Tag name：Linrodeth

Linrodeth

Linrodeth is the second-largest port and the capital of the Kingdom of Athion.

Linrodeth's wealth is based upon its vigorous Trade Guilds, which over the years created an unusually literate and articulate citizenry of craftsmen and shopkeepers. These Guilds men and women are permitted a limited form of self-rule, in return for a suitable tax, under the watchful scrutiny of the nearby Citadel.

The port and docks below the bridge over the River Ishtan are the lifeblood of the city and increasingly, the city is coming to rely on its seafaring traders and merchant navy to increase its prosperity.

For administrative purposes, the city is divided into 21 wards. At Midwinter the householders of each ward elect 12 councillors and an Alderman to represent their ward on the city council. These representatives must be guildmembers as well as householders and, because politics is an expensive and time-consuming business, most are actively sponsored by their guilds. The city guilds are granted a monopoly on their trade, and many citizens are members of one. The city has many popular markets as well as the shops.

Once elected the ward representatives take their place on the Court of Common Council which sits in the Witanmoot at the heart of the city. Here they are drawn into the complex and chaotic political arena, riven as it is with factionalism, feuding, intrigue, bribery and occasional reforms. To everyone's surprise, most problems get sorted out eventually. Interested citizens can catch up on the latest news about their councillors in The latest issue of The Chronicle.

Linrodeth is blessed with several major temples, and many countless minor cults. The major religions include: Hahn (law and justice), Torus (healing), Daleth (earth and growth), Esprayenna (sea and self-reliance) and Brynette (fire and construction). Of these religions, the Wellhouses of Daleth and the Smithies of Brynette are most likely to be found in rural villages.

Also resident in the city are the students of the Bards' College. The college is a squat, rambling structure in the easternmost corner of the city, which is rumoured to pre-date the city itself. It produces very few bards, but many musicians, poets and scholars of all types. Their entertainments, and occasional serious work, are the source of much vexation for their neighbours.

On the north shore of the River Ishtan are the civilian shipbuilding yards and stinking tanneries. To the west, 3 miles further down the estuary, lies the military harbour of Kingsport where the Fleet is based.

Because of the strict guild monopoly in Linrodeth, many immigrants and paupers are reduced to begging and often end up in the river slum known as the Floating Market. It has some advantages. If they can find something floating to live on there is no rent. If they can find customers for their trade there are no guild laws and no poll tax. The edges of the market do receive a number of customers; the boats close to the bridge and the embankment sell more exotic items as well as strange and wonderful meals. The latter areas have even become a favourite stop for the pleasure boats of the rich young nobles from the Citadel.

Jasmarill 140

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 140

Their Majesties King Edmund and Queen Emma are delighted to announce the betrothal of their daughter, the Princess Eleanor, to Duke Alexander Calverin of Cascorach. The marriage will take place this year at Midsummer in Linrodeth, and the Chroniclers would like to take this opportunity to wish long life and every happiness to the Princess.

In a hard-fought election Paston Courtney has been elected as the Lord of the City. The final results were as follows:

Raphael Fitz-Simmons	7	(Tasker, Preston, Fitz-Simmons, Griffiths, Underwood, Downe, Warin.)
Paston Courtney	11	(Andrews, Little, Courtney, Rimon, Cox, Faithside, Shefford, Mowbray, Worton, Sparman, Bowden.)
Kennet Maxil	6	(Lansdowne, Maxil, Isenbard, du Bolay, Horl, Belcher.)

Following his convincing victory, Lord Courtney announced that he intends to uphold the long tradition of service built up by previous Lords, and to lead the city into a new era of development and prosperity. A Civic Ball will be held later this month to celebrate Lord Courtney's inauguration, meanwhile Raphael Fitz-Simmons has confirmed that he intends to retire to his country estate after Midsummer.

It appears that Cllr Dixon's challenge to duel with Cllr Perignon has been refused. This challenge appears to have caused most offence to Gibian Horl who, although only the nominal cause of the disagreement, has not taken kindly to the implications of the wording. Rumour has it that the old man of the fishmarket is considering issuing a challenge of his own.

Despite the denials in the Chronicle last month the Justice League appears to have collapsed. The following public letter has been received from Alderman Mowbray and Councillor Dexter: "When we formed the Justice League our objective was to pull together a group of councillors who would always put the interests of the City first., and who would fight the corruption and self interest which plagues our government. It is unfortunate that Cllr Falgar has turned out to be one of those self interested people. It is obvious to us that her interest in the League was purely as a means to gain publicity for herself. Following her blatant double-dealing during the committee elections we decided to offer her the chance of reforming and working with us for the good of the city. Cllr Falgar has repaid our generosity by making ludicrous and scandalous statements in the name of the League. We can only assume that her intention has always been to destroy the League from within. We would like to put on record that we completely disassociate ourselves from Cllr Falgar and that she is expelled from the League forthwith."

