The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 148

News has arrived from Salvoyn of advances by Prince Edward in his campaign for the southlands. Since turning attention away from Linrodeth last year, Edward's army has been kept busy trying to oppose Princess Eleanor's cavalry forces. After a succession of manoeuvres and skirmishes throughout the summer, his army claims to have forced the 'rebellious knights' into retreat across the mountains, and is now poised to attack Cascorach itself. Salvoynian merchants are hoping for a speedy conclusion to the rebellion, and have confirmed that the port has recently given shelter to the Kings Fleet. The naval forces disclosed that they had retreated from a major engagement with Noordic longships. It seems that the city of Nyskilde has once again been conquered by the Noord clans. Prince Kieran's ranger regiments were heavily defeated in their attempt to defend the city, and Prince Kieran is widely reported to have died in the fighting.

Closer to home, Dalethian Wellkeepers have reported an average harvest. With minor exceptions, the harvesting in Baronies subject to Linrodeth has not been unduly disrupted. Reports that large quantities of the grain have been concealed by lords and peasants alike have already reached the Witanmoot and the situation is being monitored by Princess Selina's office. The Cornmongers guild has pledged to hold bread prices steady for at least a month, while the situation is investigated. Citizens are requested not to demand huge increases on their usual orders. Cllr Gemma Downe has pointed out that the most recent batch of Citadel grain will be available to cover immediate demand.

Work on a stone replacement for the Portwall has officially started now that a full complement of construction guilds has been assembled. The teams ran into an immediate snag when the ownership of the demolished wood was disputed. The carpenters have commandeered the use of the wood, claiming that this is part of their negotiated contract Witanmoot representatives have lodged an injunction to prevent its reuse, claiming that it is the city's to resell or reuse. A further complication is the claim of the Shipwrights Guild that the wood was 'on loan' from them to the city for its defences, and that it should be returned if it is no longer needed. At this rate, the case could well become one of the first items to be heard under the Archimandrite's new justice system.

The Witanmoot is scrambling to recount its assets after it emerged that none of the treasury clerks had filed a copy of Trueman's carefully revised Budget papers. An unseemly rush to draw up a new version was much helped by Cllr Trueman's personal notes of his budget. It is believed that Lady Tasker has been seriously embarrassed in her efforts to promote democratic rule to the Princess' office. The Princess' auditors have refrained from comment.

A diplomatic incident was narrowly averted last week over a huge explosion at the Citadel. The centre of the blast appears to be the small astrologer's tower perched on the uppermost roofs of the Citadel. It appears that neither the Kerunian army nor the Citadel defences were responsible for event which cause minor damage to the tower and several injuries from falling masonry. Observers have since concluded that the watchman may have attempted to alleviate his boredom by exploring the tower's contents. The citadel has confirmed that their watchman did not survive his curiosity.

The ward of Dowgate has been thrown into turmoil following the disappearance of their Alderman, Alice Fytton, along with the treasury of the Fruiterers guild. Her supporters have objected to the obvious conclusion, and are launching their own ward enquiries. Speculation that the more criminal elements of the ward may have taken revenge is circulating the local taverns. Any witnesses to the movements of Alice Fytton on Thirday, Firstweek last month are requested to contact the Fruiterers Guild, or Cllr Syd Reed at the 'Frozen Ferret'.

Cllr Jim Bottler is also launching enquiries from the 'Mooning Barrel' in Welland. Concern for the safety of officers patronising the pub is a source of some worry to the ward. A number of citizens have complained about the increasing belligerence of mercenaries from the 'Dancing Bear' on the other side of the ward, and it is believed that the intrepid councillor's investigation may start there.

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 148

Relations between the City and Citadel have dramatically improved this month following a series of high level meetings. Representatives from the offices of Princess Selina and Lady Tasker have described talks with the Citadel leaders as "extensive and productive". Significantly, grain stores from the Citadel are being moved down to the city, and in return the city is to give top priority to improving its defences against the Noord. The crucial breakthrough seems to have been made by Alderman Monterey, who clearly retains credibility with his former mentor Lady Perignon. The grain will form an important reserve for the citizens should longships appear along the coast or the exiles' disrupt tithing. Lady Tasker has yet to release an official statement, but it seems likely that the grain will be held in civic stores rather than released to the Cornmongers guild. The Princess' office is understood to be proposing a regular schedule of meetings with the Citadel to discuss civic matters and coordinate the defence of the river valley.

News continues to trickle in from the few refugees to have escaped Noordic attacks. The longships have been sighted landing from Mausdyke northwards, with major fleets invading at Glasgain and Ulthwaite. The lack of survivors seems to show that the invaders achieved almost complete surprise, and may have reached further inland than has ever been seen in this lifetime. The Chroniclers continue to search for news from Nyskilde, but without success, and it may be that Prince Kieran's bid for the Kingdom was doomed to be short-lived. Unconfirmed rumours that he died early in the invasion have begun to circulate within Linrodeth.

