The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 156

This year's Frost Fair has at last picked up in popularity despite a very determined attempt to burn through the ice last week. A large bonfire was assembled and lit late one night, and despite spirited attempts by the carpenters apprentices to pull it apart, burned long enough to seriously weaken the surrounding ice. The Guards have declared the usual area unsafe, and traders have removed most of the fair further upriver. The usual fairings of skating, sledding, trinkets, hot snacks and steaming drinks are on offer and the college students are again competing in ice sculpting. Tediously, the masters appear to have set curriculum subject matter, and the displays are of architectural elegance rather than fantastic creatures of imagination. The Orissian brothel may yet prove interesting, and the group reconstructing the Dalethian High Temple may soon find themselves in political deep water.

Sectarian muggings have subsided, thanks mostly to a determined effort by many Witanmoot campaigners to keep city residents as sozzled as possible. The late Sgt Mugge would have approved. Donations kicked off with Cllr Scathlocke's donation of light "Old Athion" ale to anyone assisting with the big public mural in Castle Bard depicting Alderman Bottler (with the O.M. medal prominent) scaring off the competition with a big guard dog who bears a definite resemblance to Alderman de Clare. Very colourful it is too. The following days saw the appearance of many casks of dark "Unity" beer from the much larger supplies of Alderman de Clare and Alderman Trueman, culminating in a large party on Midwinter to celebrate the Naming of Trueman's new baby daughter, Grace. The proud father announced, "Fellow citizens and other dignitaries; it is with great pride and joy that I introduce to you my daughter Grace. Midwinter festival is a time of celebration and we wanted to share our celebration with the people of the city. By that I mean all the people of Linrodeth, both those of Athionic and Kerunian descent. I believe that our cultural diversity and richness is an important part of our success as a city. Compare us to the other cities of Athion, which would you rather live in? Despite being involved in a long, ongoing war our economy is doing well. Can any of the other cities say the same? In some ways Grace symbolizes all that has happened. She was born in a war but is thriving; she is half Athionic and half Kerunian, but all Linrodeth! So as a proud father I ask you to drink to her health. To make this easier I have provided barrels of good Linrodeth beer in many locations around the city. If you prefer Kerunian wine you are very welcome to toast her with that fine beverage. But either way join together and raise your glasses in a spirit of unity to wish Grace; Health, Wealth and Beauty, Long Life and Happiness." The good Alderman was helped off the Mootstone to much cheering.

Also looking flushed this month is Alderman Dominic Horner who has spent most of the month campaigning with Miss Felicity Mint upon his arm, much to the disapproval of Mrs Chant and other senior matrons of Temple. The charming Miss Mint, who clearly believes in mixing business with pleasure, set about enlivening the traditional hustings and is said to be looking forward to "knocking up" the local voters. Alas, her grasp of proper boundaries is still rather loose as she strayed into neighbouring wards several times in her enthusiasm for canvassing. An attempt to campaign within the Hahnite Law School, despite its lack of electors, was firmly prevented by the Knights Templars.

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 156

Sectarian hostility between Athionic and Kerunian citizens continues to simmer this month. Tavern brawls between class factions have become more common than those between political rivals, and several twilight muggings have been blamed on Athionic revivalists. As well as campaign bunting, flags of the Principality of Linrodeth are being flown by many households, but in the royal blue colours of the old King. So far established politicians and hopeful candidates alike have steered away from this issue, but it will inevitably become a factor at the midwinter elections.

Next month's elections are turning out to be hard fought, although in most wards clear leaders for the aldermanships are emerging. Close contests are occurring in Arpent ward where Hugo Merewell and Judi Spich are inseparable; in Berwick where Mary Hastings, Aldric Houghton and Emma Chireton are locked in a three way fight; in Cartage where Brunstan Blackbeard and Alice Barbiter look set to draw; and also in Oldgate where Duncan Barnett is being closed on by Joanna Russell. Upsets look most likely in Avigon ward where Samuel Rucche has been campaigning hard, and in Temple where David Northropp may recover his seat. Perhaps the most startling events are in Levestone (home of the infamous beer slick) where local activist Vernon Stripe and the entire Ryman faction have launched a huge campaign focusing on the needs of the ward. This is clearly taking advantage, somewhat unfairly the Chronicle feels, of the absent Alderman Alan Monterey who (like Jim Bottler) is loyally serving Linrodeth elsewhere.

