The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 143

The budget debate, which many had expected to be one of the most contentious and aggressive battles seen at the Witanmoot for some time, turned out to be mere farce. A last minute compromise thrashed out between Alderman Shefford and Cllr Avery threw the council into chaos as many late arriving councillors stood up to denounce Alderman Shefford's budget and support Cllr Avery's only to discover, through the barracking of the better informed, that they were now one and the same thing. Alderman Dixon added to the chaos by calling for a separate vote on passing the control of the Wharf Guard to the Witanmoot. After a lengthy and largely futile debate on the floor, both the vote on the Wharf Guard and the single budget were passed overwhelmingly. New councillor Larkin Drumm expressed his disgust at the procedure, describing the new budget as "ill considered and poorly conceived". Nonetheless most people in the city will be pleased to discover that their 3d tax cut is confirmed, although guildsmen may be less pleased with the 6d guild rate rise.

Aralan Derwent's and Ann Tasker's investigation into the Septer disappearance, has come up with the startling revelation that Armundus Septer escaped normally, without the influence of arcane magics or mysterious assassins. Aralan told the Chronicle, "I believe that Armundus Septer walked out of the Cripplegate prison in the company of his assistant. Any person knowing the whereabouts of Peter Fluke, former oddjob man to Armundus Septer, please come forward to myself or Alderman Tasker." Cllr Derwent refused to comment on rumours that members of his faction were involved in the escape, arguing that it would be wrong to bring charges that she could not prove. Chairman Lansdowne has announced an immediate investigation into security at the Cripplegate prison.

The Skinners & Leathersellers Guild has (not too politely) been told what to do with their request to the city for compensation. Chairman for Lands and Agriculture Gemma Downe told the Chronicle, "This is one of the most ludicrous proposals I've come across in some time. Of course the city has an obligation to prevent banditry in the surrounding area, and matters are already being taken to deal with the problem. If the Skinners are too stingy to hire enough wagon guards, then that's their problem not ours."

The Archimandrite remains seriously ill, and it would appear by the continuous stream of Plenipotentiaries arriving from the outlying Duchies, that hopes for his recovery remain low. Pendentite Antonious told the Chronicle, "We are all praying to Hahn for the Archimandrite's recovery, and it is only right for us to gather near to him in his moment of need".

Preparations for the Dragonfeast are continuing apace, with the council voting through an unprecedented £1000 funding for the project. This looks set to be one of the most lavish shows the country has ever seen. Indeed it would appear that having decided to spend such a large sum, our councillors are stuck for ideas on what to do with it. One person with some advice for them has been Gax the Heretic, although quite how "regenerating the rotting educational infrastructure, and liberating the downtrodden from the chains of ignorance" is meant to help us enjoy the Dragonfeast remains to be explained. Citizens with novel suggestions are encouraged to lobby their local councillors and Alderman for sponsorship.

Following the budget debacle, Cllrs Avery and Drumm are to meet in a duel next month. A combination of Cllr Avery's sudden budget capitulation and Cllr Drumm's scathing condemnation of this has led to the two seeking to have their honour satisfied.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 143

Alderman Shefford's first budget as Chairman of the Treasury is the most controversial for many years, although undoubtedly popular as a 3d tax cut is proposed for citizens. Because of this many long established committee funds have been slashed and traditional areas of spending are called into question. Particularly hard hit is the Shipping budget, which funds the elite Wharf Guards who are trained to fight both on land and water. Alderman Shefford commented, "The Wharf Guard has long been an excuse for members of the wards of Portsoken and Ishtan to have a well paid retirement. I was shocked to discover that they cost over twice as much as the Witanmoot Guard and am proposing that they be disbanded immediately and their duties subsumed into an appropriately expanded Witanmoot Guard. It is my belief that this will provide the docks with greater security as well as saving the city over £200 a year. The existing increases to the Witanmoot Guard remain in place, and Lady Cox continues to take a personal interest in its restructuring.

