The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 139

This month sees the 'Corn Crisis' worsening and the price of bread rising. The situation is not helped by the fact that a new Chairman of Lands & Agriculture has yet to be elected. Against a background of increasing complaints and reports of rioting at a bakery in Ishtan, the initiative was taken by Councillor Reg Marc, who attempted to persuade the Cornmongers to release their stockpile of grain. The attempt failed but Councillor Malcolm Mowbray later managed to force an emergency debate on the crisis. Called at short notice, there were many councillors absent, but the motion to purchase the grain store with the City funds was passed by 120 votes to 77. Speaking for the motion were Cllrs Marc, Mowbray, Septer and Devon. Protests were then heard from the Cornmongers (inevitably) and also surprisingly from Sheriff Paston Courtney, who led the Carpenters in a "no" vote.

The Hearing against Matthew Dixon in Levestone has been held before Sheriff Kennet Maxil. Cllr Malcolm Mowbray had accused Cllr Dixon of attempted blackmail, and Cllr Beatrice Perignon testified that she had witnessed the "disgraceful" attempt. A number of senior Master Carpenters then testified that Matthew Dixon had been present in their Guildhall at the time in question, and could not have been the blackmailer. Amid outcry from the public gallery, Sheriff Maxil dismissed the allegation on the assumption that an imposter had been at work. Cllr Mowbray, looking deeply shocked, later stated that he knew Cllr Dixon very well, and could not have been mistaken.

Rumours sweeping the city indicate that a draft will be imposed on the mercenaries currently overwintering here, presumably to boost the depleted 7th Infantry. Wealthy guildmembers have already been feeling the pinch as an emergency tax has been imposed specifically to fund the Gelt war. Precisely which regiment(s) will be sent south remains confused, as much of the citadel's complement has been sent out to the villages to maintain the King's law. Rumour from the countryside (probably unfounded) is that they are having only limited success.

A body was found in silt land last week. The body had been mutilated and the woman, who was known to have criminal connections, is believed to have been the victim of a feud between two of the criminal groups in the city. The Portsoken watch has been increased and neighbouring wards are asked to increase their vigilance.

The incidence of duelling in the city is on the increase, the latest was rumoured to have been fought between Rayburn Fields (apprentice Chandler of Bardsgate) and Graythorn Lance (a student bard). The duel was apparently over Julia Killcade, a lady of their acquaintance. At her insistence the duel was fought with snowballs. It is believed that Mr fields will recover from his injuries.

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 137

The Knight Marshall's plans for a second fortification, on the east side of the city, were shelved late last month after an objection was lodged by the Royal College of Bards. Speculation exists as to where Sir Salverian will next give his attention and money (a canal project has been mentioned as a possible candidate). Several masons who had anticipated an early commission now find themselves with an expensive stone surplus.

A small football game was staged last month in Playhouse Yard in defiance of the ban. A request by the local watch to stop was ignored, and word was sent to the Citadel. However the players wisely decided to disperse before the detachment of the 5th Infantry arrived.

Gax the Heretic has resumed his preaching using a variety of locations around the city.

A major fire in Burgon Street recently was contained after many nearby houses were pulled down. The fire was apparently started by an angry mob consisting mainly of local residents. Since many of these are now homeless, Alderman Maxil has decided to defer further investigation.

The Priests of Torus have complained to the Court of Common Council that their sacred bee colony has been tampered with several times recently. Citizens are reminded that continued disturbance will impair the production of the Elixir Vitae.

With the Midwinter Festival now over, the King has taken advantage of a lull in the snow to visit some northern coastal towns. Travelling with his household were Prince Kieran, the Lord Treasurer, the Lord High Chancellor, Lord Privy Seal and the First Sealord. The rest of the court are with Queen Emma, who remains at the Citadel with her two younger children.

During this years formal crown wearing the King has been dined by eight guilds, judged five appeals, received two ambassadors, inspected a shipyard, attended a college concert, and dedicated an oak grove to the All-mother.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 137

Citizens of Dowgate ward were interested recently to discover that their neighbouring slum has shrunk somewhat. Ice along the edge of the Ishtan had apparently melted, revealing larger than normal damage to the Floating Market. A goodly portion of it promptly settled to riverbed, thus finally achieving its proper social level. Many inhabitants were disturbed by this occurrence, but an alert local watch prevented any of these river vermin from reaching the shore.

