The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 155

Residents of Temple ward are becoming increasingly angry at a spate of window smashing which has suddenly struck the ward. There appears to be no pattern to the victims of the crime nor has there been the expected attempt to extract protection money. The attacks always occur at night with stones, and on one occasion snowballs, being thrown through a number of windows before the assailants run off. The city watch has deployed a number of additional guards into the area, although the recent snowfalls are making patrolling difficult.

This month's committee nominations proved to be a surprisingly messy affair. There was no sign of the usual carefully prepared stitch up and even the deviously diligent Petro Cutario seemed ill prepared for the meeting. The word in the corridors of power is that Bottler, Cutario and Trueman had failed to agree at the pre-meeting and that Trueman and Cutario were therefore trying to put together their preferred list on the fly. Alan Monterey’s faction leapt on the confusion and as a result have left the Witanmoot with a real choice for the first times in many years. A bemused Peter Ryman commenting on his nomination said "We can do a good job after we've shaken things up a bit". The full nominations were as follows:

Treasury: Capel, Romanie, Spich.

Trade: Monterey, Bowden, Barbiter

Law and Order: Capel, Cripstead, Northropp, Ryman

Lands and Agriculture: de Clare, Cripstead, Barnett

Shipping: Osbert, Porter, Barbiter

Welfare and Education: Saunders, Trueman, Bergeren

Envoy to Kerun: Downe, Candever

Envoy to Orissa: Russell, Hyde

Envoy to Eresan: Howe, Benton

Envoy to Cascorach: Russell, Merewell, Rucche

Envoy to the Western Isles: Rucche, Flambourd

The newly elected Chair of Treasury will face an interesting task. Princess Selina is widely reported to have asked the city for an immediate payment of £10,000 to cover emergency war preparations to be followed by at £5000 increase in the city's annual payment to her. The scouring of budgets for potential savings is already underway. Apart from cutting the obviously ineffective Investigations agency and abandoning civic balls, candidates for reduction are proving elusive.

Heavy snowfalls and strong winds have been causing severe difficulties for people throughout the city. Last week has been announced by the Brynettes to be the coldest on record. The Wellhouse has opened its doors to all the beggars of the city in an attempt to prevent their wholesale death. With the recent abatement of the winds some normality has been restored and there is now talk of arranging a Frost Fair on the completely frozen river.

The reward for information regarding the robbery at the home of Olivia Warin has been increased to an unprecedented £100 amid rumours that the thieves have carried off the Warin business' entire reserve fund of some several thousand pounds.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 154

Lady Davy's decision to practise the Linrodeth muster in pre-planned groups of three wards and then build up to larger groups by adding these "triads” together, has enabled the most recent full muster to be a great success. Despite the hampering winter snow, it was by far the most rapid formation to yet be seen, with each ward using pre-planned routes and gates to exit the city. General Olvini is said to be delighted with the ability of Sheriffs Hastings and Warin to produce a plan and then execute it. He is reported to have commented at the end of the last muster, "What wonderful women; if they could fight I'd be out of a job."

A furious exchange of leaks is hampering the negotiations around the Goldsmiths' loan to the city treasury. Alderman Jim Bottler has accused the goldsmiths guild of a "lack of financial acumen" and an "inability to understand that they won't have any money if Linrodeth loses the war". Alderman William Trueman, who was clearly annoyed that these discussions are taking place in public rather than in a darkened room, commented that "Bottler is asking the Goldsmiths to accept a far higher risk and far lower profit than the construction guilds, but despite this the Goldsmiths will do whatever is possible to help safeguard the security of everyone in the city of Linrodeth. However, we would like to make sure that Bottler tightens up his financial act first so that none of the money is squandered."

Indigo blue flags festoon the sombre city streets, sometimes with party colours, but mostly on their own. Aldermen William Trueman and Petro Cutario have continued the "Security for All and All for Security" theme that they developed last month with the Bottler and Monterey factions struggling to carve out any agenda other than to go along with the tide of popular support for these policies. William Trueman has also become the first politician in Linrodeth history to be cheered for proposing a tax rise following his impassioned call that we provide our troops with ships and the equipment they need to eradicate Salvoyn once and for all.

