The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 140

The first caravan to arrive with the spring thaw brings news of bandits in the Celidon forest to the south-east. The Mercers Guild has warned all travellers to take great care, and if possible to travel in an escorted caravan. Sheriff Maxil has called upon the Knight Marshall to take action but, in an interesting turn of events, Lord Raphael has accused Sheriff Maxil of overeacting to a minor problem. One person who might disagree is young Roland, the nephew of Cllr Matthew Dixon, who arrived in the city having lost his last remaining possessions to these robbers.

Duke Alexander is expected to leave the city within the next few days to return to Cascorach. The delayed departure has meant that the many merchant wagons hoping to travel with him have been causing great congestion in the city streets. The reason for the delay is not known, but may entail a last ditch attempt to resume his failed courtship of the Princess.

Predictably, the longstanding feud between Perignon and Dixon has flared up again. Cllr Matthew Dixon has challenged Beatrice Perignon to a duel, claiming "malpractice in recruiting Alderman Horl". Cllr Perignon of course has only just left the Torian infirmary, following a prolonged illness brought about by a duel with Miranda Andrews. Will she survive the Crimson Councillor?

The Bowyers' guildmaster, Miranda Andrews, and her deputy, Helen Kreft, have both been seen pounding the butts nearly every day this month. The city's archery record has already been broken twice, and if the two ladies continue their relentless practice, it will probably be broken a few more times yet. The reason for this sudden burst of aggression is unclear, however dire mutterings about men which issue with every good hit perhaps implies that someone somewhere ought to be getting worried.

Citizens visiting the markets this month have been rather startled to hear several criers demanding the reform of the Hahnite religion, and the resignation of the Archimandrite. This initiative appears to be sponsored by Cllr Falgar, who later issued the following statement; "For too long Linrodeth has suffered the ludicrous legal system created by the Hahnite Temple. It is quite clear that the Archimandrite is obsessed with complicated and eventually unjust systems of Law, rather than with a simple, just legal system; either he must start doing his job properly or he should resign. We hope that all citizens of Linrodeth will join this, the first objective of the Justice League." When pressed further about the Justice League, Tiliniel denied the rumours of a split, claiming that this was merely a personal disagreement between herself and Cllr Mowbray.

Springtime romance is in the air for Olnorth Dexter, who has been seen wining and dining the beautiful and vivacious Lady Elspeth. A similar plan by his colleague, Leonard Tholin, to wreck the marriage of Alderman Lilith Lansdowne was prevented only by the timely intervention of Cllr Perignon. Shaking her head sadly, Beatrice commented that it was "sad to see that certain individuals are trying to drag our fair city down into the cesspools of immorality."

The following missive has been received from the Citadel;

Dear Citizens,

The investigation which was carried out on the Ghostmoons was an officially sanctioned investigation. There were several witnesses to the fact that there was no "conjuring of things dead". I regret that I am unable to say more on this investigation publicly due to the report being subject to Royal Prerogative. However, I am willing to attend and to testify to any legal investigation into either necromancy or the events of Ghostmoons 139. -

Yours Goodgulf

Concern is growing over the continued absence of Cllr Aragones from the halls of the Witanmoot. Old Sergio, who is known to suffer from poor health, was a prominent figure in debates and several messages of goodwill have been sent via his daughter. An alternative explanation maintains that he has simply become too rich to be bothered to turn up, and some of the younger councillors are now calling for his resignation.

Petronella Talbot, ex-Treasurer of the Chandlers Guild, will face a full trial next week over the alleged embezzlement of guild funds. Protesting her innocence, Petronella claimed that other members of the guild were using her for a scapegoat to cover up their own crimes. Alderman Baldwin Underwood will be presiding at the trial.

The final news this month is of course the Hustings for Lordship of the City. The candidates are:

Raphael Fitz-Simmons (Grosser)

Kennet Maxil (Mercer)

Paston Courtney (Carpenter)

The Aldermen will be casting their vote over the Springtide festival, and the result will be announced shortly after sunset.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 139

His Majesty King Edmund is pleased to announce that, following a personal interview, the name of Thomas Castlemaine is to be added to the list of approved suitors permitted to court the Princess Eleanor. Councillor Castlemaine is to be released on the seventh, and the Chroniclers would like to take this opportunity to offer their congratulations to the happy couple. Crowds of well-wishers have already started to gather outside the Princess' apartments in Oldgate in anticipation of a celebration. The Torian Priests wish to point out that the Princess is currently working night shift, and outbreaks of spontaneous singing during daylight are unlikely to be appreciated.