An interesting parchment has overnight been posted in several market squares. Its contents were as follows:

"The banning of football is an unnecessary inroad into the basic human rights of the citizens by a king who has clearly overstepped the
mark. A march is to be held next week, culminating in a football match open to anyone. The winning team will be awarded two barrels of best Ale."

No time or place was mentioned. The Kings Officers maintain that they are hot on the trail of the perpetrators.

The Chronicle is pleased to announce its newest roving reporter: Chinon Starsinger. Chinon hopes to be reporting from beneath the tables of all the best pubs and clubs around town. The Chroniclers would like to take this opportunity to wish him a long and coherent career.

The Chroniclers have recently been made aware of the existence of a particularly esoteric cult called 'Euthanasia'. Its members are believed to be obsessed with finding the source of rumours concerning the existence of 'The Merry Whore'. A spokesman for the cult said "Aaargh".

The Chronicle has noted an attempt to deride the King by association with the parentage of a demon. The Chronicle would like it to be known that it will not be party to such scurrilous treason.

The priests of Torus announce with regret that they were forced to shoot two intruders in their
gardens last month. The two men, believed to be responsible for the previous disturbances of the hives, are being carefully tended in the Infirmarium.

The first ship to arrive in port after the thaw has travelled up from the city of Salvoyn in the south. First word is that the Prince Edward has had a quiet winter, but anticipates renewed barbarian raiding once The Melting penetrates the mountain valleys.

It is hoped that the Queen will be well enough to attend the City's celebration of the Festival of Springtide at the end of this month. Due to the relatively mild winter the Council is hoping to line Lost Way & Wheat Hill, which lead from the Citadel to the Witanmoot, with the spring flowers.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 137

Last weekend The Citadel officially announced that the Queen was "gravely ill". The Queen, who looked pale and drawn at the Springtide festival, has apparently been ill for some time. The Temple of Torus has refused to give details of the illness, but confirmed that messengers had been sent to the King.

A particularly battered looking merchant cog limped into its home port last month, having caught the
spring storms on its way home. Apart from its valuable cargo of Menteshe ore, The Foamflyer carries news that the Theocracy of the High Plateau is preparing for war. The identity of their enemy is, as yet, unclear.

The Chronicle would like to send condolences to the Morgan family, whose son Peven died violently while returning from evening watch duty on Tuesday night. A spokesman for the family said "We don't know which faction has done this, but if they think that we are going to take this kind of thing lying down, they have a surprise coming".

Last week the Court of Common Council sat to consider an appeal for sponsorship for the forming of a Thatchers Guild. The hearing ran into early difficulties after the Thatchers' spokesman, one Marc, failed to turn up. The local watch report no incidents that day, and Alderman Courtney maintains that Marc "probably got lost on the way there". However Marc has still not been seen and rumours of foul play continue to grow;

There was a young Thatcher named Marc
Who used to think life was a lark
Although he was skilled
He hadn't a guild
And now he gets left in the dark

(Graffiti in the Spinning Sow)

Dear Sir, I am appalled at the complacent, uncaring attitude of people to the deaths, during the recent cold, of some of their fellow residents of Linrodeth. Surely in these civilised times a little more thought could be given to those less fortunate than ourselves. Is it not the towns duty to see that all its residents are housed and fed? I look to the King and Marshall for leadership.

Yours, Cllr Bever Edge

LATE NEWS

Sir William Valois is in severe disgrace. The Chronicle knows why but, in the interest of the freedom of the press, isn't telling. Meanwhile Valois Senior, the Earl Gareth, is disowning and disinheriting that branch of the family.

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 137

Sir William Valois has been executed on the charge of HIGH TREASON. Sir William's slow poisoning of the Queen was discovered in the nick of time by Sir Raif Fitz-Payne, Sir William's subordinate officer in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. Consequently the King made an unscheduled return to Linrodeth with a light retinue, and rode immediately to the castle, leaving a bemused and belated welcoming committee still forming at Bridgegate.

