The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 149

The return of the militarised wards to civic control is going smoothly and a major handover ceremony is being planned for the Midsummer Festival. The biggest problem has been finding accommodation for the displaced troops. Wards such as Levestone, Welland and Berewic which took a significant number of displaced residents after the invasion are suddenly finding these residents replaced by Kerunian Soldiers. The situation is not helped by the fact that the reason these wards could house so many was that most of the real owners had been killed by the very troops who are now moving in. The wardmoots have also been shocked to discover that Princess Selina has taken ownership of those properties for which no surviving heir exists and has already started to sell them to Kerunian officers and merchants. On a related note, General Olvini has moved into the Citadel and rumours persist that the Perignon mansion will be auctioned to the highest bidder.

The situation at the docks has eased slightly after an intervention by Graeme Porter. Ships are now being moored in the estuary unless actually loading or unloading, and a major effort is being made to ensure that sufficient Watermen's skiffs are always available to ferry sailors back to their ships. However the docks are still crowded and the growing disruption caused by the portwall construction is becoming a major problem. Dock watchers have also noted an influx of Kerunian youths disembarking from the various ships complete with the tools of their trade and a naive enthusiasm for the opportunities offered by Princess Selina's new City.

The Council has finally approved the city budget in a surprisingly quite and subdued debate. Major cuts across the board made few councillors keen to bring attention to the plans and a general consensus seems to have grown around just letting them go through on the nod. A few attempts were made to make something positive of the fact that taxes had not been raised but even this failed to raise the enthusiasm of the assembled councillors.

LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS!

The Midsummer Festival proved to be as enjoyable as ever. The marvellous weather helped the event and celebrations surrounding the restoration of all the wards of the city to civic rule provided a focus for the event. There were the usual competitions and festivities. Last year's success with events being held inside the City seems to have encouraged many wards laying on special activities. The Wellhouse Green once again emerged as the main religious centre, although the Hahnites made an unusual and welcome attempt to bring their normally hidden ceremony out onto the streets.

Later in the day the Sheriff election resulted in a surprise defeat for Miranda Andrews. Whilst Alison Shefford received unanimous support the remaining votes were split between Davy and Andrews. The victory of Davy by a clear margin of 4 votes confirms Marcus Lambourne's position as the leading challenger to Monterey's power block. The full voting was as follows.

Davy: Monterey, Shefford, Tasker, Hubold, Belcher, Barnett, de Clare, Porter, Davy, Spich, Romanie, Worton, Flambourd, Rucche

Andrews: Barbiter, Capel, Downe, Howe, Green, Hastings, Quiller, Andrews, Warin, Trueman

Princess Selina has yet to make a public comment on the Sheriffs elections and it appears that she does not wish to be seen to be interfering in the Witanmoot democracy. However Chronicle sources have discovered that she is amazed with the result. One source close to the Princess described her as simply stunned that in a time of war the Witanmoot would want its forces controlled by a milk seller rather than a skilled military commander. The plans for the rearrangement of the military, on which Andrews is believed to have been working, are also likely to be disrupted.

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 149

The fight for control of the Witanmoot has intensified with Marcus Lambourne finally breaking the status quo consensus with his nomination of Jenny Davy for Sheriff. Lambourne has the clear support of the commons and has been much in evidence supporting the rights of backbenchers and building support amongst the councillors. Richard Saunders told the Chronicle. "It is about time someone stood up against the rich and powerful of this City. The Commons are the elected representatives of the people, but Monterey and his ilk have for far too long ignored us. If Marcus is going to change that then I for one will be supporting him." Councillor Saunders protestations have not dissuaded Alan Monterey from proposing Alison Shefford, and William Trueman Miranda Andrews. The Sheriffs vote is after all a vote of the Alderman and Lambourne may not be strong enough in this area to pull off his coup. However the breaking of the consensus is an important event confirming a return to normal politics and a likely challenge to the Lordship.

The Commons' new-found independence did not prove a particularly receptive environment for Alan Monterey's proposed reinstatement of the envoy to Kerun. Despite his well reasoned arguments he narrowly failed to win the vote. It was also less than receptive to his criticism of the oversight committee. The councillors did not take well to having something they had voted for described as "an ill-defined, waste of money" and his attempt to have the committee removed failed. This of course means that the council will now have to define what the money is to be wasted on.

William Trueman has been exhibiting a bravery comparable with that of the much missed Richard Firethorn. Not content with the risks involved in approaching Princess Selina for a £12,000 loan to get the over the budget crisis, our fearless Goldsmith has made a very brave speech thanking the Citadel for their unselfish surrender which has enabled the city to be effectively defended despite Princess Selina's attack.