Interviews with the King appear to be popular this month. Following our report last month on the disgraceful necromancy rituals on the edge of Botmoor, Lord Raphael Fitz-Simmons has requested an audience. Lord Raphael confirmed that the activities of the Astrologer Royal would be the main subject of discussion.

Olnorth Dexter, Tiliniel Falgar and Malcolm Mowbray are pleased to announce the formation of Linrodeth's first political party: The Justice League. "Our aims are to ensure that justice is seen to be done, and that Law and Order are maintained. We feel that a united stance on these issues would be beneficial to the well-being of the citizenry."

The first action of the new party appears to have been taken by Malcolm Mowbray, who today released the following statement to the Chronicle: "Following the unrest of Kryll against the Vintners, I in my capacity of Guild Treasurer have been investigating the origins of the rumours. It soon became clear to me, as it did to James Isenbard, that someone was behind it – and that this man was Armundus Septer. I believe James' investigations showed the same, however I believe that like me he was unwilling to denounce such an important and well-connected councillor without firm evidence. Fortunately independent investigations by Councillor Perignon have provided this evidence, which I intend to present in a court of law."

While on the subject of Cllr Perignon, can anyone guess the origin of the following limerick, overheard in various taverns around town?

There was a young councillor called Beatrice

Who's faction got up to beer tricks.

They insulted Miranda

Upon the veranda,

And so Beatrice now on a bier rests.

Cllr Perignon, while still under the care in the Torian Temple, stated firmly that she was alive and kicking and looking forward to resuming her duties in the new year.

The Vintners Guildhall in Levestone was packed out this month with the charity ball for Gax's orphanage. The charity made over £20 on entrance fees, and a further £8 in voluntary donations. Gax thanked the many councillors and aldermen for their generosity, saying that he was particularly delighted to see so many carpenters in the audience – and he hoped to be able to put some work their way in the spring. The city has this week been shocked and saddened by the despicable murder of Thomas Castlemaine. The facts, as far as the Chroniclers have been able to discover, are the following;

At midday on seventhday Thomas was released from the Citadel and went home. That evening he was admitted to the Torian Infirmary with severe food poisoning. The following afternoon Duke Alexander moved into a house 50 yards from, and in sight of, Oldgate. At sunset Thomas, now recovered, turned up at Oldgate to serenade the Princess. Before he could start he was accosted by a beautiful, although scantily-clad woman, who had to be forcibly removed by some friends. Unfortunately she took large handfuls of his clothes with her, and Thomas duly retired to repair the damage. In Thomas' absence, the Princess agreed to dine out with Duke Alexander at Mrs Blessop's Carvery. We are reliably informed that the Duke proposed to the Princess at the end of the meal.

On ninthday morning their guild, acting on a tip-off, raided the Castlemaine's house and 'recovered' the sum of £17.10s.6d. As The Guildmaster readily admitted, this sum was rather excessive for lost dues, and on advice from the Hahnite Temple, the charges were subsequently dropped. By the afternoon Thomas had arranged to take the Princess to dine at private rooms at the 'Greengrove' tavern, and had bought a large engagement ring. At sunset he went to Oldgate and started the evening by serenading the Princess. As the first ballad drew to a close Thomas was shot in the back by an unknown assailant. The watching crowd perused a figure, presumed to be the assassin, down into Temple Ward where they lost her. Thomas Castlemaine, meanwhile, died at sunset on the ninth day of Kruthos Firstweek, in the arms of the Princess. Rumour insists that in his last moments he asked her to marry him, and she accepted.