Alderman Cox appears to have survived her first crisis in office. A policy of verge clearing, plus an agreement with the Knight Marshall to increase the patrols, seems to have persuaded the bandits to leave the road well alone. Councillor Gillian How has announced that Lord Courtney has accepted her request for a full council debate over the Welland/Shambles boundary dispute. "I'm delighted," she said "when Aldermen Belcher and Isenbard swept the issue under the carpet, I thought we were going to be left with the status quo. Now we have a chance to show them the error of their decision". It would seem that Cllr How does have a better chance this time, her two main opponents being tied up with other matters. Cllr Falgar has a motion of censure to deal with, and Cllr Marc is suffering from a sudden illness.

The Temple of Hahn seems to be ignoring Cllr Falgar's call for reform. The only person willing to comment was Pendentite Antonius who took the time to tell us that Cllr Falgar's accusations were too ludicrous to be worth him spending any time on. Cllr Falgar is continuing her campaign and issued the following statement. "All this proves is that the Hahnites have no idea how to put their house in order and are therefore hiding behind cheap jibes and platitudes to disguise the intellectual vacuum within the Temple." The Temple may not be bothered by Cllr Falgar, however it seems that the Committee for Law and Order is. Its Chairman, Alderman Cox, has proposed a formal motion of censure against Cllr Falgar. She stated that Cllr Falgar's actions, in making an unwarranted attack on the legal structure during a time when the city was just recovering from civil unrest, were grossly irresponsible.

Elsewhere in the city Councillor Reg Marc has been suffering from an attack of bilious humours, a bad pint from his mass-production brewery, critics suggest. Our expert imbiber, Chinon, seems to agree that there has been a noticeable drop in quality since the Marcs opened their new tavern in Faringdon. Guess they just can't get hold of enough rats to add the distinctive flavour any more!

The times of Cascorach Special Edition

The times of Cascorach

A special issue for Jasmarill Firstweek Tenthday

Following the extraordinary events of the past week, the Times has decided to produce this special issue!

Duke Alexander to marry Princess Eleanor

Duke Alexander has announced that he will be marrying Princess Eleanor on the 20^th of Menderal, the Princess’ 19^th birthday. It is unclear, at present, where the wedding will be held, but it promises to be a most joyous occasion.

The Duke made the announcement on his return from Linrodeth. The Duke had called a special meeting of his council. Attending were Duke Alexander Calverin, Eorliane Cynthia Fitzholme, Baroness Shellay Silveria, Baron Morgan de Huengenaunt, Emissary Oliver Vladimir, Emissary Stanley Boldheart and Emissary Joanne Kaslar.

The Duke also asked for, and received, reports on the events of the past year.

Salvoyn Emissary is a Gelt spy!

One of the most surprising discoveries made by the Duke on his return was that the emissary from Salvoyn, Joanne Kaslar, is, in fact, a spy from the Gelt. This discovery was made after messengers sent by the Duke to the City States of Adaqua and Laurea were intercepted as they attempted to cross the passes. The messengers were taking messages to inform the City States of a planned attack by the Duke on the local Gelt encampments in revenge for attacks by the Gelt on the grain stares. Emissary Joanne Kaslar is currently under house arrest.

Tax evasion in Radford

On his way to the Shelang Pass (the pass linking Cascorach to Adaqua), Duke Alexander paid a call to the barony of Radford. Once there, he laid on a surprise audit of the accounts of the local lords and ladies. He discovered major embezzlement by those lords and ladies, but not by Baron de Huengenaunt. The Duke fined the nobles a total of one thousand pounds and then proceeded to the Shelang Pass.

Major Victory in the Shelang Pass

Aided by the support of Baroness Shellay Silveria of Rosendale, who stopped the Gelt stronghold in the nearby mountains from sending aid to the area, Duke Alexander has scored a major victory over the Gelt blocking the Shelang Pass. The Gelt have for several months, if not years, been occupying the Pass and have made several raids on trade convoys travelling between Cascorach and Adaqua. The Gelt suffered severe losses as, despite the intercepted messages, they seemed Ill-prepared for the attack.

The attack was also supported by the City State of Adaqua and both Cascorach and Adaqua are maintaining forces in the area to help keep the frontier open.

The Guild of Mercers and the Guild of Grossers are reported to be very pleased at the result and are sending several caravans to take advantage of the opening of the pass.

The Duke has pledged to open the Snake Pass to Laurea ‘as soon as circumstances permit.’

The times of Cascorach Springtide 140

The times of Cascorach

for the festival of Springtide in the Year 140

Duke Alexander returns from Linrodeth'

Baron Tancred executed

Duke Alexander has returned from the capital of Athion bringing a strange take of deceit, treachery and mayhem.