General Olvini has announced his intention to return the occupied wards to civilian control as early as possible. All citizens with a claim to property in the occupied wards are requested to present themselves along with supporting evidence of the Generals office in Dracas before the end of the month. The General hopes to restore houses before the Midwinter Festival with preference going to those people who can exchange a current accommodation in another ward for their old property.

With the Citadel firmly under her control Princess Selina has ordered much of the Cavalry to the north to deal with the Noordic threat. The troops have already had a number of successful engagements and Linrodeth's Northern approaches appear to be secure. Rumours suggest that the Noord may be in a mood to negotiate, and that this news is being suppressed by the Witanmoot in their desire to get the wall funded through excessive taxation.

Travelling merchants have confirmed earlier reports of the fall of Cascorach to forces of Prince Edward. Whilst the great castle is still holding out, it is now only a matter of time before Edward controls both the great cites of the south. Wild stories abound that Princess Eleanor escaped from the castle on the back of a great winged dragon. The Chronicle would normally discount such news, however a significant number of witnesses claim to have seen the great fiery beast.

Many citizens will already have felt the effects of the out-of-control wagon which rolled down Levestone hill last week causing much property damage and several injuries along the way. The ensuing attempts to clear up the mess effectively blocked all roads between the port and the Witanmoot for several hours, bringing much of the city to a halt. Unsurprisingly, no-one has come forward to claim the smashed wagon and its few remaining wool bales. Alderman Monterey is particularly keen to find the perpetrator after personally losing a crate of Kerunian white under those wheels.

The river Dow turned purple this week much to the delight of the street urchins and disconcerting the cluster of river families below Dowgate. The unusual event was rapidly traced to an outflow from the workshops of one Talus Snapdragon, whereupon a number of polizei patrols declined to investigate further.

The Bards' College have been much in evidence this month setting up pendulums and dowsing in a number of areas in and around the city. The participating students have described these odd exercises as "standard field work". The presence of several senior masters suggests otherwise. A number of eyewitnesses have reported a prolonged visit to Master Alethorn by Alderman Monterey, who appeared not to be reassured by whatever was discussed. A number of ex-Witanmoot Guard polizei have expressed concern about the enpurpled Berewic monument, recently the scene of activities by Salvoynian visitors.

Lilith Lansdowne's hopes of getting her house back may be delayed by the poor state of the Citadel. Those allowed into the Citadel soon after its capitulation were shocked by its deterioration. The outbuildings and much of the furniture have been demolished for firewood, and the kitchens may have been the scene of minor riots. Visitors speak of tapestries and substantial sections of the library burnt or missing. The Princess has ordered a great number of furnishings from the local guilds, but in the meantime is continuing to hold court within the Lansdowne residence. General Olvini is believed to still be undergoing a security sweep of the inner keep of the Citadel after a number of traps were found, and has sent several samples of well-water to the temples for testing.

The Trade Committee is lobbying for increased recognition from the Council, asking for better access to the port and improved wharves. Members point out that with the long distance land routes closed or very hazardous, almost all of Linrodeth's high value trade is coming in via the port. While a number of food guilds have chosen to take offence at the statement, it does appear that the numbers of ships in dock this summer is high. The Customs Master is believed to be implementing something called a 'fast turnaround' on ships, which seems to be immensely unpopular amongst the ships' crews.

The hot, sunny weather has brought Linrodeth's beggar community out in force. Citizens used to the clear, quiet streets of the military curfew seem bemused by the reappearance of the maimed, diseased and filthy poor. Street life has also taken a turn for the noisier with the appearance of a number of Kerunian style 'tea parlours' which are setting tables and chairs out on the street. These new drinking establishments, confusingly, do not sell normal alcohol but concentrate on tea and a number of "interesting addictive social drugs". The Torians are believed to already be investigating these tea dens with a view to lobbying for their immediate closure.

A pall of thick smoke is visible along the southern horizon beyond Botmoor. This has raised much speculation in the city on the eventual fate of Lady Perignon's army and what forces it might have met with on its march. Some commentators have pointed out that with the ex-Citadel regiments, the Hahnite cavalry, any local peasant levy and King Edward's forces all looking for supplies, life in the Tonoma Hills might be very interesting at the moment.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 149

The City is still recovering from a shock attack upon the Citadel by Princess Selina's forces. Just before dawn on Firstday the entire army, including members of the Witanmoot guard, stormed the fortress and within an hour had control of all except the Great Keep. It is believed that a substantial force still holds the Keep and a second siege is now expected. Reasons for the assault seem to include the Citadel's sinking of the Royal Phoenix and the apparent failure of negotiations over the supply of grain. Cllr Jim Bottler was responsible for the negotiations and played a major part in the taking of the fortress. Under cover of the construction of the new wall, Bottler was able to prepare a causeway across the moat and to sneak Babel and Kinjuru forces through a secret underwater tunnel into the castle. The causeway and the opening of the gate by the floating market troops proved decisive in allowing Selina's forces to overwhelm the Citadel.