The robbery perpetrated against Sheriff Warin's household during the last muster has outraged the citizenry. The one guard left at the house was viciously murdered by a gang of at least four people, who then proceeded to casually load stolen goods onto a cart. Had it not been for a diligent neighbour, who had remained behind with her children, they could have stolen a great deal. As it was the neighbour's warning and the ensuing hue and cry scared them off before most of the more valuable items could be taken. Sheriff Warin is understood to be furious. A reward of £50 has been offered by the Grossers Guild for information leading to the capture of these evil criminals who have so cynically exploited the city's defensive preparations for their own ends.

Alderman Alan Monterey is reported to be running urgent shuttle diplomacy between the Citadel and the Witanmoot. Despite his delight at their organisational skills it would appear that General Olvini is convinced it is time to dispense with the role of the Lord, the Sheriffs and even the Aldermen in anything to do with organising the muster. He is reported to be formulating plans to place the city's levy forces directly under his control. The General can be perhaps forgiven for not understanding the reluctance of the people of this city to let him do this, but he needs to learn that our Democracy is something which is not negotiable.

LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS!

The following citizens were elected as the ward Aldermen in the midst of our Midwinter blizzards: Arpent; Hugo Merewell. Avigon; Petro Cutario. Bassishaw; Marc Bergeren. Berewic; Aldric Houghton. Bridge; Richard Saunders. Cadene; Melanie Romanie. Cartage; Alice Barbiter. Castle Bard; Gilbert de Clare. Cripplegate; Peter Ryman. Dowgate; Graeme Porter. Dracas; Thomas Osbert. Faringdon; William Trueman. Ishtan; Eva Capel. Kingsgate; Adam Povre. Levestone; Alan Monterey. Marshgate; Nicholas Bowden. Oldgate; Duncan Barnett. Portsoken; Stephanie Exton. Shambles; Marie Cripstead. Temple; David Northropp. Welland; Jim Bottler.

In what was clearly a strong endorsement of the Cutario and Trueman pro-war agenda (and a devastating punishing of those still seen to be associated with Marcus Lambourne) Rose Cheeping lost her seat and Ralf Seagrim, Eddie Englefield and Audrey Wirstan were all only narrowly re-elected.

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 154

The first practice muster of the City turned out to be something of a debacle. Only some of the Alderman had received the notification of the practice and in most areas the ringing of the City belles engendered panic and disorder. One notable exception was Faringdon where William Trueman's long interest in the efficiency of his ward turnout paid off. The worst wards were Shambles and Cartage which formed up in completely the wrong place causing terrible disruption to the arrival of the Citadel cavalry. General Olvini has summoned the Sheriffs and Aldermen to a number of subsequent meetings and is rumoured to be considering placing military officers from the City Guard directly in charge of the Ward watches.

Peter Ryman has declared himself at last satisfied that something is being done about crime in Cripplegate. Indeed a number of arrests have been made and large numbers of City Guard have been deployed into the area recently. However tensions remain between Mr Ryman and the Guard who are reported to be very unhappy about the fact that Mr Ryman has hired his own group of guards with which to "patrol the areas the City Guard are too scared to enter". With war upon us urgent reconsideration of the budgets is taking place. Rumours abound but the Chronicle has been able to discover that the goldmith's guild has been approach for a loan. The welfare and education budget to be also expected to be savaged and Jim Bottler is rumoured to be highly distressed by the removal of funding for a number of extravagant building projects. Funding for the recently purchased City Orphanage is also causing some concern.

With the elections only a month the city has moved into full campaign mode. Trueman and Cutario of clearly in the lead having both been active on the safely and security agenda. Alderman speech on the subject this month was particularly well received with its uniting theme of "security for all and all for security". Other surprising active groups have been the renewal party with Maureen Quiller making a passionate speech asking the city to rally to defeat the Salvoynian evil that has corrupted Resh. Nicolas Worton has also spoken out and on the benefits of independence and the limitations of the current factions.

In an interesting development patriots have taken to displaying blue flags outside their windows. However this blue is the pale blue that of Princess Selina rather the traditional deep blue of Linrodeth. Cynics have suggested manipulation by the Citadel however as far as the Chronicle can ascertain the display is spontaneous taking up of an idea by from the Cutario faction which produced the flags for their own use. The dyers guild has been rushing to meet demand and supplies of indigo are reported to be dwindling fast.