After the blizzards of last month, a deep cold has settled over the city causing a great many deaths among the poor, sick and elderly. The Torians are trying to organise alms for the poor in many wards, and have criticised many wealthy households for hoarding excessive quantities of fuel and food. In these unusually low temperatures very few people are venturing outside unnecessarily, even to visit the Frost Fair on the river. The Bottler Building Company has settled a dispute over "their' ice market following the advice of the Temple of Hahn. Master De Clare demonstrate that in ancient statute the river constituted a "King's Highway' and hence people who claimed that they had a right to use a certain area of it were incorrect. Master De Clare also asserted that pitches on the Frost Fair have traditionally been obtained on a first come basis and as his apprentices were first onto the ice they were sub-letting an area they had a right to. So far this assertion stands, as the various apprentices seem to be far too cold to fight over the ice.

Patrons of the Dancing Bear in Welland are reeling at the introduction of the new menu and the sudden lack of decent beer. The owner of the inn has upset many of the more traditional clients with her "high prices", "poncy menu", and "fussy attitude". A local veteran Guzzler Gimshaw told the Chronicle, "The Bear used to be a great mercenaries pub, but now it just wants to cater to the rich guildmembers who live hereabouts. It's ages since we had a decent tussle and there never be no musicians to heckle". In reply Ms Susie explained, "The Bear is a major business. We have to pay our taxes to the wardmoot like everyone else. This year Alderman Bottler set a very high rate for us, so we had to make changes to bring in more money. The mercenary crowd will still be welcome at Erik's other place, the Falcon on Dracas docks.

With the Brynette Temple work halted, Alderman De Clare has thrown himself at political business this month. He launched a vociferous attach on young Jessamine Scathlocke whom he described as an "opportunistic, self serving, troublemaker". He was sure that people would prefer thriving business, the greatness of Linrodeth, and the wealth of all rather than for a return to the bad old days of endless diatribes in Witanmoot council, the decline of Linrodeth's economy, and widespread poverty. The Archimandrite of the Temple of Hahn has bestirred himself to the Citadel this month to formally protest at the status and condition of gaols and gaolers throughout the Principality. The minimal upkeep of these institutions has become notorious throughout the lands, and has bought the justice system into great difficulties. The massive death rate of prisoners in the cold this month merely highlights an ongoing problem of high mortality, even amongst prisoners merely awaiting trial. The Archimandrite emphasised the difficulty facing judges in civic cases, where fines and compensation could not be reclaimed from a defendant who had already paid with his life. Her Highness is understood to have encountered similar difficulties with tax arrears, and was sympathetic to the call for change. The Citadel has sent official notice to the Witanmoot that the incoming administration will be expected to tackle this problem as a matter of priority.

The girl students and other young ladies of Castle Bard have been keeping themselves warm lately over the activities of a minstrel band with the unlikely name of Brass Monkeys. Arriving in hordes (possibly for warmth) at any venue where the band is said to be playing, the massed females have been curdling ale with their wild, high-pitched screaming. Local wags have designated them the nazgirls, and have advised neighbours to steer well clear.

The Temple of Esprayenna is holding lively discussions with its most senior navigators over the design and remit of the next Ship of the Dawn. This regular offering to the sea goddess is traditionally built with the finest resources available, manned with the most seasoned volunteers, and launched into the West with absolutely no expectation that it will ever be seen again. The new designs of Linrodeth's ships, especially combined with the massive tonnages recently built by the Consortium, imply that the next Ship of the Dawn will be suitable for ocean travel for a very long time indeed. The Chronicle is given to understand that much of the present debate in the depths of the temple is over what to do if the Ship of the Dawn eventually returns. This thorny theological issue shows no sign of being resolved anytime soon.

