The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 148

The continued interrogation of the Little Sisters of Sedition produced a full confession and revealed that these Salvoynian-sponsored saboteurs were behind many crimes. Their actions ranged from multiple assassination attempts on leading citizens, debasing the coinage, strategic arson, introduction of addictive drugs, subversion of Citadel servants, leading the Free Trade rebellion, forming the seditious Retribution cult to criminal religious practices. In light of this extensive treachery, Princess Selina decreed that the prisoners be publicly hanged, drawn and quartered. The sentence was carried out on Firstday, Firstweek, and their remains are displayed above the city gates as a warning to other perpetrators.

The trial of Marcus Lambourne, chair of the Law & Order committee, dominated the actions of the Witanmoot this month. After weeks of speculation and gossip, the event itself became a tale of two parts. First came the case for the prosecution, offering a meticulously detailed account of his failures and omission during the course of the investigation into the activities of the Little Sisters. Lambourne's failure to properly oversee the case and order the arrest of the assassins was clearly shown to have endangered the lives of Jim Bottler and his team. So damning did the trail of confusion and woe become that by the end it seemed entirely possible that Lambourne himself was in the pay of the Little Sisters of Sedition. After the recess an entirely different picture was drawn by the Defence. Witness after witness was called forward to attest to Marcus Lambourne's good intentions and fine, upstanding character. Speakers ranged from the authoritative voice of Alderman Monterey to the generosity of Jim Bottler himself, who suggested that the new 'situation' caused problems of communication. In the end it was this argument which won the day for Cllr Lambourne. Lady Ann Tasker ruled him 'not guilty', blaming the incident entirely on "cultural misunderstandings". This reversal seemed to come as a surprise to a few, but Orvini remained impassive, describing the verdict merely as "interesting". Lambourne has declared his intention of remaining as chair of Law & Order.

Cllr William Truman has assisted Olivia Warin in drawing up a revised city budget for the new regime. The loss in tax base has been more than offset by the reduced levy required by Princess Selina, leaving the Witanmoot with a healthy balance to spend. The Chronicle notes with approval the restoration of Linrodeth's much-delayed replacement orphanage and a sweet water supply. New items include a Kerunian embassy and improved fortifications in stone for the city docks.

The Witanmoot may prefer to hold the extra monies in reserve given the newly perilous state of Linrodeth's overland trade. Reports from merchants arriving on the North road recently suggest that a major raid has been staged by the Noord. Whether this is a full invasion is unclear but large areas of land have been devastated and citizens are strongly advised to postpone plans to travel until the situation clears. The large force of cavalry assembled by General Orvini last week, which many believed would be sent to attack Aralan Derwent's force, was instead sent North to secure the Linrodeth approaches. However Aralan may be about to make herself a target after merchants arriving from the East announced that she had fortified Fenny Bridges and raised the levy in that area. Derwent is also blocking the shipment of food into the city and taxing any merchants she does let through at double rate. An official statement from Princess Selina's office commented that "After the last civil war Linrodeth suffered from a number of robber barons. It is a great pity that one of its former citizens has chosen to resort to this."

The midsummer fair was a widely varied, often strange and frequently chaotic event which seems to have been thoroughly enjoyed by the entire city. Despite the constraints imposed by the need to stay within the city walls nearly all the traditional events took place. In addition many wards arranged special activities ranging from pig wrestling to poetry. The focus of events was on in Welland where Princess Selina chose to make her main speech of the day and where the Wellhouse Green became the centre of the main religious festival. Princess Selina used her first major public gathering as an opportunity to praise the actions of Jim Bottler, Benedict Plover, Eddie Englefield, Valindar, Wat Gurney and Bruce Harris in defeating the Little Sisters of Sedition. She went on to present them all with the Order of Merit. She finished her speech by denouncing the tax level demanded by the King and, to the obvious delight of the crowd, proclaimed that she intended to reduce it by a third. The removal of the curfew for the evening was also extremely popular, and the fact that the night passed without serious incident bodes well for a permanent lifting.

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 145

Cllr Jocelyn Barnes has been imprisoned following a lengthy trial at the law courts. Cllr Barnes never denied attacking Sheriff Dixon, however she claimed throughout the trial that her actions were justified on the grounds that Dixon was 'treacherously plotting with the Floating Market against the city'. However Pendentite Torrel (prosecuting) destroyed this accusation and went on to explain how Barnes had deliberately lured the Sheriff to a meeting with her supporters, so that he could be assassinated. The Sheriff had only been saved by the swift intervention of the Witanmoot Guard that he had ordered to follow him. Sheriff Dixon described the sentence as lenient, however the imprisonment has done something to quell the unrest in Dowgate where many observers had feared that a death sentence would have precipitated an immediate riot. Protesters in the ward are continuing to campaign for Barnes' release and many are still calling for Dixon to be tried for treachery.

Matthew Dixon's chances of surviving as Sheriff are deteriorating following a large number of nominations for the post. Apart from Dixon himself, Ariane Pencric, Alan Griffiths, Martin Key and Samuel Ruche have all been nominated. Dixon and Griffiths are clearly the front runners, but Ariane Pencric has the backing of the powerful Drumm faction and may do well, especially considering the deal Larken cut with Lady Perignon during the Lordship elections.

Aralan Derwent has once again disappeared upriver, this time accompanied by Gemma Downe. The purpose of this errand remains a mystery and rumours of a secret renewal of her liaison with Sir Henry Longbridge abound. However more than one wag has seen fit to suggest that she is just taking a summer break away from the chaos her fellow councillors seem to be creating. An alternate theory is that Gemma Downe has gone into hiding whilst she recovers from the embarrassment of nominating Duncan Barnett for Sheriff. This might have been a good choice if it wasn't for the fact that Barnett lost his Aldermanship last year.