In sombre mood the Witanmoot has gathered to see a portrait of Lady Andrews unveiled on the walls of the Long Gallery, alongside her those of her predecessors. The painting, the work of Jessamine Scathlocke, was adjudged a worthy addition to the Witanmoot's collection, and Lady Andrews declared herself delighted with the results.

Marcus Stenmoor, the Political assistant to Jim Bottler, has left the Bottler group in order to stand for election in his own right. Mr Stenmoor, who it was widely thought at one point would become a bard, has been the main driving force behind the political activity of the Bottler faction and his loss is likely to be a significant blow to the Bottler grouping.

LATE NEWS LATE NEWS LATE NEWS

The recent heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions most certainly mean that the expected Salvoynian invasion will not take place. A number of people had already begun to question the likelihood of an invasion this late in the year and the validity of the information about it. However the Citadel remains adamant that an attack was due and continues to urge citizens to prepare for one immediately the weather clears. Two brave crews have set forth from Kingsport to scout to the south and determine if the invasion fleet has been forced to put in and over winter on the coast. They will also provide early warning of any strike coming in the New Year. It is also possible that the invasion fleet has gone south to attack our allies in Kerun.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 154

Dire news has reached us from the south; King Kieran has been injured in a skirmish against Salvoynian Cavalry. The High King was returning with a small escort from a supposedly secret visit to his sister in Cascorach, and was set upon by a large group of Salvoynian knights. The King’s scouts had stopped the advancing force and his escort was therefore able to choose its ground and prepare a defence. Losses on both sides are reported to have been high and whilst the King’s force was victorious, he is reported to have been received a serious wound to the arm when his shield splintered.

The controversy over grain prices flared up again with a number of councillors planning to censure the Cornmongers and Bakers Guilds. Cllr Peter Ryman has stepped into the fray with an outspoken maiden speech, “I just can't believe the hypocrisy of this council.” he declared. “The Bakers Guild has always prided itself on supporting the city. We have coped with fire, riots, plague, civil war and grain shortages. We have only raised our prices when the alternative would have been for us to go bankrupt.” He accused other guilds of profiteering from the rebuilding of the city and pointed out that no-one in the Bakers Guild had a huge mansion.

Alderman Petro Cutario has launched a major cross-city campaign on the subject of Security for All. For most of last week his faction has been rallying people to attend the free races which Petro will be providing at the new stadium. During an interval in the excellent entertainment Alderman Cutario spoke passionately about his support for Princess Selina and the defence of the city. He went on to explain his believe that security comes from both military strength and prosperity, and also from the knowledge that your fellow citizens will use their prosperity to support you in your time of need, just as you would support them in theirs. He followed this stirring speech by announcing that following a “generously priced” purchase of the Lambourne mansion by William Trueman, Princess Selina had decided to donate the proceeds to the city’s Welfare and Education budget to enable the establishment of an orphanage for the children of the Principality. Chairman for Welfare and Education, Richard Saunders, is already actively seeking sites for the new building and has declared himself delighted that this long term ambition of the city has finally been realised.

Cutario’s campaign appears to have caught the mood of the people, and many political commentators are describing it as a master stroke. The betrayal by Lambourne has seriously weakened peoples’ faith in the political factions and this, combined with a shift in campaign emphasis by the factions towards campaigning for individual Alderman candidates, has left cross city support for all the factions dwindling. By capturing the high ground and being prepared to once again stand forth in belief for something, Cutario has set the agenda for the coming election and ensured that anyone associated with his faction will do well. Brunstan Blackbeard has denied the rumours, circulating the Witanmoot, that he is involved in organised crime. Whilst admitting that in his youth he was a regular visitor to the Floating Market and had “many contacts” amongst the city’s criminals, he claimed that he had severed these ties upon becoming elected to the Witanmoot.

LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS!

We are at war and an attack by Salvoyn is imminent. A brave and loyal citizen of Linrodeth has at some significant personal risk, brought advanced news of a fiendish plot by Salvoyn to attack the city. The Salvoynian fleet is already thought to be on its way to Linrodeth and is expected to arrive towards the end of this week. The Leviathan, Cetus, Yamma, and Tiamat have all been rapidly fitted out and a full battle fleet is being formed up at Kingsport. All Consortium shipping returning to port for the winter has been redeployed onto naval duty and a general call up of all able bodied sailors initiated. Despite these actions, it is not clear that Linrodeth is yet ready to take on the might of the Salvoynian fleet which still has as its core the old Athion Royal Navy, and land defences are also being urgently strengthened. It is not known whether the attack by the Salvoynian ships is a prelude to invasion or simply the beginning of a blockade. General Olvini has declared his intention to meet any invasion in the field rather than allow the Principality’s lands to be ravaged. The first full practice muster of the Marching Watch is being planned and all citizens are reminded of the law requiring them to maintain a bow and full complement of arrows and practice with this at least once per week.