The long-suffering Northshore patrol of the City Guards has closed off access to the tinker encampment along the Pennine Road after a number of pitched battles with innkeepers and slum-dwellers nearby. The guards admit that this effectively closes off the Pennine Road to all travellers, but since the city is thoroughly snowed in they are confident that "honest tradesmen" will remain untroubled by this measure. It is unclear whether they expect the problem to continue past the thaw, but undoubtedly any surviving tinkers will be encouraged to leave in a Northeasterly direction away from the city.

Our readers will be pleased to hear that the foul problem of Bassishaw was entirely self-correcting, much to Mrs Malley's distress. A number of battered but well-fed urchins and guttersnipes have been noted in the vicinity.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 156

The occasion of the Royal Wedding has rekindled animosity between the Kerunian and Athionic citizens. The largely Kerunian high society was set to ignore the event almost entirely, with nothing being done either by the Citadel or the Witanmoot to mark the event. By contrast the majority of Linrodeth's workers were keen to wish their High-King and his mysterious bride well, and set about organising street parties and temple celebrations with dogged enthusiasm. In the absence of official funding, the streets flowed with good Athionic beer rather than wine, and many a passing Kerunian was forced to quaff the King and Queen's Health. Witanmoot honour was saved by the redoubtable Mrs Bottler, who organised a lavish entertainment at short notice. In attendance were famous names such as Andrews, Cox, Cutario, Cyarçon, Davy, Tasker, Portinari, Trueman and Warin. It is unclear whether they wished to celebrate the royal marriage, or merely know better than to miss a quasi-political meeting at the Bottler mansion. Out on the streets Cllr Jessamine Scathlocke did a brisk business with her sale of commemorative plates, based allegedly on a true likeness of the High King's obscure bride. And it was the Scathlocke faction which tried to get into the spirit of celebration by organising a number of ward level events. Rumours persist that Cllr Scathlocke attempted to organise a formal Witanmoot event but was rebuffed by Lady Davy. Explanations from the Office of the Lord about a real celebration being planned for next year have done little to heal the renewed divisions within Linrodeth society.

Sleet and continued high winds have forced work to stop on the new chimneys for the Brynette temple. Master De Clare abandoned the work after losing two labourers. The scaffolding was roped off and guarded, but this did not prevent the planking from being stolen during the blizzard. It is now thought that the work is unlikely now to be completed before Midwinter. The Bards' College has controversially added a new course to the syllabus of its young students. The intriguingly named "Practicalities" appears only to be an attempt to teach Kerunian building principles to the artistes, and its relevance to future minstrels seems small.

A riot was narrowly avoided when City Guard stepped in to resolve a dispute at the new frost fair. Many people had been bemused to see Bottler's faction casting sawdust into the forming ice last month. When it transpired that the faction intended to charge people for access to the "new improved ice”, tempers flared. Traders who had traditionally used that area objected vigorously. One butcher demanded, "Doesn't Bottler own enough of this city already? I've been pitching here for 16 years and I'm dammed if I'm going to pay him a penny". However many of the apprentices who had seen this as a way of earning a few extra pennies were equally adamant that they be recompensed. The ensuing fight was large and bloody, and if the ice had been its normal strength the whole thing could have come to a very bad end. Fortunately the ice held just long enough and the guard were able to forcibly separate the two groups. The area has been cordoned off as unsafe and several traders have expressed their intention to sue the Bottler household for loss of business.

Following the wedding celebrations last week, when a number of beer barrels were accidentally smashed at the top of Levestone Hill, citizens are reminded to use alternatives to reach the Witanmoot from the docks or the bridge. Levestone Wardmoot would also like to remind youngsters that, although the brown ice down the Hill is indeed excellent for sledding, the stone gatehouse at the bottom is especially unforgiving.

The harried City Guard patrols along Northshore have been trying to deal with many complaints from the slum quarters who are tired of the tinker encampment strung out along the Pennine Road. The tinkers would normally have been heading south by now, but have been trapped at the city by the sudden turn of bad weather. Allegations of theft, brawling and child abduction abound, which citizens of the more sedate wards of the city proper might find ironic. Cutario's investments have also come under attack, but clearly the Count is no longer relying on the guard, preferring instead to hire a ruthless mercenary patrol to protect Ye Oval.