Polizei investigating the murders of Kerunian officers have made a number of arrests in Berewic of junior journeymen in the Fruiterers guild. Chief Antonio Secchi has confirmed that the four are so far only charged with 'obstructing enquiries' and that further charges are still pending the results of interrogation. Witnesses to the arrests spoke of a general brawl which caused widespread damage to properties in the street.

The Archimandrite in Linrodeth has announced sweeping reforms to the criminal justice system in a key sermon from the pulpit. The announcements clearly have the endorsement of the Kerunian administration, and signal the Hahnite leader's clear intention of becoming a major player in the future of Athion. Described as "a move towards more traditional Hahnite values", the reforms include a complete removal of Witanmoot members from the bench, and the installation of Hahnite priests as judges and magistrates. From Midwinter the Criminal Courts will use something called a "jury system" of citizen landowners (excluding Witanmoot members) combined with Pendentites as the judges. For the Civic Courts there will be a panel of four ward citizens led by a Mandatien. Secular clerks will deal with the paperwork for the first time. The congregation included many Aldermen who were clearly taken aback by the announcement and had difficulty concentrating on the remainder of the service after this pronouncement. Frequent outbreaks of whispered consultation had to be sternly suppressed by the officiating Mandatiens.

The Princess' crack team of auditors have once again gone on standby alert. A senior aide discovered that the phrase "several outstanding committee budgets" in the Witanmoot report was not the compliment which the translators originally took it for. Instead it appears that, although the Trade budget is currently before council and the Law & Order one due in very shortly, all other detailed budgets remain overdue amid huge confusion over who is responsible. The Shipping committee may have good reason for keeping quiet, but Welfare & Education are proposing a number of new initiatives which require a careful examination of available moneys. Chief among these is a search for a new orphanage site within the city, which has focused on utilising guard rooms in the closed prisons. These have the benefit of being nearly habitable already, although their use if the City should come under attack is not yet clear. Some grumbles have been made about the lack of space; perhaps this could be remedied by persuading the Portwall builders to construct a hollow wall?

Despite all the bustle seen around the Witanmoot this month, several faction leaders are clearly not about to risk being labelled as "active". Maud Blessop and Jenny Davy were the only nominations for the envoys to Cascorach and Kerun respectively and were duly appointed as such. They intend to depart as soon as their new allowances are approved.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 148

Linrodeth has been disturbed by increased military activity this week as several troops of cavalry returned from the north. The forces appeared to be extremely battered but cheerful and have clearly been in a major engagement of some kind. A slower convoy of injured later arrived at the Torian infirmary. General Orvini confirmed that the battle took place against the Noord who now hold lands north of the Weald. The General declared, "Linrodeth's northern approaches have been secured for now, but the road to Nyskilde is closed and the city is likely to face a major assault before Ghostmoons or after Springtide." Rumours from civilians at Kingsport say that a naval engagement has also taken place, just outside the estuary, and that the passing ships may not have been Noordic longboats. The Princess' office is refusing to comment.

Hope that the city curfew would be lifted after the success of midsummer have been dashed by further killings of Kerunian officers. The two junior officers may have become lost while returning from an early evening visit to the Theatre Royale. Their bodies were discovered in a back alley of Arpent the following morning, Thirday, Secondweek. Polezei are investigating the incident and will be conducting door to door enquiries over the next week. They also wish to speak to anybody who attended the performance at the theatre that night.

The first stirrings of political activity have been made in the Witanmoot this month when the amended city budget was approved nem com. This is the budget originally proposed by Cllr Truman, on behalf of Olivia Warin, which the emergency committee has been working to for the past few months. Nonetheless, it seems that Alan Monterey was particularly keen that the Witanmoot was once more seen to be functioning, and put it before the Court of Common Council for approval. The Chroniclers are pleased to see the resilience of our city's favourite institution, and hopes that this will persuade a few more councillors to resume public life. Alan Monterey also reminded the Witanmoot that nominations for the envoys to Kerun and Cascorach. If none are received, both become the appointment of Lady Tasker. Mark Bergeron has already been dispatched to Eresan.

The recent naval skirmish has accelerated work on the Portwall. The budget had not yet been formally approved when workmen arrived at Bridgegate to tear down the first section of wooden walling and begin foundations for its stone replacement. Negotiations for the new placement of gates have restarted, although it seems unlikely that anyone would dare to block up the Portsoken gateways which the late Cllr Avery insisted on. The Chroniclers will be interested to note the progress of the wall through the militarised section, and cannot help wondering what the Citadel inhabitants will make of it all. The fortress has so far refrained from bombarding the city, but the construction of new fortifications may be too great a provocation.

Amid the building work, the dockside trade has been good. Several merchants have dodged fleets and other hazards to make port at Linrodeth. The Mercers are said to be especially pleased that an influx of new ships from the city states has made up for the loss of regular shippers from Salvoyn. The Princess' office is making a special point of inviting each captain to dine with Princess Selina, and customs difficulties are being sorted out with unusual efficiency.