The Citadel has officially confirmed that the King will be holding court in Linrodeth for the Dragonfeast. Lady Samantha Cox and other senior members of the Witanmoot are busy meeting Guildmasters to thrash out arrangements for the holiday and, hopefully, to prevent a subsequent increase in plague victims. As part of the budget, an entirely new fund has been created for this year's Dragonfeast. Alderman Shefford explained, "I believe that the citizens of Linrodeth will be honoured to assist in repaying His Majesty's confidence by making this one of the best Dragonfeast festivals ever held".

The Skinners & Leathersellers Guild is still in uproar after learning that Oakley Goodwin's caravan was ambushed by bandits barely two dozen miles from Linrodeth's city walls. The caravan contained furs and skins from Nyskilde, and was one of the first due in after the winter. The goods were vandalised but not taken by the outlaws. The Chronicle understands that the Guildmaster has already demanded compensation of £67 from the city coffers for damages to the company's assets.

The Hahnite Temple is in an extreme state of tension due to the continued illness of the Archimandrite. Extra services and prayers for his recovery are being held in the main temple, although the priests refuse to comment upon the state of their esteemed and very elderly leader, the absolute head of the Hahnite order throughout Athion. The Archimandrite receiving regular weekly visits from the King, and extra guard have been positioned along Wheat Hill and Temple Hill for the duration. Perhaps the best indicator of the seriousness of the illness are rumours of the impending arrival of some of the nearer Plenipotentiaries.

The melting of the river has started the annual sinking of part of the Floating market. At one stage it was looking to be particularly effective as most of the upstream part of the market began to break up. This turned out to be unduly optimistic, however, as the swarming boats proceeded to re-form a completely new set of island and rafts over the next two days. Despite the fears of the onlooking citizens, the whole event settled down without more than the usual number of deaths and injuries over disputed territory. More worrying are the reports that the Witanmoot Guard have been seen supplying food to the Toddman section of the market.

LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS!

The results of the Lordship elections are as follows:

Samantha Cox	12	(Anderson, Barnett, Carter, Cox, Downe, Faithside, Griffiths, Isenbard, Romanie, Shefford, Tasker, Warin)
Beatrice Perignon	9	(du Bolay, Bowden, Dixon, Horl, Lambourne. Lansdowne, Perignon, Portman, Worton)
Alan Griffiths	3	(Andrews, Belcher, Fytton)

The Chroniclers would like to congratulate Samantha Cox on her re-election to this august post.

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 143

This year's committee elections have seen some of the closest contests ever, with Marcus Lambourne, Alan Carter and John Madigan taking the Law and Order, Shipping and Nyskilde seats by very narrow margins. The contests for Treasury and Salvoyn produced resounding victories for Alison Shefford and Arianne Pencric. Whilst clear wins were also recorded by Ann Tasker for Welfare, Jemma Downe for Lands & Ag and Mark Bergeren for Eresan. The full voting is recorded later in this Chronicle.

The committee results evidence a major shift of power within the Witanmoot, with Harry Truestaff and Adam Avery both gaining significant influence at the expense of Beatrice Perignon and Malcolm Mowbray. Aralan Derwent and Matthew Dixon seemed content to consolidate last year's gains. Miranda Andrews, the only Alderman in the Drumm faction, missing the powerful Law & Order chairmanship by only one vote. In the other two close votes the defection of Melanie Romanie to the Truestaff grouping proved decisive, and confirms Truestaff's position as a major power. The result of this realignment is a much more balanced council, with each of the major factions controlling a committee. The Treasury budget will no doubt see a significant amount of horse trading, and in the power gap left by the demise of the Justice League and the collapse of the Perignon faction, it will be interesting to see what new alliances are formed.

Malcolm Mowbray spent much of the campaigning time chasing round after an alleged conspiracy against himself and Beatrice Perignon. With his usual tact he managed to upset nearly every other councillor and undoubtedly strengthened their resolve to pack him off to Cascorach as soon as possible. Rumour has it that at one stage Mowbray was seen seen being dragged back into his house after heading off to duel with the Crimson Councillor clad in chainmail and carrying a very large sword. Although the Mowbray camp is strongly denying the whole incident, we expect to see a flurry of guard hiring within the Witanmoot.