The events occurred during the month of Skelern, and follow on from the new reported last Ghostmoons that Duke Alexander fought, and lost, a duel with a councillor of the City of Linrodeth, Thomas Castlemaine.

It started when it was announced that King Edmund had added councillor Thomas Castlemaine to the list of approved suitors for the hand of Princess Eleanor. This was a great blow to the Duke, since following the departure of Prince Pharos in Kryll 139, Duke Alexander was the only remaining suitor.

At the time of the announcement, councillor Thomas Castlemaine was being detained in the Citadel. Shortly after the announcement, he was released and returned to his home. That following evening he was admitted to the Torian Temple with severe food poisoning. On the next day, the eighth of Kruthos, Duke Alexander purchased a house in a street leading to, and only fifty yards from, the Temple of Torus. On that evening Thomas Castlemaine, now recovered, turned up outside the Temple of Torus, where the Princess Eleanor was now working, to serenade the Princess. Before he could start, however, he was escorted by a beautiful, if scantily-clad, woman who, when forcibly removed by Thomas Castlemaine’s cronies, left with large handfuls of the councillor’s clothing. Thomas Castlemaine retired to his house, and Duke Alexander took advantage of the interlude to invite the Princess to dinner. It is believed that Duke Alexander proposed to the Princess during the course of that dinner.

On the morning of the next day, the ninth of Kruthos, Thomas Castlemaine’s guild, acting on a tip-off, raided his house, where a very large sum of money was recovered. It took Thomas Castlemaine until the afternoon to explain the discovery. His guild accepted his explanation that the money must have been planted in his house as he could not have earned that amount of money in one year, let alone overnight.

Following his explanations to his guild, Thomas Castlemaine arranged to take the Princess to dinner at private rooms at a respectable tavern. That evening he went to the Torian Temple to serenade the Princess before leaving for the tavern. As he drew to the close of his ballad councillor Thomas Castlemaine was shot in the back by a very accurately aimed arrow. As a figure ran from the scene, pursued by the watching crowd, Thomas Castlemaine was rushed inside the Torian Temple where he died at sunset. Rumour insists that councillor Thomas Castlemaine last words were to ask the Princess for her hand in marriage and that the Princess accepted.

The crowd, having failed to catch the assassin, then turned their attentions to the likely motives for the attack. The house where Duke Alexander was staying was promptly attacked by the mob and Duke Alexander was only rescued by the intervention of the citadel guard. Baron Tancred Mendoza was “celebrating” in the tavern where Thomas Castlemaine and the Princess were to have later dined. When news reached the tavern a general fight ensued. Two of the Baron’s companions, Mick Jones and John Hearn, died in the fight. Their murderers were never apprehended.

At the subsequent Royal Commission convened to investigate the affair Baron Tancred admitted to hiring the young lady to embarrass Thomas Castlemaine and to the planting of the money in his house. The Royal Commission arrested the assassin and King Edmund’s Star Chamber, at which the assassin’s evidence is believed to have been pivotal, found Baron Tancred Mendoza guilty of the murder.

Baron Tancred Mendoza was executed on the last day of Kruthos. His will states that hos monies in the Ducky of Cascorach are to be used to help the poor in his home barony of Rumsey. The barony of Rumsey reverts to the Crown. Princess Eleanor has been awarded the title of Baroness of Rumsey.

Duke Alexander returned to Cascorach in order to explain the events in Linrodeth personally to his court. He also stated that as he had been away for almost a year and hence felt that he could make “no further comment” at this time”. The Duke was accompanied on his return by a large caravan of merchants from the city of Linrodeth, mainly from the mercers and grossers, but with a few other guilds represented.

The new of Baron Tancred Mendoza’s death has left a power vacuum in Cascorach. The Baron was one of Duke Alexander’s most trusted advisors and a power struggle is expected to ensue in Caradache Castle.

During the return journey from Linrodeth, Duke Alexander defeated a group of bandits in the forest of Celidon near Linrodeth. The bandits attacked the caravan shortly before dawn, and the Duke personally dispatched two of the raiders, while the remainder of the caravan guards dealt with the rest of the bandits. Only minor casualties were sustained and the caravan was able to continue on the journey to Salvoyn, the first leg of the trip to Cascorach.

The mercers and grossers from Salvoyn are warning of severe price rises for the goods imported from Salvoyn. The emissary from that city, Alderman Joanne Kaslar, is reported to be very concerned about both the trade caravan from Linrodeth and the increased trade from the City States following the decrease in activity by the Gelt barbarians in recent months.