Castlemaine's body is now lying in state in the Temple of Torus just outside Oldgate. Duke Alexander was rescued by a detachment of the Kings Cavalry from an angry crowd surrounding his house, and escorted to the Citadel. His adviser, Baron Tancred Mendoza, was "celebrating" at the Greengrove at the time. Subsequent investigations by a Royal Commission have tracked down and arrested the assassin at a private gambling club known to be frequented by the Baron. Baron Tancred, who had earlier confessed to planting the £17.10s.6d and hiring the woman to embarrass Thomas, was then arrested. At a meeting of King Edmund's Star Chamber, during which the confession of the assassin is believed to have been pivotal, Tancred Mendoza was convicted of the murder of Thomas Castlemaine. Princess Eleanor has sentenced Mendoza to be hung, drawn and quartered within the month.

The Royal Household is currently arranging a State Funeral for Thomas Castlemaine, It will be held at the Temple of Torus on the first day next month. It is understood that all members of the Witanmoot and the Ironmongers Guild have been invited to attend.

LATE NIGHT ELECTION SPECIAL

In a rather subdued day of elections, two new Aldermen have been elected. The cornmonger, Gemma Downe, replaces the controversial George Bergeren as Alderman of Bassishaw, while in Levestone Malcolm Mowbray replaces his father-in-law as the Alderman. The latter result is believed to be due to a backlash by the locally powerful Vintners Guild against recent attacks; both against the guild itself, and against Cllr Perignon – one of its senior members.

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 139

Unconfirmed rumours from the Citadel suggest that the dashing young councillor, Thomas Castlemaine, has won the Princess' hand in marriage after a bloody duel with Duke Alexander Calverin. The best of the Torian chirugeons have been summoned to the Citadel where the Duke is said to be "gravely ill". Thomas Castlemaine's flamboyant (and possibly successful) courtship of the Princess appears to be one in the eye for Lady Sapphire who rejected him as a suitor earlier in the year. An exasperated and irritable chancellor, Baron Tancred Mendoza, is refusing to comment further on the Duke's current status.

Residents from Welland and Shambles have been helping to clear up after a group of armed men attacked customers in the "Dancing Bear" inn. The customers, mostly 'resting' mercenaries, defended themselves without loss; but an unarmed 12 year old boy was killed in the backyard as the attackers withdrew. Any witnesses to this despicable murder are asked to contact Alderman Bert Belcher immediately. The proprietor, Erik Wyvernsfield, would like to re-assure neighbours that the use of swords in no way conforms to the in-house brawling rules.

There are mysterious manoeuvrings in the Armundus Septer camp. After a thorough re-organisation of his faction, Armundus appears to have 'given' Samantha Cox to the Mowbray faction. Discarding such an experienced follower as Alderman Cox is unprecedented, is an Alliance party about to be formed?

Cllr Ellis Devon has been accused of misconduct and is required to attend a hearing before his Alderman, George 'hang em high' Rimon, early next month. Cllr Devon is accused by Cllr Tilly Falgar, who claims to have uncovered evidence of Treachery, and is determined to bring him to justice. Cllr Falgar has of course, only recently recruited Alderman Belcher away from Ellis Devon's faction.

Party time! Those citizens who had any energy left under the blazing summer heat, had a choice of entertainment this month. Ex-gaolbird Matthew Dixon was throwing a discrete binge above his carpenters shop for all his old friends and lackeys. Over in Dracas ward Cllr Olnorth Dexter was throwing a not so discrete banquet and orgy in his ancestral hall. For some strange reason, Cllr Perignon was the only notable not to receive an invite to either of these freebies.

Wanted – A small group of sensible citizens to participate in a series of arcane investigations over the night of the Ghostmoons. Pay negligible but opportunities for education unlimited. Apply to Astrologer Royal, Citadel.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 139

This years Midsummer Fair on a cloudy and showery day, was subdued in nature, with many stallholders making ominous comments on the Salvoyn tariffs. The archery competition fortunately showed a marked improvement over previous years, drawing the comment "adequate" from Sir Salverian. The eventual winner of the gilt arrow was Captain Kurt, looking fully recovered from the wounds inflicted by the floating market scum. The Stone Cup was this year won by some surprise outsiders – the college students, who were still celebrating well into the following day. Fat Sal retained the pig -wrestling prize, and although aficionados spoke wistfully of Erik the Finger's stunning new technique, the big man himself was not competing. The day ended with a formal announcement that the two sheriffs had been re-elected unopposed.