The summer heat has ensured a good market for the influx of southern silk, and it seems that a taste for Kerunian foods has also taken Linrodeth. Unfortunately, a bout of summer sickness has also swept the city, with many citizens discovering that the grilled flatbreads taste much worse coming up than going down. The Torians have categorically denied that the imported foods have been deliberately poisoned in an attempt to reduce the native population. They do suggest, however, that citizens might do well to stick to traditional liquids such as locally-brewed ales.

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 148

The continued interrogation of the Little Sisters of Sedition produced a full confession and revealed that these Salvoynian-sponsored saboteurs were behind many crimes. Their actions ranged from multiple assassination attempts on leading citizens, debasing the coinage, strategic arson, introduction of addictive drugs, subversion of Citadel servants, leading the Free Trade rebellion, forming the seditious Retribution cult to criminal religious practices. In light of this extensive treachery, Princess Selina decreed that the prisoners be publicly hanged, drawn and quartered. The sentence was carried out on Firstday, Firstweek, and their remains are displayed above the city gates as a warning to other perpetrators.

The trial of Marcus Lambourne, chair of the Law & Order committee, dominated the actions of the Witanmoot this month. After weeks of speculation and gossip, the event itself became a tale of two parts. First came the case for the prosecution, offering a meticulously detailed account of his failures and omission during the course of the investigation into the activities of the Little Sisters. Lambourne's failure to properly oversee the case and order the arrest of the assassins was clearly shown to have endangered the lives of Jim Bottler and his team. So damning did the trail of confusion and woe become that by the end it seemed entirely possible that Lambourne himself was in the pay of the Little Sisters of Sedition. After the recess an entirely different picture was drawn by the Defence. Witness after witness was called forward to attest to Marcus Lambourne's good intentions and fine, upstanding character. Speakers ranged from the authoritative voice of Alderman Monterey to the generosity of Jim Bottler himself, who suggested that the new 'situation' caused problems of communication. In the end it was this argument which won the day for Cllr Lambourne. Lady Ann Tasker ruled him 'not guilty', blaming the incident entirely on "cultural misunderstandings". This reversal seemed to come as a surprise to a few, but Orvini remained impassive, describing the verdict merely as "interesting". Lambourne has declared his intention of remaining as chair of Law & Order.

Cllr William Truman has assisted Olivia Warin in drawing up a revised city budget for the new regime. The loss in tax base has been more than offset by the reduced levy required by Princess Selina, leaving the Witanmoot with a healthy balance to spend. The Chronicle notes with approval the restoration of Linrodeth's much-delayed replacement orphanage and a sweet water supply. New items include a Kerunian embassy and improved fortifications in stone for the city docks.

The Witanmoot may prefer to hold the extra monies in reserve given the newly perilous state of Linrodeth's overland trade. Reports from merchants arriving on the North road recently suggest that a major raid has been staged by the Noord. Whether this is a full invasion is unclear but large areas of land have been devastated and citizens are strongly advised to postpone plans to travel until the situation clears. The large force of cavalry assembled by General Orvini last week, which many believed would be sent to attack Aralan Derwent's force, was instead sent North to secure the Linrodeth approaches. However Aralan may be about to make herself a target after merchants arriving from the East announced that she had fortified Fenny Bridges and raised the levy in that area. Derwent is also blocking the shipment of food into the city and taxing any merchants she does let through at double rate. An official statement from Princess Selina's office commented that "After the last civil war Linrodeth suffered from a number of robber barons. It is a great pity that one of its former citizens has chosen to resort to this."

The midsummer fair was a widely varied, often strange and frequently chaotic event which seems to have been thoroughly enjoyed by the entire city. Despite the constraints imposed by the need to stay within the city walls nearly all the traditional events took place. In addition many wards arranged special activities ranging from pig wrestling to poetry. The focus of events was on in Welland where Princess Selina chose to make her main speech of the day and where the Wellhouse Green became the centre of the main religious festival. Princess Selina used her first major public gathering as an opportunity to praise the actions of Jim Bottler, Benedict Plover, Eddie Englefield, Valindar, Wat Gurney and Bruce Harris in defeating the Little Sisters of Sedition. She went on to present them all with the Order of Merit. She finished her speech by denouncing the tax level demanded by the King and, to the obvious delight of the crowd, proclaimed that she intended to reduce it by a third. The removal of the curfew for the evening was also extremely popular, and the fact that the night passed without serious incident bodes well for a permanent lifting.

