The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 156

The problems between the Citadel and the King's Envoy have worsened this month. Adding to the issues with the Nyskilde Venture Company, what the Citadel described as a "misunderstanding about troop deployments" has upset the King's Envoy enough that he has left the city to seek guidance directly from the King. A grim Sir Eridan Portinari rode off from the Citadel with a small entourage of his favoured staff. The exact cause of the dispute is still unclear but rumours from the south suggest that Linrodeth's attempts to establish a base for the Navy to overwinter have not been well received by the King's forces. It is only hoped that Alderman Monterey's mission to see King Kieran has already been successful in calming down what is beginning to be a serious disagreement between Linrodeth and the High King.

It would seem that both Alderman Monterey and Sir Eridan will be chasing King Kieran across the countryside. Shortly after Sir Eridan's departure, news reached Linrodeth that the King has gone to the Temple of Daleth in the Gavelkinden. This move which was first thought to be associated with a desire to get closer to the battle front for winter appears to be more social; the King is understood to be planning to meet up with his heir whom he has not seen for many years. It has been confirmed that Princess Alexis, following in the traditions established by her mother, is spending time at all of the temples.

Furious campaigning is continuing across the city as all of the factions swing into a much earlier election frenzy than has happened in previous years. It is clear that the disruptions of recent times have finally reached a point where the old factions are about to lose control to the new, and bitter contests are developing across the city for many Aldermanic seats. The only people whose positions are considered safe are Melanie Romanie in Cadene, Marie Cripstead in Shambles, Rose Cheping in Dowgate plus faction leaders Trueman, Monterey, Bottler and Ryman.

Count Cutario has expressed satisfaction that his guards at Ye Oval have managed to prevent a number of recent robbery attempts. However, never one to miss a political opportunity, he has lodged a formal complaint with the Chairman of Law and Order claiming that the city is giving preference to protecting the property of guild members over that of the ordinary citizens of Northshore.

Alderman Dominic Horner has made a valiant attempt to resolve the dispute over the King's Theatre this month. The Alderman, who has recently been stung by accusations that he was taking bribes from the theatre to prevent the matter coming to a hearing, made every attempt to treat the matter fairly. But with tempers running high he was always going to be in for a rough ride. Whilst it is within the powers of an Alderman to shut down any business which is causing detriment to a ward, it is a rarely exercised power with little precedent for the conditions under which it can be used. In the end the Alderman was reluctant to close what is "clearly an important city institution" based on the disapproval of a "vocal minority". Mrs Chant has declared her self to be "disgusted that the upstanding and decent citizens of Temple must be subjected to vile behaviour which is no better than that which goes on in Northshore". Further, she has vowed to replace Dominic Horner with a more law abiding Alderman even if she has to do it herself. Given the large group of supporters she has built up over the last few month this may be no idle threat.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 156

The Nyskilde Venture Company continues to be the topic of vigorous debate between Sir Eridan Portinari, the Citadel, and the Guildhalls of Linrodeth. Increasingly the officers of Princess Selina's court are distancing themselves from the whole initiative, and various merchant guilds are being questioned as to their exact role. The King's ambassador, Sir Eridan, is clearly frustrated by the lack of straight answers, but the Witanmoot has become perturbed enough to despatch a special envoy to the court of King Kieran in Eresan. Alderman Alan Monterey, tasked with restoring the peace, commented, "This misunderstanding is most unfortunate. Both the King and Linrodeth want to see Nyskilde recover as a vibrant part of the kingdom. We should be able to work together to achieve this." The Alderman has set out with a sizeable entourage of guards and a considerable shipment of His Majesty's favourite wines.

The arrival in port this month of the Undine, the Drakenkopf and the Sophia has been overshadowed by the appearance of the overdue Half-Chance. The old Cog is now captained by one Brendan Liang, the subject of endless speculation along the docks, and crewed by a most curious mix of Kezriakor, Babel and Humans. A large company of marines has been set to guard the Empire ship and her luxury cargo while the young captain opens negotiations with the Citadel and attempts to contact the remaining owners.