Householders in the ward of Bassishaw have been terrorised by a gaggle of geese nominally belonging to Mrs Malley. Trade through this previously well-ordered quarter of the city has been unexpectedly disrupted by vicious ambushes and random attacks by these bad-tempered birds. The wardmoot has issued Mrs Malley with a deadline for penning up her property, otherwise the fowl will be declared a public nuisance and be available to any hunter brave enough to tackle them.

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 156

Cllr Jessamine Scathlocke's faction has taken a decisive lead this month with a number of major breakthroughs for her campaign. The month started with the defection of Kyle Makeland. Ms Makeland was, until recently, the most active member of the Horner faction and is widely credited with the superbly run campaign that got him elected as Alderman. Ms Makeland declared that she was "deeply impressed with the way the Scathlocke faction was focusing on the big issues facing Linrodeth" and she felt that by joining it she would be "able to make change happen". Another equally impressed person is Alderman Adam Povre who has spent the month explaining to the members of his ward why he has now joined the Scathlocke grouping. Other factions have been focusing on local campaigns to shore up favoured Alderman and there is still, thankfully, a lack of the cross city bunting which has been such a feature of earlier elections.

The Theatre Royale has been attempting to clean up its image this month with the presentation of a number of favourite children's tales. The shows, which have been sponsored by Alderman Horner, have gone a long way towards defusing the tensions in the ward. However Ms Felicity Mint's depiction of the Faerie Queen has also been appealing to a more adult audience.

A surprise early frost has given many people concern that this winter will be particularly harsh. Whilst grain supplies are not seriously low a particularly hard winter could put a strain on he city. Ice has begun to form on the Ishtan and there is concern for a number of ships that were trading with the Western Isles are late to port.

The city guard has been struggling this week to cope with a new crime wave. Apprentices throughout the city have taken, for reasons not entirely clear, to stealing peoples washing and arranging it in interesting poses. The problem appears to have originated in Castle Bard where some very creative arrangements supported by sticks are still being done. However throughout the rest of the city rather crude displays, often just lying on the ground seem to be the norm. There has already been one death. Young Tony Bakehouse was shot by an elderly citizen who saw "a figure stealing my jerkin" as he was returning from archery practice.

News has just reached the city that High King Kieran is to be married. His bride is the almost unknown Lady Serena Allen who has lands near the Dalethian Temple and whom it can be supposed he has recently met whist staying in the area. The news was announced by Princess Selina after it was brought to her by a member of Alderman Monterey's entourage who had made a record breaking dash across country. The wedding is due to take place on the 20th of Kryll leaving little time for anyone to reach the Temple. It is understood that a major celebration will be held next year. Princess Selina declared herself "Delighted that my royal brother has found a bride" and wished her "new sister a long and happy life". Hasty preparations are being made for celebrations at many of the city's hostelries although as yet no Civic or Citadel events have been announced.

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 156

The problems between the Citadel and the King's Envoy have worsened this month. Adding to the issues with the Nyskilde Venture Company, what the Citadel described as a "misunderstanding about troop deployments" has upset the King's Envoy enough that he has left the city to seek guidance directly from the King. A grim Sir Eridan Portinari rode off from the Citadel with a small entourage of his favoured staff. The exact cause of the dispute is still unclear but rumours from the south suggest that Linrodeth's attempts to establish a base for the Navy to overwinter have not been well received by the King's forces. It is only hoped that Alderman Monterey's mission to see King Kieran has already been successful in calming down what is beginning to be a serious disagreement between Linrodeth and the High King.

It would seem that both Alderman Monterey and Sir Eridan will be chasing King Kieran across the countryside. Shortly after Sir Eridan's departure, news reached Linrodeth that the King has gone to the Temple of Daleth in the Gavelkinden. This move which was first thought to be associated with a desire to get closer to the battle front for winter appears to be more social; the King is understood to be planning to meet up with his heir whom he has not seen for many years. It has been confirmed that Princess Alexis, following in the traditions established by her mother, is spending time at all of the temples.

