The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 154

A lavish civic ceremony of thanksgiving has been held for bumper harvest underway this year. Lady Davy led a formal procession of both the Aldermanic and full council members to the Dalethian Wellhouse on Wheat Hill, where a service was conducted by the Wellkeeper Shinannon. Later the dignitaries adjourned to a formal reception at the Lords Mansion in the Witanmoot, where additional generous libations were made to the Kerunian deity Baccelos. It has been a busy month for Chair of Law and Order Judi Spich. Firstly her well intentioned attempt to intervene in the Saunders’ affair stirred up a hornets' nest of complaints. Perhaps if she had quietly asked the Investigation Agency to look into the matter, things would have gone smoothly. As it was her announcement to the Witanmoot was formally seconded, then challenged. Things quickly degenerated into a full council debate on the role of the Agency, the authority of the Chair of Law & Order, and the authority of the Witanmoot and the Citadel in enforcing Guild charters. Things got even more complicated when Cllr Kate Penipot proposed an amendment instructing (rather than requesting) the Agency to be involved. An irritated Lady Jenny Davy halted the debate and instructed the Agency to, "Investigate whatever it felt needed investigating and report back to the Committee for Law & Order". A decision which, according to the Monterey faction, has "dangerous and ill-considered constitutional consequences".

Alderman Judi Spich also faced a growing crisis over the failure of the city guard to prevent crime in Cripplegate. The frustrated citizens of the ward have re-formed their own watch and are informally patrolling the streets on a personal rota. Alderman Grendle described the activities of his fellow citizens as "unnecessary and unwise", and was appalled when his fellow councillors co-opted Peter Ryman, leader of the new "citizen's watch', onto the Witanmoot. Watch leader Ryman told the Chronicle, "I don't care whose job it's meant to be. All I know is that my shop was broken into three times last month, and we have had enough."

Admiralty is refusing to offer apologies for the deaths of three citizens who were killed trying to enter Kingsport without authorisation. A Naval spokesman commented, "it is now clear that the three dockers were trying to get a look at the new ships as some sort of dare. When challenged by the guards, the three attempted to run and were quite rightly shot down."

Controversy is raging quietly over the price of bread. The bumper harvest has led to a dramatic fall in corn prices but he Bakers Guild has yet to reflect this in the cost of a loaf. According to Maud Blessop "we have held prices down during the difficult years. We should be thanked for what we have done and not attacked for trying to recover our losses."

King Ravensgrim's attempts at courtship appear to be frustrated. Citadel insiders are clearly relieved that he will be leaving in the near future, with the relationship between him and Princess Selina never having passed out of the rumour stage. His other ladies have also apparently been unusually preoccupied and the King has reverted to his mercenary origin and gone drinking instead. Apparently he was overheard in the Dancing Bear complaining that "Women are more difficult to deal with when they hunt in packs".

The Oval has been put to good use this month with a series of horse races taking advantage of the ready made racetrack. Attempts by Alderman Petro Cutario to make this a vaguely organised event have come up against the usual Linrodeth love of chaos and muddling through. Cutario's new approach to betting, where odds are offered on all the horses, has been rather more successful, especially with the Citadel accountants. However it appears to have flummoxed the less mathematically-minded and is optimistically being investigated by the Goldsmiths Guild as a possible breach of their Charter.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 154

The expected showdown over the new committee chairman and Alderman failed to materialise this month. It was a surprised Alderman Trueman who this month found himself in the luxurious position of making several unopposed nominations. The Alderman proposed Judi Spich as Chair for Law and Order, Alan Monterey for Trade, David Northrop for Alderman of Temple and Emma Chireton for Alderman of Berewic. After a long pause Alderman Cutario rose to second these nominations. With no other nominations coming forward the posts were confirmed. Both factions are paying down suggestions of an alliance deal. The Chronicle would normally treat with contempt their claims to have independently come up with the same list, however both factions appear genuinely embarrassed and it is just possible that they are telling the truth.

King Ravensgrim continues to extend both his stay in Linrodeth and his trade interests. Much is still rumoured (none of it substantiated) about the King and Princess Selina but it would appear that the King has in fact turned his attention to the City. Even more unsubstantiated rumours have connected the King with is old (and now very rich friend) Raven Lindis or his even richer and not quite so old friend Lady Eshi Cyarçon. The most bizarre and more worryingly persistent rumour has him spending time with well known Reshites Maria Consuela, Irvine Grendle and Maureen Quiller.

Work on Ye Oval is proceeding at a surprisingly rapid pace. Alderman Cutario has been much in evidence and it looks like the project will be completed well ahead of time. The Alderman has apparently been confusing the Linrodeth building guilds by planning ahead for the future of the "great stadium'; a concept which Linrodeth's "if it gets in the way in the future we'll just knock it down and charge you double' building consortium is resisting with some vigour.