A lot of early campaigning has begun this month, showing the continuing shift as new factions vie to take control of the Witanmoot. A big fight appears to be brewing in Castle Bard, with Cllr Scathlocke attacking and Gilbert de Clare active in defence despite his commitments at the Brynette Temple. A hard battle is also being fought in Dowgate as the newcomers take full advantage of the absence of Monterey, Bottler and Trueman from the Witanmoot. Local householders, however, may be less keen on the unseasonal appearance of electioneers. "Bunch of identical grey tunics", was the sour comment from one old gentleman "In my day we saw real duels afore they candidates ever got near election date."

Count Cutario has expressed disgust at the new patrol roster drawn up for the City Guards. Changes to the north shore patrols mean that guards now spend longer around the tanneries and warehouses upriver of the bridge, than near the shipyards, theatres and bearpits downriver. Petro sourly predicted an increase in crime at these wealthy spots, and vowed to ensure a well-guarded approach to Ye Oval from the riverboats.

The recent wardmoot of Temple descended into farce after the chamber was hijacked by Mrs Chant and her colleagues demanding action against the King's Theatre. Alderman Horner was forced to adjourn the meeting while the chamber was cleared, but declined to press charges of disorderly conduct against the local matrons.

Lady Davy is pleased to announce the opening of the Berewic Memorial Gardens. The site around the old stone never entirely recovered from the events of last Dragonfeast and the subsequent sightseers and diggers. Now that a major replanting has been completed, Lady Davy expressed her hope that the site will now regain some of its former tranquillity.

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 156

Diplomatic relations between the High King Kieran in Eresan and Her Highness Princess Selina have become sudden icy as reports of the Nyskilde Venture Company reach other courts. No formal response has been sought but it is understood that His Majesty's ambassador to Linrodeth, the notorious Sir Eridan Portinari, has called in a number of significant military supply contracts for review. The Linrodeth Guilds under closest scrutiny, notably the Bowyers, Saddlers and Brewers Companies, are scrambling to demonstrate their patriotism to all parties concerned.

The Brynette Temple has begun to rebuild a number of its older furnaces and a range of tall chimneys is to be added to Linrodeth's skyline. The project is understood to be financed largely from Count Cutario's generous compensation payments, and it will serve to keep the city's remaining masons busy during Alderman Bottler's extended absence. The Chronicle has in the past been critical of Jim Bottler but on this occasion we must praise him for putting the war effort before his political ambitions and for not staying to assist Alderman de Clare in this lucrative rebuild.

Also under new projects we must include the birth of a daughter to Alderman William Trueman and Lady Maria at half two of the afternoon on Firstday Secondweek. The Alderman later interrupted his tour of congratulation at the Witanmoot to give a speech demanding action on Northshore, "Can the Alderman of Bridge and Northshore please assure this house that the situation in Northshore is under control? If not what does he propose to do about it?" Alderman Saunders robustly returned, "These people are not citizens as they do not pay household taxes nor register their land. It is many years since the wards looked after their own watches, so perhaps the Chairman of Law and Order should stop trying to put the blame for his failings upon others." Not to be left out Alderman Peter Ryman made a surprising speech supporting the city guard adding, "they at least seem to understand the real situation on the North Shore; namely that it is one (but only one) of the centres of crime in the city and must be dealt with."

The Witanmoot eventually worked through the agenda to reach the Sheriffs' Elections with the following result: Bowden 16, Warin 11, Hastings 10, Horner 1. Of note are the tactics of Cllr Scathlocke who only used one vote for Warin, knowing that if she also voted for Hastings then Lady Davy would use her casting vote to replace Warin with Hastings. Abstaining throughout was Alderman Ryman. His early departure for home caused some disgust amongst his fellow ward members who vented steam later, "he never puts our point of view into these contests, opts out of almost everything. He's no use as an alderman at all.”