Grain shortages continue to be a problem, and may not be alleviated for some time. Recent shipping arrivals concentrated on much needed fruit, and the harvest is expected to be late and patchy. The Dalethians are warning of another bad year and price rises seem almost inevitable. A large group of Avigon hovel holders has already mounted one protest against the proposed price rises and if as expected the Cornmongers raise prices, food riots seem almost certain to happen.

The Treasury proposals for the budget split have caused outrage in the wards of Cripplegate, Faringdon and Avigon where taxes have been reintroduced, and in Oldgate where the levy has been raised to its pre fire level. Guilds throughout the city have also been protesting at the increases in their taxation. Despite these increases many services are still not being provided. Treasurer Alison Shefford told the Witanmoot, "The Treasury committee regards the city finances as still being on an emergency footing, and has attempted to trim all the budget proposals presented. The proposals of the Welfare and Education Committee have been hardest hit, I regret to say, since it is our recommendation that expenditure be maintained in those areas which are an investment in the future of the city". Not satisfied with the outcry against these proposals Alderman Shefford went on to announce that there will be further tax rises in 146 and 147 and that "the Treasury committee is investigating other possibilities for raising money". Despite the protests, many observers are commenting that Alderman Shefford has performed an excellent job in attempting to organise the city's chaotic finances and are surprised that she did not receive a nomination for Sheriff. It is interesting to note that she was scathingly critical of Lady Perignon's agreement with the King over the Dragonfeast, describing it as "not worth a candle". and it may be that she is biding her time for a Lordship bid in 147.

Adam Avery seems to have decided to spend most of his month looking into the recent prison breakout. The councillor has been talking to people throughout the city and has been getting more and more blunt in his questioning and suspicions about the event. Meanwhile, concerned residents of Dracas have been demanding immediate action to recapture Higgins, and at least one murder has already been ascribed to the madman.

Alan Monterey has been relaxing following the hectic budget proposals. Obviously satisfied with the outcome of his consensus building activities, he has taken up a new hobby of wagon counting. The councillor's presence at a number of the city gates is beginning to cause concern amongst the merchant guilds who fear a new wagon tax may be forthcoming. However, a source close to Monterey denied this; "Alan has simply been spending time gaining an understanding of the flow of trade into the city. If other councillors did the same instead of wasting their time getting drunk the City would be in a much better state."

Gax the Heretic has made a rousing speech form the Mootstone demanding that the cities budget be revised to include funding of an orphanage. He told a large crowd, "Alderman Shefford tells us she wants to spend money on investments in the future of the city, and yet once again the vitally needed orphanage goes unfunded. Once again the financiers, guild adventures and traders will benefit from investment of the cities funds whilst its greatest resource goes to waste. The children of the city are where investment needs to be made. In many wards street gangs are forming of the dispossessed, who will become the disenfranchised. If we do not do something about this problem the next generation will curse the current council for their short term thinking and concentration on lining the pockets of their guild paymasters."

The last council session turned into a mammoth event with a huge raft of boring procedural and organisational motions dominated by Sheriff Dixon's 'Definitions of Citizenship' Bill' which was eventually passed with little dissent. After the exhaustion of this, the Avery 'easy payment' proposal was passed by a large margin, mostly with only Larken Drumm summoning up the enthusiasm to complain. Alan Monterey then proposed the creation of two new Trade delegate posts for the Western Isles and Kerun which also didn't raise much comment. Although we suspect this may get more controversial when it comes time to vote on the three hundred pound cost. As the evening approached and with the council in a state of near torpor, Adam Avery made a speech on the importance of land registry in the light of the recent fires and proposed that "By the end of 146 all plots of land in the City of Linrodeth shall be registered in writing at the Witanmoot. Such registration shall define the principal owner and any other co owners of such land. An administrative charge may be made by the Witanmoot for the initial registration and subsequent changes to these records or the inspection of said records". This apparently worthy proposal was about to go through on the nod when George Rimon stood up and asked how much the administrative charge was likely to be. Avery's reply that he had though something around a pound reasonable, caused uproar, with Cllr Rimon bellowing across the room that this was a disgraceful attempt at back door taxation on property ownership, caused many other councillors to wake up. There were speeches from Cllrs Edge and St Lawrence pointing out the stupidity of assigning a principal owner when most houses were owned by couples; there were protest from the wealthy about the cost of registering their own properties; there were protests about the plan to charge for access and so on. Despite the efforts of the various faction leaders to push through this, the councillors weren't going to let it go. Lady Perignon was forced to adjourn the debate until next month.

Lady Perignon is once again suffering a summer illness. However this time the Torians have been unwilling to ascribe the cause of the illness and some people have suggested it may be poisoning. Given that the problem struck the day after the Barnes trial, foul play may be a possibility. However the guard have denied that a poisoning was possible. "All Lady Perignon's food is extensively tasted by a volunteer guard who takes her duty very seriously" they told the Chronicle.

William Trueman seems to be attempting to take on the mantle of the much missed Harry Truestaff. The councillor appears to have decided to blow the profits of his dried rosehip business on a major drinking session. Not wanting to cause any problems in his own ward of Faringdon, he seems to have ended up in Ishtan. Here, along with Captain Eagleview and most of the sailors in the port, he attempted to drink the ward dry. The ensuing debauchery led to a number of unfortunate incidents which the watch proved totally unwilling to deal with. Several citizens have demanded the restoration of the Wharf Guard.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 145

Lady Beatrice Perignon's negotiations with his Majesty the King have resulted in a complicated tribute agreement which commits the city to a payment this year of only £55,000. This agreement has been heralded as a major success by Beatrice's supporters, who say that it vindicates their decision to back her for Lordship. Indeed tax levels this year could even be cut. However, other groupings within the Witanmoot have pointed out that the deal commits the city to a tribute of £60,000 in 146 and £65,000 in 147 and 148. Worse; Lady Perignon has offered the King gifts of £10,000 and £5,000 in 147 and 148 in return for the Dragonfeast being held in Linrodeth. With the delicate budget negotiations in progress most of the faction leaders appear to be keeping a low profile on the issue, however Cllr Richard Saunders told the Chronicle, "Beatrice has really pulled a fast one here, she has bought short term prosperity and personal popularity at the expense of her successor." Gax the Heretic, however, disagreed in a speech from the Mootstone he complimented "Lady Perignon's bravery in accepting liability for the future payments".