Not all of Linrodeth's population seems entirely enamoured with Bottler's decision to betray the Citadel, and the relationship between him and Alderman Monterey is believed to be particularly frayed. Whether the councillors are upset at the betrayal or simply by the fact that they were not in on the secret is unclear. One guild however which does seem to know what it wants is the Brewers and Hostels, who immediately presented Bottler with several barrels of beer to aid celebrations. Their spokesman Bertram Southey has complemented Bottler on his "strenuous and brave efforts in the defence of the city".

The killing by Witanmoot Guard of several members from the entourage of the Ambassador from Salvoyn has been strongly supported by General Olvini. Whilst being careful not to insult Prince Edward or the Ambassador, the General denounced the Salvoynian dead as worshippers of the demon god Azial who had been caught in an attempt to commit a sacrifice upon the Battle of Berewic monument. Witanmoot troops, who have particular experience in dealing with devil worshippers, were waiting in ambush and did not take any prisoners. The Ambassador has claimed that the group was framed by pro-Kieran supporters and has demanded an immediate apology and the execution of Major Aldridge who lead the ambush. General Olvini remains firm in support for his men. Princess Selina has been noticeably quiet on the affair, however Chronicle sources suggest that relationships between her and Olvini are strained at the moment.

Against the backdrop of the assault on the Citadel and the killing of the Salvoynians, the budget debate proved difficult for many faction leaders. A revolt by the, as yet unaligned, commons meant that despite the efforts of nearly all the faction leaders the budget proposals were substantially amended before they were passed. The speech by Marcus Lambourne proved to be the turning point. Whilst personally speaking in favour of the budget, Lambourne's reluctance to excessively fund the wall was picked up by many subsequent speakers. In particular his theme that "the future prosperity of our city cannot be ignored" and that "the wall will not become a bottomless pit, swallowing up the hard earned money of the good people of Linrodeth" gained strong support and resulted in more funding for the Trade budget and the appointment of Lambourne as leader of a financial oversight committee. Lambourne himself seemed surprised by this move and his elevation to a position of leader of the Commons, and the growth of his faction appears to be causing him problems with other factions.

The Temple of Hahn continues to be active this month with detailed planning now taking place over temple support for a great city orphanage. Both the Torians and the Welfare and Education Committee are involved and the Archimandrite has expressed himself well pleased with progress and "the developing relationship between the Temple and the people". The recent reopening of the Temple orders to candidates has also been welcomed. Once again Gax the Heretic has surprised the city by making a speech in support of the Archimandrite's "fair and meritorious selection of candidates"

LATE NEWS!

The Citadel has surrendered! At dawn of Fifthday the entire remaining force marched out of Newgate and departed south over the causeway. The terms of surrender are unknown but Princess Selina is believed to have secured the grain stores and a significant portion of the treasury intact.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 149

Jim Bottler has formally moved a motion that the City commit £32,000 to the immediate and rapid construction of the new city wall. Amid the stunned silence which this astronomical sum produced William Trueman’s consequently revised budget was proposed with surprisingly little dissent. Only Alderman Hubold voiced his immediate concern. “Trueman, Bottler and Monterey are in an unholy alliance and are conspiring to ruin this fair City” he proclaimed. It is thought that the budget will face more opposition from the full council when it comes to a formal vote next month. The loan of £7,000 from Princess Selina and major cutbacks are expected to prove contentious. Despite the lack of a formal approval of the budget work on the wall is starting. Work teams have been assembled and the clearing of buildings has already begun within the militarised zone. Concern is growing that Aralan Derwent intends to interfere with the stone supplies and her troops have become “very active” in the region near the Quarry. Most of the local cavalry has been deployed to the countryside to prevent her, however this leaves the northern approaches vulnerable to a surprise Noord attack.

The factions within the Witanmoot continue to strengthen with only a few Aldermen now uncommitted. The three leading factions remain equally positioned, with Bottler's rump now half the size of the other groups. Trueman's group seems to be pulling a little ahead and his recent long meeting with Princess Selina has heightened speculation that he intends to make a bid for Sheriff.