Alderman Dominic Horner's sudden increase in commissions has been keeping him very busy, to the point of postponing a number of ward matters including the hearing into the matter of the King's Theatre. The choice may prove a mistake. Mrs Chant and her redoubtable team of local matrons have taken to picketing the Alderman's workshops until such time as the hearing takes place. The noise level of the line of picketers is undeniably distracting to anyone trying to concentrate on artistic masterpieces. Or, as the Alderman himself put it, "a sharp intake of breath is a really bad idea when you are blowing glass".

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 156

The docks and warehouses of Linrodeth are still running below capacity, according to reports from the Mercers and Grossers Guilds. Nonetheless, shipping remains brisk, possibly due to rumours of more Naval action this summer. The Iremia, the Festinatio, and Gorosneh Mâr have all made the long journey from the City States, and the exotic cargo of the Half-Chance is rumoured to be due in port anytime. Less favourably The Trident, skippered by Captain Eagleview, has returned from Nyskilde with confirmation that the Noordic settlement remains encamped within the city ruins, and that no trace of the Nyskilde Venture Company can be seen. However, stories of new shipwrecks along the Mulleister coast give some indication of the fate of its supporting fleet.

The North Shore has required firm intervention from the City Guard this month, as restless crowds continue to form and disperse throughout the settlements. Generally the mood remains watchful, and a heavy presence of the military along the main streets has ensured that the scavenger carts and rubbish tips operate without interruption. Count Cutario, clearly concerned about business to Ye Oval, has ensured that its access roads are especially well patrolled. In the Witanmoot Alderman William Trueman commented, "I call on the Alderman for Bridge and the chair of Welfare and Education to sort out the situation on Northshore. Surely, it is not beyond his wit to arrange the efficient distribution of rubbish to where it is wanted rather than not wanted? I have supported the call for funds to provide the infrastructure to support the dockyards in Northshore. Northshore has great potential and the situation there should be formalised, so that the residents can become proper citizens."

The Witanmoot annual budgets went through on the nod yet again, with only a minor scrap over the insane proposal to waste funds by rebuilding the Berewic Memorial. The intervention of Phillipe Grayson's Independents finally enabled this to be defeated by 4 votes.

Following the execution of Artificer Jeremiah Hock last week, the redoubtable Mrs Chant continues her campaign against the King's Theatre with a petition to the wardmoot. The request, backed by many local residents, cites the theatre as the cause of "much lewde and disorderly behaviours", with the consequent loss of business to neighbouring "honest and conscientious households". The petition then presses local councillors to remove the theatre's license to perform. Alderman Dominic Horner has confirmed that he will be holding a hearing into the matter, but has refused to comment further on the matter.

Alderman Jim Bottler, O.M., hosted a sumptuous dinner party at his mansion prior to his departure for Salvoyn. The private party, for a mere 100 guests, culminated in Princess Selina unveiling a massive round stained glass window in there to commemorate Linrodeth's great Naval victory last year. The lower half of the window shows the city of Linrodeth, with Jim Bottler positioning the final stones in the rebuilt Citadel, assisted by his wife and representatives of the construction guilds and cheering citizens. At the centre of the window Princess Selina stands in a Citadel tower, where she looks out over the sea into the distance. There she sees the fleets of Linrodeth vanquishing enemy ships which are splintered and sinking. Three pennants fly from the Citadel with the words: Selina, Linrodeth, Victorious. The following morning a large and mostly supportive crowd cheered the departure of Bottler and his entourage onto The Trident for its journey south.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 156

The sudden Rubbish Riots in Northshore took everyone by surprise this month. Colonel Aldridge has deployed City Guard throughout the area in order to protect the official scavengers at dawn tipping and to keep the peace among the irate and rapidly growing population there. The dumping of city waste is continuing normally after a brief and unpleasant disruption to services last week. Disputes over the siting of the actual tips are at their most violent between neighbouring residents of this shanty town (households being too strong a term for these constructions). The subsidence of the spring floods left much noisome wreckage but also a surprising number of claimants to the infilled land spreading out into the marshes. Locals now express strong opinions that they have either had enough of the city's smelly waste or that they need a lot more of it to secure their plots of land. Either way, almost all the local residents agree that the official scavengers are wrong and corrupt in almost every aspect of their dumping duties. However this labyrinthine dispute resolves, it seems certain that tax-paying citizens within the city proper will not tolerate any more delays in overnight waste being removed from their doorstops and shop fronts.