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 148

The Chronicle is delighted to announce the capture and destruction of the Little Sisters of Sedition. This group of assassins plagued the City for many years, and is responsible for many outrages during this time. The Little Sisters were tracked down to a hide-out in Cripplegate by Cllr Jim Bottler who was looking for Elizabeth Dixon. Jim Bottler led a brave attack which prevented the criminals escaping until a large force of polizei, led by Alderman Alan Monterey, could arrive. The polizei were just in time to save Bottler and his allies from their highly-trained opponents. Speaking afterwards, General Olvini commended the actions of Bottler and his friends. "They are an example to us all, their courage has led to the defeat of a terrible threat to this City. It is from the fortitude and resolve of such citizens that we will build our new Principality." Olvini particularly singled out for praise Benedict Plover, the well-known actor, who saved the life of Elizabeth Dixon by throwing himself between her and an assassin's sword. In Aralan's absence the City has, for the first time, succeeded in capturing a group of assassins alive and their interrogation is already underway.

One surprise outcome from this affair has been the committal for Treason of Chairman for Law and Order, Marcus Lambourne, who will stand trial next month. The charge against Lambourne is believed to be the obstruction of the investigation. Both Bottler and Monterey will be called as witnesses against him. There is concern that this will be a show trial with the only real 'crime' committed by Lambourne being a failure to co-operate with the new regime. However, General Olvini has surprised the Witanmoot and confounded this accusation by returning the courts to civic hearings and having the trial put before Lady Tasker. Of course some people now consider Lady Tasker and "her little poppet Monterey" as part of the problem.

Edward de Belleme has taken full control of the Temple of Hahn and declared himself Archimandrite. This move seals the schism between the Eresan orthodoxy led by Archimandrite Ingulfus. and the Linrodeth traditionalists led by De Belleme. It would seem to the Chronicle that the Hahnites, who did so much during the last civil war to maintain order, intend to spend this one fighting each other. The city's new Archimandrite has already met with Princess Selina. She has formally asked him to investigate and recommend on something called "separating the judiciary from the legislative structure". Perhaps she should have had a meeting with Gax – who at least might have been able to understand her.

Princess Selina has denounced Aralan Derwent's decision to threaten the City. "Derwent left the City as an exile and stated her intention to join Prince Kieran. Instead she has raised a baronial levy and has obstructed the Eresan road. She is gravely disrupting trade and harming the prosperity of this city."

Because of the threat from Aralan Derwent's Exiles army, Lady Tasker has decreed that the Midsummer Festival will be held inside the City Walls at the various market squares. With the curfew still in place the festival will be a somewhat subdued affair, although the free wine which will be provided from the captured Perignon cellars will undoubtedly cheer many.

Hopes of an early raising of the curfew have been dashed following the killing of three Kerunian officers in Welland. They were returning to their rooms after an evening of drinking when they were set upon by a small mob of assailants and bludgeoned to death. Polizei patrols have now been increased and citizens are warned that a 'shoot first and ask questions later' policy will be used during curfew.

In a surprise development Princess Selina has received official envoys from Prince Kieran. The secrecy surrounding the discussions has defeated even the Chroniclers investigators. The knights rode out of Linrodeth the following day and headed towards Fenny Bridges.

The new Government has started to re-mint the city coinage to a higher standard. The improvements have much distressed the Guilds, who have had their ceremonial plate commandeered to assist with the process. The acquisitions have been made by a team of auditors attached to Princess Selina's office acting on the advice of the Witanmoot. Particularly hard hit are the Mercers, Vintners, Cornmongers and Goldsmiths who the 'commando accountants' describe as "excessively exploiting their monopoly". However they have faired far better than the Grossers, Glaziers, Broiderers, Apothecaries and Carpenters who have all had Guild licences suspended following the discovery of "substantial irregularities" in their accounts.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 148

The new city government has placed Linrodeth under curfew between sunset and sunrise. These measures are intended as a temporary arrangement while residual problems of burglary and looting are brought under control. General Olvini stated that the curfew should not inconvenience lawful citizens, but it will greatly simplify his efforts to suppress the lawless few who are attempting to exploit the current crisis, His reformed city guard, the 'polizei', appear to be achieving a state of civic peace very efficiently. Miscreants finding themselves on the sharp end of the justice system are being drafted onto labour gangs and put to work repairing the docks and city walls. The docks especially are in a sorry state, having seen several skirmishes during the battle, much catapult shot and at least one major fire. With the spring run of ships coming in this has become a matter of some urgency. Temporarily ships are being forced to anchor out in the port, while goods and people are being brought ashore in boats organised by the Esprayennan temple.

The military situation in Linrodeth has stabilised with the siege of the Citadel settling down into a waiting game following Selina's decision to withdraw catapults from the city and river. It is rumoured that Aralan Derwent and her Exiles' Army of some 100 troops and 50 cavalry have not gone north as expected but instead have taken Fenny Bridges. This has clearly caused concern and a large screening force has been deployed to the east of the city in case they attempt to interfere with trade. Selina's army appears to be well disciplined and citizens with complaints about the behaviour of the troops should report them to General Olvini's HQ. Now that the navy and marines have been redeployed to Kingsport, the city appears to be billeting a force of some 5000. The Chronicle has learnt that this is a permanent army under Selina's control rather than an expeditionary force from Kerun as originally believed. Their integration into the economy has been much helped by the fact that the troops are paid in a Kerunian coin of similar size but slightly heavier than the shilling.