Pirate activity on the southern routes to the City States has increased significantly recently. The Navy is taking the matter very seriously and has started to operate along the entire route to the City States. The Admiralty has refused to comment upon the surprising concentration of force near Salvoyn, however many dockside conversations suggest that Her Highness is concerned that some of the pirate activity appears to be rather well organized and very professional.

The Bards College is undergoing a flurry of activity as it prepared for the first ceremony of elevation for many years. Master Bard Occam will be formally elevated at Harvestide although it is understood that he has already been granted the post by his fellow masters. Where Occam has been for the last two years remains a mystery, which we have been unable to get anyone at the College to comment upon.

This years harvest looks set to be a bumper one. The continued good weather, interspersed with just enough rain is creating apparently nearly perfect grain growing conditions. If the city can avoid been attacked, besieged or burnt down then it may be possible that this year may mark an earlier than expected return to prosperity.

Problems abound in the Fishmongers Guild. It would appear that the ever tactful Richard Saunders has got himself into a dispute with both the City Guard and his guild. The Alderman is accused of selling fish at below guild rate; an accusation which he fervently denies and which he has helpfully suggested is a result of "those morons in the city guard settling old scores". Kate Penipot has joined in demanding a full investigation and accusing Saunders of trying to cover up something rotten. Saunders in turn has rounded on her describing her as a "meddling Troublemaker who should have been exiled from the city months ago for her Reshite beliefs".

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 154

The state visit of King Ravensgrim to Linrodeth has proved to be a success so far. There has been absolutely no trouble or protests at the King's visit and it would appear that, with the death of Marcus Lambourne, all vocal resentment about the events of the invasion has subsided. The King, with his substantial entourage, has spent the majority of time at the Citadel but has made a brief visit to the Witanmoot, along with a memorable and unscheduled diversion to the Dancing Bear tavern in Welland. One further official engagement, a tour of the more respectable aisles of the Midsummer Fair, is scheduled.

Lady Jenny Davy appears determined to revive all the mercantile traditions of the past. Along with her drive to re-establish the Midsummer Fair as a major event, she has held a grand Civic Ball in honour of King Ravensgrim's visit. The ball itself was a lavish affair with Lady Davy drawing upon the much underused hospitality funds with apparent relish. Lady Davy's speech welcoming the King and looking forward to new trading links with his nation during the growth of a new, vigorous and enthusiastic Linrodeth will be seen as a landmark event for the city. So far however the Noordic efforts to establish new trading deals have not been entirely successful. The Noordic merchants, with the financial backing of their King, appear to be taking the lead in most of most of the deals with Linrodeth merchants reluctant to take risks themselves. Alderman Cutario's cronies appeared to be the only guildsmen prepared to invest in the various proposals mooted over the banquet.

Very little has been reported of King Ravensgrim’s discussions at the Citadel other than a comment from General Olvini that he hoped the King would be able to stay longer than originally planned. In the absence of official comment, the rumour mill is buzzing with suggestions that the Noordic King is spending the majority up of his time courting Princess Selina; much to the distress of King Kieran's ambassador.

Work was started this month on what is apparently going to be known as Ye Oval. This land, as would be expected from its name, is a large oval and often boggy space which is being marked out on the far side of the river for the playing of public games. The start of the works coincided with the anniversary of the lifting of the ban on football by Princess Selina and resulted in a minor celebration of the event. It is hoped that the pitch will be in a good enough condition to for the staging of the annual football competition which will be held at Harvestide.

Observers at the bridge have been intrigued to notice a reduction in activity around the city's shipyards this year. The cordon of tight security has been pulled back to Kingsport down the estuary, and the local yards are busy on a flotilla of smaller mercantile vessels for a change. Notwithstanding, the navy continues to pursue a vigorous recruitment policy which has made the dockside a hazardous place for lone youths at night time. Midsummer weddings are proving to be very popular this season as citizens experience an unusual and hopefully continued return to prosperity. Whether this is a brief lull in the war, or a sign of things to come, many couples have decided to tie the knot during this bountiful summer. A number of aristocratic ceremonies at the Hahnite Temple, all vying for the title of Society Wedding of the season, have been eclipsed by a lavish and spectacular naming ceremony at the Torian Temple, during which largess was distributed like chaff. The centre of all this celebration was of course young master Marcos Fitz-Ailwyn, the new son of Jacqueline Fitz-Ailwyn and Lord Robert Cornaro.

Due to popular demand, the Bards College is to revive its production of Roland and Julia (a comedy of errors) for an autumn season. It is understood that more patrons are being sought in order to encourage a new generation of playwrights. The Chroniclers hope that any new talent will be spared the depredations of the Linrodeth Navy.

Late News! Late News! Late News!