The Floating Market appears quiet following last month's violence, and the guard have been reduced to the normal levels. The political repercussions are still being sorted out and a strong lobby had been formed by some of the councillors in the wards of Bridge and Dowgate arguing for the destruction of the Market. Cllr Saunders of Bridge has been its most outspoken proponent arguing that, "Paying to increase the Witanmoot Guard has been about as useful as throwing the money in the Ishtan." He went on to describe the guard as, "a bunch of cowardly, overpaid fairies", and demanded that if they were unwilling to do the job themselves, they should get out of the way and let the people burn the market down. A spokesman for the guard would only comment, "We know where he lives".

Cllr Saunders additional remarks about Lady Samantha Cox appear to have landed him even deeper trouble with a number of people, including a couple of knights from the Citadel, queuing up for the privilege of defending her honour. Lady Samantha has however refused to be drawn into the mud slinging. She has instead written to the wards of Dowgate and Bridge asking if Cllr Saunders representations should be taken as a formal request to withdraw the protection of the Witanmoot Guard from those Wards. Cllr Aralan Derwent has shocked the city society by venturing into the Floating Market. A disbelieving Witanmoot Guard report that she and her bodyguard, Brytewine, entered the market by the bridge stairs and then headed for the area of last month's major battle. Several hours later, just as the Guard were beginning to organise a gratuitously violent rescue mission, they both re-emerged. By this stage Aralan was holding a large bundle of stinking rags, and her red-headed bodyguard was holding off a large pack of besotted Nordic warriors. Both went immediately to the house of Alderman Ann Tasker, who later explained that the rags were the remnants of clothes worn by Armundus Septer at the time of his 'disappearance' in prison. Ann told the Chronicle, "This is the first major clue to the circumstances of Armundus' death, and finally puts an end to the ludicrous story of his escape by magic. The fact they were recovered from the market, and the subsequent 'disappearance' of his two prison guards, clearly indicates the involvement of criminal elements. The same criminal elements who were responsible for the riots for which he was framed."

The Chairmanship Voting

Treasury

Law & Order

Shipping

Welfare & Ed

Lands & Ag

Salvoyn

Nyskilde

Eresan

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 143

The first day of the new year saw a major breakout of violence within the Floating Market. A large and bloody battle appears to have taken place between the forces of the Toddman and Skillet with both sides appearing to have hired mercenaries. The Witanmoot Guard were quickly on the scene and all accesses to the market were closed. By mid morning the King's Archers had deployed onto the wall and with their arrows raining down, the market was finally calmed around midday. The following day saw many requests from the councillors and citizens of Bridge and Dowgate that the market be put to the flame. Lady Samantha refused all of these requests, and made it quite clear that she saw the Witanmoot's responsibility being to stop the fight spreading. Some citizens attempted to take the matter into their own hands but, with the King's Rangers shooting anything that moved near the market, they were soon dissuaded. At one point a fire did break out, but this appears to have been contained. It is rumoured that during this confusion, Draco, crimelord of the Cursos was killed by a Solistel assassin, although the Chronicle has been unable to confirm this. On Fifthday, with no further incidents having occurred, the King's troops withdrew and this almost immediately precipitated a resurgence in violence, with fights breaking out in the Babel area and a general mobilisation taking place through the rest of the market. However, whilst the Council debated whether or not to request the return of the troops, further action within the market seems to have taken place. At noon on Seventhday the bloody head of Skillet was displayed at the edge of the River Dow. This seams to have had a near instant calming effect on the whole area, with the Toddman regaining control of the entire Athion area. No further incidents have been reported.