The vital but often overlooked role of the infirmaries received a boost from Princess Selina who visited all of the field hospitals early in the month. She distributed alms and spoke to various Torian priests. The Emergency Committee appointed by Lady Tasker has reinstated a number of emergency measures introduced after the Great Fire, and these are helping the damaged wards and returning evacuees. A large number of abandoned properties have been commandeered to shelter the homeless and to re-house residents of Cartage, Dracas and Ishtan. These three wards have been declared a military siege area and are closed to all civilians. It is understood that Selina, on learning of the interrupted Perpont-Perignon wedding, has offered a truce to the Citadel authorities to allow the trapped wedding guests to return home. Lady Tasker has appointed an Emergency Committee to deal with the civilian government since so many members of the council are absent or injured. The appointees include Sheriff Shefford, Alderman Monterey (of course), plus Cllrs Trueman, Lambourne, Duthon and Key. As well as dealing with the missing, displaced and returning masses, this committee seems to be desperately working out what exactly they are permitted to do. It seems obvious that much of the Witanmoot's ongoing projects have had to be shelved, and one wag has gone so far as to hang the multiple copies of Olivia Warin's carefully proposed budget in the Aldermanic privy. Rumours that the heroic butchers leader, Bert Belcher, would amply fill the vacant sheriff post were swiftly dispelled by the great man himself. "Not got time for poncing 'round like that" he said, "not when there's things needing fixing back home".

Gax the Heretic has issued a plea for more helpers and supplies for the city orphanage, which has become a focal point for many strays in the aftermath. At the suggestion of Selina's staff, he is collating a list of all youngsters present, placed with foster families or passed onto the Guilds. Copies of the list are to be passed to the Witanmoot, and anxious relatives should call there initially to save further disruption of the overworked orphanage staff. Selina has indicated that she expects the Guilds to be generous in their support for needy families, and intends to inspect their response soon to ensure that no misunderstandings occur.

And finally. Cllr Randy Parkinson, emerging unscathed from recent events, has told the Chronicle, "I'm very concerned about the possible risk to the health of the City as a result of the invasion. It is essential that the bodies which are still being found are disposed of properly. The frozen beggar problem is a drop in the Ishtan compared to this."

The Chronicle

of Springtide in the year 148

LATE NEWS!

Linrodeth has fallen to Kerunian invaders. At dawn on Springtide, a large fleet entered the Ishtan Estuary and attacked Kingsport. A smaller force continued upriver and landed troops along the dockside. Fortunately, the alarm had already been raised and the Portwall was already defended by the ward watches of Ishtan, Portsoken and Shambles. The Portwall, so recently constructed by Adam Avery, clearly disrupted the invaders' plans to rapidly overrun the City. The citizens' longbow inflicted terrible losses on the advancing forces as they attempted to storm the defences. Eventually, two of the dock gates were broken down, but each time the invaders were beaten back by the stout citizenry. Bert Belcher's redoubtable butchers contingent proved particularly difficult to shift, and they fought several heavily armoured companies to a bloody standstill. The enemy gained the north side of the bridge, but never seriously tried to enter the City gate there. By mid-morning the Kerunian ships were forced to stand off from the docks and use catapult fire, while their few remaining troops sought shelter in warehouses.

Unfortunately the defence of Kingsgate had not gone so well, and the main body of the Kerunian troops advanced to Linrodeth by lunchtime. After a brief but unproductive negotiation with Lord Dixon, the Kerunians advanced and fierce fighting took place at Newgate and Kingsgate, and the attack on the Portwall was renewed. The Kerunians brought forward heavy catapults which concentrated their fire on a section of wall along Cartage. By late afternoon the Cartage wall had collapsed under repeated bombardment, and a mercenary company fought their way inside the city. The attackers finally broke through the Portwall and advanced to cut off the Citadel. After heavy losses from the Citadel longbow, the Kerunians finally took Newgate and Kerunian cavalry charged into the City. Kingsgate held out slightly longer, but fell after the demoralised Hahnite forces were destroyed. By evening most of the Western part of the City was under Kerunian control and Sheriff Aralan Derwent ordered the City forces to pull back to the Witanmoot. Overnight the invading forces moved the lighter catapults inside the city and set them up on the Wellhouse green, defended by pike. After a few ranging shots at the Witanmoot the following morning, the Kerunians sent forward a herald and Lord Dixon met with the Kerunian General. At noon Lord Dixon stood upon the Wellhouse green and formally surrendered control of the City to Princess Selina. He laid his sword of office at her feet and resigned as Lord. In a surprise move Selina immediately appointed Ann Tasker as the new overlord and declared that she intended to establish Linrodeth as a free City State. She blamed the war on Royalist forces intent upon preserving the old order.

