The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 153

A month after the news of the Noordic invasion broke, the reaction of Linrodeth citizens continues to be one of bemusement. While opinions range from “Good, a new trading ally”, to “It’s that damned Ravensgrim who trashed Cadene”, by far the most common comment is” We successfully invaded and then gave it back?!!” Commentators point out that Princess Selina’s manoeuvre does bear more resemblance to a trading take-over than an Athionic assault. Most surprising is the efficiency and enthusiasm with which the Guilds are launching new trade initiatives to the Noordic Isles, suggesting that the trade routes south may be more hazardous than was previously thought. Alderman Cutario has hosted several soirées at the Citadel in an attempt to drum up new investors, and Alderman Monterey has amended the Trade budget by transferring £200 from the new docks to fund an emissary to the Western Isles. His initiative was perhaps upstaged by Alderman Bottler who was pleased to announce that Princess Selina has created an Embassy to the Noord King, and approved a post of trade emissary from the Witanmoot. Alderman Bottler concluded by nominating Samuel Rucche to this post.

Other business in the Witanmoot has taken some surprising twists and turns this month. The controversial tax-raising budget was passed nem com, then Davy, Bowden and Warin were all nominated for the posts of Sheriff as expected. After this Cllr Lambourne raised the subject of Reshites with the following statement, "The good and loyal people of Linrodeth are sick and tired of seeing the laws of the City openly flouted, with the collusion of high-ranking members of this house. It is our duty to lead by example. Our hands must be seen to be clean. I therefore propose the following motion before Council:

“This house affirms that no public funds will knowingly be spent on goods or services provided by known Reshites. Neither will it knowingly employ known Reshites as public servants. To this end it will take all reasonable steps to investigate such persons and businesses before public funds are spent. This house further undertakes to investigate all current public servants, suppliers and contractors, and to cease the disbursement of public funds to all those found to be practising the illegal Reshite heresy.”

As a clear attempt to disrupt Maureen Quiller’s recent acceptance into the Trueman faction, it was especially interesting to note that the motion was seconded by Alderman Bottler who added, “This Council has, in its wisdom, already passed a motion expelling the worshippers of Resh. And yet we have done nothing to enact this order. No further judgements need be made by this Council; it requires only action. I call upon the Chair of the Committee for Law and Order to begin immediate proceedings to banish from the City the followers of this evil cult." As a follow-up Cllr Lambourne asked Lady Andrews to make a statement on the recent football matches, “Has the late King’s law now been struck from the statute books and, if so, why weren’t we officially informed?” An amused Lady Andrews instead called upon Alderman Cutario to speak. He announced. “Her Highness Princess Selina is most willing to consider the repeal of this law. I am aware that a large petition is already being organised by citizens and I applaud their initiative. I call upon the Witanmoot to declare its support for the repeal of this archaic and obstructive decree.”

This announcement ended Lady Andrew’s brief success in council as business then moved on to debate the proposed War Compensation scheme. This idea was criticised from all sides of the chamber and the proposal was overwhelmingly defeated. the Guilds will clearly have to look to their own coffers to support their members. Next up was Trueman’s proposals for a civic investigative force; this idea was also widely criticised in its current format, but councillors seemed unwilling to vote down the concept altogether. After several alternative proposals were made, Lady Andrews referred the matter to the Law & Order committee for a recommendation to council.

Linrodeth’s victorious navy has returned to Kingsport. The official Admiralty welcome became particularly warm when the flagship Resolute hove into view. The Resolute was one of the few losses in the major sea battle last autumn, and it was expected that the captured ship would be sold to Salvoyn at the earliest opportunity. The Resolute was manned by what can only be described as a skeleton crew, as she was freed shortly before the invasion by an enslaved group of navy officers who are looking distinctly the worse for their experience. The rest of the fleet have now resumed their stations beyond the estuary, or have returned to trading duties (much to the relief of the waiting merchants). Suggestions that either the escape of the Resolute or the glorious fleet invasion become the subject of an especially commissioned play have so far met with a cool reception from the Bards College.

The Citadel has made the by now unsurprising announcement that Her Highness Princess Selina is indeed pregnant and will be making no further public engagements from Midsummer until the end of the year.

The Vintners Guild have offered their apologies for the postponement of the eagerly awaited auction of the Wealden Hoard. The delays are apparently due to Monterey’s more pressing business concerning the forthcoming Sheriffs Elections.

Seagulls are causing serious problems for the Brynette surveyors in Bridge ward. Work on the new dockside has almost ground to a halt after labourers disturbed a nesting colony of Herring gulls. The gulls promptly attacked and are proving exceptionally aggressive in defending their nesting grounds, where the young gulls are nearly ready to fly. The gulls have shown a particular dislike of the saffron robes worn by the junior Brynettes, and repeatedly dive on the acolytes. The local fishermen are vastly amused but deny egging them on.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 153

In a shock move at the Witanmoot the Trueman faction stalwart, Olivia Warin, has defected to Alan Monterey’s opposition. The announcement comes in the wake of Trueman’s recruitment of known Reshite Maureen Quiller and opens up what would otherwise have been a bland Sheriffs election. Chair of Trade Olivia Warin has long been seen by many as a credible Sheriff candidate who has been increasingly frustrated by the constraints imposed on her by the Trueman factions holding of the Lordship. Whether Alderman Monterey will be able to field sufficient allies to pull off an election win is open for debate. The consequences for the Trade, Shipping, Construction grouping of Trueman, Cutario and Bottler will also prove interesting.