The port has re-opened and is trading briskly this month. While not perhaps seeing the same quantity of merchant ships as other years, the quality of long distance goods has, if anything, improved. Of greatest impact locally is the absence of many Navy vessels on blockade duty down in Salvoyn. The Narwhal and Isebrevind have docked from the Western Isles, and unexpectedly a handful of battered cogs have bought ale and furs down from Nyskilde. There is no news of any recent "political developments”. The crews appear to be genuinely puzzled by their reception in Linrodeth, especially with the appearance of several Aldermen attempting to speak cryptically with them.

This is clearly bizarre budget proposal week. Having spent many years running an austere budget regime, the councillors appear to have gone mad this month proposing that we create an envoyship to Nyskilde (where there is almost no-one to talk to), and that we create an envoyship to Adaqua (but without a budget), and that we fund a massive infrastructure on the Northshore (where few tax payers live). However the most unbelievable and hence most heavily supported proposal is to spend £50 doing up the Berwick Memorial. This at a time when many of our most necessary facilities are falling into disrepair. Perhaps Lady Davy, with her new found powers of decree, will save us from this lunacy.

Senior elements within the Witanmoot are expressing grave concern over the new "gypsy look" which has become high fashion this spring. The flouncy fashion was previously only seen within certain elements of allegedly Reshite faction members and sympathisers. This year the "ethnic couture” has been enthusiastically taken up and promoted by the House of Cyarçon to the Citadel. Mutterings about a ban on certain occult accessories have perforce been muted in light of the powerful patronage of ladies of the court.

The Witanmoot Investigation Agency issue simply won't go quiet. Like a dog with a bone, councillors keep worrying at it. Alderman Trueman view that, "It is clear that the Witanmoot Investigation Agency reports solely to the Lord and Sheriffs so we transfer their budget to the Sheriffs Office who are a more suitable place for investigations gained much support until he added that prevented concentrating control in a single person's hands and pro Davy groups immediately weighed in to defend her from this sideways attack.

Jim Bottler's expedition to the south is growing momentum. The theoretically secret plan to move most of the cities construction capability south in order to build an attack causeway to Salvoyn has occupied most of his time this month. Some concern is being raised over the likelihood that some guild members may be pressed into service and also over the risk that the city will not itself retain enough skill to deal with its own construction needs.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 156

Spring flooding has isolated the city following the thaw of an especially icy winter. The newly thriving North bank of the Ishtan has survived the experience better than previous years, possibly due to the improved drainage but more likely because its vast garbage heaps have finally raised its streets above water level. At the port a small number of coastal vessels have begun to arrive, but there is no sign yet of the large trading cogs from other cities. The merchant guilds are nervously awaiting news of developments around the blockade of Salvoyn.

The Witanmoot dealt with business in an uncharacteristically efficient session this month. Lady Jenny Davy was elected with an overwhelming majority, with only the Monterey faction opposing. Cllr Scathlocke's motion to have the option to refuse office on whim was summarily defeated by 202 votes to 43. Alderman Bottler proposes to move both the funding and reporting of the notorious Witanmoot Investigation Agency over to the Lord's Office. Alderman Monterey proposes the addition of a funded post of Envoy to Adaqua. All parties seem to be keen to get their teeth into the latest budget figures amid widely varied rumours of big tax cuts or big tax increases.

Alderman William Trueman is apparently not feeling the pinch as he has embarked on a major rebuilding and expansion of his Faringdon estate. Interestingly, he has acquired a consortium of builders not aligned to the Bottler faction, a considerable feat as such were considered an extinct species within this city. Rumours that his family is also expanding have not yet been confirmed or denied.