Furious campaigning is continuing across the city as all of the factions swing into a much earlier election frenzy than has happened in previous years. It is clear that the disruptions of recent times have finally reached a point where the old factions are about to lose control to the new, and bitter contests are developing across the city for many Aldermanic seats. The only people whose positions are considered safe are Melanie Romanie in Cadene, Marie Cripstead in Shambles, Rose Cheping in Dowgate plus faction leaders Trueman, Monterey, Bottler and Ryman.

Count Cutario has expressed satisfaction that his guards at Ye Oval have managed to prevent a number of recent robbery attempts. However, never one to miss a political opportunity, he has lodged a formal complaint with the Chairman of Law and Order claiming that the city is giving preference to protecting the property of guild members over that of the ordinary citizens of Northshore.

Alderman Dominic Horner has made a valiant attempt to resolve the dispute over the King's Theatre this month. The Alderman, who has recently been stung by accusations that he was taking bribes from the theatre to prevent the matter coming to a hearing, made every attempt to treat the matter fairly. But with tempers running high he was always going to be in for a rough ride. Whilst it is within the powers of an Alderman to shut down any business which is causing detriment to a ward, it is a rarely exercised power with little precedent for the conditions under which it can be used. In the end the Alderman was reluctant to close what is "clearly an important city institution" based on the disapproval of a "vocal minority". Mrs Chant has declared her self to be "disgusted that the upstanding and decent citizens of Temple must be subjected to vile behaviour which is no better than that which goes on in Northshore". Further, she has vowed to replace Dominic Horner with a more law abiding Alderman even if she has to do it herself. Given the large group of supporters she has built up over the last few month this may be no idle threat.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 156

The Nyskilde Venture Company continues to be the topic of vigorous debate between Sir Eridan Portinari, the Citadel, and the Guildhalls of Linrodeth. Increasingly the officers of Princess Selina's court are distancing themselves from the whole initiative, and various merchant guilds are being questioned as to their exact role. The King's ambassador, Sir Eridan, is clearly frustrated by the lack of straight answers, but the Witanmoot has become perturbed enough to despatch a special envoy to the court of King Kieran in Eresan. Alderman Alan Monterey, tasked with restoring the peace, commented, "This misunderstanding is most unfortunate. Both the King and Linrodeth want to see Nyskilde recover as a vibrant part of the kingdom. We should be able to work together to achieve this." The Alderman has set out with a sizeable entourage of guards and a considerable shipment of His Majesty's favourite wines.

The arrival in port this month of the Undine, the Drakenkopf and the Sophia has been overshadowed by the appearance of the overdue Half-Chance. The old Cog is now captained by one Brendan Liang, the subject of endless speculation along the docks, and crewed by a most curious mix of Kezriakor, Babel and Humans. A large company of marines has been set to guard the Empire ship and her luxury cargo while the young captain opens negotiations with the Citadel and attempts to contact the remaining owners.

A lot of early campaigning has begun this month, showing the continuing shift as new factions vie to take control of the Witanmoot. A big fight appears to be brewing in Castle Bard, with Cllr Scathlocke attacking and Gilbert de Clare active in defence despite his commitments at the Brynette Temple. A hard battle is also being fought in Dowgate as the newcomers take full advantage of the absence of Monterey, Bottler and Trueman from the Witanmoot. Local householders, however, may be less keen on the unseasonal appearance of electioneers. "Bunch of identical grey tunics", was the sour comment from one old gentleman "In my day we saw real duels afore they candidates ever got near election date."

Count Cutario has expressed disgust at the new patrol roster drawn up for the City Guards. Changes to the north shore patrols mean that guards now spend longer around the tanneries and warehouses upriver of the bridge, than near the shipyards, theatres and bearpits downriver. Petro sourly predicted an increase in crime at these wealthy spots, and vowed to ensure a well-guarded approach to Ye Oval from the riverboats.