At the Citadel King Edmund summoned a court of his closest advisors, including the now recovering Queen Emma. Several hours later a closed trial of Sir William was heard, eyewitnesses report that the traitor offered no defence. At the end of the trial Sir William was executed by the Kings own hand. The King pronounced the family dishonoured with all lands and revenue forfeit. Fast footwork by the Earl Gareth last month effectively ensures that this applies only to Sir William's wife and two young sons. The traitor's corpse now hangs
above the Citadel gates.

Kenna Pencric, second son of the well-known silk merchant, died last Tuesday. The killing took an identical form to that of Peven Morgan, Kenna being shot with a viciously barbed arrow whilst returning from watch duty. A spokesman for the Morgan family disclaimed responsibility, "We're sure that this is the work of another merchant trying to set our two great houses against each other". The Pencric family refused to comment.

The afternoon watch of Levestone ward have interrupted a ball game being played between the apprentices of the Skinners Guild in Cobbs Court. Although threatened with arrest, a spokesman for the group pointed out that since the ball was being moved by carrying it, the game could not possibly be described as football. When asked what this newfangled game was called, the apprentice replied 'bugger'. The young man was detained for further questioning.

The priests of the Temple of Torus wish to give public notice that they accuse the Apothecary Thorold of Lime Street of malpractice and misconduct. They request the citizens of Linrodeth to cease all patronage of Master Thorold's establishment.

The port is now in full swing with the good weather, despite the usual complaints of those downwind of Bilgegate (fish) Market. The ships bring regular news from Salvoyn and the south, and the Chronicle has been following with interest Crown Prince Edward's assault on Cair Taned, the barbarians' stronghold. The affair seems to have developed into a long, drawn out siege after the failure of the initial dawn attack which resulted in many dead. One permanently disabled casualty was the popular hero Hugh Grovesnor; more commonly known as 'The Wolf', both for his skill at hunting barbarians and for his voracious appetite.

Friends of Marc the Thatcher are relieved to have found him alive and well, and recently escaped from
a mysterious 'luxury apartment' where he was being held prisoner by a group of masked hoodlums who referred to themselves as 'The Company'. Alderman Courtney, speaking on behalf of the local watch, would only comment that they could not effectively protect someone from this kind of terrorism.

Gentlemen are reminded that knights wishing to participate in the Midsummer Tournament are requested to present themselves to the Knight Marshall as soon as
possible. All stalls for the Fair are already fully booked, and Guildmembers are politely reminded that the fine for opening shop during the festival is 50s. The archery contest is still in the process of being disorganised, and the Masons apprentices have challenged the Skinners apprentices to an exhibition match of the new game of 'bugger'.

Gax the Heretic has moved his regular preaching sessions to the Mootstone, in Witanmoot Yard, where
by ancient right he is entitled to be heard. Against all the predictions, Gax has proved a surprisingly popular lunch time
entertainment with the councillors and Guildmen; and has stimulated some lively discussions amongst these pillars of society. Gax has announced plans to run a refreshment stall during the Midsummer Fair, all proceeds will go towards providing a school for the city orphans. The refreshment stand will be distinguishable by its emblazoned "Lemon-Aid".

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 137

We open this month's Chronicle with news of a great victory. Prince Edward has (at great cost) taken the barbarian stronghold of Cair Taned. This victory is a major relief to the merchants of this city. A senior member of the Vintners Guild commented:- "The removal of this threat to our trade routes is particularly good news. It means that next year we will be able to bring goods through the mountains in relative safety. Prince Edward is to be congratulated."

The Chroniclers note that the merchants of the city of Salvoyn are already within striking distance of the Taned pass, and will be the only ones able to get through before the pass is again closed by the onset of winter. These merchants are likely to make "a killing".

Bad luck continues to dog the construction of the new Hahn Law School. Last week work slowed even further when a labourer was killed in what is thought to have been a subsidence of the foundations.

The Temple of Daleth has given thanks for this years bountiful harvest. The success is in part due to the new strain of barley which was introduced by the Temple a few years ago, and which is more resilient to damp summers. Grain prices have already fallen, despite an attempt by members of the Cornmongers Guild to maintain them at last years levels.