News from Linrodeth

Thomas Castlemaine’s funeral was a state affair, with large numbers of Linrodeth’s citizens turning out, in bitter weather, to pay their last respects. Both King Edmund and Princess Eleanor attended the funeral and the Bard’s College presented a new and very poignant ballad describing the life and death of Thomas Castlemaine.

A curfew was imposed on the city for a month, following civil disturbances caused by accusations of Necromancy levelled against the Royal Astrologer.

Kind Edmund is reported to be suffering from a slight fever.

News from Salvoyn

The ladies of Salvoyn are reported to have been very disconcerted nu the size of the trade caravan which accompanied the return of Duke Alexander. The Duke spent a few days in Salvoyn, most of which was spent in talks with the great trading families of the city.

The continuing war between the City States of Kerun and Orissa are reported to be causing great concern in Salvoyn as both cities have warned that neutral shipping in their waters may be stopped and searched, The extra delay, and the occasional loss of the vessel, means that the merely exorbitant prices normally placed on goods from the City States is now reaching unprecedented levels.

Galemir 140

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 140

The city has been much perturbed this month by persistent rumours that the King is gravely ill. Both the Knight Marshall and the Torian Abbott insist that His Majesty is merely suffering from a slight fever, and a full recovery is expected. It is reassuring to note that the Princess remains at work at the temple, although this may be to avoid the company of Duke Alexander as much as anything else. Plans for the Duke's return to Cascorach are being finalised for Pipetal Firstweek, and both the Mercers and Grossers guilds have confirmed that their caravans will join the ducal retinue for the journey.

The Chronicle is pleased to announce that Lord Raphael has seen the light and has lifted the curfew. In a statement to the Chronicle he said "Necromantic activity will not be tolerated – the King has assured me that the Astrologer Royal played no part in necromancy and I therefore call upon the Astrologer Royal to set the public's mind at rest. Also, I propose that henceforth movement into and out of the city during the Ghostmoons will be restricted (although movement within the city will be unaffected). During this time patrols will make regular forays around the city to deter any further incidents such as the one that occurred recently. I assure the citizens of Linrodeth that no further incidents of necromancy will be allowed to occur." This new initiative will surely be welcomed by at least one victim of the curfew, Cllr Falgar, who was detained late one night while attempting to complete some council business. She was released after a brief reprimand from her alderman, James Isenbard.

The committee elections have seen a reversal of fortunes for the followers of Councillor Septer, indeed most of the posts have gone to supporters of the erstwhile Justice League. Lord Raphael, probably mindful of his forthcoming election, was noted as voting with the Dexter/Mowbray faction. The result however does seem to imply that the Justice League has collapsed with Cllr Falgar voting along different lines than Dexter and Mowbray alliance.

The full voting was as follows.

Trade	Andrews 14, Isenbard 8, Downe 2
Law & Order	Cox 15, Sparman 9, Mowbray 0
Welfare & Education	Shefford 19, Tasker 3, Downe 1, Cox 1
Lands & Agriculture	Faithside 18, Andrews 3, Cox 2
Salvoyn	Griffiths 12, Faithside 10
Eresan	Warin 22, Bowden 2
Nyskilde	Underwood 12, Mowbray 11

In the wake of the elections has come a period of guild secrecy as the various crafts assess the recent shift of power. Voting on the Lord's proposed 'necromancy' amendment to the city laws is expected to go largely along guild alignments. A number of guilds are rumoured to be none too pleased by the way some of their Aldermen voted. In particular the Drapers and Dyers and the Carpenters and Coopers groups have all seen a significant reduction in their influence. The Armourers guild is strangely rumoured to be fairly happy over the replacement of Alderman Sparman by an Apothecary, perhaps a new candidate of theirs is in the offing? At a packed trial before Lord Raphael Fitz-Simmons, Cllr Armundus Septer was found not guilty of the charge of sedition. Evidence was presented from Alderman Mowbray and Cllr Dexter, and Cllr Matthew Jardine proved a key witness since he was staying with Cllr Septer at the time of the alleged offence. The defence managed to cast considerable doubt on the reliability of the witness, who admitted to being inebriated during much of this time. Significantly, much of his statement contradicted Cllr Dixon, and Lord Raphael in summing up stated that the evidence against Cllr Septer was insufficient, and that Matthew Jardine, although now recovered, was probably in a drunken stupor at the time and could not be taken as a reliable witness.

Petronella Talbot, Treasurer of the Chandlers Guild, has been removed from her post and faces a guild hearing next week following accusations of malpractice and embezzlement. Apparently the extra business brought in by the curfew led to an audit of the guild books. Guildmaster Faldrake refused to comment other than to state that there would be no cover up.

The early thaw has led to problems with the city's roads, and once again the risk of plague is upon us. Cllr Parkinson reminded citizens that it is their duty to dump the frozen beggars in the marsh where they can do no further harm.