The Midsummer Fair has been a resounding success reminiscent of the great fairs which were held before the civil war. Lady Davy has expressed delight at the large number of people from outside the city who attended and also at the very positive impact that the fair had upon Linrodeth's economy. All of the guilds got behind Lady Davy's schemes and a number of significant competitions were held. The most enjoyable of these was that organized by the construction guilds, whose teams formed with the intent of seeing who could build the best house in a day. The contest was closely called between the "Welland Wonders" led by Eddie Englefield and the "Blue Boar Bodges". In the end the higher quality construction of the Blue Boar team won out. It seems likely that this construction competition will become an annual event with teams training and bets being placed long in advance. The pig-wrestling competition also went ahead, despite the untimely escape of some Tamworths who briefly threatened the glasswork display of some guildsmen. A contingent of Celidon rangers provided a dazzling display of archery and may even inspire some Linrodeth citizens to resume their practice. The large Nordic trading delegation reserved a major area of turf at the Midsummer Fair and provided a tempting display of golden amber, fine silverwork and exotic furs. A couple of competing fortune tellers proved to be rather more exciting than many customers had anticipated. Linrodeth's official Temple's also made an unexpectedly strong showing during the afternoon with each of the temples major orators putting forth the view of that particular god and encouraging people to attend worship more regularly.

The Sheriffs' election was rather more hotly contested than expected. Mary Hastings looked secure to take one of the posts. Her efforts in the setting up the Witanmoot Investigation Organization have built on the Law & Order ticket and plays well to the council's paranoia in the wake of traitor Marcus Lambourne's gory demise. However, a closely fought contest developed between Nicholas Bowden and Olivia Warin and ended in a tie. Lady Davy, after brief consideration, cast her decisive vote for Olivia Warin.

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 154

Preparations are now underway at the Citadel for the arrival of King Ravensgrim who is expected on a state visit as soon as he completes the consolidation of his victories in the Western Isles. The Witanmoot will also need to decide if it wishes to throw any events for the apparently large trading contingent that will be accompanying the Noordic King. Colonel Aldridge has played down any suggestions that there might be civil disorder problems as a result of Ravensgrim's past history as leading the mercenaries which devastated properties in, and mercilessly killed the population of several wards of the city. General Olvini was somewhat clearer on the matter. Describing King Ravensgrim as "a trusted ally who had eliminated one of the most serious threats to Linrodeth security and who now controls one of our most important trading areas", he expressed his expectation that the Noordic King would be greeted with spontaneous cheering.

In a quiet Witanmoot session the main budget split went through unopposed. This was then followed by a flurry of amendments as Alderman Jim Bottler proceeded to propose his recommended changes relating to the Temples. These proposals have proved a surprisingly uncontroversial and it would appear that Jim has again got away with walking through a field of cowpats that many others have avoided. A slightly more exciting council session may be provided by the elections of the Sheriff which are forthcoming. Olivia Warin, Nicolas Bowden and Mary Hastings have been nominated and, with the four remaining factions almost evenly represented it in the Alderman Court, it may well come down to the independent vote of Nicolas Walton to decide the outcome.

Lady Jenny Davy has already started to establish a distinct style as the leader of our city. Her most recent innovation is to openly meet with the leaders of factions as well as the Sheriff's and key committee chairs. Whilst factions have been an accepted part of Linrodeth life for some time, this is the first occasion upon which the normal separation between the administration and the factions has been blurred. In a further innovation Lady Davy has decided to hold these sessions extremely informally. Apparently she has become used to having important discussions in the Bottler baths. Perhaps it will not be to too long before the sweet water project achieves the official backing from the executive that it has always lacked.

Preparations for the Midsummer Fair are now well underway. Lady Davy has made it clear that she would like this year's event to show a return to Linrodeth’s trading roots. Formal invitations have been sent out throughout the duchy and prizes are to be offered by each of the guilds to the member who has made the greatest difference to Linrodeth trade this year.

The new Mercer's gate is proving to be very popular. Flow through it has been surprisingly strong. Indeed on one occasion queues formed despite the fact that the accesses to the adjacent gates were unblocked. Several wags have commented that this simply goes to prove that Linrodeth dockside workers are indeed the laziest in the world.

Rumours are beginning to circulate suggesting that the apparently quiet passage of the budget is a cover. Whispered conversations in the Witanmoot suggest that large sums of money have gone missing or indeed that the accountants got their sums badly wrong. However attempts to investigate what has happened to the apparently large amounts of money left over in various contingencies or indeed why people get so jumpy when the committee's accounts are looked into have been faced with absolute denials and bafflement by the Witanmoot Clerks.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 154

Jenny Davy has been invested as the new Lord of the City. Lady Andrews cast her deciding vote for Jenny in the closing minutes of Springtide, surprisingly voting against the previous line of the Trueman faction. Whilst she has resisted commenting upon her reasons, many people in the Witanmoot are drawing the conclusion that the suddenly frosty relationship between Alan Monterey and Jim Bottler confirms the rumour that Alan Monterey made a last minute and decisive intervention on behalf of Jenny Davy.