Rumours reaching the Chronicle this month suggest that trouble is brewing amongst the factions in the floating market. Citizens are warned to take greater than usual care if in the vicinity of this market.

The sea monster was again sighted early last month. The beast is believed to have attempted to reach the port under cover of the early morning fog. However a diligent watchman at the Citadel spotted the creature and the Citadel's weaponry was brought to bear. One of the catapults claims a direct hit, after which the beast was seen to drift out with the tide. It has not troubled the city since and may even be dead.

The Chronicle is pleased to note that no new 'barbed arrow' murders have taken place. Perhaps Councillor Tholin was not as unsuccessful as we thought.....

Amongst a cargo full of rare and valuable furs, Master Skinner Cuthbert de Cranford has found a black and silver pelt of unknown origin. De Cranford has graciously presented the fur to the Bards College, who are in turn eager to talk with anyone who can help them identify the pelt.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 137

Once again election time draws near, and as usual the Chronicle has been inundated with letters. As usual the Chronicle intends to show its complete independence and non-bias by publishing none of them.

Gax the Heretic has appeared in court this month, not as a defendant one should add, but in the Court of Hustings on behalf of a peasant entangled with the Honourable Lord Alexander Scrope over a boundary dispute. Gax's unexpected appearance as the defence council apparently took Lord Scrope's Hahn Mandatien by surprise, since Gax requested, and got, an adjournment to research the relevant documents.

The Chronicle regrets to announce the death of Master Matthias Tate, lately of the Drapers and Tailors Guild. Master Tate was found dead in Birchin Lane late last month. The Torian priest who examined the body on behalf of the widow said that he had died from exposure during the night, presumably after having been mugged.

The Priests of Torus are seeking information about a missing pupil. Novice Fraser went missing last Sixthday afternoon whilst on an errand to the Court of Common Council. He did not reach the council chambers and foul play is suspected. Anyone with information should contact the temple directly.

Up at the Citadel, the cellars are being stocked up in anticipation of the Royal Court's Midwinter residency. News has leaked that the Princess Eleanor's Yuletide gift is to be a series of rapier lessons. Brawls are now common in the Great Hall as the young squires sort out who is to be her sparring partner. The incredibly wealthy Lady Charlotte has a new beau in the form of an elegant and courteous stranger to the court with no apparent past. Count Garioch is reported to have consoled himself elsewhere. 'Sir' Roger Colleton is visiting the Knight-Marshall bearing messages from the Crown Prince, although several cavalry officers appear to be having trouble remembering his title. Colonel Karine Agrevaine has refused her own son permission to join the regiment and is also rumoured to have cut his allowance. The 5th Infantry have petitioned their commander for permission to form a bugger team. All this appears to be too much for the Kinjuru Envoy, who has gone to a Temple upriver for meditation during the winter.

This month Chinon, our redoubtable reporter, was pleased to accept an invitation to the newly restored 'Bullion' inn in Welland Ward. This well-decorated, cosy place would be an ideal drinking haven for tired election campaigners wishing to enjoy an affluent atmosphere. Others however may prefer to sample the significantly better beer available at the other pub down the road.

The Court of Common Council is pleased to announce that the contract for maintenance of the Bridge has been awarded to Master-mason Robert Beaureli. Work will be starting in the spring.

Lastly, citizens of the affluent wards of Arpent and Faringdon are warned that some prankster is lifting random items of laundry from back yards. "Is this relevant?" I hear you ask. No, but we needed a brief item to finish with.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 138

The first weeks of Pipetal have seen the winter snows washed away in deluge of rain. The river Ishta is still rising and the marshlands have flooded all roads out of the city except the Causeway leading north east, and the South East Road out of Oldgate. The City is becoming increasingly isolated and the River Dow is now threatening to separate Easthill and Wheathill, although the priests of Brynette have constructed several "interesting" new footbridges over the waters for the citizens use. The Wellhouse has become particularly crowded as local villagers seek refuge.

No help has been forthcoming from the Citadel whose gates have remained firmly closed "for security reasons" since the departure of the 5th Infantry last week. The turnout of citizens for the 5th Infantry's farewell was noticeable for its absence – just a few merchants were waiting outside the gate to travel south with them. The regiment departed in the relentless drizzle through a shuttered and largely oblivious city.