The budget proposals from the various committees are currently generating a lot of heat. The Trade budget seems to be forming the main battleground. Alderman Rucche's attempts to restore the budget to pre-fire levels is meeting strong opposition. Alderman Rucche described the consequences of not having his budget passed as "disastrous to the future of the city". Controversy is also centring around the Welfare and Education budget which includes proposals for a city orphanage and for a "five year program to properly re-house all those all those who have properties in the wards that were destroyed". Looking at the proposals, the Chronicle is not convinced that Lady Perignon's agreement with the King is going to come anything like close enough to balancing the budget. Indeed, according to a source close to the Marshgate Wardmoot, secret negotiations are already under way to restore taxation of burnt out wards.

Jocelyn Barnes has been committed for trial on charges of attempted murder. She made an unrepentant speech accusing Sheriff Dixon of Treason and Conspiracy to undermine the city. Meanwhile Sheriff Dixon appears to be attempting to push through the reforms which gained him Jockey's animosity and lost him the Lordship election. He has started this process with a detailed bill proposing definitions of the status of Citizens and Inhabitants of the city. The Chronicle would like to report the controversy around this proposal, however it seems to have met a solid wall of apathy from the other councillors, who are obviously far too worried about the budget to try to define who should and should not be paying taxes.

Adam Avery has come forward with an interesting proposal to reduce the number of debtors held in prison. In a speech from the Mootstone he proposed that the City impose 'easy payment schemes' rather than prison terms. "We have already permitted such a scheme on behalf of Cllr Derwent and I believe we should permit the same for other debtors" he told the crowd. The Chronicle will be interested to know how Cllr Derwent intends to deal with this insult given that she can not duel with the crippled Avery.

An embarrassed Chairman for Law and Order, Ann Tasker, has announced that some prisoners in Cripplegate Prison seem to have pre-empted Cllr Avery's proposals. Apparently some thirty of them escaped when a new guard dropped his keys in one of the cells. Most of the escapees were indeed debtors, however one significant addition was Albert Higgins, who was awaiting execution for the murder of a number of residents of Dracas.

The Spring thaw has relaxed the pressure on food supplies, with many ships arriving in port. However there are continuing shortages of bread which it seems likely will not ease until the harvest. Cllr William Trueman's mystery rosehip supply business seems to have done well out of the fruit shortage (once he convinced people they were edible). William is clearly enjoying his success and a generous donation by him of most of his remaining supplies to the Torian Temple and the residents of Faringdon has done a lot to increase his popularity.

Alderman Alan Griffiths' clearly took his investigations into the activities of Eshi Cyarçon very seriously. The two were seen to be dining at Maud Blessop's and it seemed likely to most observers that the negotiations were likely to continue thorough the night. However the intervention of the Witanmoot guard disrupted his plans somewhat when they arrested his new paramour for a murder committed in Salvoyn. Talus Snapdragon, who was also accused, evaded the guard and escaped over the rooftops, adding to suspicion of their guilt. Things looked to be getting sticky and an execution seemed the likely outcome when Oliver Warin (the then envoy to Salvoyn) intervened to clear the accused. Citizen Snapdragon later handed himself in and was fined five pounds for evading justice.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 145

Sheriff Dixon survived a surprise attack in Oldgate last week when a lone archer, apparently choosing the same vantage point as Cllr Castlemaine's murderer, narrowly missed putting an arrow through Dixon's back. The Sheriff was amongst a group of senior councillors setting out for a Torian service. All displayed remarkable agility for their age and various disabilities, finding cover before a second arrow could be loosed. Apart from bruises and dusty garments, none of the group took any injury apart from the Witanmoot Guard member who had considerately caught the first arrow. Sheriff Perignon, when informed of the incident, displayed genuine horror and concern. "They'll never believe I didn't do it," she said.

The Witanmoot is becoming increasingly concerned at the continued absence of the firewood gathering part that set off up the river well over a month ago. Aside from the problem of fuel for the burnt quarter, Aralan Derwent's friends and followers are voicing fears for her personal safety. The wagons, which will have to come back down the river ice to return to the city, may well be caught by an early thaw. Cynics have commented that Aralan is well used to walking on thin ice.

The distinctive aroma of boiled cabbage has been added to the city's reek now that the stores have been released by the Fruiterers. Although this has provided a cheap and welcome addition to the pottage of many poor householders, the Torians have noted with concern that problems with teeth and skin sores continue to worsen.

Dowgate is in uproar after Cllr Jocelyn Barnes and several members of the watch were arrested by the Witanmoot Guard after an alleged attack on Sheriff Dixon late one night. Residents, while clearly appalled that a local councillor might turn to violence, have noted with suspicion that yet again the Guard 'just happened' to be in the vicinity of the attack, and that those arrested are in isolation at the Torian Temple and are too 'damaged' from the arrest to be permitted to talk to relatives. Wild rumours are flying round of a provoked attack, and of the sheriff either (a) turning the Floating Market into a ward of the city or (b) wanting to remove certain 'difficult elements' from the existing wards so that Floating Market traders can be moved into the city proper.