This year's committee elections look set to see one of the hardest fought contests for some time with major posts, such as Treasury and Law and Order, having three or four nominations. The only exceptions are Nicolas Bowden's uncontested election to Trade and the embarrassingly widespread support for sending Malcolm Mowbray to Cascorach. The full nominations were as follows:

In between campaigning to have their people elected and making pronouncements on the Floating Market, our councillors have spent much of their time swapping between the various factions in the aftermath of the elections. George Rimon has moved to the Mowbray faction, where we suspect his blunt speaking will be much at home. Meanwhile the increasingly mobile Gibian Horl has switched to the growing Truestaff group; and a major scare was caused when Suzan Faithside, rising star of the Mowbray camp, was seen in deep discussions with Miranda Andrews, who has been carrying out a powerful recruitment campaign on behalf of Larken Drumm.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 142

The motion to increase the Witanmoot Guard has been passed by an overwhelming majority, bringing the Guards' full complement up to 75. Lady Samantha Cox has expressed delight that her motion gained so much support and went on to tell the Chronicle, "This is an excellent result and proves once and for all the Council's ability to make difficult decisions decisively". The Chronicle, whilst not wishing to argue with Her Ladyship, suspects that the decision had more to do with the fact that none of the councillors dared risk upsetting the guard. We have noted many privately voiced reservations. Many citizens fear more interference with the ward watches and the use of the Witanmoot's troops to crush dissent. It will be interesting to see if our rulers can resist the temptation to use the personal army they are creating.

His Majesty King Edmund has announced his intention to hold the Dragonfeast Council at the Citadel. Any person wishing to seek audience with him should approach Lord D'Assarn, who will be administering the lottery. In celebration of the day the King has announced a major tournament and has declared that a special archery contest will take place in which a team from each of the four great cities, Linrodeth, Salvoyn, Eresan and Cascorach, will compete with a team from the Kings Rangers. Acting Guildmaster Helen Kreft has announced that all citizens interested in representing the city should apply initially to the Bowyers Guild.

Miranda Andrews and Olnorth Dexter are delighted to announce the birth of their son, Oliver George Alexander Wesley, on Sixthday Secondweek during the early hours of the morning. Both mother and son are described as 'vociferous and lively', although Olnorth is looking a little tired nowadays. Olnorth has recently shocked the ward of Dracas by selling the Dexter mansion and moving into the Andrews household, "in order to spend more time looking after my family". This, obviously, makes him ineligible for re-election in Dracas.

This year has seen some of the most intensive campaigning ever, with all the major factions fighting to maintain their position against an upsurge of dissatisfaction with the establishment. There has been a notable closing of the ranks with very little inter faction fighting, as everyone concentrates on keeping their seat against a large number of new hopefuls. Money has been flowing out of the Guilds to support their people and the city has been bedecked in coloured ribbons and each faction attempts to demonstrate their supremacy. The drab brown and green of Adam Avery has been much in evidence, although this may be because it's a lot cheaper to produce. The most expensive campaign appears to be that of Matthew Dixon with intricate wooden gifts being dispensed to all and sundry. Sheriff Perignon's blue banners have also been much in evidence as she throws her weight behind the campaigns of Lilith Lansdowne, Philip Portman and Matthew Dixon, much to the latter's surprise. Amused residents of Levestone have commented that Dixon appears to be running to keep up with his own bandwaggon. More surprisingly still, Beatrice has put money into the campaign of Richard Saunders, although Richard strenuously denies any involvement in her faction.

The winter is proving surprisingly mild and with no snow drifts to bury them, Cllr Randy Parkinson has been early to issue his usual warning against the dumping of dead beggars in the Ishtan. He told the Chronicle, "It's the duty of all our citizens to keep the city clean and safe for decent people to live in. Those who dump dead beggars in the Ishtan are simply lazy and inconsiderate of their fellow citizens. The Witanmoot Guard should be instructed to put an end to this practice." The celebrations at the Andrews household may have been dampened by the news that the purchaser of the Dexter mansion was none other than Sheriff Beatrice Perignon, who made the purchase through an intermediary. Beatrice told the Chronicle, "Of course it will probably need a lot of renovation, but I'm looking forward to putting things in order".

LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS!