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 154

Court and council decamped to Kingsport last week for the build up to the launch of this year's contingent of naval additions. Also present was an unexpected host of troops, both serving and summoned levy, which underlined how seriously Princess Selina is taking the latest threat from Salvoyn. Her Highness took advantage of this great gathering of her army at Kingsport to give a stirring and defining speech, which the Chronicle has transcribed opposite. After a full day reviewing the troops, the new ships of the line were launched on the evening tide. All were the largest vessels of the new design yet constructed, and the incredible size of the Kingsport build drew gasps of disbelief as it was finally unveiled. The 2,000 tun Leviathan and new flagship of the Linrodeth Navy was almost unable to turn into the main channel of the Ishtan, and manoeuvred slowly out to station on the ocean, along with the Cetus, the Yamma, and the Tiamat sister ships of 1500 tuns. The significance of raising the levy of the countryside controlled by the Principality was not lost on political onlookers, and stocks of luxury items in the market places fell significantly over the course of the week

Ahead of the marching levy, and presumably unrelated to it, comes news of unrest and rebellion across the northern reaches of the Weald. It is unclear whether the discontent on the northern borders is due to taxation or some more local difficulty. Fortunately, it does not appear to have effected corn supplies from the area or the redeployment of troops.

Several of the more elderly citizens of Linrodeth have been highly agitated by recent activities of Brynette surveyors along the Botmoor road and atop Botmoor hills to the south. Citing Lord Raphael's famous assurance that "no further incidents of necromancy will be allowed to occur", the silver brigade are lobbying for a curfew to be re-imposed throughout the month of Kryll and Ghostmoons. As near as the Chronicle could ascertain, the surveyors are merely checking water levels during the autumn flooding. Residents of the ward of Faringdon have lodged complaints recently about strange noises coming from the abandoned home of traitor Marcus Lambourne late at night. Local councillors consider the source of the nuisance most likely to be optimistic treasure hunters, trying to loot the place ahead of redevelopment of the site. A few more excitable rumourmongers in the local tavern claim to have seen hooded figures entering and exiting over the roof tiles, while their young offspring seem to be intent on making a lightning raid during the early hours of Ghostmoons.

The wardmoots of Dracas, Shambles and Levestone are all dealing with distraught parents and guildsmen after a number of youths went missing during errands in the early autumn twilight. The youngsters all appear to be fit, strong apprentices from comfortable households and thus do not fit the usual descriptions of lost street urchins. The City Guard has confirmed that these incidents do not appear to be related to the trio of "floaters" hauled out of the flooded River Ishta last ninthday. Scribes at the Witanmoot remain puzzled by a small number of mysterious citizens who send in taxes for properties which do not appear to exist.

All these "landlords" appear to reside outside of the city boundaries, but repeated replies to those addresses seem unable to stem the small and persistent trickle of funds into the Treasury.

In the aftermath of the great troop assembly at Kingsport, several ward moots have been debating their future role in any emergency. In the wake of other reforms to city governance, most are unclear as to whether they still retain the right to call out a Marching Watch of ward citizens under the command of the Alderman. It has generally been agreed that this is not a good area for experimentation due to the watchful eye of General Olvini, and that the Witanmoot should clarify the duties of the armed citizens and councillors.

Her Highness Princess Selina's Address to Troops at Kingsport:

"My loyal troops and sailors. We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit our selves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear, I have always so behaved myself that, under the deities, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and goodwill of my subjects.

"Therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my city and for my lands and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust. I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a Prince, and of a Prince of Athion too, and think foul scorn that the Council of Regents, or any witch of Salvoyn, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to whit rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. I know already, for your forwardness you have deserved rewards and crowns; and we do assure you in the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you.

"In the meantime, my Admiral Cornaro shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my Admiral, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over those enemies of my lands and of my people."