Alderman Hubold has become the target of some direct legislation to prevent his planned ward reforms. An emergency motion proposed by Adam Avery and seconded by Larken Drum was pushed through council in a surprise move against the Alderman. The motion states, "That the Ward Watches be composed solely of Citizens of the Ward and no other. The members of the Watch shall receive no financial recompense for this work". This effectively means that Hubold will have to disband his current paid watch, and recruit a new one from the citizens. The Aldermen, in a furious speech told the council, "It will lead to blood all over the ward. Normal citizens are no match for the criminals which my watch has been keeping under control. The council's motive for this is disgraceful, the nearby wards are seeing their crime level increase as the criminals move out of Cripplegate. They want to keep the crime in Cripplegate, and sod my residents who will have to cope with their ward becoming a second floating market." Alderman Hubold, however, saved his most strident remarks for Sheriff Perignon; "That pompous bitch just doesn't understand what we are trying to do. We in Cripplegate are at the front line in the fight against crime. As a sheriff she ought to be supporting us. Instead she backed this stupid motion and made snide innuendoes about the legality of what I and my watch are doing. I'm disgusted that she put the need to 'do a good performance' and look good before the election, above her duty to defend the people from crime."

Troubles are beginning to beset the charmed owners of the Half Chance and its exotic cargo. The investigation by Alderman Griffiths and his guild into the activities of Eshi Cyarçon and Talus Snapdragon, have been complicated by the attention of the Salvoynian envoy and the suspicious disappearance of their Imperial interpreter.

Cllr Alan Monterey demonstrated surprising courage when he decided to meet protesters marching against his cess pits legislation. The noisy and near riotous group marched on the Witanmoot to demonstrate their dislike of the legislation by 'shitting in the street'. Alderman Hubold, who led this novel protest, told the Chronicle, "We are trying to show the council the result of their ill-considered law. Poor people are now committing a crime if they dig their own cess pits. Shitting in the street is the only legal thing they can do." Cllr Monterey's strident defence of his legislation, "It's for your own good", did not please the marchers and resulted in him being pelted with some very unpleasant missiles. Cllr Richard Saunders commented to the Chronicle, "The whole thing stinks. The council's really up the creek without a paddle on this one. They just can't admit to themselves that the whole idea was stupid."

LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS!

The Springtide festival dawned bright and clear, and many families took part in the dancing, processions and naming celebrations around the city. People were especially please to see the new flowers and small gardens being created around the little houses and shacks in the burnt quarter. "Ought to do well with all that manure," commented Cllr Rimon.

In a brief announcement to just prior to the elections, Lady Cox has completed by Decree her plans for the Witanmoot Guard. The Guard now has jurisdiction throughout the city and no longer needs to answer to the Alderman of any ward in which they are operating. The Council was stunned into silence, and as yet the only comment on this shocking expansion of the power of the Lord and Sheriffs is Richard Saunders smug, "I told you so". Gax is believed to be considering a legal challenge.

In the closest vote ever recorded Beatrice Perignon has been elected as the new Lord of the City. The victory was achieved due to a last minute switch by a consortium of Larken Drumm and Adam Avery. Initially it was thought that the switch was the result of the exposure of Sheriff Dixon's links with the floating market. However Larken Drumm's decision seems to have been based more on Beatrice Perignon connections with Citadel society and the opinion of the influential Lady Amelia. Grantham Morgan commented to the Chronicle, "It amazes me that Larken can maintain an image as a man of the people, when it is quite clear that his main aim in life is to join the aristocracy." More serious questions are being asked about Avery, a previously adamant supporter of Matthew Dixon. Rumours persist that he has been promised a major shipbuilding contract and a 'large investment' in the Portsoken docklands. "I think it's disgusting that he should let his own re-election chances dominate such an important decision" said one prominent councillor. The Chronicle itself would like to congratulate Lady Perignon on her election, and looks forward to her inaugural ball with interest. The full voting was:

Perignon	Romanie, Dunn, Tasker, Worton, Martel, Pencric, Key, Perignon, Shefford, Fytton, Hastings, Rucche.
Dixon	Anderson, Griffiths, Dixon, Belcher, Horl, Downe, Lambourne, Hubold, Warin, Isenbard, Spitch.

The announcement was delayed both by late voting and many careful recounts. It was followed by an undignified scramble as aldermen and senior councillors simultaneously attempted to offer personal congratulations, conspire to select a second sheriff and nab a front seat for Samantha's wedding.

Lady Cox's long-awaited wedding turned out to be a small, private ceremony held in the Citadel's own shrine, much to the disappointment of the hundreds of well-wishers gathered outside the gates. Shinannon the wellkeeper officiated in a haze of perfume generated by the clumps of primroses, daffodils, celandines, forsythia, broom, hyacinths, crocuses and witch hazel. A few members of the court appeared to be overcome by the occasion. The bride, of course, outshone her surroundings in a trailing silk gown of a most startling yellow. The exchange of names was witnessed by the King and Queen, senior members of their court, seemingly the entire Arbuthnot family, and the city's Aldermanic court. Some noted the complete absence of the bride's family, and the Chroniclers themselves have been unable to track down any close relatives to question on this.

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 145

Speculation is growing as to who will win the Lordship election at Springtide. Despite the pitifully small size of his personal support, Matthew Dixon's long cultivation of the other faction leaders appears to be paying dividends, with a general view forming at the Witanmoot that he will be the next Lord. One highly placed source told the Chronicle "Perignon seams to have upset the powerful Drumm faction which was expected to support her, so that's her chances blown." If this proves to be true and Drumm has switched sides it should mean Dixon will win with a landslide. However Beatrice is never to be underestimated and very few people have come fully off the fence. Interestingly, the time of the election has been moved forward to the early morning to enable the Aldermen involved to get ready for Lady Cox's wedding in the evening. This should mean much late night activity as the final votes are firmed up.