Lady Davy's inauguration ball took on special significance as the last public occasion for High King Kieran before he left the city. Lady Davy used the excuse to throw a lavish event reminiscent of old times. Indeed she and many of the Witanmoot and Citadel openly expressed the view that a new era was dawning for Linrodeth. Princess Selina herself proclaimed during a brief speech that "With my recovery, the defeat of the Noord threat, the election of a new Lord and the firm establishment of our alliance with King Kieran, and now the destruction of the evil traitor Marcus Lambourn, a new time is coming for Linrodeth." However most eyes were not upon the politics but rather upon King Kieran and Princess Selina. The two leaders, who are rumoured to have become close during their time together, seemed keen to keep their attentions to each other formal. But they could not hide the pleasure they took in dancing together, giving hope to the many well wishers who see this as the perfect match. King Kieran himself thanked the people of Linrodeth and in particular the Princess for their kindness and the warmth of their hospitality. "In my youth I spent many a happy day in Linrodeth, my father's capital city. Now as King of Athion I am delighted to see that the city is still prospering despite the many threats to its future"

Lady Davy has already shown herself to be a strong and determined leader. Following on from her discovery of the Lambourne plot, she argued vehemently in the Witanmoot for the establishment of a "Witanmoot Investigation Organization" which would be capable of undertaking investigations into possible malpractice by Councillors and actions of Treason against the city. This proposal gained almost unanimous support from the collective councillors with only a few dissenting voices raising concerns about the potential conflict with the Citadel and the role of Colonel Aldridge.

The elections for the replacement Aldermen led to an unambiguous and devastating defeat for Janice Travers who received only 22 votes compared to Irvine Grendle's 327. Demonstrating that the people are unwilling to forgive those associated with Marcus Lambourne, the once popular Travers would have, in a normal election, lost her seat on the Wardmoot with this poor a vote. Following the defeat the stoic Travers announced her intention to make a new start by joining the Monterey faction. In Shambles the victory was less emphatic, but Marie Cripstead still achieved a clean win over Ralf Seagrim whose association with Bert Belcher clearly damaged him.

The budget process appeared to be carrying on quietly until the intervention of Jim Bottler. No amendments were proposed to the main budget split and hence this should pass cleanly next month. However Bottler has proposed that within the Committee budgets the donations to the temples all be £500 with extra spending on building maintenance, alms houses and dock maintenance coming from the consequent reduction in payments to Brynette, Esprayenna and Torus. The only other change is that the trade budget shows a shift from the previous focus on Shipping with the suggestion that £1500 be spent of road building. A proposal which has apparently not gone down well at the Citadel despite much lobbying.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 154

Princess Selina has made a full recovery and made a marvellous speech of thanks to the city. She was particularly grateful for all the prayers that had been said, giving some weight to the rumours that her illness was not entirely natural. The celebration was attended by King Kieran, who thanked Linrodeth for its hospitality and for the warmth of the welcome he had received. The King, who will depart the city within the next few days, also commented on the progress Linrodeth had made during the civil war and how pleased he was to have the Princess as an ally. The King also commented on the evil of the misguided LFF; "Let everyone be sure these people are as much my enemies as they are yours. Princess Selina is the rightful ruler of Linrodeth. As High King of Athion any attack upon her is also an attack upon me."

The arrest and trial of a number of Alderman threw the Witanmoot into something of a quandary, not to mention panic. Various people made attempts to suggest how the situation could be resolved. But with the Lords elections coming up the potential for new Aldermen to changing the outcome ensured that none of these solutions was universally acceptable. Many pointed out that the practice of the Aldermanic court to co-opt replacements worked and didn't need changing. However gaining most support was Alan Monterey's suggestion that Lady Andrews decree "that the councillors polling the second highest number of votes at the last Midwinter elections in the wards whose Aldermen have been arrested should serve as acting Aldermen in those wards. With elections following if they were convicted". However Lady Andrews was not comfortable with this, decrees not being something she has favoured doing and also with the implication that the arrested Aldermen had already lost their posts. However in the end, commenting that she felt that "because the Aldermen are going to be representing their wards for most of the year, the people deserve to choose their own leaders" she declared, "that should any of the arrested Aldermen be found guilty of treason then they shall be immediately stripped of their rank and full elections for a replacement Alderman be held as soon as practical in the affected wards". In accordance with this decree elections will be held on Tenthday Jasmarill in the wards of Cripplegate and Shambles.

The new Mercers gate in Portwall has, much to Jim Bottlers relief, been completed on time. The monstrosity, for which many a more derogatory names have already been proposed, was formally opened by Guildmaster Duncan Barnet on Lastday Pipetal. Commenting that it had required a huge effort from the various construction guilds to achieve this marvellous feat of engineering, he expressed his hope that they would be suitably recompensed for their exertions.