Alderman Jim Bottler (OM) has finally moved into his lavish new mansion with a massive and entirely excessive party. Almost everyone of any importance in the city attended along with many ordinary workers who had helped build the ‘’Palace on the Green’. With substantial Athionic food by Maud Blessop and fine Kerunian wines from the newly recovered Wealden horde, things were bound to go well. An excess of libellous gossip throughout the evening was perhaps the result of the aged and extra-strong wines. A surprise visit was made early in the evening by Her Highness Princess Selina, still in mourning and now looking distinctly rotund. She formally opened the celebrations and wished that everyone would enjoy sharing with Jim Bottler the fruits of his hard work. Fortunately she departed before Lady Portinari, Alderman Cutario and a number of other senior Kerunians decided to strip off and make use of the massive marble baths. This development inspired Marcus Lambourne’s acerbic wit to reach new heights; of all the guests he seemed most distressed at the excess and wondering where all the money had come from. Perhaps Alderman Warin should have bought along the “Your Shipping Budget at Work” sign to remind him?

Alderman Alan Monterey has been voicing his support for the increase in spending upon Shipping and Trade in the current budget proposals, as well he might following the recent defection of Olivia Warin. Several older members of the Witanmoot looked like they might die of shock when they heard the normally acerbic Monterey proclaim “In the last year Linrodeth's Merchant Navy has more than proved its worth, and it is clear to me that we need to build more ships to support both our military and mercantile goals. We all want a safe and prosperous city, and these proposals will give us that. I therefore have no hesitation in commending the proposed budget to the Witanmoot." His support was warmly welcomed by Alderman Cutario. With no amendments proposed the budget passed uncontested, although an abstention by Marcus Lambourne signalled his disquiet with the increase in taxes.

Alderman William Trueman has stirred things up for next month’s Committee Budgets by proposing that the city fund its own investigators to look into unsolved crimes. Although it is clear that Alderman Trueman was not courting such a confrontation, the proposals have outraged the City Guard who see it as a direct insult to them. Colonel Aldridge is said to be privately furious that the implication that the Guard are just there to “bash heads”. Questions have also been raised as to the legality of the city raising such a force now that Princess Selina has taken direct control of the guard. Continuing the theme of confusing boundaries in the Witanmoot, Cllr Marcus Lambourne voiced his unequivocal support for the proposal although he couldn’t bring himself to even indirectly support Alderman Trueman as a result. “Trueman and his team have finally taken their fingers out of their ears and decided to listen to me. I can only hope that this becomes a regular occurrence." He proclaimed.

Less controversially Alderman Trueman has proposed that the Trade Committee establish a war compensation scheme which would underwrite merchants who lost their goods due to the war. He appears to have worked though most of the obvious pitfalls and a number of the guilds are supporting the imitative. However Alderman Warin did not see fit to budget for it in the Trade figures, asserting instead that the under-funded Emissaries would be a much better investment. The increasingly important Consortium Board has said only that it would take it under advisement.

Alderman Cutario appears to have got away with his sponsorship of a football match. Certainly Lady Andrews has not seen fit to call him to account. Spurred on by this apparent approval, several football matches have been held through the city this month. The most interesting was the contest between the Students and the Watermen’s apprentices which resulted in an unusual amount of foot injuries.

Another person conspicuously not being pursued by Lady Andrews is Reshite Maureen Quiller, who continues to enjoy her newfound position as a leading member of the Trueman Faction. However this dereliction of duty by Lady Andrews has not gone unnoticed and Marcus Lambourne in particular has been increasingly distressed about the matter. In a surprise move he has called upon all citizens of Linrodeth to boycott Reshite-owned businesses. "If Lady Andrews isn't prepared to uphold the motion passed the Witanmoot, outlawing the worship of Resh within the city, then it is up to the true, faithful people of Linrodeth to set her an example by this peaceful protest. The initiative has been fully supported by both the Hahnite and Brynette temples, which have taken up the theme of not supporting or associating with evil in their sermons.

The Torian Temple is increasingly worried about the fate of one of its senior priests who has disappeared while on an expedition to the Ollerton Temple on the north road. Physickian Geoffrey de Pontville was travelling with an armed escort and is described as a very experienced traveller. Rumours that he was diverted to the Martonford Marshes to investigate a disturbance there have not been confirmed.

The Vintners Guild is pleased to announce an auction of fine wines at its guildhall on the Tenthday next month. Although nominally a routine sale of the wines shipped in from the city states, it is widely rumoured that Alderman Monterey may choose to put some of the Wealden horde up for auction. If the drunken revels of our Witanmoot representatives are anything to go by, these lots will be a fine addition to any forthcoming celebrations.

The Chroniclers wish to repeat their earlier apology for any disruption to their services as the negotiations to buy larger and more derelict premises are proceeding with increasing dereliction.

Late News! Late News! Late News!

A military courier ship has arrived from the Noordic Isles with the unexpected news that the Princes of the Noord and the massed Noordic clans have been defeated by a Linrodeth-sponsored army. The fleet, which left Linrodeth last month, apparently sailed south to rendezvous with the mercenary army of General Ravensgrim. The navy shipped the entire army to the Noordic Isles, where the Althing had convened and a contest to claim the Noordic crown was underway. The highly skilled elements of Linrodeth’s Marines, Archers and Cavalry which sailed with the force made the decisive difference, and the Noordic Isles fell to the surprise attack by our allies. The mercenary general then demanded and got the fealty of the surviving Althing. King Ravensgrim Tryggvarsson now rules in the city of Höfn. Princess Selina declared, “Let this be a signal to all who challenge us and this great city of Linrodeth. We are a power to be reckoned with: threaten us and you will lose everything.” Her Highness has officially come out of mourning and ordered a public holiday in celebration of the victory.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 153

A large fleet of warships, including all of the new classes of Consortium ships, has departed Linrodeth. The ships stopped at Kingsport to take on troops and then headed south. Despite the frenzied activities of the city’s councillors and the best investigative activities of the Chronicle, no-one has yet been able to determine their mission. Given the relatively small number of troops that the ships embarked, speculation has centred around a raid upon the Salvoyn navy. Although given the current stable relationship with Salvoyn this seems an unlikely course of action for Princess Selina to pursue. The other possibility is that sailing south was a ruse. Indeed, recently arrived merchant ships have not reported seeing the fleet. It may be possible that a small force is to be inserted up the coast to form a surprise part of the attack. Several commentators have also suggested that this may simply be an exercise to enable the ships to practice for the forthcoming attack upon the North.