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 154

A lavish civic ceremony of thanksgiving has been held for bumper harvest underway this year. Lady Davy led a formal procession of both the Aldermanic and full council members to the Dalethian Wellhouse on Wheat Hill, where a service was conducted by the Wellkeeper Shinannon. Later the dignitaries adjourned to a formal reception at the Lords Mansion in the Witanmoot, where additional generous libations were made to the Kerunian deity Baccelos. It has been a busy month for Chair of Law and Order Judi Spich. Firstly her well intentioned attempt to intervene in the Saunders’ affair stirred up a hornets' nest of complaints. Perhaps if she had quietly asked the Investigation Agency to look into the matter, things would have gone smoothly. As it was her announcement to the Witanmoot was formally seconded, then challenged. Things quickly degenerated into a full council debate on the role of the Agency, the authority of the Chair of Law & Order, and the authority of the Witanmoot and the Citadel in enforcing Guild charters. Things got even more complicated when Cllr Kate Penipot proposed an amendment instructing (rather than requesting) the Agency to be involved. An irritated Lady Jenny Davy halted the debate and instructed the Agency to, "Investigate whatever it felt needed investigating and report back to the Committee for Law & Order". A decision which, according to the Monterey faction, has "dangerous and ill-considered constitutional consequences".

Alderman Judi Spich also faced a growing crisis over the failure of the city guard to prevent crime in Cripplegate. The frustrated citizens of the ward have re-formed their own watch and are informally patrolling the streets on a personal rota. Alderman Grendle described the activities of his fellow citizens as "unnecessary and unwise", and was appalled when his fellow councillors co-opted Peter Ryman, leader of the new "citizen's watch', onto the Witanmoot. Watch leader Ryman told the Chronicle, "I don't care whose job it's meant to be. All I know is that my shop was broken into three times last month, and we have had enough."

Admiralty is refusing to offer apologies for the deaths of three citizens who were killed trying to enter Kingsport without authorisation. A Naval spokesman commented, "it is now clear that the three dockers were trying to get a look at the new ships as some sort of dare. When challenged by the guards, the three attempted to run and were quite rightly shot down."

Controversy is raging quietly over the price of bread. The bumper harvest has led to a dramatic fall in corn prices but he Bakers Guild has yet to reflect this in the cost of a loaf. According to Maud Blessop "we have held prices down during the difficult years. We should be thanked for what we have done and not attacked for trying to recover our losses."

King Ravensgrim's attempts at courtship appear to be frustrated. Citadel insiders are clearly relieved that he will be leaving in the near future, with the relationship between him and Princess Selina never having passed out of the rumour stage. His other ladies have also apparently been unusually preoccupied and the King has reverted to his mercenary origin and gone drinking instead. Apparently he was overheard in the Dancing Bear complaining that "Women are more difficult to deal with when they hunt in packs".

The Oval has been put to good use this month with a series of horse races taking advantage of the ready made racetrack. Attempts by Alderman Petro Cutario to make this a vaguely organised event have come up against the usual Linrodeth love of chaos and muddling through. Cutario's new approach to betting, where odds are offered on all the horses, has been rather more successful, especially with the Citadel accountants. However it appears to have flummoxed the less mathematically-minded and is optimistically being investigated by the Goldsmiths Guild as a possible breach of their Charter.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 154

The expected showdown over the new committee chairman and Alderman failed to materialise this month. It was a surprised Alderman Trueman who this month found himself in the luxurious position of making several unopposed nominations. The Alderman proposed Judi Spich as Chair for Law and Order, Alan Monterey for Trade, David Northrop for Alderman of Temple and Emma Chireton for Alderman of Berewic. After a long pause Alderman Cutario rose to second these nominations. With no other nominations coming forward the posts were confirmed. Both factions are paying down suggestions of an alliance deal. The Chronicle would normally treat with contempt their claims to have independently come up with the same list, however both factions appear genuinely embarrassed and it is just possible that they are telling the truth.

King Ravensgrim continues to extend both his stay in Linrodeth and his trade interests. Much is still rumoured (none of it substantiated) about the King and Princess Selina but it would appear that the King has in fact turned his attention to the City. Even more unsubstantiated rumours have connected the King with is old (and now very rich friend) Raven Lindis or his even richer and not quite so old friend Lady Eshi Cyarçon. The most bizarre and more worryingly persistent rumour has him spending time with well known Reshites Maria Consuela, Irvine Grendle and Maureen Quiller.