Ships have started to arrive in port bringing news from afar. Surprisingly little appears to have happened over the Winter with no major changes reported from foreign cities. King Ravensgrim has consolidated his hold on the devastated Western Isles, whilst to the South the there are reported increases in pirate activity, particularly by displaced Noord. A squadron of Navy ships has already sailed to secure our trade routes against this threat. The election contests in Cripplegate and Shambles have already begun to heat up. In Shambles Ralf Seagrim has accused Marie Cripstead of unseemly campaigning before Alderman Belcher has been found guilty whilst in Cripplegate the contest between known Reshite Irvine Grendle and ex-Lambourne faction member Janice Travers looks particularly unattractive.

Late News! Late News! Late News! Late News! Late News!

Several distinguished members of the Witanmoot have been found guilty of belonging to the seditious sect know as the LFF, and have been executed for high treason. Bernard Hubold, Marcus Lambourne, Bert Belcher, William Scrut, Estelle Wynstanly, Jean Pendleton and seven other conspirators were all found guilty by a special court presided over by His Majesty King Kieran and Her Highness Princess Selina. The executions took place immediately after the trial within the closed courtyard of the inner Citadel. The heads of the traitors now adorn the Citadel gates. Other members of the Lambourne faction, including Alderman Nicholas Worton, were found not guilty and released. It has been confirmed that the Citadel Guards foiled a desperate rescue attempt in which the remaining LFF fugitives were captured.

In the aftermath of the executions of two Aldermen, the Lordship election was expected to be a somewhat subdued affair. Hoping to get it out of the way most Alderman chose to vote early and it was therefore obvious by mid-morning that the vote was going to be very close. The Trueman faction had thrown its weight behind Nicholas Bowden whilst Monterey was backing Jenny Davy. By midday things had reached a fever pitch with 20 votes cast and the vote split 10/10. Only Judi Spich and Nicholas Worton remained to vote. Alderman Worton voted first; commenting on how pleased he had been by the professionalism with which Jenny Davy had carried out the Lambourne investigation and subsequent trial, he voted for her. Alderman Spich voted immediately thereafter for Bowden, drawing the contest at 11 each. The Witanmoot clerks informed Lady Andrews who was at the time officiating at a naming ceremony, that she needed to use her casting vote. With her usual style a delighted Lady Andrews promised them that she would get round to it some time before midnight.

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 154

Her Highness Princess Selina continues to recover in health and the Torian priests have announced that they consider that her life is no longer in danger. The Princess is apparently gaining strength very rapidly and it has been announced that she intends resume direct rulership of the Principality at the end of this month. Upon hearing the news many delighted citizens held impromptu celebrations at a number of points around the city. There is talk of this Springtide festival being particularly special with the Princess planning to make her first public appearance at Princess Phoebe's naming ceremony.

Miranda Andrews, Jenny Davy and Nicholas Bowden have all been formally nominated as candidates for the city Lordship elections. William Trueman made a particularly eloquent speech praising Lady Andrew's service to the city through difficult times. The speech was clearly heartfelt however the tone taken by Alderman Trueman was somewhat retrospective and it may be an indication that Trueman believes the Lordship lost and may be preparing to vote decisively with another group.

The debate on the Cllr Marcus Lambourne's proposals to amend the rules of the Sheriffs elections started quietly but grew through the day into a closely fought and hectic contest. At the beginning of the debate Cllr Lambourne amended his own motion by adding a clarification as to what should happen regarding any vacant Aldermanship. The amendment was widely supported and the new motion therefore advised that the candidate polling the second highest number of votes in the previous Midwinter elections would serve as acting Alderman. It was at this point that things went awry as a well prepared and determined William Trueman stood up to demolish the proposal. "While I am sure that Councillor Lambourne's motion is well meant, and I share his desire to ensure that the city has its full complement of senior figures, I believe that his motion is not fully thought out." He declared; "rushing nominations for sheriffdoms into a single week and then only allowing two weeks for people to consider the candidates, some of which may be a complete surprise, is clearly unwise" He went on to propose the following amendment:

"From this day forth, nominations for the sheriffs' posts should take place by the 1st Heliora, with elections taking place 1st of Menderal. Potential new aldermen should also be proposed by the 1st Menderal with elections, if any, taking place on Midsummer. "

Debate from this point degenerated in to the kind of arcane and near religious discussion which the Witanmoot appears to have when ever it discusses the rules of election. However things got personal when Cllr Lambourne asserted that "Given that it seems inevitable that we shall shortly have a new Lord Chief Magistrate, the prospect of only one Sheriff being in post for a number of months strikes me as highly undesirable." Whist he obviously had not meant to cause offence the Trueman faction went wild and the prospect for reasoned debate receded further. When Jim Bottler, who had clearly had enough, declared his intention to abstain things heated up even further. Feverish tallying of support suggested a close vote and indeed when the amendment was called the vote was drawn at 108 votes for and against. Lady Andrews cast her vote for the amendment and the substantive motion went forward to a similarly drawn result. Lady Andrews then surprised the Witanmoot by casting her vote against the motion on the grounds that it was a significant change in the rules of the city and she did not feel she could approve it on her casting vote.