Local watchdog Mrs Chant has been campaigning in Temple Ward to bring about the closure of the King's Theatre. Its recent productions of drama have not generated as much profit as previous runs, and management has begun to resort to dancing girls with predictable changes in clientele. What particularly worries Mrs Chant, however, is what allegedly goes on in the back of the dress circle. She may have a point. The theatre's increasing notoriety was further helped last week when an elderly Brynette, Artificer Jeremiah Hock, stabbed to death his mistress Martha Ray, as she emerged from the theatre on the arms of the Eorl of Lockwood. The Artificer was arrested immediately and his trial will take place next month.

Two of Linrodeth's most notoriously bribable jockeys met their match at Ye Oval yesterday. Punters have been lodging a growing number of complaints over fixed races, and Count Cutario responded with something other than the expected ban. The promise of a lucrative two horse race attracted the skills of Messrs Smirke and Breary, each of whom had staked a considerable sum of money on the other to win. After two circuits both were proceeding at a cautious trot. Coming into the final straight Breary slowed his horse to a walk. Smirke retaliated by stopping his horse altogether. So Breary fell off. An irate audience of punters and owners were in an unforgiving mood as the two jockeys escaped from the arena.

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 156

Lady Jenny Davy has astounded the Monterey, Bottler and Trueman factions by vetoing the Witanmoot's decision to bring the Witanmoot Investigation Agency under the control of the Law and Order committee. Only some members of Lady Davy's faction and the minor groups spoke against the motion. Not even Cllr Peter Ryman's impassioned belief that the Agency was the only group actually tackling crime, nor Cllr Jessamine Scathlocke's reminder that "the criminal elements in this city do not play by the rule book", prevented the Common Council from firmly supporting the motion. Lady Davy then caused both offence and outrage by declaring that "Given the recent trend towards putting political and personal gain above the benefit of the city, I am not willing to see the Agency loose its ability to investigate whomsoever and whatever it wishes."

Concern is growing across the city about the Citadel's near complete control of the grain supply. With the assistance of the recently ennobled Petro Cutario, the Citadel has acquired the vast majority of last year's grain. Although this is being currently being sold at market rates to the Cornmongers, many people have pointed out that come Springtide much of what is left could be shipped south to feed the navy. Concerned citizens have been predicting that shortages and unaffordable price rises will result. So far the Citadel has not seen fit to offer any reassurances.

Cllr Maud Blessop has been forced to apologise to the citizens of Faringdon following her outrageous behaviour during a recent football tournament at Ye Oval. The Faringdon apprentices were doing well until a decision by one of the Referees disallowed their winning goal. Cllr Blessop, still a formidable matron despite advanced years, personally invaded the pitch to give the unfortunate man a piece of her mind. The match was postponed and later the umpires (from the safety of a bunker) declared it to be a win for the Temple team.

The murder of wealthy Goldsmith Arthur Brakeman has sent shock waves through the Guilds of Linrodeth. Mr Brakeman, who is well known for his extensive investments in Zedigal, is thought to have run up significant losses recently. There was no sign of a break in or of any obvious burglary, and the City Guard suspects that the killing was the work of a professional assassin.

Cllr Jessamine Scathlocke has proposed that "The Witanmoot hereby orders that the nomination papers for Lord Chief Magistrate, Sheriffs, Committee Chairs and Envoys be signed by two proposers and by the candidate him or herself in order to be valid. "I take the envoy post very seriously indeed, as I do my duties within my ward; working directly for those who elected me and those who did not. It may be, at some future time, when I have gained more experience that I will be fitted to be an envoy for our city. I should then be only too proud to serve. But to be forced into it before I am ready is folly for both me and the Witanmoot." she declared.

Cllr Julia Delmarsh of Shambles has had her voting rights suspended because of tax arrears. The bankruptcy checks that prevent a councillor voting if they are more than two months in arrears with their poll tax payments is rarely used. However Alderman Marie Cripstead has taken the extreme measure because "Cllr Delmarsh is a persistent offender who could easily pay the tax if she cut back on her extravagant lifestyle".