The Hahnite temple has been the centre of a number of major events this month. Devotees and onlookers have been marvelling at the ceremonies surrounding the formal excommunication of Archimandrite Ingulfos and his followers and the subsequent appointment of many new Plenipotentiaries and Pendentites. Questions as to whether the Linrodeth Archimandrite could back up this move were stopped by the shock arrival of 50 supportive Knights Templars who demonstrated their allegiance to the “True Archimandrite”. There was a tense moment as Selina's forces deployed however no conflict ensued. Two days later the full force of cavalry left the Temple and headed south led by Plenipotentiary Jasmine on an unknown mission. Later, a thick column of smoke was seen to rise beyond the Botmoor hills. The fact that the temple has become active on the military scene has been welcomed by many who remember how much it did to secure the lands following the last civil war. This pro-Hahnite sentiment was further enhanced by Plenipotentiary Antonius announcing “that the Hahnites planned to create a new Orphanage to provide for and educate the city’s youth.”

The River Ishtan has been in full flood this month following the spring melting, but very little damage has been caused now that the Floating Market no longer exists. Dock workers and traders have been busy preparing the port for the anticipated arrival of the first trading ships, expected within a week of the floods subsiding. Less welcome may be news of more Noordic longboats; travellers in the vicinity of Kingsport report much activity and rumours of damage to Kerunian ships.

The provisioners guilds have been distressed to discover substantial loss of stock over winter. Allegedly, an untimely increase in the mouse population has made big inroads onto food stores. Guildmasters are now urgently seeking a meeting with Witanmoot leaders to discuss what might be done. Other merchants have questioned these reports, having suffered little loss themselves. Given that most of the Treasury’s monies this year will be put into the Portwall, the guilds may be left with little choice but to accept the damage and attempt to reduce the mice numbers. A number of enterprising individuals have already offered to hire out their cats.

Now that the curfew has been lifted throughout the city, it has become apparent that the Bards College is enforcing its own curfew on residents. This is deeply unpopular with the students, and has prompted a sudden increase in youngsters seeking rented rooms outside the college. The college itself is refusing to comment, but it may be an attempt to protect those of its students who come from distant lands and kingdoms.

LATE NEWS:

The first ships have arrived, including the Royal Phoenix from Salvoyn.

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 149

The lifting of the curfew has now been extended to the entire City. Making the announcement General Olvini told a cheering Witanmoot, “The people of Linrodeth have shown themselves to be honest, hard working and loyal. I see no reason to continue with the curfew which is no longer a necessary part of our plans to control the supporters of the old order”. The lifting of the curfew has been celebrated throughout the city with the greatest revelry occurring in Castle Bard. The rolling programme of lifting a few wards each day resulted in a fresh party in every night for a week with the few brave survivors claiming to have managed to visit every celebration. Citizens are reminded that the militarised zone is still out of bounds and that the City Gates remain closed during from sundown to dawn.

The route of the new wall has been confirmed by Lady Tasker's decree confiscating the required land. Warehouse owners have been told that they will receive reasonable recompense, although the form and timing of this will be at the discretion of the Treasury. Master Mason Gilbert de Clare told the Chronicle, “Councillor Bottler and I have worked day and night to bring this proposal to fruition. The proposed route has been agreed by the military and by the local wards. It is not a compromise. It is the best route for everyone”..

A desperate and daring attack by Linrodeth Freedom Fighters on the home of General Olvini has failed, leaving six members dead and three others in prison. The attack was well planned and executed by men who knew the building layout, however they were betrayed and fell into an ambush. The Polizei have since rounded up a number of other suspects and further arrests are expected. Concerns that the attack would result in a return of the curfew have been allayed by the General who described the incident as “the last desperate attempt of a collapsing opposition which is no longer worthy of attention”. Indeed the failure of the attack seems to have broken the Freedom Fighters and no further incidents have occurred this month. The Chronicle has been unable to make contact with the surviving members and it seems likely that the campaign against the Kerunian invaders has been seriously damaged. if not destroyed.

The realignment of the Witanmoot has continued this month with major announcements from all the key factions. Aldermen Barnet and Belcher have declared for Marcus Lambourne, Graeme Porter has joined Alan Monterey and Alderman Barbiter has declared for William Trueman. Jim Bottler is still struggling to keep up, although he does seem to have put down the Englefield challenge and is now forming a base within the construction guilds. However none of the groups seems yet ready to make a push for power and Lady Tasker's nomination as Lord has gone forward unchallenged. A source close to the Monterey ruling group told us ''We are still all working for the good of the City, I’m glad the others have recognised the need for stability''.