The new Mercersgate in Portwall continues to proceed at a rapid pace and only the arch remains to be completed. The great gates have already been manoeuvred into position and, barring disasters, it looks as though Jim Bottler's gamble with the weather will succeed. There is however one unfortunate consequence of all this haste. The new gate is undoubtedly the most ugly ever to have been built.

This month's committee elections were strongly contested by all groups. Lambourne and Monterey constantly voted together and fielded 8 votes. With each of the other factions fielding between 4 and 6 votes all the elections were difficult to predict. The battleground turned out to be Law and Order and Welfare and Education where a fierce three way fight ensued. Judi Spich's assertion that "unlike the current incumbent, I intend to uphold of the laws of the city, most notably those regarding the Reshite heresy" caused much consternation. The contest was eventually resolved by a mutually beneficial alliance between Petro Cutario and William Trueman. Indeed in the end there was not a single committee which changed places. This perhaps suggests that thoughts of a new order after the Midwinter elections are rather premature, although it did take the Lord's casting vote to keep Gillian Howe in Eresan. The final result was:

Treasury: Romanie (-)

Trade: Warin (20), Barbiter (4)

Law and Order: Barnett (6), Spich (8), Hastings (10)

Shipping: Osbert (20), Barbiter (4)

Welfare and Education: Saunders (10), Trueman (8), Bergeren (6)

Lands and Agriculture: De Clare (-)

Kerun: Shefford (16), Candever (4)

Orissa: Russell (-)

Eresan: Howe (13), Benton (12)

Cascorach: Merewell (18), Rucche (6)

Western Isles: Flambourd (20), Capel (4)

Late News! Late News! Late News! Late News!

Marcus Lambourne and many prominent members of his faction have been arrested on charges of High Treason. Cllr Lambourne was arrested by Her Highness's guards at the house of Alderman Alan Monterey, where they were lunching with Alderman William Trueman and Sheriff Jenny Davy. Forces from both the Citadel and Witanmoot then rounded the rest of the faction up over the afternoon. As dusk fell groups of shocked citizens gathered at the Mootstone, the Citadel and outside Cllr Lambourne's house. The crowd at the Mootstone roared in anticipation when Alderman Monterey leapt on to the stone to give a speech; however their mood quickly changed when Monterey told them of his deep distress at hearing Cllr Lambourne confess to a number of heinous crimes against the city. "I do not want to believe it, myself", he told them, "but there is no question: Marcus Lambourne is guilty of the most foul treachery against this city and its citizens", He urged the crowd to disperse and to "warn others not to be drawn into protests of support for someone who was no longer worthy of it". Elements of this crowd clearly passed through Faringdon as the crowd there melted away. However at the Citadel things started to look ugly. General Olvini was obviously feeling less interested in explaining matters and the crowd dispersed only when the Citadel gates opened to reveal a company of cavalry mounting up.

The following morning Sheriff Davy issued a brief statement. "Yesterday I advised Princess Selina to arrest Marcus Lambourne. Investigations led by myself, Alan Monterey and William Trueman have revealed that Cllr Lambourne has for some time been engaged in treachery against this city. The details remain secret while our arrests continue, however I can reveal that the assassination attempt against him was proved fake and ordered by Lambourne himself in order to gain support in the elections. Officers of the guard are continuing to search for two mercenaries going by the names of Kiri Goodlake and Greg Henderson who we believe were hired by Cllr Lambourne to murder his bodyguard. Ms Goodlake is over 6ft tall and all information about any women matching her description should be reported to the Witanmoot."

The arrested members of the Lambourne faction are Bernard Hubold, Marcus Lambourne, Bert Belcher, William Scrut, Estelle Wynstanly, Nicholas Worton, Rose Cheping, Eddie Englefield, Emma Chireton, Audrey Wirstan, Janice Travers and Jean Pendleton. Judi Spich and Andrea Barbet were released after questioning.

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 154

Her Highness Princess Selina has continued to recover this month, although the anniversary of the death of Prince Edwin has been very distressing for her. The Princess insisted on attending a memorial service at her husband’s tomb in the Citadel vaults. The stress of the occasion appears to have caused another relapse. Her Highness is reported to have told one fussing Torian that she refused to remain abed upon this solemn occasion. General Olvini marked the anniversary of the declaration of war against the Noord by praising the city for its support in bringing justice down upon the Western Isles, and for its continued strength in the fight to crush the remnants left in Nyskilde.