As predicted, the establishment has suffered a number of setbacks with four Aldermen losing their seats. Kennet Maxil was defeated by Melanie Romanie in Cadene whilst in Dowgate the battle turned into a four way fight with Alice Fytton emerging victorious from the bitter fight between Moran, Clifford and Barnes (although all three gained a seat on the wardmoot). In Faringdon the longstanding Alderman George Rimon was defeated by Marcus Lambourne in a backlash against the raising of taxes this year. Over in Dracas Philip Portman, backed by a late but powerful Perignon bandwaggon, swept to victory. Other Aldermen given a close call this year were Ann Tasker in Kingsgate and Douglas du Bolay in Arpent, who just fought off David Ravensdale and Margery Haynes respectively. Lilith Lansdowne in Berewic managed to weather the storm produced by the treachery of the family, with Aralan Derwent offering the strongest challenge. In Levestone Matthew Dixon fought off strong challenges from Martin Key and Malcolm Mowbray, whilst in Welland James Isenbard scraped home by three votes, and if Reg Marc had not made a last minute offer of free beer to anyone supporting James, Gillian Howe would probably have defeated him. Joanna Paynell lost her seat on the Wardmoot of Ishtan. Richard Firethorn and Larken Drumm, both of Avigon, succeeded in their campaigns to be elected and the Chroniclers welcome them to the strange and wonderful world of the Court of Common Council.

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 142

Lady of the City Samantha Cox has caused uproar in the council by proposing a £50 increase in the Witanmoot budget. The lion's share of this increase is to fund an expansion of the Witanmoot Guard to a total strength of 75. Proposing the new budget she told the council, "The council has seen fit to bestow many further duties on the guard this year. This is the minimum increase necessary for the guard to fulfil these duties properly. I don't believe it is right to fiddle the books by partially funding this from the trade budget or any of the other fudges that have been proposed. It's about time some members of this council realised that when they vote for an increase in service, they have to be prepared to back it up with an increased budget." What prompted this uncharacteristic outburst is unclear, but some sources have suggested that Lady Cox is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the number of 'worthy' motions which are being passed and then forgotten.

The campaigning for the midwinter elections is beginning to get underway, with Levestone, Welland and Dowgate emerging as the hottest wards. Cllr Buggs Moran has been canvassing to replace Alderman Mary Clifford. Buggs told the Chronicle, "Mary is a nice person, but the time when there were any nice solutions to Dowgate's problems has long passed." However, it looks as though the anti-Clifford vote will be split by Jocelyn Barnes who is campaigning vociferously on a policy of, "burn out the vermin in the floating market". Elsewhere in the city Matthew Dixon has been working hard to retain his Aldermanship, and Gillian Howe has launched a surprisingly strong campaign for the Welland Aldermanship.

Perhaps taking up the point made by Lady Samantha, Richard Firethorn has been continuing his work to bring fresh water to the city. An idea which the council voted for, but which it has been singularly ineffective in pursuing. In a surprise move Richard brought two Abbotts, of the Brynettes and the Torians, together for a meal to discuss the project. The Chronicle believes that this is the first time the religions have met since the Brynette bombardment of the Abbey of Gerlantia during the civil war, and congratulates him on this major breakthrough.

Roland and Julia Perignon have been seen looking at houses in Levestone, however the Chronicle expects that rather than buy an old house they will be acquiring some of the land freed up in certain riots last year, and building it themselves. The incentive behind this business expansion is rumoured to be a certain sheriff who has mentioned that "we wish to become a grandmother".

Ann Tasker has been continuing her investigation into the disappearance of Armundus Septer however, as she and Aralan Derwent have been discovering, the trail is somewhat cold. On the subject of Aralan Derwent, devoted Chronicle readers may be wondering as to the outcome of the article in last year's Chronicle of Ternost. We are now happy to report that our intrepid reporter Chinon has investigated and has been walking around with a smile on his face ever since.

Big, hearty Harry Truestaff has pulled of the, to him, coup of the year with Maud Blessop joining his faction. A faction which has never been noted for its abstinence and which may now be changing its title to the Party Party! Detailed planning for the Midwinter celebrations are already said to be underway, regardless of the election results.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 142

The harried Alderman of Levestone, Matthew Dixon, is offering a ten shilling reward for information leading to the arrest of the Levestone mugger. Last month this mugger assaulted a resident of Levestone who had attempted to prevent him removing the local copy of the Chronicle. Information gathered so far simply describes him as tall, well dressed with a foreign accent. He was seen to head off in the direction of the Witanmoot.