Aralan Derwent, Matthew Dixon and a number of other dignitaries were permitted to leave the City with a small force and it is believed that they have gone North to join Prince Kieran. Lady Tasker has called upon all councillors to get in touch with her at the Witanmoot in order that the proper running of the City can be resumed. Such Athionic laws as may still apply will be overseen by the Hahnites of Plenipotentiary de Belleme, who now occupy the Temple following the Archimandrite's abandonment of the City. The Citadel, under the command of Eorlaine Cox, remains under siege and the wards in the immediate vicinity of its walls are under military occupation. The mercenary companies appear to have been brought under control once again, although much of Cartage, Cadene and Kingsgate has been pillaged. Domestic looters have also wrecked considerable damage on Oldgate and Cripplegate, but have now dispersed.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 148

Tensions between the Watches and the Witanmoot Guard, created by Lord Dixon's elevation of the Babel and Solistel to citizenship last month, have somewhat died down. The Guard having decided to withdraw to the Witanmoot precincts, except for the Marching Watch training. Opinions about the river scum citizenry continue to add controversy to the succession debate, and Cllr Avery has helped matters along by proposing to employ the new citizenry in the Shipbuilders Guild. Sheriff Derwent also persists in her use of the brown and yellows as irregular units within the Marching Watch.

Sheriff Aralan Derwent has taken the thaw as a signal to increase the training of the Watch by another half day. All citizens are reminded that each ward has an assigned half day of training which they must attend. In addition each Tenthday morning is archery practise, and on every Tenthday Lastweek there will be a massed drill on the Tourney Fields for all citizens. The melting snow and rising floodwaters add urgency to her reminder that the port and roads are about to re-open for travellers, merchants and armies. Captain Eagleview is already taking bids for his first cargo destination this year.

The Witanmoot has been stunned into respectful silence after the defection of three of its leading aldermen from Adam Avery's faction to that of Alan Monterey, at the instigation of Ann Tasker. Not since Beatrice Perignon's destruction of the Dexter faction has Linrodeth seen such a major shift in power. Matthew Dixon's re-election as lord, which had looked like a 'done deal', now appears to be in jeopardy. Observers at the Witanmoot calculate that, with the votes of Hastings, Pencric and Romanie added to the existing strength of the Monterey and Duthon factions, and with a number of other Aldermen refusing to give Dixon their support, Sheriff Ann Tasker now stands a good chance of defeating Lord Dixon. Indeed the only thing which may save him is his masterful political move of elevating Alison Shefford to Sheriff. This could still split the vote and enable Dixon to slip in. Cllr Adam Avery remains staggered by the move as his increasingly desperate attempts to save his faction during the later part of the month failed against the carefully planned assault of Sheriff Tasker. Asked to comment of the reason for the defection Alderman Pencric told the Chronicle, "I have always seen Ann Tasker as the best leader this City has. I was delighted when she asked me to join her".

Lady Beatrice Perignon is delighted to announce the marriage of her remaining son Hugh to the Lady Nicola Perpont. The Lady Nicola is the beautiful daughter of Lord Rauf Perpont, who owns large tracts of land along the Great Fens. The marriage is due to take place on Springtide day at the Hahnite Temple, and Beatrice, ever considerate of the Lordship elections, has thoughtfully invited all the aldermen of the City to the wedding feast at the Citadel afterwards. Plans for an epic stag night are already afoot. Hunters is already preparing itself for the occasion, but the Hon Hugh seems to have more peripatetic plans.

Alderman Leonard Tholin has outlined a novel plan to renovate Marshgate Prison using something called 'community service'. This appears to be a modification of the chain-gang punishment traditionally assigned by the magistrates, except this time the convicts are allowed home at night. Further plans by the Law & Order Committee for a city-wide investigation squad have also been mooted, but presumably remain uncertain until the Treasury unveils its budget for the coming year. The Law & Order Committee may have a hard fight on its hands with the Welfare & Education Committee also lobbying for extra funds for the popular City Orphanage. Early rumours from the Witanmoot suggest that City income is falling, and that taxes may be an early casualty of these troubled times.

Retribution has claimed responsibility for last week's assassination attempt on the new Archimandrite. A volley of arrows landed amongst the Archimandrite's party as it returned from the Royal Courts of Justice, and the High Priest was only saved by the quick reflexes of his bodyguards. Two Templars and one Mandatien died from the shots, which were loosed from a nearby rooftop. The perpetrators had prepared a 'Long Live King Kieran' banner which they found time to unfurl before escaping. This latest incident, with its echo of the old King's murder, has created further unease about the City's leadership and loyalties. Members of the Witanmoot have been quick to distance themselves from the organisation; Lord Dixon voiced his disgust at the incident and vowed to bring the assassins to justice.

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 148

The Witanmoot Guard have been called out several times this month to suppress street protests following Lord Dixon's latest decree:

''The Solistel and Babel inhabitants of our city have given and will continue to give their utmost to help in the defence of this city. In recognition of this, She'pan Meduenin and Vulgarian Dingol, and their descendants in perpetuity will be treated, for all purposes connected with the governance of the city of Linrodeth, as if they were guildmembers. In particular, they will:''

“Attend call ups of the marching watch

“Be permitted to seek refuge within the city walls in times of siege.