This coming month’s budget negotiations look set to be fun. Rumours circulating suggest a massive tax increase in the offing in order to pay for the war. Jim Bottler is at the centre of negotiations and appears to be trying to agree everything in advance so that a united front can be presented to the populace. However the plans have leaked and the Chronicle is able to reveal that a £10,000 increase in the tax raised from the city is planned. How this will be put across to the citizens is yet unclear but with support for the war running high there may not be too much opposition. One insider suggested "The city has been under-taxed by Her Highness for years. She's finally found the excuse to put taxes back up without facing a rebellion."

The Archimandrite has made a pronouncement against the dangers of the worship of Resh. In an uncompromising sermon he described the worship of Resh as a mortal sin and expressed outrage that it was still being tolerated in Linrodeth. “This foul and evil heresy has brought forth the death of the old King and all the peace and stability which we had come to love under his reign. The blighted souls of those who follow Resh, even in misguided goodness, must be saved from their own folly. We must redeem them or destroy them to stop the evil which they worship”.

The Springtide arrival of produce and trade goods from the northern Weald has this year been accompanied by a large deputation of peasants to the major temples. Several villages to the north have been haunted by large swarms of wispy lights floating over the sea marshes, and by mysterious wailings through the winter nights. The peasants are begging the temples for the assistance of a senior priest willing to undertake an exorcism.

The seasonal thaw has also seen the arrival of a few welcome trade caravans from Adaqua via Cascorach. As well as re-supplying Linrodeth’s Kerunian citizens with luxury goods from home, the merchants also bring news of a further daughter for Duke Alexander. Princess Eleanor gave birth to Princess Amelia at the beginning of Galemir, and both are said to be doing well. The news echoes speculation around the citadel after Princess Selina recently required her mourning robes to be let out.

Alderman Cutario may be in trouble with his Wardmoot following an apparently spontaneous decision to sponsor an illegal soccer match. The local derby was taking place between the Chalkers and the Shooters, and their ingenious passage through the cheese market entertained the alderman enough that he offered his purse as a prise to the winning team. The Chalkers eventually triumphed with two bladders down the home well; and celebrations continued well into the night at the Empty Barrel.

Alderman Monterey has returned from an excursion into the icy north looking particularly pleased. His arduous travels around the border manors have resulted in the "rescue" of several cellarfulls of fine vintage wines which were apparently in terrible danger of being quaffed. The new border lords were only too pleased to turn their assets into hard cash, although they may be less pleased when they discover the final market value. The Vintners Guild is considering holding an auction of the finer vintages late next month.

The Chroniclers wish to apologise for any disruption to their services. They are currently in the midst of negotiations to buy larger and more derelict premises.

Late News:

Lady Andrews has been re-elected in the Springtide Lordship vote by 18 votes to 6. As expected she gained the support of the Trueman, Cutario and Bottler factions and was opposed by the Lambourne and Monterey factions. With everyone’s positions very clearly announced in advance, little politicking took place around the election, although Alan Monterey does appear to have made a concerted, earnest and largely ignored attempt to get others to “see sense”. Commenting on his support for Nicolas Bowden Marcus Lambourne stated “Given that Jenny still doesn’t want to be Lord we appear to have a choice of two evils, so I’m plumping for the one we haven’t tried before”.

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 153

Lady Andrews has clearly demonstrated her authority over the Witanmoot with a clean sweep of successes in the Committee elections. All the candidates sponsored by Lady Andrews were without exception elected. There seems little chance now that she will not continue as Lord for another year. The victory for the Trueman faction was helped by the support of Maureen Quiller and Irvine Grendle. Rumours are circulating in the Witanmoot that Alderman Quiller has joined the Trueman faction in a role reporting directly to Lady Andrews. This surprise elevation of the previously outcast Reshite has certainly raised some eyebrows. Alderman Monterey was “shocked and appalled. Lady Andrews has chosen to appoint a Reshite as one of her closest advisers. This is no longer a matter of foolishness and stubborn pride, it is an active danger to the security of our city." The full results of the election are:

Treasury Melanie Romanie

TradeOlivia Warin (13) votes, Duncan Barnett (11) votes

Law & Order Mary Hastings (13) votes, Marc Bergeren (11) votes

Shipping Thomas Osbert

Welfare and Education Richard Saunders (18) votes, Judi Spich (4) votes

Lands and Agriculture Gilbert de Clare

Kerun Alison Shefford

Orissa Joanna Russell

Eresan Gillian Howe (16) votes, Sam Kutler (8) votes

Cascorach Hugo Merewell (13) votes, David Northropp (11) votes

Thus the only change from last year the Chairman for Lands and Agriculture which was required when Gemma Downe lost her position as Alderman of Bassishaw.

Princess Selina has formally convened a Council of War consisting of General Olvini, Admiral Coronado, Lady Andrews, and Sheriffs Davy and Bowden. The inclusion of Lady Andrews is being seen as a major policy shift by the Princess who has up until now not included the city in any of her councils. The fact that all three leaders of the city have been included is being seen as particularly significant. Citadel watchers have been also interested to note the amount of the Princess’ personal time that Alderman Jim Bottler has been permitted to occupy. Indeed several courtiers have been seen seeking out Alderman Bottler to lobby the princess on their behalf.

Amid the caution being exhibited by his fellow councillors William Trueman’s strong pro-war position has stood out this month. In a keynote speech to the Witanmoot, which he later repeated from the Mootstone, he called for Linrodeth to significantly strengthen its Navy in order to “build a sword to strike at the heart of our enemies” Preparations for war are continuing across the City with most wards stepping up their training and drill practice. Castle Bard and Faringdon have been particularly busy. However as yet there is no co-ordinated plan for this training and approaches vary from practising building barricades to practising storming them. Indeed some wags have suggested that the city looks like it is preparing to go to war with itself rather than some distant enemy.