Lady Amelia and Sheriff Griffiths have been seen out and about town this month, with visits to the College production, music evenings and, most conspicuously, a fund-raising party at 'The Bullion'. This latter event culminated in a long conga of revellers, headed by our august duo, weaving back to the Citadel via the docks, Mrs Blessop's rose garden, the cellars of the Vintners Guild (thrice), Alderman Isembard's kitchen, the city ditch and the Royal Mews.

That well-known hypothetical envoy, Malcolm Mowbray, has been seen much in the vicinity of Sheriff Perignon this month, particularly during full council sessions. At one stage the two were seen in animated conversation, although the subject matter remains unknown since none of the many interested observers circled close enough to overhear. It was noted, however, the Mowbray had previously taken the precaution of acquiring a couple of bodyguards to cover his back.

In a surprise move Sheriff Perignon has appointed Alderman Ann Tasker chair of a special committee to investigate the disappearance of Armundus Septer from his prison cell last year. Alderman Tasker has already appointed Robert Beaureli, Martin Key, Arianne Pencric, David Northropp and Mary Hastings to assist her in this task. With her usual sure nose for where trouble (and a good fight) are to be found, Councillor Aralan Derwent has also been observed hanging around the prisons recently.

In the Witanmoot session there was uproar when Alderman Gibian Horl confessed that no budget or accounts were available for the Shipping Committee this year. He attempted to blame this on repeated meddling by his former faction, but this was perceived as a poor excuse for failing in his duties towards the city. After a noisy afternoon session, Alderman Horl resigned from his post as Chairman. This was followed by an announcement that the proposed Welfare and Education budget would be the same as the previous year.

The following day the Council reconvened to vote on the motion to censure Richard Saunders, which was proposed by Alderman Dixon. After a spirited debate in which the evils of enforced courtesy versus complete freedom of speech were disputed, the motion was passed by the extremely narrow margin of 146 votes to 130.

After a petition by the Vintners Guild, the Treasury has postponed until next budget day the outstanding tax owed by the orphanage founded and run by Gax the Heretic. The orphanage has been built on an abandoned vineyard to the east of the city, and it now appears that this plot of land was an outright gift to the orphanage from the Vintners Guild rather than, as initially assumed, a long term nominal lease. As the trustee landowner, Gax appears to be taking the debt to society very seriously. He has even been observed reprimanding some of the orphans who protested rather bluntly to the Treasury Committee.

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 142

A major meeting of the City's crimelords was disrupted by the Witanmoot Guard, who it is thought came within a few minutes of capturing the Toddman. The guards, who were in the catacombs beneath Faringdon investigating the disappearance of some Masons, stumbled upon the gathering and with swift action captured a number of the criminal scum. Alderman Rimon of Faringdon told the Chronicle, " The audacity of these criminal elements in choosing to hold a meeting within the city, shows that we are failing in our fight against crime. I implore the sheriffs to impose the death sentence upon those captured, in order to set an example to others that crime does not pay." The Chronicle would like to offer its condolences to the relatives of Henry Beecham, Colin Watson, Sandra Coombes and Cory Kale of the Masons Guild, who the guard later determined had been killed in a rockfall.

There are rumours of scandal within both the Vintners and Carpenters guilds this month, with both guilds launching 'behind the scenes' investigations. Cllr Mowbray, treasurer of the Vintners, told the Chronicle, "We were acting on a tip off, which we have determined to be completely unfounded, and I will be having words with the originators." The Carpenter treasurer, Alderman Dixon, is also inspecting the books, and the occurrence of this just weeks after Sir Paston's final public engagement is the cause of much speculation.