The recent wardmoot of Temple descended into farce after the chamber was hijacked by Mrs Chant and her colleagues demanding action against the King's Theatre. Alderman Horner was forced to adjourn the meeting while the chamber was cleared, but declined to press charges of disorderly conduct against the local matrons.

Lady Davy is pleased to announce the opening of the Berewic Memorial Gardens. The site around the old stone never entirely recovered from the events of last Dragonfeast and the subsequent sightseers and diggers. Now that a major replanting has been completed, Lady Davy expressed her hope that the site will now regain some of its former tranquillity.

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 156

Diplomatic relations between the High King Kieran in Eresan and Her Highness Princess Selina have become sudden icy as reports of the Nyskilde Venture Company reach other courts. No formal response has been sought but it is understood that His Majesty's ambassador to Linrodeth, the notorious Sir Eridan Portinari, has called in a number of significant military supply contracts for review. The Linrodeth Guilds under closest scrutiny, notably the Bowyers, Saddlers and Brewers Companies, are scrambling to demonstrate their patriotism to all parties concerned.

The Brynette Temple has begun to rebuild a number of its older furnaces and a range of tall chimneys is to be added to Linrodeth's skyline. The project is understood to be financed largely from Count Cutario's generous compensation payments, and it will serve to keep the city's remaining masons busy during Alderman Bottler's extended absence. The Chronicle has in the past been critical of Jim Bottler but on this occasion we must praise him for putting the war effort before his political ambitions and for not staying to assist Alderman de Clare in this lucrative rebuild.

Also under new projects we must include the birth of a daughter to Alderman William Trueman and Lady Maria at half two of the afternoon on Firstday Secondweek. The Alderman later interrupted his tour of congratulation at the Witanmoot to give a speech demanding action on Northshore, "Can the Alderman of Bridge and Northshore please assure this house that the situation in Northshore is under control? If not what does he propose to do about it?" Alderman Saunders robustly returned, "These people are not citizens as they do not pay household taxes nor register their land. It is many years since the wards looked after their own watches, so perhaps the Chairman of Law and Order should stop trying to put the blame for his failings upon others." Not to be left out Alderman Peter Ryman made a surprising speech supporting the city guard adding, "they at least seem to understand the real situation on the North Shore; namely that it is one (but only one) of the centres of crime in the city and must be dealt with."

The Witanmoot eventually worked through the agenda to reach the Sheriffs' Elections with the following result: Bowden 16, Warin 11, Hastings 10, Horner 1. Of note are the tactics of Cllr Scathlocke who only used one vote for Warin, knowing that if she also voted for Hastings then Lady Davy would use her casting vote to replace Warin with Hastings. Abstaining throughout was Alderman Ryman. His early departure for home caused some disgust amongst his fellow ward members who vented steam later, "he never puts our point of view into these contests, opts out of almost everything. He's no use as an alderman at all.”

Alderman Dominic Horner's sudden increase in commissions has been keeping him very busy, to the point of postponing a number of ward matters including the hearing into the matter of the King's Theatre. The choice may prove a mistake. Mrs Chant and her redoubtable team of local matrons have taken to picketing the Alderman's workshops until such time as the hearing takes place. The noise level of the line of picketers is undeniably distracting to anyone trying to concentrate on artistic masterpieces. Or, as the Alderman himself put it, "a sharp intake of breath is a really bad idea when you are blowing glass".

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 156

The docks and warehouses of Linrodeth are still running below capacity, according to reports from the Mercers and Grossers Guilds. Nonetheless, shipping remains brisk, possibly due to rumours of more Naval action this summer. The Iremia, the Festinatio, and Gorosneh Mâr have all made the long journey from the City States, and the exotic cargo of the Half-Chance is rumoured to be due in port anytime. Less favourably The Trident, skippered by Captain Eagleview, has returned from Nyskilde with confirmation that the Noordic settlement remains encamped within the city ruins, and that no trace of the Nyskilde Venture Company can be seen. However, stories of new shipwrecks along the Mulleister coast give some indication of the fate of its supporting fleet.