Alan Monterey has gained widespread support for a motion he has proposed to Council which will immediately trigger a Sheriff’s election should Lady Andrews not be re-elected. He commended his motion to the Witanmoot pointing out that with Linrodeth at war it would not be wise to leave one of the Sheriffs posts unfilled until Midsummer. The full motion reads “The Witanmoot resolves that, should the Lordship elections for 153 result in the vacancy of a sheriff, then emergency elections for the posts of Sheriff will take place as early as possible in the following month in accordance with the normal rules of elections. These elections, if they take place, will replace the normal Midsummer Sheriffs elections.”

The Cornmongers and Grossers guilds are dealing with an increased number of complaints about prices and quantities of foods sold in the marketplaces. The Guildsmen stoutly maintain that guild policies and prices remain unchanged, but a large number of citizens are obviously stocking up before the spring thaw.

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 153

The body of Prince Edwin has been interred in the family vault at the Citadel. His highness had laid in state in the Hahnite Temple for one week and queues remained though this time as nearly all the citizens of Linrodeth sought to pay their last respects. The funeral took the full Hahnite form and lasted for most of the day. Princes Selina spoke at length about the prince, in a deeply moving and clearly personally written eulogy. Once the funeral was completion the carriage bearing his highness’s coffin was drawn through each ward of the City before proceeding to the Citadel. Shortly after the funeral three brave Knights from the retinue of King Kieran’s ambassador departed the City into the depths of winter in an attempt to get a message through to the High King about the death of his brother.

Investigations into the murder have continued amid strict security. Colonel Aldridge has taken charge of the investigations and his troops have been highly active both in the vigour of their investigation and in the vehemence with which they are dissuading the curious from seeking to find out about the events surrounding the death on the Prince. Noord within the City have come in for particular attention. All Noord have been arrested, although citizens who have already taken the oath of allegiance were later released. The remainder are being held in the re-opened Kingsgate prison pending questioning. A mass execution of the captured Noord Chiefs is also under consideration. The audience of the Theatre have now been released although the cast of the play remain under the protection of the Citadel. Colonel Aldridge has announced that the investigations have confirmed that one of the assailants was injured during the attack and both the Torians and Apothecaries have been questioned in the hope that a clue can be found. Several Citizens who have suffered injuries last week have complained about being dragged off to interrogation, some before their wounds were seen to.

Princess Selina has formally declared War upon the Noord. All wards have been asked to detail their plans for mobilisation in the Spring. The Witanmoot is also believed to be considering how a major military expansion can be funded although debates have already opened up between the Wall Builders, The Ship Builders and March on Nyskilde groups. The first council session of the year was a subdued and solemn meeting. The council still shocked by the murder of Prince Edwin had difficulty working through the formal process of welcoming new Councillors, congratulating new Aldermen and calling for nominations to the Committee Posts. Lady Andrews made a deeply moving speech of condolence and pledged the Witanmoot to assisting the Citadel in all ways possible to track down the culprits and avenge this “offence against the entire state of Linrodeth”. Speeches followed from many prominent citizens reinforcing the shock and outrage felt by the city. Alan Monterey as usually was particularly eloquent describing the “callous murder of our beloved Prince Edwin as a crime that cannot be allowed to go unpunished”, and calling upon all citizens to help “find out who committed this heinous crime, so that they can receive the justice they so richly deserve”.

At the request of Lady Andrews the Goldsmiths guild has undertaken an end of audit of the Witanmoot and Committee accounts. Much to everyone’s surprise it would seem that they failed to find anything wrong other than a few misdemeanours.

This years Witanmoot nominations, perhaps in anticipation of an interesting year, show a renewed interest in the emissaries. Probably the most difficult post this year, Treasury is uncontested with the incumbent Melanie Romanie returned unopposed. More surprisingly Thomas Osbert who has received much criticism from the Lambourne faction for his control of the Shipping budget is also returned uncontested. Lands vacated by Cllr Capel also goes uncontested to Gilbert de Clare. For the other Chairmanships Marc Bergeren and Mary Hastings will contest Law & Order. Richard Sunders is challenged for welfare and Education by Judi Spich and William Trueman whilst Duncan Barnet and Olivia Warin will contest Trade. Fro the Envoyships Kerun goes to Alison Shefford and Orissa to Joanna Russell. Eresan will be contested by Gillian Howe and Sam Kutler, Cascorach by David Northropp and Hugo Merewell.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 152

The victory celebrations for Linrodeth's heroic navy proved to be a hugely successful event. With enthusiastic help from the citizens, the Tourney Fields were cleared of snow and a procession arrived up the causeway from Kingsport. Before a delighted Princess Selina and her court, Admiral Cornaro formally presented Commodore Cortez and delivered a hundred Noordic chiefs as prisoners into the keeping of the Citadel Guards. Her Highness Princess Selina rewarded Commodore Cortez with a jewelled sword before formally knighting him and granting him the manor of Kelderon. The huge crowd cheered Lord Cortez and the assembled naval crews before enjoying a massive re-enactment of the battle staged by the Citadel cavalry using horses dressed as ships. Numerous barrels of free beer were broached to help the crowds stay warm. Afterwards Lord Cortez thanked Princess Selina for trusting him with such a great task and once again praised his brave crews and the councillors of the city who had given him the new ships without which he could never have succeeded.

Alderman Jim Bottler's campaign, which like Petro Cutario's has been riding high following the naval victory, has suffered a setback with the defection of Eddie Englefield, his fellow Welland carpenter, to Marcus Lambourne. Whilst Cllr Englefield has avoided comment sources have been quick to suggest that the massive Bottler mansion and a strong interest in continuing to work with "real people" are behind the move.