Reg Marc's 'Uncle Marcus' brew seems to have had an odd effect on some members of the Witanmoot Guard, who were seen attempting to 'repair a shutter' on an upstairs window of the Empty Barrel. What the guard were actually doing breaking into this popular councillors' pub is unclear and James Isenbard, the Alderman of Welland, has made a formal complaint to the Witanmoot. He told the Chronicle, "I was not aware that the guard were in the ward, and the possibility that a crime may have been committed worries me greatly. It is clear that the guard is getting out of control."

Alderman Dixon has been having a busy time. Not content with the quiet passage of the Trade budget, the demands of the new job and the time-consuming Carpenter's investigation, Dixon has proposed a motion of censure. The motion, seconded by Nicholas Bowden, condemns Cllr Richard Saunders and demands that he retract his statements reported in the Chronicle last month. Sheriff Perignon may not have time to worry about Richard Saunders, following the disintegration of her faction. What caused this sudden rush to defect from the most powerful grouping in the Witanmoot is unclear, but as far as the Chronicle can gather nearly 50 councillors have abandoned her faction this month. One councillor reported that the faction was disintegrating so fast that people were being hit by the shrapnel. To further complicate matters, Ann Tasker has marked the anniversary of the disappearance of Armundus Septer with a renewal of her campaign to have the matter investigated. She told the Chronicle, "Armundus has now been missing for a year, and we are no further towards discovering what actually happened. Last month the 'Levestone Mafia' again showed its true face and I and the rest of my group will be continuing our campaign to expose their abuses of power."

Seasoned readers of the Chronicle may remember an incident a few years ago when a fire at a dockland pub managed to inflict a number of sword wounds. It would appear that this damage is contagious, since a number of the Witanmoot Guard have sustained serious slashes and burn injuries in a catacomb 'rockfall' a few days after their successful raid on the crimelords meeting. Rumour has it that the crimelords successfully ambushed the guards as they continued their search, and an embarrassed Witanmoot has concocted the rockfall story to cover it up.

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 142

The City has averted the threatened constitutional crisis over Bridge Ward refusing to pay its taxes. A last minute switch of vote at the Wardmoot by Cllr Hugo Kelly meant that (on the Alderman's casting vote) the non-payment motion was defeated. Cllr Kelly told the Chronicle, "I still believe that we were right to register a protest in the way we did, but the whole situation was getting out of hand and I decided to defuse the issue before someone got hurt". Indeed, until this point the situation was looking increasingly dangerous with a number of confrontations taking place between the Local Watch and the Witanmoot Guard. At one stage two of the guards were arrested by the Watch for assaulting a citizen, and an armed confrontation seemed inevitable. A large proportion of the Wardmoot remains unrepentant; their leader Cllr Richard Saunders told the Chronicle that, "Kelly's defection was the result of blatant intimidation by Sheriff Perignon and her professional thugs. I think she threatened to 'disappear' him in the same way as she, and the rest of the Levestone Mafia, arranged the 'disappearance' of Armundus Septer."

Tension remains high in the Floating Market and the nearby Ward of Dowgate, after two Solistel were killed by Dowgate citizens. According to Jocelyn Barnes, a Mercer of Dowgate, "The people were only protecting the ward from these criminals". Accusing the Witanmoot Guard of co-operating with the scum, she called for the Knight Marshal to, "wipe out this infestation on the City's doorstep, before an attack is launched upon the ward". However Charain Meduenin, spokesman for the Solistel told the Chronicle, "We have no feud with the citizens of Dowgate. Cllr Edge has assured us that Alderman Clifford is honourable, and the attacks were not of her doing. Our dead have already been avenged." Unconfirmed reports suggest that perpetrators of the killing were captured by the Witanmoot Guard, however no official statement on the matter has yet been made.

Floating Market tensions have also been raised by an apparent coup within the Toddman's organisation. Rumour suggests that the city's crime lord has had a significant part of his organisation usurped by someone called Skillet. A number of killings and the large number of fights which have recently taken place around the docks, and the Floating Market would tend to confirm this rumour.