Work on Ye Oval is proceeding at a surprisingly rapid pace. Alderman Cutario has been much in evidence and it looks like the project will be completed well ahead of time. The Alderman has apparently been confusing the Linrodeth building guilds by planning ahead for the future of the "great stadium'; a concept which Linrodeth's "if it gets in the way in the future we'll just knock it down and charge you double' building consortium is resisting with some vigour.

Pirate activity on the southern routes to the City States has increased significantly recently. The Navy is taking the matter very seriously and has started to operate along the entire route to the City States. The Admiralty has refused to comment upon the surprising concentration of force near Salvoyn, however many dockside conversations suggest that Her Highness is concerned that some of the pirate activity appears to be rather well organized and very professional.

The Bards College is undergoing a flurry of activity as it prepared for the first ceremony of elevation for many years. Master Bard Occam will be formally elevated at Harvestide although it is understood that he has already been granted the post by his fellow masters. Where Occam has been for the last two years remains a mystery, which we have been unable to get anyone at the College to comment upon.

This years harvest looks set to be a bumper one. The continued good weather, interspersed with just enough rain is creating apparently nearly perfect grain growing conditions. If the city can avoid been attacked, besieged or burnt down then it may be possible that this year may mark an earlier than expected return to prosperity.

Problems abound in the Fishmongers Guild. It would appear that the ever tactful Richard Saunders has got himself into a dispute with both the City Guard and his guild. The Alderman is accused of selling fish at below guild rate; an accusation which he fervently denies and which he has helpfully suggested is a result of "those morons in the city guard settling old scores". Kate Penipot has joined in demanding a full investigation and accusing Saunders of trying to cover up something rotten. Saunders in turn has rounded on her describing her as a "meddling Troublemaker who should have been exiled from the city months ago for her Reshite beliefs".

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 154

The state visit of King Ravensgrim to Linrodeth has proved to be a success so far. There has been absolutely no trouble or protests at the King's visit and it would appear that, with the death of Marcus Lambourne, all vocal resentment about the events of the invasion has subsided. The King, with his substantial entourage, has spent the majority of time at the Citadel but has made a brief visit to the Witanmoot, along with a memorable and unscheduled diversion to the Dancing Bear tavern in Welland. One further official engagement, a tour of the more respectable aisles of the Midsummer Fair, is scheduled.

Lady Jenny Davy appears determined to revive all the mercantile traditions of the past. Along with her drive to re-establish the Midsummer Fair as a major event, she has held a grand Civic Ball in honour of King Ravensgrim's visit. The ball itself was a lavish affair with Lady Davy drawing upon the much underused hospitality funds with apparent relish. Lady Davy's speech welcoming the King and looking forward to new trading links with his nation during the growth of a new, vigorous and enthusiastic Linrodeth will be seen as a landmark event for the city. So far however the Noordic efforts to establish new trading deals have not been entirely successful. The Noordic merchants, with the financial backing of their King, appear to be taking the lead in most of most of the deals with Linrodeth merchants reluctant to take risks themselves. Alderman Cutario's cronies appeared to be the only guildsmen prepared to invest in the various proposals mooted over the banquet.

Very little has been reported of King Ravensgrim’s discussions at the Citadel other than a comment from General Olvini that he hoped the King would be able to stay longer than originally planned. In the absence of official comment, the rumour mill is buzzing with suggestions that the Noordic King is spending the majority up of his time courting Princess Selina; much to the distress of King Kieran's ambassador.

Work was started this month on what is apparently going to be known as Ye Oval. This land, as would be expected from its name, is a large oval and often boggy space which is being marked out on the far side of the river for the playing of public games. The start of the works coincided with the anniversary of the lifting of the ban on football by Princess Selina and resulted in a minor celebration of the event. It is hoped that the pitch will be in a good enough condition to for the staging of the annual football competition which will be held at Harvestide.