Rumours of a reconciliation between the Perignon and Dixon families seems to have been squashed by the defection of Chairman of Shipping Gibian Horl to the Perignon camp. A livid Crimson Councillor was heard to say, "somebody is going to suffer; this means war!" Cllr Perignon's comment was "Oh. But this was before the truce started. Wasn't it?"

Skelern 140

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 140

The day of Councillor Castlemaine's cremation dawned bleak and bitterly cold, but this did not deter a large number of citizens from turning out to pay their last respects. The procession from the Torian Temple started in the early afternoon, and was led by the late councillors' father; Clem Castlemaine. Members of the Castlemaine household and the Royal Court followed, then the body borne by six journeymen, then members of the Ironmongers Guild, the Witanmoot and the recognised Religious Orders; all in full ceremonial livery or regalia. To the sound of drums the colourful procession crossed slowly to the field opposite, where a substantial pyre had been built during the previous days. Entering the area through the traditional west gate, they trod the circular path to the centre and placed Castlemaine on the pyre. As the participants fanned out to the to the edge of the circle, leaving the gates at east and west open, it became clear that four eulogies would be delivered that afternoon.

Interspersed by the chanting of the priests, the eulogies delivered by Guildmaster Whitcombe and Lord Raphael Fitz-Simmons both emphasised the late councillor's deeds as a worthy citizen of the city. As the second chant ended the King summoned a Bard from his retinue and, instead of delivering the expected speech, she sang a new ballad. Describing the story of Castlemaine's last courtship and eventual murder, the power of the song evoked a poignant silence amongst the crowd. The priests filled the silence with a third chant, and then old Clem Castlemaine stepped forward to make the final eulogy. Not unusually in these circumstances, he was unable to speak, and his other son took up the recital, delivering a dramatic (and hopefully exaggerated) account of his brothers private life. But it was left to Clem, once the final chant had died away, to step forward with the black torch to light the pyre. By this time it had begun to snow again, and for a long time it was not clear whether the fire would catch. Many watchers outside the circle returned to the city. Only a few remained to honour the final pillar of flame as the oil-soaked wood finally ignited.

The Princess, who was present amongst the mourners, returned to the Torian Temple to continue her studies. It is understood that her remaining suitor, Duke Alexander Calverin, will be returning to his Duchy as soon as the seasons permit.

Citizens attending the Sheriffs Court this month, in the hope of witnessing a major confrontation, were much disappointed. A confused and tired Armundus Septer made no move to refute the allegations of sedition, and indeed appeared to corroborate the Prosecutions' points at some stages. Speculation that the Old Man of the Witanmoot is totally senile has now become popular opinion. On the Prosecution side Alderman Malcolm Mowbray presented evidence from both his own investigations and those of Councillor Beatrice Perignon. However the chief prosecution witness, Cllr Matthew Jardine, inexplicably failed to turn up. Nonetheless, Sheriff Paston Courtney ruled that the case warranted a full Trial and has ordered Armundus Septer to appear before Lord Raphael next month.

Later in the month Alderman Mowbray presided over Beatrice Perignon's Hearing. No evidence at all was presented to back Cllr Septer's allegations, and the case was firmly dismissed. Tragically, the strain of attending proved too much for the convalescing Cllr Perignon, and she later had to be rushed to the Torian Temple. Despite the upsetting affairs of the past month, His Majesty the King found time to meet Lord Raphael Fitz-Simmons in a private audience to discuss the worrying recent incidents of necromancy. Lord Raphael later assured the Witanmoot that the King had the situation firmly in hand, that necromantic activities would continue to be outlawed, and would suffer the fullest penalty of the law. However, on the advice of his close friend Cllr Armundus Septer, Lord Raphael has imposed a "purely precautionary" curfew over the whole of the city. This has not been well received by the Brewers and Hostellers Guild, who stand to lose much income, nor by the bulk of the citizens, who are unwilling to spend the long winter nights confined to their houses. Unkind citizens have suggested that this is merely a belated attempt to prevent rooftop archery contests.

Cllr Sergio Aragones appears to be the man buying all the drinks this month (or not as the curfew dictates). A well-informed investment in a newly opened Chandlers store has reaped him a handsome profit. We wonder if he will be using any of it to Cllr Septers defence?

The Chronicle is pleased to announce that the following have been returned unopposed: George Rimon remains Chair of the Treasury Gibian Horl remains Chair for Shipping.