“Be permitted to buy and own property, with all associated rights, within the city walls.

''This decree does not remove any rights, privileges or duties from any existing guildmembers or citizens of Linrodeth, in particular the guild rights and duties with regard to quality of merchandise remain in place and intact."'

This announcement of the elevation of brown and yellow scaly river scum to the status of Guildmen triggered widespread anger, and incensed some citizens so far that they forgot about the martial law still in place. Members of the Guard practised their now infamous cudgel charge, and scores of bloodied residents sought treatment at the Torian infirmary. One anonymous protester commented, "he's gone too far this time, I reckon. Good job that the King's army is due here soon; Dixon'll be swinging for treason soon enough."

Other events in the Witanmoot received less attention, but another crisis was narrowly averted when the controversial Avery amendment was voted down. The motion, banning orthodox Hahnites from assisting the city in its own courts of law, was eventually defeated by just 78 votes to 68. Many councillors abstained, stating that this was a matter of conscience for believers in that faith. Others decided that regulations on who the council employed was indeed a civic matter and that Cllr Avery should look elsewhere for opportunities to needle the new Archimandrite. Finally, the Court of Common Council moved on to the new committee appointments. The voting for the posts was:

Treasury: Warin 109 votes Barnett 37 votes

Welfare & Education: Beaureli 70 votes Andrews 41 votes Capel 35 votes Horl 5 votes

Eresan: Bergeren 105 votes Dunn 35 votes

The ex-Treasurer Emily Martel was voted as the Emissary to Cascorach nem com.

The city orphanage returned to normal this month once Gax received assurances from the new Chairman of Welfare and Education. Alderman Beaureli has confirmed that the orphanage will in future admit street urchins to its care. To this end he has already installed many of the orphans who took part in the occupation last month, tripling the number of residents and creating instant overcrowding. Sheriff Ann Tasker is widely tipped to be re-married next month, assuming that she and her intended, Alderman Alan Monterey, can fit the time into their busy schedules. Our intrepid reporter asked for the Sheriff's comments on this rumour, and received only "balderdash" by way of reply. This appears to be something of a bluff, since we can confirm that catering arrangements have already been finalised.

A more passionate affair seems to be taking place in the 'Dancing Bear' this month where George Cuth Williams, the retired mercenary captain, has recently acquired a mistress old enough to be his grand- daughter. Several steamy scenes have caused near riot in the veterans gallery, and the proprietor Erik Wyvernsfield has threatened to throw buckets of cold water over the pair unless they remain moderately respectable.

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 148

The tense situation around the Hahn Temple and Law School in Faringdon has eased slightly. Delegations from both groups of Knights Templars seem to have suggested to the priests that no-one would come to blows over the schism. The stand-down and mutual truce allows the good knights to return to barracks rather than patrol the snowbound streets, and also comes as a relief to the sheriffs who were beginning to be tetchy about armed guards on 'their' streets. The breakaway faction led by Edward de Belleme is still debating its tactics once the spring thaw arrives. One option seems to be a strategic withdrawal to Princess Eleanor's stronghold at Cascorach, where Belleme was the Plenipotentiary. It seems likely, however, that this fragile calm may be shattered by Cllr Avery's recent proposal to the Witanmoot that: "In keeping with its support for Kieran as rightful King of Athion, the Court of Common Council not employ in any capacity those members of the Temple of Hahn who have sworn allegiance to Falmand Ingulfos."

Cllr Adam Avery went on to explain, "Ingulfos has made his support for the pretender Edward quite plain. We cannot allow our City's legal system to depend on those who support this position. We cannot allow our finances to pass through the hands of those we cannot trust. We cannot allow our secret papers into the sight of the enemy." A spokeswoman for the Archimandrite deplored the councillors' politicising of a temple crisis. "It is unfortunate that certain elements within the council wish to widen the rift between ourselves and our misguided brethren, rather than try to heal this distressing theological split. I will not comment further on the motives of someone so well known for alliances with Esprayennan priestesses." Gax the Heretic has made a dramatic return to civic life this month by staging a takeover and occupation of the new city orphanage by street urchins. Gax has been recovering from injuries sustained while trying to extinguish the fire at the old orphanage. He roundly condemned the board of the new orphanage, accusing them of admitting only a few, select orphans of citizens. His bold ousting of the official supervisors appears to be popular with the local residents, despite the sudden appearance of dozens and dozens of street urchins.

A disaster at the City defences was narrowly averted last week when quick thinking revellers doused a dangerous fire. Trouble began in the early hours of the morning when an oven fire at a nearby bakery set light to the chimney and flared out of control. The fierce easterly wind blew a stream of sparks towards the newly constructed wooden walls. A group of late party-goers spotted the blaze on their way home and managed to avalanche enough snow onto the fire from surrounding rooftops to douse it. Daylight revealed that their route of climb was exceedingly dangerous, and the successful intervention nothing short of miraculous. The Scratch Street bakery will remain closed until repairs can be completed in the spring.