Observers at the bridge have been intrigued to notice a reduction in activity around the city's shipyards this year. The cordon of tight security has been pulled back to Kingsport down the estuary, and the local yards are busy on a flotilla of smaller mercantile vessels for a change. Notwithstanding, the navy continues to pursue a vigorous recruitment policy which has made the dockside a hazardous place for lone youths at night time. Midsummer weddings are proving to be very popular this season as citizens experience an unusual and hopefully continued return to prosperity. Whether this is a brief lull in the war, or a sign of things to come, many couples have decided to tie the knot during this bountiful summer. A number of aristocratic ceremonies at the Hahnite Temple, all vying for the title of Society Wedding of the season, have been eclipsed by a lavish and spectacular naming ceremony at the Torian Temple, during which largess was distributed like chaff. The centre of all this celebration was of course young master Marcos Fitz-Ailwyn, the new son of Jacqueline Fitz-Ailwyn and Lord Robert Cornaro.

Due to popular demand, the Bards College is to revive its production of Roland and Julia (a comedy of errors) for an autumn season. It is understood that more patrons are being sought in order to encourage a new generation of playwrights. The Chroniclers hope that any new talent will be spared the depredations of the Linrodeth Navy.

Late News! Late News! Late News!

The Midsummer Fair has been a resounding success reminiscent of the great fairs which were held before the civil war. Lady Davy has expressed delight at the large number of people from outside the city who attended and also at the very positive impact that the fair had upon Linrodeth's economy. All of the guilds got behind Lady Davy's schemes and a number of significant competitions were held. The most enjoyable of these was that organized by the construction guilds, whose teams formed with the intent of seeing who could build the best house in a day. The contest was closely called between the "Welland Wonders" led by Eddie Englefield and the "Blue Boar Bodges". In the end the higher quality construction of the Blue Boar team won out. It seems likely that this construction competition will become an annual event with teams training and bets being placed long in advance. The pig-wrestling competition also went ahead, despite the untimely escape of some Tamworths who briefly threatened the glasswork display of some guildsmen. A contingent of Celidon rangers provided a dazzling display of archery and may even inspire some Linrodeth citizens to resume their practice. The large Nordic trading delegation reserved a major area of turf at the Midsummer Fair and provided a tempting display of golden amber, fine silverwork and exotic furs. A couple of competing fortune tellers proved to be rather more exciting than many customers had anticipated. Linrodeth's official Temple's also made an unexpectedly strong showing during the afternoon with each of the temples major orators putting forth the view of that particular god and encouraging people to attend worship more regularly.

The Sheriffs' election was rather more hotly contested than expected. Mary Hastings looked secure to take one of the posts. Her efforts in the setting up the Witanmoot Investigation Organization have built on the Law & Order ticket and plays well to the council's paranoia in the wake of traitor Marcus Lambourne's gory demise. However, a closely fought contest developed between Nicholas Bowden and Olivia Warin and ended in a tie. Lady Davy, after brief consideration, cast her decisive vote for Olivia Warin.

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 154

Preparations are now underway at the Citadel for the arrival of King Ravensgrim who is expected on a state visit as soon as he completes the consolidation of his victories in the Western Isles. The Witanmoot will also need to decide if it wishes to throw any events for the apparently large trading contingent that will be accompanying the Noordic King. Colonel Aldridge has played down any suggestions that there might be civil disorder problems as a result of Ravensgrim's past history as leading the mercenaries which devastated properties in, and mercilessly killed the population of several wards of the city. General Olvini was somewhat clearer on the matter. Describing King Ravensgrim as "a trusted ally who had eliminated one of the most serious threats to Linrodeth security and who now controls one of our most important trading areas", he expressed his expectation that the Noordic King would be greeted with spontaneous cheering.

In a quiet Witanmoot session the main budget split went through unopposed. This was then followed by a flurry of amendments as Alderman Jim Bottler proceeded to propose his recommended changes relating to the Temples. These proposals have proved a surprisingly uncontroversial and it would appear that Jim has again got away with walking through a field of cowpats that many others have avoided. A slightly more exciting council session may be provided by the elections of the Sheriff which are forthcoming. Olivia Warin, Nicolas Bowden and Mary Hastings have been nominated and, with the four remaining factions almost evenly represented it in the Alderman Court, it may well come down to the independent vote of Nicolas Walton to decide the outcome.

Lady Jenny Davy has already started to establish a distinct style as the leader of our city. Her most recent innovation is to openly meet with the leaders of factions as well as the Sheriff's and key committee chairs. Whilst factions have been an accepted part of Linrodeth life for some time, this is the first occasion upon which the normal separation between the administration and the factions has been blurred. In a further innovation Lady Davy has decided to hold these sessions extremely informally. Apparently she has become used to having important discussions in the Bottler baths. Perhaps it will not be to too long before the sweet water project achieves the official backing from the executive that it has always lacked.