And the following nominations have been received for the other offices:

Trade	James Isenbard (E, RM) Miranda Andrews (OD) Jemma Downe (TF) Samantha Cox (MM)
Law & Order	Elliot Sparman (E, AS) Samantha Cox (TF, MM) Malcolm Mowbray (OD)
Welfare & Ed.	Ann Tasker (AS) Jemma Downe (OD) Suzan Faithside (TF) Samantha Cox (E, MM) Alison Shefford (MM)
Lands & Ag.	Samantha Cox (OD) Miranda Andrews (TF) Suzan Faithside (E, MM)
Salvoyn	Suzan Faithside (MM) Alan Griffiths (E)
Nyskilde	Malcolm Mowbray (TF) Baldwin Underwood (E)
Eresan	Olivia Warin (MD) Nicholas Bowden (E)

The letters in brackets indicate the nominating faction (E = current incumbent). Rumours that the senile Armundus Septer accidentally nominated councillors for some of these posts have been officially confirmed.

And finally, regular readers may remember the unfortunate outcome of Cllr Matthew Jardine's intimate soiree with Alderman Cox last Lorinfall. The Chroniclers are pleased to report news of a reconciliation between the chastened Councillor and his good lady wife. Pity they can't go out to celebrate.…

The times of Cascorach Midwinter 140

The times of Cascorach

for the festival of Midwinter in the Year 140

With no further news from Linrodeth, speculation on the fate of Duke Alexander is widespread. The latest news from the capital, which arrived before the winter snows and storms cut off communication, is that the Duke has regained consciousness, but is still gravely ill.

It is believed that Councillor Thomas Castlemaine merely won the right to court Princess Eleanor, and not her hand as first suspected. Duke Alexander might have withdrawn his suit for the Princess’ hand, but sources at the Castle say that this would be most unlike the Duke.

During his convalescence Duke Alexander will be relying on his right hand man, Baron Tancred Mendoza to run the vast majority of his affairs, including action to ensure that Duke Alexander knows what Thomas Castlemaine is up to.

The curfew imposed by Baroness Shellay Silveria, on behalf of Duke Alexander was lifted after it became clear that the Duke’s injuries were not fatal.

The Steward of Caradache, Baroness Shellay Silveria, on behalf of Duke Alexander, made the traditional renewal of the invitations to the city of Salvoyn, the City of Adaqua and the City State of Laurea to send an emissary (and associated party) to Cascorach.

The recent bad weather has meant the recently built Thatcher’s Guildhall being requestioned by the Steward of Caradache, and is being used to house the newly homeless of the City of Cascorach’s Drapers and Tailors, whose own Guildhall was destroyed along with the rest of that quarter of the city.

Baron Morgan de Huengenaunt has complained of a lack of support for his anti-Gelt operations. Baroness Shellay Silveria has said that his attempts to take the war into the Gelt mountains was unnecessary, unneeded and too expensive for the Duchy.

News from the City States

Latest news of the war between the City States of Kerun and Orissa, two city states on the coast, is that the two sides are stalemated by the fact that their nearest neighbours appear to be acting to ensure equality between the two states. When Kerun managed to destroy about half of Orissa’s fleet in a naval battle, several mysterious and very suspicious fires broke out in the harbour area of Kerun. Both Kerun and Orissa are economic rivals of Cascorach, and in times of peace, ship large quantities of grain to Salvoyn.

News from Linrodeth

All communications with the capital have been cut off by the winter storms. The first travellers are expected during Jasmarill.

News from Salvoyn

The Ladies of Salvoyn have replaced their current envoy to Cascorach by Alderman Joanne Kaslar. The Kaslar family are major shipwrights in Salvoyn and the arrival of one of their number points to a power shift in Salvoyn

Ternost 139

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 139

Unease has been growing in the city since the early hours of the Ghostmoons, when a tall pillar of white flame was seen far across the marshes in the direction of Botmoor. Local villagers claim that this was the result of necromantic experiments by the Astrologer Royal, an opinion confirmed by several citizens who had spoken with him the day before. A group of young citizens were seen arguing and leaving with him through Marshgate the previous evening, and have not been seen since. An area on the edge of Botmoor has now been cordoned off by a detachment of the King's Rangers, but rumour speaks of glowing protective circles, barrows ripped open, corpses of chickens, pigs and mules littering the ground, and blood everywhere. There is even, it is whispered, a burnt and incomplete human corpse. Concern is growing that the old rites and practices for the Death God have been rediscovered. Several temples have already sent representatives to the Citadel seeking reassurances from the King, and pressure is now growing for the Lord of the City to take action.

After last month's unrest over alleged price fixing by the Vintners Guild, Alderman James Isenbard (Chair of the Trade committee) has been investigating the incident and has released the following statement: "The Guild of Vintners has a responsibility both to its members and to its customers, and they have agreed to investigate all incidences of mis-pricing. If, as I suspect, trouble is needlessly being stirred up by agitators, then if civil unrest doesn't calm down this will become purely a Law & Order matter. This office, and I'm sure the entire Council, strongly disapproves of anyone trying to stir up trouble merely for political ends. I hope that this is not just an attempt to attack Vintners before the forthcoming elections. This office endorses the role of the Guild in sorting out its own market, and if citizens feel that the wine is too expensive or unpleasant, then don't buy it." There have been no further incidents of unrest over wine-pricing.

