewhere the ever-popular James Isenbard managed to increase his majority, which perhaps reflects the loss of his old rival Reg Marc from the political scene.

Other newcomers which the Chronicle welcomes to the gladiators arena of the Witanmoot are Cllrs Janice Travers, Neville Vincent, John Madigan, Sue Quinn, Tony Walker, Mary Hastings, Neil Cracknel and Jenny Davy.

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 140

The main news this month comes from Cascorach, where it has been confirmed that the guild charters were not recalled for review, as previously believed, but have in fact been formally revoked by the Princess. Following the announcement of this shocking news in the Witanmoot, Lord Courtney was forced to close the council session as councillors rushed to discuss the implications with fellow guildmembers. Most guilds have expressed grave concern to the Citadel, however their requests for a statement from His Majesty have been ignored, and fear is now spreading that similar action may take place in Linrodeth. George Rimon, the most outspoken of the Alderman, is reported to have said, "If this act of lunacy is repeated here, then all hell will break out, A free for all would do terrible damage to the standards we have all come to expect from the guilds, and would completely remove the essential training which our apprentice system provides."

The confusion and uncertainty caused by the Charter Crisis has added a new dimension to the political reshuffling which normally takes place in the run-up to an election. As guild officials jitter over the possible overnight removal of their power, many citizens are turning to the council as the only certain place where they will be able to exert influence on the city. And it would seem that this years elections could be some of the most hard fought for some time. The existing political groupings are already beginning to break up under the pressure and numerous faction changes are being rumoured. The most dramatic so far being the defection of Mary Clifford from Beatrice Perignon to her arch-rival Matthew Dixon. Meanwhile Armundus Septer's grouping continues to disintegrate as the old man's condition fails to improve, and Carl Marc seems to be struggling to hold together the powerful grouping built up by his father. In an attempt to maintain its political hold on the city, the Justice League seems to be spending most of its time in fruitless discussions with other factions; although their leading light Olnorth Dexter may have other things on his mind. There are persistent rumours that Cllr Dexter has proposed to Alderman Miranda Andrews. However it would appear that she is yet to be convinced that he has forsaken his playboy lifestyle, and no engagement announcement has been made.

The winter balls have got off to an early start, as people attempt to lift the air of mourning that has hung over the city since the plague. Amongst the many revellers two people have been outstandingly noticeable; Cllr Carl Marcs and the eminently eligible Julia Perignon have both been breaking hearts throughout the city. A number of young bloods have been vying to escort young Julia, but it is said that only Ferdinand Lansdowne has managed to win Ma Beatrice's approval.

Cllr Arianne Pencric of Marshgate has suffered a serious financial blow at the hands of bandits who continue to cause problems to travellers on the Great Road. Cllr Pencric lost four wagons to the bandits, in what she describes as an act of shear vandalism. Apparently after murdering the guards the outlaws stole some small items and destroyed the rest of the goods. Cllr Pencric has denied rumours that the loss will force her to withdraw from her offices in order to concentrate of rebuilding her business.

Finally, a quote from Beatrice Perignon, who it seems is still having trouble shaking off her criminal image "I'm not saying anything; it will incriminate me and appear in the Chronicle".