Cllr Marcus Lambourne's much delayed democracy motion was finally debated in the Witanmoot this month. He explained the means by which his objectives could be achieved. "Of course Lady Andrews is quite right when she states that the way in which the Sheriffs and Lord are elected is a matter for Her Royal Highness, Princess Selina. However it would appear that the first clause of my motion, namely that 'the electoral college in the elections for Committee Chairs and Envoys shall be extended to include both Aldermen and Councillors with the Lord Chief Magistrate retaining a casting vote', is actually within the power of the Lord of the City to accept." Unable to avoid his now ritual criticism of Lady Andrews he pointed out, "I'm sure that Her Ladyship simply overlooked this in her eagerness to save me the embarrassment of treading on Her Royal Highness's toes and we should therefore take a vote, the result of which the Lord Chief Magistrate may take under advisement if she so chooses. Quite rightly, there is no question of our discussing the substance of the rest of my original motion. So I respectfully request that the Witanmoot be permitted to vote on the issue of asking the Lord Chief Magistrate, on our behalf, to present the preamble and clauses 2 and 3 of my original motion to Her Royal Highness for her gracious consideration." After all this and a heated debate the motion was defeated by 102 votes to 173.

Late Midwinter Election News

The following people were returned to the Aldermanic Court: Arpent Judi Spich, Avigon Petro Cutario, Bassishaw Marc Bergeren, Berewic Mary Hastings, Bridge Richard Saunders, Cadene Melanie Romanie, Cartage Brunstan Blackbeard, Castle Bard Gilbert de Clare, Cripplegate Irving Grendle, Dowgate Graeme Porter, Dracas Thomas Osbert, Faringdon William Trueman, Ishtan Eva Capel, Kingsgate Adam Povre, Levestone Alan Monterey, Marshgate Maureen Quiller, Oldgate Duncan Barnett, Portsoken Nicholas Worton, Shambles Ralf Seagrim, Temple Olivia Warin, Welland Jim Bottler.

The closest contest was in Shambles where a few votes separated Seagrim, Cripstead and Belcher. The vote was also close in Arpent (Hugo Merewell), Avigon (Samuel Rucche), Bassishaw (Gemma Downe), Castle Bard (Alison Shefford) and Ishtan (Bartholomew Hyde). Whist the Alderman of Bridge, Cadene, Faringdon, Portsoken and Temple all had large majorities. The result gives the Monterey, Bottler, Trueman and Cutario groups about five Alderman each with Lambourne having two and there being two Independents. In the Commons all the main factions have about 50 votes, which should make the coming committee elections more interesting.

Urgent Late News

It is with shock and sadness that the Chronicle reports the assassination of Prince Edwin. The Prince was kidnapped by what are believed to have been Nordic infiltrators as he left the Theatre Royale after chatted backstage with the cast. His ritually murdered body was dumped outside the Hahnite Temple in the early hours of the morning. Martial Law has been imposed and everyone present at the Theatre has been arrested. The prince’s four bodyguards were killed in the fight.

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 152

Linrodeth is celebrating a stunning victory of the navy over the Noordic invasion fleet! When news first reached the city that over a hundred Noordic warships were heading down the coast, a massive mobilization was ordered to fight off the invasion and to re-float the ships which had been laid up for the winter. The news was brought to the Admiralty by Lieutenant Giotto Mortovelli following a desperate dash across land and sea. The naval patrol ship Vexatious had encountered the fleet whilst moored at the far village of Drigg. Lieutenant Mortovelli is believed to be the sole survivor and he described the determination the crew felt when they spotted the fleet, and the rapidly taken decision to get one man through no matter what it took. Lieutenant Mortovelli told of the brave efforts of his colleagues who sacrificed themselves in order to enable him to get free with the news.

With possibly only hours before the enemy arrived, massive efforts ensued to clear the ships from the mud and squadrons were dispatched north as ships became available. However with such a huge fleet to face it seemed unlikely that Linrodeth fledgeling and unproven Consortium navy would be able to do anything other than delay and harry the raiders. A full military mobilization was ordered and preparations were made throughout the city to repel an invasion. Activity was particularly strenuous to protect the unwalled Northern wards and the exposed shipyards along the Ishtan river.

Stunningly, the enemy fleet was defeated at sea, miles north of Linrodeth. Commodore Emmanuel Cortez led the hastily assembled fleet against the invaders in a devastating direct attack from which only a handful of the enemy escaped. Commodore Cortez's leadership is said to have been astonishing and verging upon genius. The Commodore himself has continually praised the skill and bravery of the naval crews which fought so fiercely against such massive odds in a battle which many expect to lose. The other decisive factor was the new design of the Consortium ships. In a vindication of the huge sums of money spent of these innovative designs, Commander Cortez explained that it was the speed and size of the new Resolute class ships which made the difference to the battle. A full battle report is given later in this Chronicle.

The scale of the victory is still difficult to accept and it seems unlikely that the Noord will be able to threaten Linrodeth for a generation. Hawks in the Citadel and the Witanmoot are already talking about a counter-strike to be launched in the Spring to recover the northern city of Nyskilde. General Olvini is understood to be counselling caution instead as this only eliminates "one of the many threats to our safety". Princess Selina has declared a special feast day to be held in honour of the Navy and in celebration of our victory one month from the day on Firstday Thirdweek Kruthos.

The preparations for the Noordic attack have dominated events in Linrodeth this month during what would normally be a key campaigning time for the Midwinter elections. Election campaigning has been subdued but fierce and clear alliances are emerging, reinforcing the three way split first reported in last month's Chronicle. In the Witanmoot Marcus Lambourne reintroduced his 'democracy' motion pointing out a mechanism by which it could still be made legal. However, after Lady Andrews scathingly described the likely reaction of the citizens to the Witanmoot "contemplating its own navel instead of matters naval", he respectfully deferred the motion to next month.

The Torians are rejoicing after a Miracle of Torus. Following a special prayer vigil on Ghostmoons the strange wasting disease has disappeared. There have been no new cases reported this month and all the existing suffers are making a rapid recovery. The Temple is also preparing a special Service of Thanksgiving for next month's feastday, in gratitude for the deliverance of the city.