Councillor Armundus Septer has been denouncing Cllr Beatrice Perignon in the Witanmoot this month, accusing her of conspiring to steal grain from the Cornmongers Guild. Alderman Martin Key has ordered that she attends a Hearing next month. Fellow guildmember Malcolm Mowbray, in an informal comment to the chroniclers said; "I'm sure that this is just a manifestation of the ongoing rivalry between Cllrs Perignon and Septer, and I'm sure Martin will not permit his close association with Cllr Septer to influence his judgement in any way."

Meanwhile, outside Oldgate, the same Cllr Perignon was meeting the athletic Miranda Andrews in a duel to settle alleged insults at the Higharvestide Ball. Beatrice, looking rather stiff and uneasy, made the first attack. Miranda lightly avoided the cut and bounced forward to run her foil through Beatrice's shoulder. The Torian Priest stopped the fight immediately and ordered Cllr Perignon to be taken to the Temple. The Temple has since advised Alderman Key that Beatrice will not be able to attend a Hearing before Skelern next year. It appears that once again our intrepid Cllr Castlemaine is under arrest, this time he appears to have been detained upon entering the Citadel and asking for a private audience with the Princess. We understand that he is not actually being charged with an offense; a spokeswoman for the Knight-Marshall stated "It has been decided that, for his own safety, Cllr Castlemaine should be held in protective custody." We conclude that the two lovers have not yet managed to elope, but are still working on the idea.

At a packed trial, Ellis Devon, formerly a councillor in the ward of Faringdon, was convicted of numerous counts of Treachery. Lord Raphael in summing up stated that "We must make an example of this man. Those who stand for office take upon themselves a great duty, a trust which the people of their ward rely upon. Ellis Devon has abused this honour and must be made to pay for this betrayal. I have no hesitation in ordering his execution." Cllr Falgar, who once again was the prime witness at the trial, commented; "I wholeheartedly endorse the comments of Lord Raphael, there is no no alternative to clobbering people who commit, or even contemplate, foul treachery". Following a plea for clemency from the Skinners Guild, the sentence was reduced to indefinite imprisonment.

The Marcs' consortium are pleased to announce the opening of a new tavern in Faringdon's Coinchase Hill, by the name of the 'Hat and Firkin'. All the popular beers from their other pub, the 'Empty Barrel' in Welland, will be available here. Fellow Brewers are also reminded that entries are now invited for the annual Beer Festival in Portsoken.

The Weston family of Portsoken is offering a reward for information leading to the safe return of their children, Susan and Philip, who went missing on the last day of Kryll. The children were last seen near the docks at midday, and it is feared that they have been abducted by some foreign ship.

The Vintners' Guild is pleased to announce a Yuletide Ball in aid of Gax's Orphanage. Cllr Mowbray, who is organising the event, commented that Lord Raphael, the Knight-Marshall and many other notables had already agreed to attend what promises to be a marvellous social occasion. He also expressed the hope that all councillors would take time off from their Midwinter campaigning to support this worthy cause. Tickets cost 5 shillings and, since the Guild is covering the cost of the event, all proceeds will go directly to the Orphanage.

His Majesty the King is delighted to announce that, from Ternost, Her Highness the Princess Eleanor will be attending the Temple of Torus. Her Highness will be residing, for the duration of her instruction, in apartments above Oldgate. The Temple of Hahn has refused to comment on this apparent rebuff.

The times of Cascorach Ghostmoons 139

The times of Cascorach

for the festival of Ghostmoons in the Year 139

News from Linrodeth

Duke Alexander ‘gravely ill’

Duke Alexander is reported to be ‘gravely ill’ in Linrodeth, following a duel with a local city councillor, Thomas Castlemaine. The best chirugeons of the Temple of Torus are reported to have been summoned to the Citadel to tend to the Duke, and Baron Tancred Mendoza is refusing to comment on events.

Thomas Castlemaine, an active councillor for the Dowgate ward of the city, apparently challenged the Duke to a duel over the hand of the Princess. The Duke accepted the challenge, confident that his superior skill and Thomas Castlemaine’s painful gout would see him through.

The duel was fought in one of the halls of the citadel (it is rumoured that Princess Eleanor was secretly watching the duel). Duke Alexander quickly gained first blood but then lowered his guard, assuming that the duel was over. However, Thomas Castlemaine then launched a vicious attack on Duke Alexander, which left the Duke unconscious on the floor and the Duke’s second, Baron Mendoza, rushed him to the safety of his chambers.