The committee elections proved nearly as farcical as the nominations, with many Aldermen apparently making up their minds at the last minute, and lots of cries of "but you promised to vote for..." resounding around the chamber. Whilst Ann Tasker had a clear victory in the Law and Order election, the Shipping vote turned into a messy three way split, with Eliott Anderson just winning through. Perhaps because so many of the main committees had already been sewn up, the normally simple elections for the emissaries were also hard fought. Robert Beaureli cleanly won the Salvoyn vote, and promptly caused uproar by leaving the Avery grouping (which had just voted for him) to join Beatrice Perignon's faction. For Cascorach, Susan Faithside just beat Miranda Andrews. The Eresan vote was tied. After a tense delay, a messenger returned from the Citadel and announced that Lady Cox would use her casting vote to elect George Rimon. After this excitement, the victory of Alan Carter in the Nyskilde election (in another three way split) was something of an anti climax. The final outcome of the elections has left the newer factions in a strong position with the previously powerful Dixon, Perignon and Derwent factions being overtaken by the Monterey and Avery groupings and the increasingly influential Larken Drum.

Concern is growing over the food situation in the City. Problems continue to be experienced by the Fruiterers, and now the Cornmongers have started rationing supplies so that only bread can be produced. This has lead to protests from the Pastriers who claim it will ruin their business. Once again Alan Monterey has been the only councillor actively pursuing a solution to the problem. Whist others have been indulging in pointless debates and fretting over committee elections, Alan has organised the release of the remaining vegetable stocks. His hard work has been repaid with yet another Alderman joining his faction. Emily Martel told the Chronicle. "I've thought very carefully about which grouping to support, and it seemed to me that Alan is the only person combining radical action with careful management of the city's future."

However all is not well for Monterey. Opposition appears to be growing to the recent cesspits motion which he pushed through council. The motion, which requires all cesspits to be lined with stone, has lead to protests from around the city. Alderman Hubold has taken up the case of the protesters. "It's aright for the Witanmoot to make these worthy motions, but they don't understand that most people can't afford to line their pits with stone. I've told my watch not to bother enforcing the regulation. After all what are we going to do? Tell people to fill their pits in and use the street instead? If the council wants stone that badly they can pay for it".

Preparations for the Wedding of Lady Samantha Cox continues to take place. The event is generating much rivalry amongst the guilds as people jockey for the privilege of supplying the wedding. Sheriff Beatrice Perignon has struck a major coup by gaining the contract to supply the catering. This is a surprise appointment given that the Lordship election will be taking place on the same day. Rumours that some of the Vintners most hallowed supplies are to be opened up have further fuelled competition for invitations.

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 145

A bejewelled and glittering Lady Cox, clearly enjoying her role, opened the first meeting of the new Court of Common Council. Although lively, the proceedings were frequently disrupted by the large numbers of new councillors requiring explanations, order papers, advice on procedures or directions to the garderobes. Progress was further delayed by the many veterans who were absent from the main chamber as they intercepted key figures for recruitment in what has been described as a "feeding frenzy in the corridors of power". A number of well-known names have found new political homes in the wake of the elections. These include Sharon Brehon, Alan Griffiths, Gibian Horl, Bernard Hubold, Samuel Rucche, Alison Shefford and Olivia Warin. Back in the chamber Cllr Alan Monterey took the floor, looking surprisingly chipper after a Midwinter feast so dedicated to the promotion of his craft. "May I congratulate Lady Cox on her engagement? She deserves our thanks for her selfless devotion to the city over these past years. I am sure that her wise governance and handling of our recent troubles (what about the bread riots' shouted newcomer Alderman Rucche) will stand her in good stead in her future married life", continued Monterey doggedly. He then went on to make a rather optimistic plea for continuity in the committees. "Many improvements to our lives and the city's well-being have come from having the same steady hands directing the affairs of the various committees. There is little chance of such improvement when we continually change direction and vote in different committee heads ‘except of course to remove those who have fulfilled their duties."''

Cllr Drumm was summoned (or dragged in from the corridors) next. Ignoring past events and Lady Cox entirely, he placed an emergency motion before the Council.

That those nominated by Larken Drumm, in consultation with the chairman of Lands & Agriculture, be allowed to gather firewood from the city's forests, in the form of dead wood. That as little damage as possible is done. That there be proper working parties, with verderers to supervise. That the whole forest be available so as not to concentrate the work to the detriment of a small area. That the working parties be small and organised properly to minimise harm to and disturbance of the forest as a whole.

He continued, in a clearly emotional voice, to offer thanks for the success of his earlier firewood expedition. "The city owes a debt of gratitude to Sheriff Dixon, whose selfless generosity has doubtless saved the lives of many who suffered grave losses last year in my ward and others. For myself, I can only say that I feel privileged to have encountered and been able to assist such generosity." The stunned silence which followed this endorsement was disturbed only by the sound of Lady Cox casually stirring her tea.

Cllr Derwent next took the floor, to ostentatiously deliver the sum of one guinea to Cllr Phred Marcos, as required by last month's council motion. Equally deliberately, the Grosser's treasurer immediately handed the entire sum to a nearby Mandatien as a donation to Hahn. Before further speeches could be made, Lady Cox decided to quickly move the council business onto the important matter of nominations. The results were as follows:

Aldermen Shefford, Pencric and Downe were therefore elected unopposed. The chairmanship of Welfare & Education became the surprise appointment of Lady Cox, a development which turned her smile of amusement into something rather more predatory. After summoning all four new aldermen in turn to the dais for a whispered interview, Lady Cox appointed the now white Alderman Rucche to the post.