The Guild of Glaziers appears to be in trouble after it suspended its Treasurer, Master William de Mattock, for alleged misuse of guild property. A number of creditors have already sought to recover debts from the guild, and Guildmaster Melanie Romanie assures the Chronicle these will be paid in full. All senior masters are refusing to comment further other than to state that their businesses will continue as usual. Local residents of Cadene are speculating that this event may be linked to an unclaimed account book which was recently retrieved from a snowdrift by the ward watch.

Sheriff Derwent's scaly irregulars have once again scandalised citizens by petitioning to move within the city walls. The Solistel and Babel spokesthings correctly point out that an army or two is due outside the city walls any month now, and that their overnight camp outside Oldgate remains defenceless at Lord Dixon's request. While they are fully prepared to take Dixon's assurance of safety on trust. they have pointed out that there are limits to this. Sheriff Derwent is now left to ponder possible solutions and the subtlety of inter-species translation.

The Masons and Coopers apprentices have decided to celebrate the passing of an era by staging a full scale football match out on the river ice next Tenthday. This will be the first public match for some twelve years. Debate about the rules, or lack thereof, is expected to be rife.

The Fleapit Theatre in Castle Bard has a hit on its hands with the restaging of 'School for Sleaze'. The old play was written towards the end of the last civil war, and recounts the triumphs, difficulties and embarrassments of establishing a new Witanmoot Council after martial law. Although the students allow that it has been slightly updated and rewritten, they maintain that much of its satiric dialogue is original. Tickets have sold out for months ahead in the hope that the Witanmoot Guard will allow its run to continue.

One frequent theatre and concert-goer this month is Hugh Perignon, who seems to be doing his best to avoid home until his application for a cavalry commission can be considered. Ma Perignon's plans for a brilliant marriage for her remaining son are moving into the final stages. Young Hugh is still hoping to make a last minute escape, but marital laws may yet prevail. Lady Beatrice has frequent access to Colonel Karine Agrevaine and Eorlaine Samantha Cox and may well delay their review of appointments. The citadel appears to be coming to accept the Eorlaine as its de facto commander, and a thorough audit of the Royal Treasury is taking place in her customary style. Senior clerks at the Witanmoot have been waxing almost nostalgic and have apparently advised Lord Dixon that the early morning briefings are likely to continue.

The newly-elected Witanmoot Court of Common Council was opened by Lord Matthew Dixon with a characteristically uncompromising speech:

''"Alderman and councillors; the past year has been a long and difficult one and one which has seen the greatest changes in a generation. We can be well pleased that we have managed to maintain this great city of ours in a manner that would have made the late King Edmund proud of us. However, the next year will be even more difficult as we adjust to the new situation confronting us. The late King was assassinated by those who opposed his beneficent rule, and thus by extension ourselves. For our mandate to govern our own affairs was directly and openly acknowledged by King Edmund. We have and will continue to serve the throne best by keeping the King's Law. I will not tolerate those who break the laws of the Kingdoms of Athion and I will pursue all who break those laws, even those, like the group calling itself 'Retribution', who claim to be acting for their King. I will not accept that there are any legitimate reasons for promoting sedition. All those guilty of such actions will be executed. I do, however, look forward to happier times ahead when all the splits and feuding bedevilling our country are resolved and we can, once again, unite the country through trade. It is in the interests of the future, and with the traditions of the past in mind, that I am proud and happy to announce that Springtide Lordship elections will happen and occur this year as normal. However as Alison Shefford is Sheriff nil regalia there will be four candidates eligible at this year's election: myself, Sheriff Tasker, Sheriff Derwent and Sheriff Shefford. May I recommend to you all, but in particular those who feel that I have in the past year overstepped my mark, to consider the alternatives offered by the Sheriffs."''

Despite an official complaint from Miss Planchet over the Midwinter election results, the Witanmoot then moved swiftly on to consider the important matter of committee appointments. Alderman Monterey proposed that, given the current difficult circumstances, the Envoyship to Salvoyn be suspended until further notice. There was widespread agreement and the proposal was carried on the nod.

Treasury	Barnett, Warin
Trade	Horl
Law & Order	Tholin
Shipping	Pencric
Welfare & Education	Andrews, Beaureli, Capel, Horl
Lands & Agriculture	Downe
Nyskilde	Slyvanus
Eresan	Bergeren, Dunn
Cascorach	Chastelaine, Martel

Gibian Horl thus becomes Chair of Trade, and is dropped from the Welfare & Education election. Leonard Tholin remains in Law & Order, Pencric in Shipping, and Downe in Lands & Ag. Cllr Richenda Sylvanus acquires the title of Envoy to Nyskilde, presumably either because she's already there or because they don't want her back. Elections for the Treasurer, Welfare & Education, Eresan and Cascorach will take place next month.