The newly emerging factions will face a tough test next month. Rumours persist that the original estimates for the construction of the wall were very low and that dramatic cuts in the recently expanded budgets will be required to pay for it. Even more worrying the Masons and Carpenters seem to be gearing up to complete the wall in one year a scale of undertaking which would require a devastating tax levy on the citizenry.

Following on from what appears to have been an embarrassing confusion between the Monterey and Lambourne factions last month, Jenny Davy has been assigned to the Law and Order committee by the decree of Lady Tasker with her vacated place as Chair of Trade being taken by Samuel Rucche. All the involved parties have been at pains to play the move down as something requested by Alderman Davy however a number of Councillors have raised severe misgivings. Cllr Joanna Russell described the event as "An outrageous imposition which totally undermines the democratic principles upon which this Witanmoot was founded".

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 149

In the wake of last month’s election results a three way fight is emerging for control of the Witanmoot. Marcus Lambourne has laid down a clear challenge to the control of Alan Monterey by recruiting Aldermen Davy and Romanie; however the newly energetic Alderman Trueman may prove to be a greater threat, with powerful players such as Miranda Andrews joining Olivia Warin under the Trueman “New Order” banner. Alderman Monterey does not seem unduly perturbed, and will no doubt have gained some pleasure from the renewed support of Allison Shefford. Meanwhile, as the traditional leaders re-establish their control on the Witanmoot, pro-Selina groups such as Jim Bottler’s are increasingly being marginalized. An internal fight between Bottler and his running mate Eddie Englefield may be the root of the problem, although so far Bottler appears to have managed to prevent Englefield becoming politically active in his own right.

The saga of the new wall has continued this month. Rumours that stone warehouses were to be dismantled to provide foundations for the new wall caused outrage amongst the merchants and prompted several hurried meetings between Jim Bottler, Gilbert de Clare and several prominent Aldermen led by Olivia Warin. The upshot of the meeting was unsurprisingly that no one would admit to having come up with the idea, no one thought it was a good one and no one was going to stand up and defend it. Meanwhile Bottler has been quietly finalising his plans for the route of the wall, which is expected to be much closer to the river than the wooden one.

The lifting of the curfew will be extended to Avigon and Levestone from tenthday secondweek. General Olvini has pronounced himself pleased with the Welland test and expressed hope that the lifting could be extended to the entire city in the near future. A spokesman for the “Linrodeth Freedom Fighters” derided the announcement as a “reward for treachery” and she went on to describe the current lack of action as “a period of consolidation” and vowed that “Kerunian blood will flow through the streets before the end of the month”.

Relationships between Marcus Lambourne and William Trueman appear to have hit a new low following Trueman’s victorious election campaign. Marcus Lambourne is publicly playing down the extent of the fall out, and describing the situation simply as “healthy competition”. However sources close to the ex-Alderman describe him as privately fuming and deeply hurt by Trueman’s campaign tactics. A source close to the Faringdon Wardmoot described the atmosphere between the two as “icier than the Ishtan”.

Nominations for the Chairmanships of the various reformed committees have gone more smoothly than ever this year with only one slight glitch. Jenny Davy’s nomination for the post of Law and Order chair fails as her uncontested election to the Trade chairmanship takes precedence. Nominations for the Law & Order chairmanship therefore falls to Lady Tasker.

Envoy to Kerun	Maud Blessop
Envoy to Eresan	Marc Bergeren
Shipping	Graeme Porter
Welfare and Education	Melanie Romanie
Lands and Agriculture	Gemma Downe
Law and Order	(Jenny Davy)
Trade	Jenny Davy
Treasury	Olivia Warn

No nominations have been received for the unwelcome posts of envoy to Nyskilde, Salvoyn and Cascorach. Alan Monterey's nomination of someone for the post of Envoy to Kerun was described by one Witanmoot official as “brave assertion of the city’s independence” and has certainly caused a stir amongst those who thought that he was one of Selina’s henchmen.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 148

Cllr Richard Saunders is radiating an unusual air of smugness following the council's decision to reconsider the budget. Guildmaster Bottler has presented plans to complete the wall with all due speed and has asked the council to fund the project in full. Whilst there is near unanimous support for his proposals, a number of conflicting views have emerged about how the significant money necessary will be raised. Bottler himself seems keen to raise taxes whilst other councillors have proposed various creative accounting schemes. William Trueman is even reported to have been brave enough to suggest that Selina should delay the collection of a significant proportion of her tribute till next year.