The following day, Dragonfeast, dawned grey but dry. The Knight-Marshall and Lord Raphael Fitz-Simmons held open audiences by the Mootstone. The huge pile of petitions will probably take some time to clear, although some were granted immediately. These fortunate petitioners included Gax (official founder of the new orphanage) and Baron Scrope.

Early in the month the Court of Common Council convened to tackle the problems of civil unrest and the Salvoyn tariffs. On both subjects Alderman James Isenbard gave a lengthy and competent speech submitting, by way of conclusion, a number of motions for the council to debate in the coming month; one being a motion of censure and the others essentially escalating Linrodeth's own tariffs. These motions were seconded by Samantha Cox.

Citizens appear to be reassured by this firm response and no further incidents of protest have been reported, although the guilds remain wary and secretive. A little over a week after the announcement a reply was received from Salvoyn via the Envoy, Alan Griffiths. Salvoyn has agreed to drop the tariffs rather than compete in an unprofitable tariff war.

The ships 'Uselysses' and 'Allapsus' continue to dominate the docklands while their owners, Duke Alexander and Prince Pharos, await the King's return. The two failed suitors have already sailed home. While in port the Allapsus has been suffering from mysterious outbreaks of fires. The guard has been doubled, but the local watch remain unable to discover the cause of these fires.

The political disaster of the season has descended on Olnorth Dexter while he was relaxing into a series of informal concerts. Lilith Lansdowne has resigned her post as one of his chief lieutenants, returning to her old crony, Beatrice Perignon's party. Her departure has caused so much dissent and confusion that Olnorth's party has shrunk to a tiny faction of its former state. Disinterested observers have described Alderman Lansdowne's timing as "impeccable". The other Alderman on the move this month is Bert Belcher, who has quietly teamed up with the young apothecary Tilly Falgar. Rumour has it that the worthy meatmonger remains unconvinced of Ellis Devon's recovery. Since his disastrous duel Cllr Devon has made only sporadic forays into public life.

Our love-lorn councillor, Thomas Castlemaine, has been released from his luxurious detainment in the Hahnite temple. Unfortunately, no-one thought to warn him of an excellent reputation of their cellars and kitchens, and he is now suffering from a painful relapse into gout. Elsewhere socialite Poppy Soboll has fallen heavily for the respectable widower Osgeard Dunn. An unlikely pairing one might have thought, still, the Chroniclers wish them the best of luck.

Best news of the month is that the floating market has been broken up by the Noord living there. The large, mysterious structure built in the centre of the market was revealed as a longship when the Noord stepped the mast and rigged a colourful patchwork sail. Breaking out of the market with much enthusiasm, little skill and total disregard for anything in their path, the Noord took a couple of turns around the Ishta before heading upriver with a following wind. The Citadel appears to have been taken totally by surprise and although riders have been sent upriver to warn the market towns, it is unlikely that they will outpace the longship until the wind drops.

The duel between Malcolm Mowbray and Elliot Anderson was quickly resolved. The two councillors managed a few exchanges before Elliot, being even more cautious than Malcolm, retreated too hastily and stumbled. He was forced to concede before Cllr Mowbray would allow him to regain his feet and his dignity.

Late news from the Mootstone! Gibian Horl has returned from the Dragonfeast at Salvoyn bearing a writ from the King. Hurrying straight to the Mootstone from the ship, Alderman Horl read the scroll aloud to the curious onlookers:

Let it be known that we are much pleased by our subject Matthew Dixon and his fellows for their prompt and most effective actions during the time of famine which afflicted our beloved city of Linrodeth. Thereof we are pleased to bestow a Free Pardon on the said Matthew Dixon. By our hand, this Dragonfeast day:

With only a brief delay for repetitions and verification of the seal, Matthew Dixon was duly released.

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 138

A major row is brewing between the wards of Welland and Shambles. The residents of Shambles living South of the Kingsway have suggested that they ought to be included in the Welland ward. Their leader, Della Sarth, explained further, "We in the south Kingsway area do most of our business with residents of Welland and have far more in common with them than with the butchers of Shambles. The Kingsway is a natural boundary and its high time this anomaly was sorted out." Alderman Belcher of Shambles commented that he had "little time for the manoeuvrings of the Welland council" and saw no need for change.