The North Shore has required firm intervention from the City Guard this month, as restless crowds continue to form and disperse throughout the settlements. Generally the mood remains watchful, and a heavy presence of the military along the main streets has ensured that the scavenger carts and rubbish tips operate without interruption. Count Cutario, clearly concerned about business to Ye Oval, has ensured that its access roads are especially well patrolled. In the Witanmoot Alderman William Trueman commented, "I call on the Alderman for Bridge and the chair of Welfare and Education to sort out the situation on Northshore. Surely, it is not beyond his wit to arrange the efficient distribution of rubbish to where it is wanted rather than not wanted? I have supported the call for funds to provide the infrastructure to support the dockyards in Northshore. Northshore has great potential and the situation there should be formalised, so that the residents can become proper citizens."

The Witanmoot annual budgets went through on the nod yet again, with only a minor scrap over the insane proposal to waste funds by rebuilding the Berewic Memorial. The intervention of Phillipe Grayson's Independents finally enabled this to be defeated by 4 votes.

Following the execution of Artificer Jeremiah Hock last week, the redoubtable Mrs Chant continues her campaign against the King's Theatre with a petition to the wardmoot. The request, backed by many local residents, cites the theatre as the cause of "much lewde and disorderly behaviours", with the consequent loss of business to neighbouring "honest and conscientious households". The petition then presses local councillors to remove the theatre's license to perform. Alderman Dominic Horner has confirmed that he will be holding a hearing into the matter, but has refused to comment further on the matter.

Alderman Jim Bottler, O.M., hosted a sumptuous dinner party at his mansion prior to his departure for Salvoyn. The private party, for a mere 100 guests, culminated in Princess Selina unveiling a massive round stained glass window in there to commemorate Linrodeth's great Naval victory last year. The lower half of the window shows the city of Linrodeth, with Jim Bottler positioning the final stones in the rebuilt Citadel, assisted by his wife and representatives of the construction guilds and cheering citizens. At the centre of the window Princess Selina stands in a Citadel tower, where she looks out over the sea into the distance. There she sees the fleets of Linrodeth vanquishing enemy ships which are splintered and sinking. Three pennants fly from the Citadel with the words: Selina, Linrodeth, Victorious. The following morning a large and mostly supportive crowd cheered the departure of Bottler and his entourage onto The Trident for its journey south.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 156

The sudden Rubbish Riots in Northshore took everyone by surprise this month. Colonel Aldridge has deployed City Guard throughout the area in order to protect the official scavengers at dawn tipping and to keep the peace among the irate and rapidly growing population there. The dumping of city waste is continuing normally after a brief and unpleasant disruption to services last week. Disputes over the siting of the actual tips are at their most violent between neighbouring residents of this shanty town (households being too strong a term for these constructions). The subsidence of the spring floods left much noisome wreckage but also a surprising number of claimants to the infilled land spreading out into the marshes. Locals now express strong opinions that they have either had enough of the city's smelly waste or that they need a lot more of it to secure their plots of land. Either way, almost all the local residents agree that the official scavengers are wrong and corrupt in almost every aspect of their dumping duties. However this labyrinthine dispute resolves, it seems certain that tax-paying citizens within the city proper will not tolerate any more delays in overnight waste being removed from their doorstops and shop fronts.

The port has re-opened and is trading briskly this month. While not perhaps seeing the same quantity of merchant ships as other years, the quality of long distance goods has, if anything, improved. Of greatest impact locally is the absence of many Navy vessels on blockade duty down in Salvoyn. The Narwhal and Isebrevind have docked from the Western Isles, and unexpectedly a handful of battered cogs have bought ale and furs down from Nyskilde. There is no news of any recent "political developments”. The crews appear to be genuinely puzzled by their reception in Linrodeth, especially with the appearance of several Aldermen attempting to speak cryptically with them.