Attempts by Cllr Aralan Derwent to take the firewood collecting expeditions under more official control ran into a number of logistic setbacks. Exhortations to crowds in the burnt wards, to join a prolonged journey up the river for enough willow coppicing to last the entire winter, went down well enough. The problem came as the harried councillor tried to muster sufficient wagons for the trip, only to discover that first all the grossers' wagons, and then subsequently all the vintners', had been called in to the guild yards for an overwinter 'safety check'. Further visits to borrow wagons off the skinners and mercers revealed that these had already been taken by Cllr Larken Drumm, who had also acquired the bulk of the eager crowds. As the massive caravan disappeared up the iced-over river, Cllr Derwent finally gathered a half dozen wagons from the cornmongers, some willing latecomers and a few remaining verderers still hungover from Sheriff Dixon's party, and set off in hot pursuit. A bemused Cllr Drumm, watching her progress from the warmth of the Witanmoot belltower commented, "I had no idea. If only the poor lass had said something". "Always was an impetuous filly," added Cllr Rimon.

The guild of Fruiterers has sent official notice to the Witanmoot that supplies of preserved fruit and stored vegetables are at an all time low, and that stocks are unlikely to last another month. Trade has been temporarily suspended to prevent a run on goods, and to give the Council time to decide whether to release the city stock, impose rationing, fixed prices or some other response. Cllr Fulcher commented, "There's no cause for alarm yet, I'm sure that there cabbage mountain got in last autumn will go a long way to getting us through the winter."

Alderman Hubold has taken decisive leadership in Cripplegate, issuing a spate of new appointments and streamlining the watch rota. According to the new alderman, the recent measures are aimed at freeing up citizens' time so that they can concentrate on renewing their businesses. Most citizens feel that this has been successful experiment, with clear improvements in law and order around their ward, as well as extra free time. A few sceptics, most of whom have lost out in the appointments, continue to make dark mutterings about new-fangled, undemocratic quangos. Alderman Hubold has hinted that tax reforms may be next for review, and hoped that a generous budget from the Witanmoot would help him to improve conditions in his ward.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 144

A fire wood collection organised by Larken Drumm has eased the fears of many of the people who were short of fuel for the winter. A large body of people left the burn out wards and manhandling converted wagon/sledges forced their way up the frozen river and through the snow. The event has however called into question Sheriffs Matthew Dixon's ability to hold the office of Lord following the revelation that the collection had concentrated almost exclusively on the woodlands owned by Sheriff Dixon. Apparently Matthew has nearly all his capital invested in coppices and woods around the city, and their destruction may bankrupt him if he needs to raise funds quickly. Cllr Drumm, a known supporter of Sheriff Perignon, claimed that it was not a deliberate attempt to secure the Lordship of the city, and that the move was in fact at Sheriff Dixon's suggestion.

Lively debates punctuated the final session of the current Court of Common Council as it met to discuss the matter of Alderman Derwent's fine. A fine speech from Aralan herself explained that a guinea a year was as much as she could afford, although she thanked Lilith for her "sudden interest" in these matters. The debate then went rapidly downhill as councillors sought a pre-election platform, and it was rounded off by Adam Avery's contribution; "She's doing a bloody good job. Stop knocking Aralan, you bastards", which definitely brought the debate back to basics. At the vote the amendment failed by 95 votes to 147, and the substantive motion was then carried by 153 votes to 116. It was noticed that the main opponents to the motion were the Grossers, Perignon's faction and, surprisingly, much of Aralan's faction. A subsequent motion by Cllr Monterey, over lined cesspits, was speedily passed without obstruction.

The highlight of an extravagant Yuletide ball at the Citadel was Lady Samantha Cox's announcement of her engagement to Earl Arbuthnot, and her intention to marry at Springtide. The resulting ennoblement will mean that she will be no longer able to continue as Lord of the city and a straight election between Sheriffs Dixon and Perignon will decide the next Lordship. Lady Samantha told the Chronicles "To cease to be able to directly serve the city I love will be a great loss to me. However, I intend to spend much of my time at the Citadel, where I will continue my advise to his Majesty that all his decisions should be to the benefit of his capital and its undoubtedly loyal citizens". Lady Cox went on to explain that she has postponed the announcement for some time as she did not wish it to affect the Midwinter elections. Earl Arbuthnot has extensive and valuable lands to the North East. It is rumoured that his influence within the Royal Court vanished in an unfortunate incident some years ago, and that his political career has needed taking in hand for some time.

LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS!

The midwinter elections have thrown the existing political alignments into chaos, and the outcome of the forthcoming committee and lordship elections is currently anyone's guess. After a year of heavy tax increases, food shortages, fire, riot and martial law, a severe backlash against all the existing councillors has left many without seats. In Berewic a bitter fight between Lilith Lansdowne and Aralan Derwent caused both the Sheriffs to throw their full efforts into that ward. On election night this resulted in a dramatic finish which went to not one but two recounts, and resulted in the astonishing confirmation of scrivener Mary Hastings as the new alderman. Mary's solid concentration on local grass roots issues seems to have caught both major factions unawares. In Cartage Osgeard Dunn took the Aldermanship from Miranda Andrews by a narrow margin. In the burn out wards almost complete new Wardmoots have come into being with Faithside, Carter, Du Bolay and Barnett all losing their seats to 'unknowns.' In Avigon Susan Faithside suffered a stunning defeat, being thrust into sixth place, with Larken Drum coming in second and the Aldermanship going to Samuel Rucche. Alan Carter has been replaced by Bernard Hubold, Du Bolay has not only lost the Aldermanship to Judi Spich but nearly lost his place on the council completely, and Duncan Barnett is replaced in Oldgate by Emily Martel. Other victims include the emissary to Cascorach Malcolm Mowbray, whose decision to overwinter in Cascorach has proved too much to defend when his faction also had to hold off a strong challenge to Alison Shefford from Sue Quinn and Vanessa St Lawrence. Richard Firethorn has also retired from the council, having suffered continuing poor health since his inhalation of smoke during rescue efforts in the Great Fire. In all this chaos, a few Aldermen somehow managed to emerge unscathed. In Faringdon Marcos Lambourne defeated a strong challenge by Maud Blessop. Alice Fytton retained her large share of the vote despite a vigorous challenge by Mary Clifford. The Chroniclers would also like to welcome new councillor William Trueman of Faringdon, whose stirring speeches on the Mootstone last month were obviously well remembered by citizens.