The Lord Raphael Fitz-Simmon's plans for electoral reform have been accepted by the Council in an almost uncontested debate. It would seem that nobody wanted to speak against what is a sensible and worthwhile reform.

The Carpenters Guild have announced that Pendentite Antonius Cyan-Dorius of the Temple of Hahn will formally contest the right of the Thatchers to form a Guild. The case will come before the Courts next month. A rather smug Mark Bergeren announced that Gax the Heretic will be acting on the thatchers behalf. It would seem that the Hahnites top lawyer is in for a rough time.

Dear Sirs,

It has come to my notice that your esteemed publication has been casting dispersions (sic) about the power of prophecy and astrology. May I point out the portent revealed by both last year's Midsummer Festival (where bad weather stopped play) and the "demented soothsayer" (reported last Ternost) has, of course, rung true. The bad weather on Midsummer day predicts, as is well known, usually precedes famine or plague, but last year this was affected by the multiple conjunction of Adamasto with both Letophoro and Senemora and thus preceded the large number of violent deaths during the last year (see the Chronicles for the months of Setheran, Lorinfall, Kryll, Kruthos, Skelern, Pipetal and Jasmarill). The "demented soothsayer" predicted "floods, storms and vile death". As is, I'm sure, well remembered by readers of this esteemed publication, last year's storms and floods were the worst in living memory and the plague now inflicting Marshgate fulfils the last part of the prophecy. Finally, had the Temple of Hahn contacted me before starting rebuilding of their new law school, I could have told them to delay work for six months rather than suffer the wrath of the conjunction of Letophoro with Alderoth.

Goodgulf Astrologer Royal

The ward of Marshgate has now been declared 'safe' by the priests of the Temple of Torus.

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 138

There were dramatic scenes in the Court of Common Council during a debate on the city youth, when Cerern Pencric (silk merchant) launched a vicious attack on the Mercers Guild, the discipline of their apprentices, and the Morgan family in particular. The Morgan and Pencric families both lost sons during the so-called 'barbed arrow' murders last summer, and Councillor Pencric came dangerously close to accusing Grantham Morgan of responsibility for this. Amid general uproar, Councillor Morgan's comment on "hysterical females" could clearly be heard and earned him a black eye from Maud Blessop, who happened to be seated in front of him at the time. Lord Raphael Fitz-Simmons adjourned the meeting while order was restored.

When the Council reconvened the atmosphere was lightened by Carl Marc. In his maiden speech he apologised for the immaturity of his contemporaries and assured the council (amid general laughter) that they would no doubt learn from their elders and betters.

Highly reliable sources at the Citadel have confirmed the rumour that the 5th Infantry are due to leave for the Southern border "as soon as the weather permits – probably come Pipetal". It is not yet known which, if any, regiment replaces them. Along with the regiment will go Sir Gryphon Harcourt, Sir Gawain Carleon and Sir Maxemillian Talbot. They have recently been knighted by the King but cannot serve in the 2nd cavalry regiment until they have seen active service. Sir Roger Colleton is also returning.

Still at the Citadel – Sir William Ruthven required the attention of a Torian Priest after meeting Sir Alan Boece in a duel over the matter of Lady Charlotte's honour. An alleged comment by the lady about Sir Alan's attraction ("because he is the one man who has refused to marry me") may have been the cause of this incident. Lady Charlotte is the sole named heir of the Earl Brecenan and remains unmarried at the age of 26, despite many attempts to persuade her otherwise.

Yeoman Hanley is reported to have settled out of court with Lord Scrope for an undisclosed but "substantial" sum. Yeoman Hanley has insisted on bestowing a large portion of the money on the City Orphanage Fund after Gax had refused to accept any money on his own behalf.

Guildmaster Cuthbert de Cranford has been exceptionally busy this month buying rare maps from scriveners, expensive ingredients from apothecaries, and delving into ancient archives all over the city. The subject of this sudden frenzy – dragon relics?!?!

The 'Empty Barrel' in Welland has announced its intention to hold what it describes as a "beer festival". This seems to involve drinking as much beer as you can and then attempting to decide which one is the best before you pass out. Chinon assures us there is more to it than that but even if there isn't it sounds worth going to. In answer to the rumour that the Knight-Marshall had been invited to attend, a source at the Citadel told us; "If the Knight-Marshall attends it will be with a full complement of armed troops, and he won't be there to judge beers".