In contrast to the heady atmosphere created by Lady Davy's use of the veto, the elections to the committees was a lacklustre affair. Alderman Gilbert de Clare took Lands and Agriculture in an uncontested vote, with all the other of committee chairs retaining their places. Although Marie Cripstead's bid to take Welfare and Education from Richard Saunders was only defeated by Lady Davy's casting vote. The potentially contentious Western Isles vote provided the one point of entertainment with rumours circulating that Lady Davy was prepared to use her veto yet. In the end this became unnecessary with Gregory Benton replacing Samuel Ruche who moves to look after Cascorach. All other Envoys remained in post. The final result were:

Chairman of the committee for the Treasury: Melanie Romanie

Chairman of the committee for Trade: Alan Monterey

Chairman of the committee for Law and Order: Eva Capel

Chairman of the committee for Shipping: Thomas Osbert

Chairman of the committee for Welfare and Education: Richard Saunders

Chairman of the committee for Lands and Agriculture: Gilbert de Clare

Envoy to Kerun: Gemma Downe

Envoy to Orissa: Bartholomew Hyde

Envoy to Eresan: Gillian Howe

Envoy to Cascorach: Samuel Rucche

Envoy to the Western Isles: Gregory Benton

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 156

Petro Cutario's farewell party to the Witanmoot has dominated social events this month. The newly ennobled Count hired the Brynette Temple's demonstration chamber (the largest domed space in the city), and also arranged for its under-floor heating to be well-stoked throughout. The dress code for the occasion was extravagant, but those turning up in velvets and thick furs were quickly forced to abandon several layers in the heat. The chamber had been turned into a tropical paradise with scores of imported exotic plants, fine pelts, caged birds and bejewelled butterflies. The redecorated dome with its new night-sky mosaic drew much applause (it is not known if the Brynettes will choose to retain the images of Miros, Baccelos, Hippone, etc. depicted thereon). The Kerunians in light silks were very much at ease, although lifelong Linrodeth citizens were highly scandalised at the lack of garments. The laden tables of mysterious foreign food also proved a hazard to the unadventurous, and many confined themselves to sampling the fountains of wine. Noticeably at ease was Her Highness the Princess Selina, resplendent in glittering costume as the Great Moon Goddess. The event culminated at Midnight with a spectacular aerial display of rope dancing by Kerunian artistes, flimsily clad, which Cutario cheerfully referred to as the "heavenly bodies". Shortly thereafter most of the great and good bid farewell and departed in horse-drawn sleighs, leaving the dance floor to the young and lively. At this point it seems that the interior temperature rose yet again, and much of the remaining guests' costumes, along with their restraint, were discarded. The revels continued until the late winter dawn, and the temple is even yet cleaning up and making repairs.

Once hangovers had subsided, the Witanmoot was treated to a major showdown between the old establishment and the new factions over the Witanmoot Investigation Agency. After Alderman Alan Monterey made a number of failed attempts to establish the control of the Law and Order Committee over the agency, a clearly frustrated Eva Capel has thrown down the following motion: "That the Witanmoot Investigation Agency be brought formally under the control of the Committee for Law and Order." The motion was immediately seconded by Jim Bottler and opposed by an incandescently angry Peter Ryman and a more thoughtful Jessamine Scathlocke. The latter pointed out that, "The criminal elements in this city do not play by the rule book and therefore I perceive no problem with the Agency using similarly unorthodox means". So far the Trueman and Davy factions have reserved their positions, but much lobbying has been going on in the corridors of power ahead of next month's vote on the motion.

Residents of Dowgate have been spooked by tales that some of the more grotesque ice sculptures come alive overnight. The City Guard have dismissed reports as "tales for the gullible", but the wardmoot has approved an official letter of complaint to the Bards College. The worthy citizens request that students desist from playing such practical jokes, as it is highly disturbing to the local children.

The Citadel Infantry has been perplexed, and somewhat irritated, by attempts from local citizens to inspect and audit their grain stores. Citizens are reminded that the Outer Ward is run under military law and, while access is permitted to the Court, the sentries' tolerance for sightseers is not unlimited. Future trespassers may be shot first and questioned later.