General Olvini is believed to be considering the establishment of a city guard which will have responsibility both for the defence of the City and for its law and order. The General's office refused to discuss the situation, however a member of the polizei told the Chronicle "The General must be aware that its the squads of polizei led by former members of the Witanmoot guard which are the most effective. He wants to broaden the involvement of citizens and normalise things, I think." However a pamphlet purporting to be from the 'Linrodeth Freedom Fighters' denounced the plans and said that only traitors would be willing to join the new force.

The Brynette Temple has been slow to make an official response to rumours that its holy flame failed on Ghostmoons Eve. The story, which has only just emerged from the confines of the temple walls, maintains that the senior priests' attempts to rekindle the flame on the high altar during the service failed, despite increasingly ingenious techniques which, perhaps fortunately, stopped short of sending for Talus Snapdragon. Junior acolytes deduced from the continued cold that these problems continued for a full day. So far the elders of the temple have remained tight lipped when questioned about the incident, but they appear to be making intense preparations ahead of the forthcoming Midwinter Festival.

The provisional lifting of the curfew in Welland appears to be going well with few reports of any incidents. The presence of polizei on the borders arresting anyone who steps out of the ward after curfew, plus the incredibly inflated prices of accommodation in the ward's hostelries, has limited the feared swamping by late night revellers. A source close to the Witanmoot leadership asked the Chronicle to, "urge all citizens to ensure that the provisional lifting is a success so that the unwarranted and oppressive curfew can be lifted across the city."

An expedition to rescue the trapped caravan from Cascorach has returned having failed to get through. Terrible weather conditions and conflicting reports of the location of the caravan were blamed. The continuing harsh weather is also claiming victims amongst the beggar population with anyone failing to find shelter overnight facing certain death.

Another pair of victims of the cold caused great interest earlier this month when two bodies were noticed trapped under the ice near the citadel. After much application of boiling water the corpses were extracted and taken off to the Torian Temple. Why two dead people should warrant the attention of a squad of polizei and several leading Witanmoot members was unclear at the time. However rumours are beginning to circulate that they were of a Babel and a Kinjuru on a secret mission from Aralan Derwent to get a message to the Citadel. Important papers are believed to have been recovered from one corpse.

An anonymous benefactor has founded a new hospice in Cripplegate for the shelter and aid of poor invalids and beggars. The hospice replaces a shack which existed on the road outside the gate for many years, and which was demolished for security reasons early on in the civil war. Alderman Hubold is reported to be livid.

A recent play at the Bards College has been receiving much critical acclaim. The performance is being staged by a group of senior students and centres around the story of Julia and Roland Perignon and their troubled romance. Attendance at the play could have been guaranteed by the subject. However the players are delighting the audiences and the crafting of the play is truly masterful. Evette Qualtor as the leading lady is outstanding, but the show is stolen by Harry Marsterson and his hilarious portrayal of the evil schemer Armundus Septer.

LATE NEWS

The midwinter elections have signalled a clear return to traditional campaigning from our councillors. Elections were hard fought throughout the city. Clear factions and lobby groups have once again come into evidence. The greatest, and dirtiest, fight was in Faringdon were Marcus Lambourne and William Trueman went head to head for the Aldermanship. Marcus' campaign pivoted around his strong record of decision making and leadership. However this was undermined by William Trueman's victorious campaign which also called on people to judge Marcus on his record and the "unresolved questions" surrounding his trial in Menderal. Trueman's running mate Olivia Warin was also successful in Temple and an elated Trueman announced that the broad success of his team would enable a new era of "responsible leadership" which would "impose order on the current chaos". Elsewhere in Welland Jim Bottler and his pro-Selina faction gained overwhelming control of the wardmoot but a split vote between Eddie Englefield and Bottler enabled Gillian Howe to take the Aldermanship. Perhaps the most interesting result is from the occupied wards were a number of avowedly anti-Selina candidates were elected. However the expected purge by the electorate of Selinas' lackeys did not materialise. Alan Monterey was returned as Alderman for Levestone with a massive majority and in Avigon the Kerunian merchant Petro Cutario even gained a seat on the Witanmoot.

The Full Aldermanic election results are:

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 148

Linrodeth has now been cut off from the rest of the country by the heaviest snows for many years. The river has already iced across and all the routes out of the city are blocked. The severity of the snowfall caught many travellers unawares and a major caravan of refugees from Cascorach is believed to have become trapped some three days to the south of the City. The likely harshness of the winter has renewed pressure on the City to resolve the impending grain crisis. With many harvested stores still not delivered to the City before the snows it is not clear if reserves will last should the snows remain longer than usual.