This is clearly bizarre budget proposal week. Having spent many years running an austere budget regime, the councillors appear to have gone mad this month proposing that we create an envoyship to Nyskilde (where there is almost no-one to talk to), and that we create an envoyship to Adaqua (but without a budget), and that we fund a massive infrastructure on the Northshore (where few tax payers live). However the most unbelievable and hence most heavily supported proposal is to spend £50 doing up the Berwick Memorial. This at a time when many of our most necessary facilities are falling into disrepair. Perhaps Lady Davy, with her new found powers of decree, will save us from this lunacy.

Senior elements within the Witanmoot are expressing grave concern over the new "gypsy look" which has become high fashion this spring. The flouncy fashion was previously only seen within certain elements of allegedly Reshite faction members and sympathisers. This year the "ethnic couture” has been enthusiastically taken up and promoted by the House of Cyarçon to the Citadel. Mutterings about a ban on certain occult accessories have perforce been muted in light of the powerful patronage of ladies of the court.

The Witanmoot Investigation Agency issue simply won't go quiet. Like a dog with a bone, councillors keep worrying at it. Alderman Trueman view that, "It is clear that the Witanmoot Investigation Agency reports solely to the Lord and Sheriffs so we transfer their budget to the Sheriffs Office who are a more suitable place for investigations gained much support until he added that prevented concentrating control in a single person's hands and pro Davy groups immediately weighed in to defend her from this sideways attack.

Jim Bottler's expedition to the south is growing momentum. The theoretically secret plan to move most of the cities construction capability south in order to build an attack causeway to Salvoyn has occupied most of his time this month. Some concern is being raised over the likelihood that some guild members may be pressed into service and also over the risk that the city will not itself retain enough skill to deal with its own construction needs.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 156

Spring flooding has isolated the city following the thaw of an especially icy winter. The newly thriving North bank of the Ishtan has survived the experience better than previous years, possibly due to the improved drainage but more likely because its vast garbage heaps have finally raised its streets above water level. At the port a small number of coastal vessels have begun to arrive, but there is no sign yet of the large trading cogs from other cities. The merchant guilds are nervously awaiting news of developments around the blockade of Salvoyn.

The Witanmoot dealt with business in an uncharacteristically efficient session this month. Lady Jenny Davy was elected with an overwhelming majority, with only the Monterey faction opposing. Cllr Scathlocke's motion to have the option to refuse office on whim was summarily defeated by 202 votes to 43. Alderman Bottler proposes to move both the funding and reporting of the notorious Witanmoot Investigation Agency over to the Lord's Office. Alderman Monterey proposes the addition of a funded post of Envoy to Adaqua. All parties seem to be keen to get their teeth into the latest budget figures amid widely varied rumours of big tax cuts or big tax increases.

Alderman William Trueman is apparently not feeling the pinch as he has embarked on a major rebuilding and expansion of his Faringdon estate. Interestingly, he has acquired a consortium of builders not aligned to the Bottler faction, a considerable feat as such were considered an extinct species within this city. Rumours that his family is also expanding have not yet been confirmed or denied.

Local watchdog Mrs Chant has been campaigning in Temple Ward to bring about the closure of the King's Theatre. Its recent productions of drama have not generated as much profit as previous runs, and management has begun to resort to dancing girls with predictable changes in clientele. What particularly worries Mrs Chant, however, is what allegedly goes on in the back of the dress circle. She may have a point. The theatre's increasing notoriety was further helped last week when an elderly Brynette, Artificer Jeremiah Hock, stabbed to death his mistress Martha Ray, as she emerged from the theatre on the arms of the Eorl of Lockwood. The Artificer was arrested immediately and his trial will take place next month.

Two of Linrodeth's most notoriously bribable jockeys met their match at Ye Oval yesterday. Punters have been lodging a growing number of complaints over fixed races, and Count Cutario responded with something other than the expected ban. The promise of a lucrative two horse race attracted the skills of Messrs Smirke and Breary, each of whom had staked a considerable sum of money on the other to win. After two circuits both were proceeding at a cautious trot. Coming into the final straight Breary slowed his horse to a walk. Smirke retaliated by stopping his horse altogether. So Breary fell off. An irate audience of punters and owners were in an unforgiving mood as the two jockeys escaped from the arena.