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 144

The relative peace of the council chambers has again been disturbed by protesting citizens. The protests, so far conspicuously peaceful, have been by people demanding more money to spend on increasing the stores in the city's granaries. Sue Quinn, speaking to the Chroniclers yesterday, allowed that the grain stores were still marginal and that a prolonged winter might cause problems. "Despite this, I do pledge that the guild will do all it can to maintain the current price of a penny farthing a loaf." Amongst the protesters, opinion was strongly divided over the role of Aralan Derwent, with some grateful for her intervention in the negotiations with Salvoyn, and others saying that she could have got more from other sources, and yet others criticising her recent disposal of good grain in return for stores of greens and other cattle fodder.

The ambiguity is reflected by their elders within the council chambers where councillors were once again debating Derwent's fine for damage to Reg Marc's business. A new motion was proposed by Cllr Adam Avery, "That, in accordance with Lady Cox's wish, the Court of Common Council permit Aralan Derwent to pay the fine over time with a minimum of a guinea per year. The payment will be restricted to Aralan Derwent herself, and not the heirs of her estate." Several strongly worded protests by indignant councillors on Reg Marc's behalf were quieted after a compromise was proposed by Cllr Lilith Lansdowne. "Out of fairness to both Aralan and Reg, I would like to amend Adam's motion by deleting 'one guinea' and replacing it with £5".

Rumours abound of a major cover up at the Witanmoot following the apparent theft and recovery of the city regalia. Sheriff Matthew Dixon was, despite his illness, drafted in to sort out the problem and is believed to have led a pursuit into the countryside. Matthew returned a few days before the guard who had accompanied him, bearing the regalia of the Lord of the city. along with his own Sheriff's sword. However all suggestions that anything at all happened are being strenuously denied. The only comment which the Chronicle has been able to get was when our reporter caught Sheriff Dixon in an unguarded moment and got him to admit that he, "could become accustomed" to the feel of the Lord's sword.

Sheriff Beatrice Perignon has reappeared on the political scene and confounded those who had been claiming that she was near death with a mysterious wasting disease. Beatrice has been seen in many parts of the city rallying her faction and campaigning hard in the run up to the Midwinter elections. She has been most in evidence in the ward of Berewic where her faction has strong hopes of unseating the much troubled Alderman Aralan Derwent.

A number of mysterious deaths have been linked to an arcane scroll which has now been confiscated by the Bards college. Brad Hardacre, a well known shipwright of Bridge, literally disappeared in a column of flame whist working at the dockyards. Rumours persist of a similar fate being suffered by a student at the Bards college. Brad's family has now disappeared, apparently taking with them a large haul of ancient silver which had been found with the scroll. Apart from these strange events the annually prophesied destruction of the city failed to materialise, with the night of the Ghostmoons passing uneventfully.

One surprise item which is selling well in the run up to the Midwinter feast and elections is a new range of dolls depicting the two Sheriffs of the city. The manufacture, Bill Gowther of Oldgate, told the Chronicle, "quite a few people are buying them for their kids. I'm thinking of expanding the range to include other notable citizens, but the cost of the first doll is quite high. So who gets produced may well depend on whether I can get some commissions." Bill refused to be drawn on which of the two Sheriffs was selling better.

The Winter snows have hit the city with a vengeance. Following the prolonged summer a storm blew and dumped several feet of snow on the city during a single day. The weather has now settled down to a more normal pattern but may unwary people have been left trapped in the surrounding villages by the unexpected blizzard.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 144

Watchers and members of our worthy Witanmoot were caught by surprise when Lady Samantha Cox announced an amnesty for all those involved in the recent trading riots, except the instigators. After a month of relatively peaceful protests at the mootstone, and innumerable 'special pleadings' in the courts, the move has done much to restore calm in the blackened wards. In the official statement Lady Cox declared, "This has been an inglorious episode, which I hope the city will quickly forget. To this end I am announcing a full amnesty for all rioters bar those who were the ringleaders. The fate of the ringleaders however, I will take a personal interest in." Commentators were also taken aback when the amnesty was announced from the Citadel, where Lady Cox appears to have taken up residence. Persistent investigation by the Chroniclers has uncovered the exclusive news that most of Lady Cox's retainers at her Oldgate residence have been given notice, and many trunks of personal belongings have been transferred to her official apartments at the Witanmoot.

Quietening the burnt wards appears to be the main occupation of councillor Larken Drumm, who is trying to speed up the work of the Guilds most affected by the fire, and persuading them to expand the apprenticeship programme to include adult and unskilled workers. This has drawn some considerable criticism from merchants in other quarters of the city, who fear that longstanding arrangements for their own children could be jeopardised. Resident have also been pleased to see a large donation of wood from the Shipwrights Guild. Despite muttering from councillor Adam Avery about "firewood stocks", a good portion of it has already vanished to complete shelters before the winter storms, which should be due any day now.