Much frantic activity has been caused by the sighting of Aralan Derwent within the City. Whilst many have dismissed this as a wild rumour the sudden appearance on the streets of a lot of Witanmoot Guard veterans would suggest that Colonel Aldridge is at least taking the matter seriously. Derwent who was exiled from the City is now “Duchess of Fenny Bridges” under King Kieran and some people have theorised that she must have sneaked back with his entourage and is now stuck in the City. Others have suggested that she is just visiting old friends, although the middle of Winter would appear to be a rather strange time to do this. What quite the Citadel would do with one of King Kieran’s Duchesses should she be caught remains to be seen. However Colonel Aldridge, who was once a great friend of Derwent, has reminded everyone that she was exiled form the City of pain of death and it is a Citizens duty to aid in her arrest. The ex-Sheriff has been sighted at numerous places around the City and particularly in the Ward of Levestone.

The new Mercers Gate in Portwall is proceeding with unseemly haste. The gap in the wall has already been created and a wooden roof and walls have been constructed around the site to enable the craftsmen to work despite blizzards. Rumours are beginning to circulate that Jim Bottler has promised General Olvini that the gate will be finished before the thaw and that dire consequences will ensue if he should fail to deliver.

Maureen Quiller and Irving Grendle have split from the Trueman faction and formed a new grouping which they are calling the “Renewal party”. Cllr Quiller described her unwavering respect for William Trueman and his “continued selfless dedication to the best interests of the city”. However she declared that she needed to becoming independent of him so that she could speak out against the agitators and traitors who were so misleading the people of the city and who had so disgracefully manipulated last month’s elections. Alderman Trueman has refused to comment on the matter.

There were confusing and, at some points, highly worrying scenes at the Torian Temple and Bards College this month. For the first time in many years a fight took place inside the boundaries of the Torian Temple. The Knights Hospitallers closed the Temple precinct for vigils and prayers to be said throughout the night. Reports emanating from those who were within the precincts at the time suggest wild stories of demonic possession. The following day Sheriff Bowden, Sheriff Davy and Ambassador Sir Eridan were all to be found at the office of Master Bard Alethorn, where even wilder rumours claim swords were drawn and dire warnings issued. All participants have firmly denied such goings-on and, indeed appear remarkably unscathed for a fracas of that calibre.

The Goldsmiths guild has once again descended upon the committee accounts and once again been disappointed to discover that they are all in order. Notably Olivia Warin and Alan Monterey failed completely to suppress their smugness when Trade scrolls passed the audit with absolutely no errors. The nominations for the Committee Chairs did not throw up any surprises other than the nominations from Maureen Quiller. Her arrival at the court of Aldermen in order to make the nominations threw up a heated debate from the assembled Alderman, however she was able to demonstrate that, whilst the Witanmoot rules explicitly required nominations for the Sheriffs to be made by Aldermen, no such constraint applied to the committee nominations. Even more fun was created by the bizarre nomination of William Trueman by Marcus Lambourne. This proposal can only be described as mischievous. Even Lambourne’s speech of nomination contained a back-handed attack in its suggestion that Trueman was close to having no committee places; “this nomination may come as a surprise to many, but Alderman Trueman has a very definite flair for this kind of work. I sincerely hope that he will accept this nomination in the spirit in which it is proposed. I would be dismayed indeed to see him prevented from putting his undoubted talents to good use” The proposal was met with a brief silence into which Duncan Barnett’s cry of “disingenuous” broke with devastating effect. The final nominations were:

Treasury: Romanie (Bottler)

Trade: Warin (Monterey), Barbiter (Trueman)

Law and Order: Barnett (Cutario), Spich (Lambourne), Hastings (Trueman)

Shipping: Osbert (Cutario), Barbiter (Quiller)

Welfare and Education: Saunders (Cutario), Trueman (Lambourne), Bergeren (Monterey)

Lands and Agriculture: De Clare (Bottler)

Kerun: Shefford (Monterey), Candever (Quiller)

Orissa: Russell (Cutario)

Eresan: Howe (Bottler), Benton (Monterey)

Cascorach: Merewell (Monterey), Rucche (Quiller)

Western Isles: Flambourd (Monterey), Capel (Quiller)

Cllr Marcus Lambourne has proposed a motion to move the Sheriffs elections: “From this day forth, nominations for the Sheriffs’ posts should take place by Tenthday Firstweek in the month of Jasmarill, with elections taking place on Firstday Firstweek in the month of Heliora.” He explained that the custom and practice of electing the Sheriffs at Midsummer has, on occasion, left the city with only one Sheriff in post for three months of the year and that this was not acceptable given the vital role performed by the Sheriffs. The idea which has been mooted on numerous occasions has previously been sponsored by Alan Monterey and it will be interesting to see if the great aficionado of Witanmoot procedure will seek to amend Cllr Lambourne’s unusually brief proposal. Certainly Cllr Lambourne appeared nervous making the proposal, stating that the “dates suggested are not set in stone” and that he would “welcome reasoned debate and support any reasonable amendment that resulted”. Why Cllr Lambourne, who is not noted for his interest in such things, has suddenly become active in this area is a question which has been asked by a number of people. The general answer appears to be that it gives the shortest possible gap between the stitch-up for the Lordship and any payback for Lambourne in the Sheriffs elections.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 153

Election campaigning has continued unabated this month. Fierce campaigning continued in all of the contested wards with the Bottler Campaign in particular gaining a boost as the clearly secure Cutario faction threw itself into helping his candidates wherever it could. Bottler was also active in backing Cutario and Monterey candidates. William Trueman's faction was clearly overwhelmed by this broad based attack and was hard pushed to defend against this concerted effort and the resurgence of the Lambourne faction. If all of these actions pay off it would seem likely that there will be a new Lord of the City come Springtide.