Normal business at the Witanmoot resumed with nominations for the committee elections. The full nominations are as follows:

Treasury: Mary Hastings, Melanie Romanie.

Trade: Dominic Horner; Alan Monterey, Marc Bergeren.

Law and Order: Peter Ryman, Eva Capel, Hugo Merewell.

Shipping: Thomas Osbert

Welfare and Education: Richard Saunders, Marie Cripstead

Lands and Agriculture: Gilbert de Clare

Envoy to Kerun: Gemma Downe

Envoy to Orissa: Bartholomew Hyde

Envoy to Eresan: Tilly Falgar, Gillian Howe

Envoy to Cascorach: Samuel Rucche, Joanna Russell

Envoy to the Western Isles: Jasmine Scathlocke, Samuel Rucche, Gregory Benton

New councillor Jessamine Scathlocke appears less than flattered by Jim Bottler's nomination of her to the Western Isles. Describing Bottler as, "A rich bully boy swaggering about the corridors of power, buying votes and thinking he can do what he wants!" Her indignation greatly moved Alderman Saunders, who announced his support for her faction. Scathlocke added that the nomination was a malicious and mischievous attempt to get a faction leader, who came close to upsetting the status quo, out of the way. "I will not be going to the Western Isles under any circumstances" she announced. Support for Bottler has however come from the unexpected direction of Lady Davy who declared that, "some of these newcomers need to learn that with election come obligation. Whilst I think Samuel Rucche would do a much better job, if the Witanmoot decides Jessamine Scathlocke is the right person for the Western Isles then she is going whether she likes it or not.".

The Chronicle

of Midwinter of the year 156

The expected breakthrough by Jessamine Scathlocke did not materialise as the established factions rallied their troops in a concerted effort to defend against her. In Castle Bard Gilbert de Clare, with the backing of Alison Shefford, received 54 votes; a comfortable margin over Jessamine Scathlocke's 46 votes. Alison Shefford and Bever Edge (who had both worked had to transfer their votes to the main contestants) trailed in with 30 votes and 14 votes respectively. In Dracas Thomas Osbert had a tight 3 vote majority over Fanny Drake who received 34 votes. In Ishtan Eva Capel received 30 votes giving her a comfortable victory over Eliott Anderson's 21 votes and Bartholomew Hyde's 16 votes.

The battle between Alan Monterey and William Trueman was hard fought this year with Monterey emerging as the victor. In Arpent Hugo Merewell defeated long-standing Alderman Judi Spich by 44 votes to 42 votes, and in Cartage Brunstan Blackbeard beat Alice Barbiter by 47 votes to 39 votes. Elsewhere Trueman, who focused his efforts on defending what he had, held on to his Aldermen. In Portsoken Stephanie Exton received 60 votes, Nicholas Worton 45 votes and Kate Penipot 31 votes. In Shambles Marie Cripstead received 89 votes and Ralf Seagrim 47 votes. Trueman and Monterey themselves were never seriously challenged. In Faringdon William Trueman received 94 votes to Greg Heppledyke's 64 votes and Maud Blessop's 61 votes. In Levestone Alan Monterey received 43 votes to Martin Key's 37 and Hugh Fitz-Abushon's 32 votes. The Trueman faction was unclear if it should celebrate the Berewic victory of Mary Hastings, who received 51 votes to challenger Aldric Houghton's 47 votes, but in doing so defeated fellow faction member Emma Chireton who also received 47 votes.

In Avigon the election was thrown into huge disruption by the Citadel's dawn announcement that Princess Selina was ennobling Petro Cutario to a Count (Eorl) and an Order of Merit for his services to the war effort. The title is thought to be in exchange for the military acquisition of this year's grain surplus. Count Cutario looked determinedly pleased despite his sudden disqualification from the Witanmoot elections. A day of panicky campaigning followed which resulted in Phillip Candever receiving 72 votes to Samuel Rucche's 69 votes. The ennoblement of Cutario did not otherwise seem to affect his faction members results either way. In Oldgate Duncan Barnett received 77 votes, Joanna Russell 57 votes and John Madigan 47 votes.