Sirs,

There has been some speculation and comment following your article last month in which you mentioned a visit by our Healer to the floating market. The Priests of Torus will administer to anyone in need, regardless of who they are or how low they may be. The belief held by many in this city that only the rich deserve care and justice saddens me deeply.

- Baylin (Temple of Torus)

Dear Sirs,

Since my favourite sport of football was banned by Royal edict, I have, as a loyal citizen, abstained from the sport. I am however angered at how the so-called sport of bugger has grown. This 'sport' requires little skill and achieves nothing but broken bones and maiming. Surely if football is against the good of the nation, this brawling with rules must be more so? I am disappointed that the King's advisers have not seen fit to bring this to his attention. Yours in anger

- A loyal citizen.

Honourable Sirs,

A copy of your esteemed news sheet has been bought to my attention. It is wrong. The term 'Kinjuru' refers to the exiles and outcasts from our glorious Empire. The term may correctly be applied to your river slum. The correct address for your Imperial Envoy is; His Excellency Zataki Takura, the Lord Keeper of the Staff, Count of Siir Marshes, Holder of the Estuary of Karachyi, Sidimaat of the Deep and Defender of the Eastern Shore – Envoy to the Court of Athion. Please ensure that a suitable apology is printed in your revered paper before the Envoy returns. He will otherwise be forced to settle this as a matter of honour.

上

Second under-clerk of State

Ah. Apologies honourable Sir! We trust that the term 'Imperial Envoy' is a suitable alternative to the above list.

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 138

Lord Alexander Scrope's case has been dismissed by the Court of Hustings after a brilliant and concisely argued defence by Gax the Heretic. Gax, working from the King's Records at the Citadel (which are of course definitive) questioned the entire validity of Lord Scrope's property deeds, which were registered only at the Witanmoot. Lord Scrope has so far escaped with a minor fine on behalf of the King, but Yeoman Hanley, of Hanley Farm (the Old Hall), is believed to be considering recompense and may even have claim to the entire Scrope property.

The snow has finally settled over this year's Council elections. This year sees the city with three new Aldermen: Martin Key of Levestone, a popular Master-brewer whose campaign may have been enhanced by the marriage of his daughter to Master vintner Malcolm Mowbray (who also retained his seat on the council). Leonard Tholin replaces Paston Courtney who became a sheriff in the Midsummer election, as Alderman of Avigon. And Douglas du Bolay, who's campaign had the full support of the Lord Chief Magistrate, Raphael Fitz-Simmons, became the new Alderman of Arpent.

Overall the Chroniclers note a shift in the Council of more Grossers and less Mercers, whilst the Cornmongers have had a particularly noticeable slump after their price-fixing attempt of last autumn. The Chroniclers would also like to welcome the first Mason to be elected since the start of the Gelt wars, Councillor Robert Beaureli; and the youngest Councillor to be elected this year – Master brewer Carl Marc.

The Chronicle would like to offer its seasonal good wishes to those Watch members who have worked so assiduously to clear the city's major roads of the drifting snow and other debris. Although travelling, even across the city, is difficult in these snowbound days, the Watches are requested not to dump the dead paupers into the Ishtan.

The Priests of Torus seem to be living fast and dangerously these days; one 'disappeared' last month, one was summoned hurriedly and quietly to the Temple of Hahn, and yet another seen entering (and more surprisingly leaving) the Floating Market. If any of our readers are aware of what's going on then would they please write and put the Editor's fevered imagination at ease.

The Bards' College celebrated the Midwinter festival with their usual lavish banquet. Two of their distinguished patrons, Sir Roger Colleton and Guildmaster Cuthbert de Cranford, were honoured guests. Members of the College provided entertainment with the 'Epic of Antithesis', the saga of the last known dragon hunt. Fierce debate then raged along the high table as to whether any of these fabulous beasts still exist.

Notice from the Temple of Hahn:

One of the Temple Guards has been murdered by person or persons unknown, presumably in the mistaken belief that the underground workings contained valuables. The workings have now been mapped so that further cave-ins can be avoided, and will be sealed forthwith.