A heavy blizzard during thirdweek has brought business in Linrodeth to a standstill, although it has failed to dampen celebrations in the taverns. No messages announcing the victory have been able to leave the city, and the river ice has thickened rapidly. Officials at the Admiralty are now concerned about laying up the older fleet ships again to avoid storm damage.

The following report has been published by the Admiralty Board:

"Following reports of a Noordic Fleet of some 100 ships heading for Linrodeth, a full mobilisation of the Navy was ordered with ships taking to the seas as they became ready. An initial squadron of ships under my command sailed out to meet the Nordic fleet. The squadron was primarily made up of Invincible class warships together with the Revenge which had been in dry dock as the flag ship. The squadron sailed up the coast into the teeth of the wind, which was blowing from its customary Northerly direction. About one third of way to Drigg a group of five raiders were encountered just pulling out from a raided village. The larger size of the Invincibles, and especially the Revenge, soon overran the enemy sinking one long ship and capturing four others. Loot in the captured vessels was returned to the fishermen who had wisely taken to the hills to avoid the raiders. The vessels were dispatched back to Linrodeth under prize crews.

Having dealt with the raiders the squadron proceeded up the coast until they met, in strong winds, the vanguard of the Noord fleet which outnumbered the Linrodeth ships three to one. Lulled by their superior numbers the Noord allowed us to get to windward, whereupon we swooped down and eliminated the Noord squadrons individually. Despite oars, the enemy were unable to regroup to meet him together. Again our navy triumphed, capturing approximately half the longships and sinking the rest.

Despite their two successes the squadron sailed up the coast with trepidation, passing many burnt fishing villages. All the crews knew that ahead lay their toughest test; the main Noord fleet. The next day dawned clear and very cold with a moderate breeze and good visibility. About midmorning the enemy fleet was sighted. Lookouts initially reported 36 vessels, which rapidly rose to 60 and finally to over 70 long ships. Realizing that we could not hope to defeat such a force, I opted to retreat before the enemy while keeping them in sight. Due to the wind direction the two fleets swept rapidly down the coast until, about half a day's sailing from Linrodeth, my squadron were met by a second squadron comprising largely of Resolute class warships under the command of Commodore Phillipe Vincento.

I took overall command of the fleet and began to manoeuvre, hoping to split the enemy fleet. However, rather than stop to engage the fleet, the enemy split off a force of four squadrons to keep us occupied while the bulk of approximately 50 vessels pushed ahead for Linrodeth. Declining to engage the delaying force, I decided to attack the main body of the enemy with the heavy Resolute class vessels, while detailing Commodore Vincento to hold up the covering squadrons with Invincibles.

With the Revenge in the middle of the line, I ran the squadron into the rear of the main Noord force. Initially, the heavy vessels smashed through the light hulls of the longships but soon lost their momentum and Noord swarmed about us. The battle settled into a fierce hand-to-hand fight with the Linrodeth forces holding their own until a determined attach by the Noordic commander and his personal Huscarls overwhelmed both the Rapide and Resolute. Despite this we fought on and I commend the bravery of the crews. We made a great number of boarding actions against the enemy, during which dozens of the enemy vessels were sunk. Finally, however, the exhausted crew of the Revenge were overrun by Prince Guthrum's' personal bodyguard and I was taken aboard the enemy flagship Isarwhar.

Observing my capture, the rest of the fleet rallied and smashed back into the Noord turning the tables once again. The Intrepid stalled the escape of the Isarwhar at the cost of being overrun herself. The Noord flagship was sunk however I was dragged from the icy sea and was able to resume command shortly thereafter. The Intrepid and the Revenge were recaptured while the Noord managed to sink the captured Rapide and escaped with the only the Resolute and a handful of longships.

This was a decisive naval victory. Over 90 enemy vessels were either sunk or captured for the loss of only two of our ships. Thousands of the enemy have lost their lives and the Noord threat to Linrodeth has been eliminated for the foreseeable future."

- Commodore Emmanuel Cortez

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 152

The Torian priests continue to be concerned about the strange melancholy and wasting disease which is affecting the old and the weak. Although the disease is not widespread and is claiming few victims, there has been little sign of it declining and the Torian Temple is baffled by it. Alderman Richard Saunders has been much in evidence seeking to reassure the populous. Alderman Monterey, noting Alderman Cutario's continuing obsession with Shipping, has criticised him for failing to back up Alderman Saunders "at a moment critical to the health of the city purely because he's too busy playing with ships." An unrepentant Alderman Cutario replied that "a strong Navy is very relevant to the health of the city in these unsettled times."

Alderman Alan Monterey has also not let up in his relentless pursuit of Mary Hastings and the Law and Order committee. Pointing out that it is "the duty of the Law and Order committee to defend the rights of our citizens as well as to hold them to account for their responsibilities." He pointed out that it should be "her duty as Chair to bring to the attention of the Witanmoot such behaviour as has been going on, not to cover it up. It is her duty to challenge the Guard and the Citadel if need be when such excesses occur. It is her duty to release those held without charge, rather than keeping them in our prisons, at our expense." He claimed that she has signally failed in all these duties, demonstrating that she is unfit for the post of Chair of Law and Order, and he demand that she resigns immediately. This request was met with what can only be described as disdain by Alderman Hastings who refused to rise to the debate and simply reiterated her previous statement on the matter.

The return of Alderman Maureen Quiller aboard the consortium ship Pugnacious turned out to be a rather dramatic event. The Pug struggled into Linrodeth's port during a severe storm several days later than most sensible captains (and for that matter some fairly brave captains) had docked for the Winter. The ship was sailed superbly and, much to everyone's surprise, manage to make it into port and indeed to the dock. However the ship subsequently sank due to the damage caused by the storm. The reason for this desperate last minute dash to Linrodeth by the ship's military crew turns out to be the delivery of a most vital staircase for the new Bottler mansion – once again your shipping budget at work.