In Bassishaw Marc Bergeren received 69 votes, Gemma Downe 53 votes and Sheila Herman 43 votes; this was a closer result than expected but still shows a good margin for the Monterey faction. In Welland Jim Bottler received 58 votes, Gillian Howe 40 votes, Tilly Falgar 21 votes and Eddie Englefield 19 votes. In Bridge Richard Saunders, who received 97 votes, was never seriously challenged by Andrea Beablet who gained 54 votes. In Cadene Melanie Romanie received 83 votes, Tiffany Durnegate 61 votes and Gregory Benton 58 votes. In Kingsgate Adam Povre received 100 votes and Godwin Green 70 votes and in Marshgate Samuel Kutler confirmed his position receiving 72 votes to absentee Maureen Quiller's 52 votes.

As expected in Cripplegate, Peter Ryman won with a clear majority. He received 97 votes to Janice Travers' 44 votes and Irving Grendle's 44 votes. The emerging Ryman group's latest member Rose Cheping also had an astonishing victory in Dowgate where her 104 votes crushed incumbent Graeme Porter and apparent challenger Audrey Wirstan, who received 88 votes and 30 votes respectively. The other major upset came in Temple where independent Dominic Horner's lavishly funded campaign resulted in a massive turnout and a defeat for David Northropp by 143 votes to 133.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 155

An early and prolonged spell of freezing weather has turned the river solid. Traders have already set up a Frost Fair on the ice and are offering the usual delights of skating, sledding, hot snacks and steaming drinks. Some of the students from the Bards College hauled a block of clean ice down to the fair and overnight carved it into a crystal mermaid. Within days the buxom lass had been joined by a menagerie of sea creatures, some very beautiful and a few clearly the products of a deranged imagination. The ice sculptures have added an artistic atmosphere to the usual gaiety of the Frost Fair, and are immensely popular with all but the smallest revellers. The craze looks set to sweep the Citadel with new pieces being commissioned for Her Highness' Yuletide celebrations at the end of the year. These festivities mark the end of a year where the threat of invasion was removed, are set to be the most splendid yet. The traditional masque will recreate the pirate raid on Salvoyn which ended in the firestorm in its naval dockyard. We trust the audience will remain unsinged during the finale.

Campaigning for the election has been fierce and unforgiving this year. With new contenders such as Jessamine Scathlocke and Dominic Horner disrupting the old order, the cosy agreements of the past appear to be breaking down and wards which have not seen activity for years are being hotly fought. The new challengers, whilst short of people do appear to be particularly well funded. The Horner faction in particular has been massively inflating the cost of a vote in the wards it is contesting. As ever with new contenders innovative campaign practices are emerging in particular the huge paintings which have been appearing on the sides of Scathlocke supporters houses.

Rumours that several theatrical companies have been bidding for the rights to the play "The Demon of Berwick" have unsettled the Witanmoot this week. Aldermen Monterey in particular has viewed the enterprising activities of the Witanmoot Investigation Agency with disapproval. Other patrons of the theatres clearly hope that commercial success of this title will allow further sequels to be written; "The Bandit Bitch of Botmoor" has already been suggested.

The city guard on duty at the magistrates' courts were forced to call on the Knights Templar for reinforcement after a brawl threatened to get out of control. A number of youths called before different judges for minor offences took rather greater offence at being in each other's vicinity outside the courtroom. A fistfight quickly escalated into serious trouble as knives were drawn, and the general melee left two dead before the situation was brought under control. It is understood that five witnesses, one Mandatien and three guardsmen have been taken to the Torian infirmary.

While the rest of the Mercers and Grosser guild fret about the fall-off of international trade, Alderman Cutario has decided to fling caution to the wind and enclose Ye Oval in tiered seating for its audiences. Clearly this will cost no small amount of money and suggests either great confidence in Linrodeth's future prosperity or great confidence in the number of punters willing to pay for sheltered entertainment. As this month's programme appears to feature a prolonged football tournament, which local Kerunians have described as "endurance mud wrestling", the likely payback would seem to be measured in decades.