Thomas Castlemaine was detained prior to the Princess’ eighteenth birthday celebrations following the discovery of his serenading of the Princess at the Temple of Hahn. He was released following the Ball but was suffering from gout at the time of the duel as a result of his confinement.

Thomas Castlemaine has not been seen since the duel.

Local News

Grave concern and best wishes for the Duke’s early recovery were expressed by the Steward of Caradache on receiving the news of the Duke’s injuries. Baroness Shellay Silveria of Rosendale said “I am sure that I speak for all of Cascorach when I say that I wish for the Duke’s early recovery to good health. I appeal for calm in the city and request that all citizens of Cascorach return to their usual activities as soon as possible. News will be given to the public as we receive it here at the Castle.”

When the news first arrived in Cascorach, it was strongly rumoured that the Duke was already dead, and speculation on who King Edmund would appoint as his successor was rife. Prices of all goods rocketed on receipt of the of the news and several riots had to be put down by the City Guard and, on two occasions, the Caradache Garrison.

Baroness Shellay Silveria of Rosendale has imposed a night curfew on the city until further notice.

News from Salvoyn

The heavy tariffs imposed earlier this year by the Ladies of Salvoyn have been lifted following reassurances from both the City States and the City of Linrodeth. Both groups deny any attempt to undercut the merchant families of Salvoyn and have undertaken to match prices offered by the families. For their part the Ladies have lifted the tariffs, but insist that if any undercutting takes place they will be reimposed immediately.

Gelt activity has been very scarce this year according to Prince Edward, The fifth Infantry Regiment has not been involved in any major battles this year, thus vindicating his decision not to request that another regiment be sent to the area. The envoys from the City States report some activity by the Gelt barbarians on their side of the mountains, but nothing out of the ordinary (for the Gelt) and nothing that the City States can’t handle.

Kryll 139

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 139

Civil unrest has been reported in many parts of the city after rumours of severe price fixing by the Vintners Guild. With the Crown Prince holding the pass to the Southern States, the continued high price of imported wine has come under increasing attack. A spokesman for the guild told our reporter "The problem is one of supply; the trade routes may be open now but no one in their right palate wants to drink this years wine, the good stuff (particularly the 137) is still in short supply. The guild will be pressing charges of misconduct as soon as we find out who is behind this blatant attempt to drum up unfounded discontent".

The Archimandrite of the Temple of Hahn is pleased to announce the following appointments: Plenipotentiary Llevelys (formally of Cortaine) is to oversee Orosius; Jasmine Beauvaire is now Plenipotentiary of Coritane; Mandatiens Jeremiah Bradwell and Torrel Bryneberian become Pendentites in Linrodeth. Plenipotentiary Jasmine and her entourage have already left the city in order to reach her homeland before the first snows. The departure of the Princess' principal tutor casts further doubt on whether Princess Eleanor will return to the temple. An alternative rumour, noting the continuing absence of Thomas Castlemaine, suggests that the young couple have already eloped.

Cllr Ellis Devon's trial opened this week before Sheriff Paston Courtney. Cllrs Falgar and Mowbray presented their evidence, but the Hahnite priest acting for Cllr Devon then appealed for more time to prepare the defence. Sheriff Courtney granted the request ant the trial was adjourned until Ternost 10th.

Back at the Witanmoot several interesting new alliances seem to be forming; surprise of the month is Matthew Dixon's wooing of Beatrice Perignon. Matthew appears to have decided to put their past disagreements behind him and make up, however his fawning efforts do not appear to be making much impression on Cllr Perignon, who appears to be barely tolerating his presence. More tasteful has been the careful manoeuvrings of councillors Marc and Falgar, who have had a number of evening meetings in Cllr Marc's private rooms at the Empty Barrel to 'discuss various matters'.

Cllr Howe of Shambles, has expressed distress at the agreement between Aldermen Belcher and Isenbard not to change the boundaries of Shambles and Welland. She stated that "We're used to Alderman Belcher doing our area down, but to have the Welland councillors capitulate like this has been a big disappointment. I'm particularly upset by Cllr Falgar's part in this, I really thought she would be on our side. We will continue to fight for what is an obviously sensible change, and I shall be appealing to the Overlord".

Prince Pharos and his retinue have boarded the 'Allapus' and departed for home, amid much well wishing and invitations to return. The Prince regretted that urgent matters of state forced him to return home, and expressed his hope that the King would consider visiting the City State of Kerun when the winter has passed.

Residents of Bardsgate are warned to be on their guard after a sudden increase in robberies around the college. The professionalism of the burglars has led Alderman Shefford to discount the original suspicion that this was the work of drunken students. The thieves appear to be specialists in gems, often leaving behind imitations and costume jewellery.