The death of Councillor Cerern Pencric of Marshgate ward has been announced. Her body was found in the early hours of the morning by her house servants. Reports say that she committed suicide using a dagger belonging to her late son. Neighbours confirm that Cerern, a widow, never entirely recovered from the murder of her eldest son last Heliora. The silk business will be inherited by Arianne, her daughter.

Violence flared in the long-suffering ward of Dowgate this month as vagabonds from the floating market mounted yet another raid on the local citizenry. The usually fleet and elusive aliens were this time caught out by the rising flood waters. Trapped on the narrow riverbank between a lone member of the Kings Rangers and the pursuing watch the scum were forced to jump into the river Ishta, where under the bow fire of the watch they hopefully perished.

The attackers appeared to be a mixture of Babel and Solistel, and this has rekindled local fears of a combined attack by the river scum on the City. Renewed calls for protection from the Citadel, this time backed by the Aldermen and Lord Magistrate, were met with a polite refusal. Perhaps the Knight Marshal is not as brave as his men?

Captain 'Kurt' is expected to fully recover from the wound he received during the action.

A small fire which broke out in Ishta ward overnight was quickly contained by local residents and the appalling weather. Only one building was destroyed (a tavern) and a neighbouring warehouse slightly damaged. The owner of the tavern, Alex Windrake, is missing presumed dead although no body has been found. The regulars of the tavern were unavailable when the Chroniclers' reporter visited the area. However a local resident commented. "It's the first fire I've come across which caused sword wounds".

One of the few rumours to make its way outside the Citadels' defences is of the Princess' fencing practice. Apparently her Royal Highness has been surprising everybody with her "natural grace and skill with a rapier". Would the Chronicle dare to suggest that this might be due to the previous surreptitious training which we also keep hearing of?

The widely circulating rumour concerning a peasant revolt in Aclea appears to have no credited source and no available verification. The Chroniclers are somewhat puzzled by the apparent credibility being given to this news. After all who do you know who's made the journey from Aclea in the last month?

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 138

We open this months Chronicle with the surprise news that Mark the thatcher has had a "most productive" audience with the King. To fully understand the significance of this event, it is necessary to look back to his recent return from honeymoon with his new bride Catherine Bergeren. She is the daughter of Alderman Bergeren, treasurer of the Goldsmiths Guild. The Carpenters Guild is said to be in a state of panic – watch this space for further developments.

The past few weeks have seen much turmoil and confusion in that bastion of tradition, the Scriveners Guild. Master Thomas Harrison (their elderly treasurer) was seemingly inspired by the springtime festivities to elope with his assistant, Miss Magnolia Williams, leaving behind his wife and daughter. A spokesman for the Guild revealed that he was well-known for "working late at the office", subsequently falling asleep "from the strain of the job". Young Miss Magnolia frequently devoted her time to "easing Master Harrison's burden".

The two eased themselves out of the guild a scant two weeks before the elections caused by the death, over winter, of the guildmaster and his deputy. Guild affairs are currently in confusion despite attempts by junior members, notably David Northropp, Richard Nixon and Victor Eggleston, to fill suddenly vacant posts. Master Northropp is tipped to do well in the coming election.

The ward of Marshgate was rocked by an explosion late last week. The home of one Talus Snapdragon (Master Apothecary) was almost totally destroyed when "one of his preparations got a little out of hand". Mr Snapdragon is recovering in the Torian Temple.

Bern Morgan, the eldest son of Grantham, is also recovering in the Temple of Torus from unspecified injuries. A widespread rumour that he was seriously wounded in a duel with Arianne Pencric is being denied by the Morgans.

The first arrivals in port this year were the naval vessels "Spirit of Fire" and "Wandals Retribution". These ships had successfully completed the arduous journey from the South carrying men of the Kings 7th Infantry, who will replace the 5th Infantry at the Citadel. Some of the battle-hardened troops described the trip as the worst part of their three year war.

Sir William Ruthven was one of the first people to leave the City once the floods subsided. An unattributed source at the Citadel commented "Well 'es off back to wherever 'e come from. I hears 'is Lady Charlotte ain't too pleased with 'im trying to skewer Sir Boece".