Sea trials of the new 700 tun Resolute class ships have proven the ships to be better than anyone's expectations. Indeed Aldermen Bottler and Cutario have been wandering around in a smug haze ever since the first sea trial. The height of the ships more closely resembles the 1000 tuns cogs of the old Royal Navy, but are proving to handle better under full sail. The ships have now been laid up for the Winter and will formally join the fleet in the spring. The Consortium offices on the docks are now inviting tenders for the cargo of the four ships which will be sailing commercially next season. The four remaining on military patrol will manifestly be a major boost to the city's defences.

The battle lines for the Midwinter Elections have now been clearly drawn. Aldermen Marcus Lambourne and Alan Monterey have clearly formed a campaigning alliance against the might of a Trueman Faction which has no intention of relinquishing power which it believes it is using well. Indeed with strong personal attacks launched this month by Alderman Trueman upon both Jim Bottler and Petro Cutario, whose factions continue to co-operate with each other, it would seem that three equally sized and distinct groups are emerging as the choice at the elections. The Trueman "stability" faction, the Bottler/Cutario "remember there's a war on" factions and the oppositions' "change everything" Lambourne/Monterey grouping. The key election seats this year therefore look likely to be Arpent, Avigon, Cartage, Dowgate, Kingsgate, and Shambles.

The Theatre Royale has announced a new extravaganza to open at the turn of the year called "A Midwinter Knight's Story". It will of course star the delightful Miss Felicity Mint in the lead role as the Lady Arasandra, Queen of the Fairies. The show is expected to be a sell-out sure-fire success given the well-known scantily clad nature of the faerie queens.

Alderman Marcus Lambourne has launched his Midwinter Election campaign with a major speech on the nature of the Witanmoot and a call for its reform which was resolutely blocked by Lady Andrews. Whilst being careful not to criticise the Aldermanic court directly, he bemoaned the lack of involvement in the governance of the City by the Court of Common Council. Describing the Council as being full of people who "have also given long years of service to the Witanmoot" and who have "played a vital role in building the prosperity of the City of Linrodeth" he questioned why "when it comes to the elections for the Committee Chairs, the Envoys, the Sheriffs and the Lord Chief Magistrate, these men and women are without a voice, unable to bring their wisdom and experience to bear on these vital decisions." He went on to declare that "The time is ripe to make a sea change in the way we handle these elections, to make the process more democratic." In a clearly pointed remark at the current Lord he commented that "Now, I know that democracy is regarded by one or two individuals as a dirty word, but I feel sure that the majority of the Aldermanic Court are staunch defenders of this vital principle. He then formally proposed the following motion:

"In the interest of making its internal processes more democratic, the Witanmoot instructs that, whilst the rules governing candidates eligibility for the offices of Committee Chairs, Envoys, Sheriffs and Lord Chief Magistrate shall remain unchanged, as from the coming Midwinter elections:

1) The electoral college in the elections for Committee Chairs and Envoys shall be extended to include both Aldermen and Councillors, with the Lord Chief Magistrate retaining a casting vote.

2) The electoral college in the elections for Sheriffs shall be extended to include both Aldermen and Councillors, with the Lord Chief Magistrate retaining a casting vote.

3) The electoral college in the elections for the Lord Chief Magistrate shall be extended to include both Aldermen and Councillors.

The motion was seconded by Alan Monterey who described it as "in line with our desires to properly represent the citizens of Linrodeth that all the Witanmoot should be party to such decisions, not just a few." He commended the proposals as leading to a greater accountability of our leaders to the people of this city. The motion was however refused by a clearly well briefed Lady Andrews who commented, "Whilst I am always interested in schemes to improve the functioning of the Witanmoot, especially when they are sponsored by two very experienced politicians, I am extremely surprised and disappointed by the lack of research evidenced by it. I would have thought that these two worthies would have made enquiries with the Hahnite temple before introducing this to the Witanmoot. The current system for electing the Lord and Sheriffs was authorised by our late King and confirmed by Princess Selina. This house does not have the authority to change that system, and I for one have no intention of explaining to Princess Selina why we have attempted to usurp her authority." She then promptly moved next business.

Late News!

Initial thoughts that this year's Ghostmoons festival would pass uneventfully have been dashed by the discovery of an entire room full of Reshites mysteriously killed during a sacrificial ritual. According to reports leaking from the Torian Temple, there were no signs of any injuries whatsoever and all of the participants seem to have dropped dead where they were standing. Except that is for the victim who died from a knife wound to the heart. The house in Marshgate has been sealed off and the identities of those involved are being kept secret, although rumours suggest that most of them were Kerunians. One local resident described being woken at midnight by several blood curdling screams and a bright flash of light. Speculation is rife that a daemon has been summoned to the city.

Late Late News! Late Late News! Late Late News!

The coastal warning beacons have been lit! It is unclear whether they warn of an invasion by land or by sea, but General Olvini has mobilised his troops despite the snow, and the Admiralty are busy relaunching as many ships as possible. Citizens are warned to stand ready.

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 152

Citadel watchers wasted a significant amount of time this month discussing the mysterious disappearance of Alderman Maureen Quiller. Several wild rumours circulated about her having fled the city to Salvoyn. However it would appear upon investigation that the respected mercer has simply decided to go off and do her job, having left on the consortium ship Pugnacious heading south to the City States "on business".

Apart from the diversion over Maureen Quiller, the Witanmoot has fallen into relative silence. The only entertainment has been watching the normally composed Chair for Law and Order, Mary Hastings, fight off an audit and several investigations of her committee. The City Guard have been somewhat over-zealous recently in their pursuit of possible traitors and Alderman Hastings is busily engaged in an allegedly successful cover up. In the end the Chairman was forced to come before the Witanmoot and make a statement pointing out that the City Guard are a military force under the control of the Citadel and suggesting that if anybody had any complaints they should take them up with General Olvini. A suggestion which so far no-one has been brave enough to take up.