Marcus Lambourne's campaign lost momentum as he recovered from the shock of the assassination attempt against him. However after a few days a new and more determined Lambourne appeared to hold a major rally in Cripplegate, perhaps sobered by his experience but certainly not bowed. His poignant speech in praise of Peven Waterson his dead bodyguard will be remembered by all who were there. Cllr Lambourne described the risk of assassination as "the price I pay for speaking out when others have tried to stifle me, for speaking my mind instead of someone else's, for asking the questions that no-one else dared to." In a clear challenge to those who had attempted to kill him he went on to declare "It is a price that I pay willingly, and will continue to pay until the last breath leaves my body". But he warned the would be assassins that they could not win. "Cut me down, and another two will leap to take my place. Cut them down and four will come forward to fill their shoes. The people who love this City and who truly care for it will not be cowed by those who lurk in darkened alleys. The people who believe in democracy will not be put to flight by thugs and bully boys. The people who believe in freedom of speech will not be silenced by the assassin's arrow. They will speak out, and will continue to speak out; challenging those who use subterfuge and skulduggery to achieve their aims. Fearlessly, selflessly and tirelessly working to make the Witanmoot, once again, a place where democracy is respected, honoured and upheld. A place where truth and decency are held in proper regard. A place that the thieves, the liars and the ungodly look upon with fear; knowing that they live on borrowed time." The meeting concluded with prayers for the dead man.

Princess Selina has recovered slightly and was even able to leave her bed for a short time. The mood in the Citadel is now cautiously optimistic. The Princess is reported to be delighted with the brief time she was able to spend playing with young prince Sikander and the young prince has certainly appeared happier in the last few days. General Olvini has started preparations to mobilize the army as soon as the weather permits, much to the annoyance of King Kieran who has been unable to contain his frustration at the Generals intention to march north rather than south.

Much to the distress of his family, friends and supporters Cllr Lambourne has refused to hire another bodyguard because he is unwilling to risk another life. However a group of young Lambourne activists calling themselves the "Defenders of Truth" have taken it upon themselves to form an unofficial group to protect him. Lambourne's campaign was given a further boost later in the week when the highly respected Martin Key announced his intention to join the Lambourne faction, an action which clearly delighted Cllr Lambourne.

Despite last months vote preparations have continued for the establishment of a new gate. The Mercers Gate as it is to be known is apparently going to be paid for by private subscription and has the backing of the Citadel. Jim Bottlers construction business will one again be managing the contract and a proud Elliot Anderson was able to ceremonially break the first stone from the wall on the last day of the month.

Late News Late News Late News Late News Late News

The Election results for this year failed to deliver the dramatic changes expected with heavy targeting enabling many of the at risk Aldermen to retain their seats. However Marcus Lambourne was the clear victor of a night which saw his year long campaign against William Trueman pay off as he regained a leading position in the Witanmoot at the expense of the Trueman faction.

In Arpent Hugo Merewell's challenge melted away to give Judi Spich the Aldermanship once again. Whilst in Avigon, Bassishaw and Berewic, Bridge and Cadene the expected victories were delivered to Cutario, Bergeren, Hastings, Saunders and Romanie, although riding the renewed popularity of the Lambourne faction Andrea Beablet gave Richard Saunders a scare. Cartage delivered the closest result of the night where after three recounts Alice Barbiter was declared victorious by a margin of 2 votes. In Castle Bard Gilbert de Clare saw off the challenge from Alison Shefford by a similarly close margin of 15 votes. The Cripplegate contest between Grendle and Hubold turned into a trouncing for the once popular Grendle who was pushed into third place behind Janice Travers as the full weight of the Lambourne faction descended upon the ward. In Dowgate Graeme Porter looks was as expected easily returned as were Thomas Osbert in Dracas and William Trueman in Faringdon. In Ishtan Eliott Anderson beat Eva Capel by 4 votes, and then promptly took her out to dinner. In Kingsgate and Levestone Adam Povre and Alan Monterey achieved there expected victories. As predicted Sam Kutler delivered the most astonishing victory defeating Maureen Quiller by over 100 votes to become the new Alderman of Marshgate. Oldgate and Portsoken returned Barnett and Worton, whilst in Shambles Bert Belcher squeezed ahead of Marie Cripstead to take the seat from Ralf Seagrim. Finally in Welland Jim Bottler victory party was able to start long before the votes were counted.