Preparations for the Midsummer Fair are now well underway. Lady Davy has made it clear that she would like this year's event to show a return to Linrodeth’s trading roots. Formal invitations have been sent out throughout the duchy and prizes are to be offered by each of the guilds to the member who has made the greatest difference to Linrodeth trade this year.

The new Mercer's gate is proving to be very popular. Flow through it has been surprisingly strong. Indeed on one occasion queues formed despite the fact that the accesses to the adjacent gates were unblocked. Several wags have commented that this simply goes to prove that Linrodeth dockside workers are indeed the laziest in the world.

Rumours are beginning to circulate suggesting that the apparently quiet passage of the budget is a cover. Whispered conversations in the Witanmoot suggest that large sums of money have gone missing or indeed that the accountants got their sums badly wrong. However attempts to investigate what has happened to the apparently large amounts of money left over in various contingencies or indeed why people get so jumpy when the committee's accounts are looked into have been faced with absolute denials and bafflement by the Witanmoot Clerks.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 154

Jenny Davy has been invested as the new Lord of the City. Lady Andrews cast her deciding vote for Jenny in the closing minutes of Springtide, surprisingly voting against the previous line of the Trueman faction. Whilst she has resisted commenting upon her reasons, many people in the Witanmoot are drawing the conclusion that the suddenly frosty relationship between Alan Monterey and Jim Bottler confirms the rumour that Alan Monterey made a last minute and decisive intervention on behalf of Jenny Davy.

Lady Davy's inauguration ball took on special significance as the last public occasion for High King Kieran before he left the city. Lady Davy used the excuse to throw a lavish event reminiscent of old times. Indeed she and many of the Witanmoot and Citadel openly expressed the view that a new era was dawning for Linrodeth. Princess Selina herself proclaimed during a brief speech that "With my recovery, the defeat of the Noord threat, the election of a new Lord and the firm establishment of our alliance with King Kieran, and now the destruction of the evil traitor Marcus Lambourn, a new time is coming for Linrodeth." However most eyes were not upon the politics but rather upon King Kieran and Princess Selina. The two leaders, who are rumoured to have become close during their time together, seemed keen to keep their attentions to each other formal. But they could not hide the pleasure they took in dancing together, giving hope to the many well wishers who see this as the perfect match. King Kieran himself thanked the people of Linrodeth and in particular the Princess for their kindness and the warmth of their hospitality. "In my youth I spent many a happy day in Linrodeth, my father's capital city. Now as King of Athion I am delighted to see that the city is still prospering despite the many threats to its future"

Lady Davy has already shown herself to be a strong and determined leader. Following on from her discovery of the Lambourne plot, she argued vehemently in the Witanmoot for the establishment of a "Witanmoot Investigation Organization" which would be capable of undertaking investigations into possible malpractice by Councillors and actions of Treason against the city. This proposal gained almost unanimous support from the collective councillors with only a few dissenting voices raising concerns about the potential conflict with the Citadel and the role of Colonel Aldridge.

The elections for the replacement Aldermen led to an unambiguous and devastating defeat for Janice Travers who received only 22 votes compared to Irvine Grendle's 327. Demonstrating that the people are unwilling to forgive those associated with Marcus Lambourne, the once popular Travers would have, in a normal election, lost her seat on the Wardmoot with this poor a vote. Following the defeat the stoic Travers announced her intention to make a new start by joining the Monterey faction. In Shambles the victory was less emphatic, but Marie Cripstead still achieved a clean win over Ralf Seagrim whose association with Bert Belcher clearly damaged him.

The budget process appeared to be carrying on quietly until the intervention of Jim Bottler. No amendments were proposed to the main budget split and hence this should pass cleanly next month. However Bottler has proposed that within the Committee budgets the donations to the temples all be £500 with extra spending on building maintenance, alms houses and dock maintenance coming from the consequent reduction in payments to Brynette, Esprayenna and Torus. The only other change is that the trade budget shows a shift from the previous focus on Shipping with the suggestion that £1500 be spent of road building. A proposal which has apparently not gone down well at the Citadel despite much lobbying.