Rumours circulating wildly around the city would suggest that one of the reasons for the visit of Lord Portinari is that the recently stolen Crown Jewels were the security on the massive loan Princess Selina took out to fund her invasion of Linrodeth. Relationships between the two seemed more than cordial at the Harvestide Ball, however that may just be because Princess Selina has agreed to raise taxes to pay off the debt.

One of the reasons for the Witanmoot's apparent silence this month has been that the various political factions appear to be spending all their time spying on each other and scurrying around trying to find out why the Midsummer Muster was such a failure. Independent investigations by the Chronicle would suggest that some mischief certainly took place; although these seem to have been good humoured pranks rather than a fiendish plot.

The Torians have issued a warning about a strange melancholy and wasting disease which is affecting the old and the weak. The illness does not respond to any treatment and victims are tending to die within a month of the symptoms first showing. The only help identified so far is devout prayer, which is reported to have lead to the recovery of several victims. The initial symptoms are a disinterest in food and work which develops over time into a disinterest in continuing to live. Several victims have died because they simply could not be bothered to take care of themselves.

Following the initial excitement (or outrage), interest in the Bottler mansion appears to have died down. Although one wag couldn't resist the temptation to move the "Your Shipping Budget At Work" sign from its dockside location to just outside the building site. Fulfilling the prophecy that many a true word is said in jest; Alderman Bottler has confirmed the award to him of the contract for the rebuilding of the docks. Things however are not moving so smoothly on the Sweetwater project. An attempt by the Witanmoot to introduce new contract terms has resulted in protracted negotiations between the city and the Carpenters Guild. Apparently the Witanmoot is demanding that the Carpenters stick to their estimates, a concept which everyone will know is clearly beyond the comprehension of the guildsmen.

Alderman Alice Barbiter's has been saved from bankruptcy by a guild loan. Heated discussions at the Fletcher's Guild resulted in the loan after it became clear that her business had seriously over committed on a Citadel contract and was likely to default. It would appear that running a business and being active in politics is beyond the popular, amiable but not particularly clever Alderman.

The various shipyards involved in Consortium contracts have successfully launched the second group of new design ships. The Reboubtable, Renown, Revenge, Rapide, Resolute and Repulse have taken up station near Kingsport to be rigged. All are listed as 700 tuns, although they appear to nearer 1000 tuns in length.

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 152

King Kieran has called an early halt to the summer campaign against Salvoyn, and may disperse the host within the month. The provisions to the armies have been rotted by a mysterious blight and starvation of the besieging soldiers is a real possibility. The dismissal of the host would permit the remaining forces to feed properly, once the blight is brought under control. A number of Earthwalkers from the Temple of Daleth are investigating the problem. The King is also mourning the loss of Duke Ralph Fitz-William and his liege men who were lost when a line of earthworks gave way because of waterlogged foundations. The King's forces did, however, manage to destroy a sizeable force of Salvoynian irregulars who launched an assault upriver in the direction of Cascorach. The Chronicle is assured that the roads to Cascorach remain well-protected and safe for merchants.

After years of neglect during the civil war, the city docks are finally receiving some much-needed rebuilding. Large sections of the waterfront are being re-fronted with massive pieces of hardwood, and two new piers are being built extending deep into the river. A sign reading "Your Shipping budget at Work" has recently been hung from the scaffolding... Across the river a mini causeway is being built to extend the northshore back road, complete with good drainage and gravel topping. Funded by the Trade budget, the road work seems to be Monterey's answer to the rival Cutario faction, although he has tastefully refrained from erecting any notices.

Alderman Jim Bottler has started work on a massive mansion for his family next to the Wellhouse Green. Estimates of just the cost of the land alone run to hundreds of pounds and rumours circulating in the Carpenters Guild suggest huge contracts are being let to build an elaborate new palace. The fact that Jim Bottler has become rich from his many major contracts has been well known, but the scale of his wealth is now becoming clear. Many pro-Selina councillors seem rather proud of how well Jim has done and are pointing to him as an example of the benefits of the new regime.

There have been further late-night muggings of wealthy citizens, leading to calls for the beggars to be cleared from the streets. However Sheriff Bowden has refused to authorise a clearing of the streets. He pointed out that evidence linking the incidents to the beggars was somewhat lacking. To everyone's surprise the usually intolerant Lady Andrews backed him up, commenting that "the city is not in the habit of killing people simply because they are poor." Cllr Bever Edge applauded and endorsed the decision, while commenting "that in fact Linrodeth has on a number of occasions killed people for being poor and I am delighted to see a more enlightened policy enacted".

The Citadel has been thrown into disarray by the arrival of Lord Portinari, the prominent banker of Kerun. Apparently he is visiting Linrodeth to see his daughter and grandchildren. The Lady Killasandra Portinari recently arrived in Linrodeth and is the wife of the renown Sir Eridan, King Kieran's Ambassador to Princess Selina's Court. A number of official receptions, feasts and entertainments are being hurriedly planned. Lady Andrews will be hosting a Harvestide Ball in his honour at the Witanmoot.

Reports from the Noord border confirm that all is unusually quiet, presumably as their clan leaders return home to elect a new King. General Olvini has ridden out to the borders with a light cavalry troop to inspect the situation, but dismissed suggestions that an immediate assault will be made, "I never exploit a situation until I know what it is."

The Harvestide festival is being happily celebrated by citizens throughout Linrodeth after a most prosperous year. A successful harvest was confirmed by the Wellkeeper Shinannon, whereupon a number of wards rolled out free beer barrels donated by local guild halls, and began a series of street parties. The Bards College is contributing strolling entertainers, who are in most danger of being kidnapped by over-enthusiastic audiences. So far the celebrations have been noisy but restrained. This may not continue much after dark when the serious partying will begin, especially up at the Witanmoot Ball.