One ship which managed to beat the storms was that of Captain Eagleview, which returned to its home city a few days ago. The crew have confirmed that since the ship's dramatic departure from Linrodeth during the invasion, they had travelled north to Nyskilde and then all the way south to Salvoyn. Their stories, when added to those of the merchants from Salvoyn and the Chronicle's own investigations, finally provide a clear picture of the state of the Civil War.

Nyskilde and the lands to the north of the Weald are held by the Noord. Nyskilde itself has not been subjected to the same deprivations it suffered during the previous invasion and after the initial sacking the Noord appear to be digging in with the intention of holding the lands permanently.

Linrodeth and its the lands as far north as the Weald and as far east as the Great Fens are held by Princess Selina. However Linrodeth's Citadel is still held by troops apparently loyal to Prince Kieran, and the road to Eresan is blocked at Fenny Bridges by another pro-Kieran force under the command of Aralan Derwent. Salvoyn remains the base of operations for Prince Edward and is his declared Capital. It retains the army from the Gelt wars and a recently enlarged navy. Cascorach has finally fallen to Prince Edward after a long and protracted siege, although Princess Eleanor may still be in control of the Castle. The remains of her cavalry force have retreated across the mountains and are now effectively cut off in the City States.

Eresan, which was thought to be loyal to Edward, is now held by Kieran following the arrival of his forces from Nyskilde. Reports confirm that he was betrayed by the navy at Nyskilde and suffered serious losses before his retreat. The rangers took Eresan without opposition shortly before Kieran's arrival.

The Witanmoot has confirmed that elections will be held as normal at Midwinter. With rumours circulating that last year's elections were rigged, and with many key political figures missing or incapacitated, there are likely to be sweeping changes. Hard fought campaigns are expected in Faringdon, Welland, Avigon and Castle Bard. The Chronicle will observe with interest the progress of supporters of Princess Selina, such as Jim Bottler and Alan Monterey. It will also be interesting to see what effect Princess Selina's publication of the Guild accounts will have. Many citizens were unaware of the funds spent by some guilds to support political activities and this may cause problems for certain faction leaders. The Witanmoot spokesman refused to be drawn on how elections would be held for those wards under military occupation, however Princess Selina's office has confirmed that the properties have not yet been confiscated and hence are still owned by their original occupants. Lady Tasker has announced that the Emergency Committee will be disbanded at Midwinter and that after the elections, the city's administration will return to near normal.

Tensions between the mercenaries and the polizei have escalated significantly following an assault on Jim Bottler by a group of thugs. Councillor Bottler was left for dead by the mercenaries and has spent the entire month in the Torian infirmary recovering. Shortly afterwards the Polizei raided the Dancing Bear and other well known mercenary pubs. General Olvini is believed to be considering direct intervention by the military and it seems likely that all hope of having the curfew lifted have now been dashed. Elsewhere the polizei crackdown on crime has had a dramatic effect, although the reduction may have more to do with the criminal underworld's preoccupation with replacing the Toddman.

The city's committee budgets have finally been passed by the Witanmoot in a session reminiscent of the old days. Those councillors who had thought they were in for an easy session were surprised by a well orchestrated attack by Richard Saunders on the entire budget. Cllr Saunders expressed his outrage at plans to fund pet schemes such as the sweetwater project and other "profligate spending" such as the Avery memorial. Denouncing his fellow councillors for being out of touch with the needs of the City he went on "Some people are obviously unaware there is a War on. we should be reducing taxes to help people through these difficult times and concentrating our spending upon the defence of the City". Princess Selina is also reported to be unhappy with plans to build a memorial to Adam Avery who was killed during her invasion and no one has yet been brave enough to take on the contract to build it.

The wedding of Lady Ann Tasker to Alderman Alan Monterey was one of the most lavish witnessed in recent years. The main ceremony took place at the Temple of Hahn and was officiated by the Archimandrite himself. Within the vast and sumptuous displays Anne's simple and elegant dress stood out as the centre of attention. Afterwards a magnificent feast was presented at Princess Selina's mansion. The many guests, which unexpectedly included Beatrice Perignon, enjoyed Lady Tasker's marvellously entertaining and touching account of her courtship by Alderman Monterey and Alan's moving speech praising the politicians of Linrodeth for their service to our great City. Celebrations the night before were unfortunately somewhat subdued by the curfew, however Lady Tasker's party which occupied the Green Grove for the entire night is reported to have been highly successful. Even Alison Shefford is reported to have enjoyed it.