More disruption at the Citadel where, it seems, the contents of the ship Half Chance are being bargained for in a series of private showings. This seems to be causing much frustration amongst the Mercers and Grossers guilds who were expecting the choicest deals. Amongst the perfumes, spices and artwork, the fiercest bidding seem to be over the bolts of iridescent silk and the exotic fashion styles of Eshi Cyarçon. One particularly vicious skirmish is said to have involved Lady Cox over ownership of the bolt of emerald silk which matched the gem on her chain of office. The Lady Therese FitzGerald was only persuaded to back down after the relative size and proximity of their respective armies were raised.

A sudden fire has scorched a corner of the taproom at the Dancing Bear in Welland. Alert drinkers (such as there were) improvised on firefighting until Erik Dragonsbane arrived with buckets of water. Relieved regulars congratulated Erik on his prompt action, but have complained about the small group of affluent customers drinking there as the fire broke out. They are believed to be especially concerned at the presence of one small, stumpy character who bore a striking resemblance to Talus Snapdragon.

A spokesperson for the Temple of Torus has confirmed a statement by councillor Alan Monterey that many wells in the burnt wards are contaminated, and are the probable cause of a fever which has been lingering in those wards. Cllr Monterey has issued a further proclamation that all wells are to be closed in that area, pending clearance by the Witanmoot Guard. Rumours that the good councillor has even more unpleasant clean up duties in line for the Guard have not been confirmed.

Alderman Aralan Derwent is believed to have sent members of the Lands & Agriculture committee out to re-negotiate to grain tithe to the city. Disgruntled members have been disappearing out into the wild blue yonder for the past few weeks. The Chroniclers only hope that the roads will hold until both they and the wagons can return.

The last ship to arrive in harbour before the winter storm is the Black Banshee captained, inevitably, by one Eagleview. Crewmembers unloading the cargo of wines and wool have commented on the fair weather around the estuary, which is in contrast to the snow already falling in other lands. Captain Eagleview, disgusted at such an easy run, is believed to be in the Temple of Esprayenna doing penance.

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 144

Fears that martial law would be re-imposed following the civil disorder recently witnessed in the Ward of Cripplegate, are beginning to recede. Reports on the reasons for this incident are confused, but what is clear is that, following Adam Avery's motion to restore guild controls to the burnt out wards, the Witanmoot Guard began closing down a number of businesses in the Cripplegate area. Within a few days large gatherings were taking place, with local residents complaining at the closure of a number of bakeries and the death of one protester, shot in the back by the guard. The protesters set up barriers to prevent access by the guard to the area and declared it free of guild law. The 'Free Trade' leader Jasmine told the Chronicle, "People are starving to death here. We just cannot allow the fat cats of the Witanmoot to close down bakeries and murder shopkeepers, simply to protect the profits of their guild paymasters." The following morning the guard, assisted by a large body of citizens from other wards, launched an all out attack upon the ward of Cripplegate. Dozens of people were killed in the ensuing fight, although the guard suffered no casualties. The Chairman for Law and Order, Marcus Lambourne, said after the fight, "It is regrettable that a number of people have died. However we must remember that these scum were criminals, who were protecting illegal traders from the Law." It is believed that some of the ringleaders of the rebellion escaped. Our correspondent spoke to someone who was near the rebel headquarters throughout the incident. They described how a crack unit of the Witanmoot troops launched the final assault: "It was deadly. The people didn't stand a chance against them. There was indiscriminate arrow fire mowing down anything that moved. The few people who tried to defend themselves were cut down almost instantly. Nobody ever tried to talk to us. All we wanted to do was to work, so we could feed ourselves".

The arrival of the ship Half Chance has caused consternation amongst merchants of the city. The ship, a converted Corsair, was laden down with valuable and exotic items from the Empire of the Inner Sea. Travelling on the ship were the renown dressmaker Eshi Cyarçon, notorious apothecary Talus Snapdragon, unorthodox trader Raven Lindis, and a number of other people whom it was thought had perished in the City States. Rumour has it that this group have travelled to the very heart of the Empire of the Inner Sea, and the possibility of such a lucrative shipping route opening up is bound to cause major shifts within the Grocers Guild. Commenting upon their return to the city Raven told the Chronicle, "It's good to be home again. Although Linrodeth looks different from what I remember, and I'd forgotten about the smell. It certainly brings tears to my eyes".

It seems that new Councillor Alan Monterey has taken Raven's comments to heart. Our newest Councillor has been seen sneaking around the city wells and pouring the water into perfume bottles. Personally the Chronicle does not think he's onto much of a winner and anyway, with the crackdown on non guild trading, it seems rather risky for this Vintner to venture out into the realms of the Apothecaries. Alternately he may have caught the Firethorn madness and plans to make us drink the stuff.

The continuing illness of both Sheriffs, and the prolonged absence of Lady Cox at the Citadel has left the city council pretty much to its own devices. However, apart from passing the Avery/Drum motion on non guild trading, our councillors' don't seem to be taking much advantage of this. Indeed they have been nearly falling over themselves in their desire to do nothing. Their most noticeable inaction has been to ignore Lady Cox's instruction to consider mitigating the effects of Aralan Derwent's sentence. Apart from a brief speech by Alan Monterey to attack Lady Cox's sentence, poor Alderman Derwent has been left to fend for herself. Perhaps they are not as upset at her potential demise as they would have us believe?

The Harvestide festivals were a subdued affair in some areas. As more detailed reports come in from the Daleth temples, it is becoming clear that those farmers who took the risk of a late second planting have reaped a rich rewarded. The continuing good weather has led to a successful crop and concerns over mass starvation are now receding. The good weather is now breaking up, with odd pockets of frost appearing in some parts of the city.