The problems over the construction of the Portwall seem to have sorted themselves out, following Lady Tasker's decree that the wood must be returned to the Shipwrights Guild. Several senior Stonemasons have visited Jim Bottler at the Torian temple and work has begun on the section next to the bridge. However some concern has been expressed over funding of the project. The city budget included a sum of £8,000 which is clearly inadequate.

The reform of the legal system is now well underway and the Hahnites have been making strenuous efforts to explain the changes. Those criminals who will be unfortunate enough to be the first to be tried under the new rules, may face long and protracted sessions as the involved Hahnites try to decide on the detail and its implications of the changes. A sudden flurry of minor civil actions seem to have started in an attempt to seek redress before the Midwinter changes. Gax has made a number of speeches on the subject the most interesting element of which was his recognition of Edward de Belleme as the rightful Archimandrite.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 148

The city of Salvoyn is preparing to celebrate the official coronation of Prince Edward during the Midwinter festivities. The prince has summoned the leaders of all the major religions to his declared capital city for the event. Rumours are circulating that he may depart from tradition and announce an 'official' religion at the coronation. The most recent ships into port have brought a number of invitations to worthies across the city, but it is not believed that the Linrodeth Archimandrite is included on the guest list. It seems that the Eresan Archimandrite, Ingulfos, is to officiate in Salvoyn. This selection makes it all the more interesting that rumours have started of Prince Kieran's survival and residence in Eresan. Unreliable sightings of the younger prince do not seem very likely in light of Eresan's loyalty to Prince Edward.

As an alternative, Linrodeth's joyous winter event may well be the marriage of Lady Ann Tasker to her long time partner, Alderman Alan Monterey. Although the Chronicle has been informed of this event many times in the past, it seems likely that the match will now finally go ahead. A significant change is that Lady Tasker has at last found time to be fitted for a wedding dress. Alderman Monterey has already inspected several wine cellars, and has audibly regretted the loss of the Perignon reserves. The wedding will take place at the Hahnite Temple, with the Archimandrite himself presiding. Princess Selina has generously offered the Lansdowne mansion for the reception afterwards.

Tensions in Welland got out of hand last week when an attempt to enforce the law caused rioting across the Wellhouse green. A number of ward councillors remonstrated with customers from the Dancing Bear for openly carrying arms in the streets. The argument rapidly escalated to the point where the weapons had to be confiscated, with predictable results. Fortunately the fight remained at the level of fisticuffs and the Polizei, who quickly arrived on the scene, were extremely efficient in their arrests. General Olvini and the Polizei Chief, Lt Antonio Secchi, will be reviewing the ordnances on mercenaries in the city.

Keen Hahnite worshippers will have noticed a familiar piece of regalia at recent ceremonies in the Temple. The Holy Ring of Ascalon, which has been absent for many months now, has begun to be worn by the new Archimandrite for the first time during a sermon in which he exhorted Ingulfos to "give up his vile ways and return unto the Grace of Hahn". Speculation surrounds both its absence and its reappearance, and the ability of Ingulfos to crown anyone without this ring. An official Hahnite statement confirmed that it is the genuine ring, and that its presence on the High Priest's hand was "the Will of the God." This does not appear to have deterred Gax the Heretic, who has also reappeared for the first time since the invasion and has begun to denounce the forthcoming changes in the Justice System. The Chroniclers are beginning to wonder if these events are related?

Investigators trawling the taverns and dens of Dowgate have been startled to hear that the Toddman is said to have died. A number of known criminal establishments have begun to shut down, and several pawnbrokers have 'closed for stocktaking'. The Polizei claim that this is a direct result of their improved operations, and predict that the crime rate will drop still further. Alderman Bernard Hubold has been quick to praise the work of the Polizei, pointing out that "this is just precisely the type of professional force which the city has needed, and which I have been lobbying for, for many years." Alderman Tilly Falgar also congratulated the force on their results, while adding that the work of the master criminal may take many years to unravel.

Despite assurances of a good harvest, citizens have been interested to note that Cllr Trueman has invoked the old emergency committee procedures for the gathering of the rosehip crop in the hedgerows. A number of working parties have already been sent out and report a good haul. Readers might be interested to remember the old wives tale which suggests that the forthcoming winter will be a cold and hard one. It appears that the weather has already taken a turn for the worse, and it looks likely that Linrodeth will be experiencing its first snowfall before Ghostmoons. This will at least mean that the city is safe from attack for another season. The last ships are preparing to leave port.