Witanmoot business remained subdued this month, possibly out of respect for the King's presence in the City. The Law & Order budget was passed without opposition, while the Dixon amendment to the Election of Sheriffs (itself amended by Mowbray's proposal) was passed overwhelmingly. Surprisingly, despite fierce battles earlier in the year, there appears to be no further debate over the spending of the Trade budget. The Chroniclers suspect that most councillors have already lost the draft of the proposed budget (cunningly circulated by Matthew Dixon before the summer festivities) and are to embarrassed to admit it.

The mysterious absence of Cllrs Dixon, Mowbray and Derwent, which was beginning to be a cause for concern, has been explained. The three Councillors returned from a tour of the surrounding Duchy where they have been negotiating with the Barons in an attempt to avert a repeat of last year's grain crisis. Although they have steadfastly refused to comment, their buoyant mood would suggest that the mission was a success. Upon their return both Levestone councillors set about creating a further stir. In a surprise move, Cllr Mowbray turned down a nomination for Alderman, and has instead accepted an appointment to the position of Envoy to Cascorach. This has enabled Cllr Dixon to be elected unopposed to the position of Alderman of Levestone, and the Chronicle would like to congratulate him on this long overdue reward for his tireless efforts. Those citizens who had been looking forward to a bruising fight between the two for the position of Alderman, and who at least thought that Mowbray would go down fighting, have been further disappointed by Cllr Mowbray's apparent delight at the way things have turned out. The new envoy, a largely theoretical post this late in the year, immediately opened his cellars and threw a truly memorable party. The cellars, famed for their select contents of City States' vintage wine, proved to be a very popular location, and just about every member of the Witanmoot turned up during the course of the evening. Even Sheriff Perignon, herself a renown vintner, remarked favourably on the evening's libations. Sheriff Griffiths also attended, and spent much of the evening welcoming Lady Amelia Fortesque to the delights of the capital city. All in all, only Aldermen Dexter and Andrews, away on a second honeymoon, missed out on the festivities.

Chinon Starsinger reports that the new 'Uncle Marcus' winter brew, which has been produced by 'The Empty Barrel' in Welland, is the best he's tasted in years. If you'd like to try some go there soon, otherwise Chinon assures us that he intends to drink the place dry himself if at all possible.

The Highsun Fete appears to have been a reasonable success, with a large crowd attending this first event. Most Guilds had made an attempt to put on a good display, although many had obviously simply picked a senior member to set up shop in the market for the day. Perhaps if the event is repeated more competition and display will take place. Despite this the event was clearly a success and raised a large sum of money, although wrangling over what exactly each exhibitor was meant to contribute marred some of the goodwill generated. In a clear snub to Sheriff Perignon, who is known to have offered her services, the event was opened by Sir Paston Courtney. Ma Perignon obviously forgot that the event was in aid of Gax's orphanage where, following the announcement of her plans to establish a Hahnite orphanage, she is not the most popular of people. Possibly it was her that Mad Mab was warning when she told the baffled crowd, "Honour the dragon's heart, for he treads the wine of life, and few can taste of his truth". Then again, perhaps not.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 142

The Midsummer Fair has been a scorching occasion this year, with many revellers picnicking in the shade of the city wall for the afternoon. Despite the heat, there were no shortages of contenders for the main prizes, with Ned Bockran winning the freestyle wrestling, Di Taggart taking the horse racing trophy and 'Gutsy' Ginley retaining the pie eating prize. Most surprising win of the afternoon was the victory of young squint-eyed Sam Wallis in the 50 yard archery contest. His unflappable composure was largely due to the fact that he didn't recognise the King, whose unexpected arrival on the main stand caused panic amongst contestants and Aldermen alike. The King, his entire household and a detachment of cavalry rode in off the main road from Cascorach completely unannounced. An omission which seems to be being blamed on the lack (still) of an Envoy in that city. Our loyal councillors spent the next few hours rushing around trying to put things in order before Lady Samantha Cox was summoned to the Citadel. Why his Majesty should choose to return unannounced is unclear, some commentators have mentioned the grain taxation problems which will inevitably arise after the harvest.

Irving Grendle's rescheduled duel took place on Firstday at noon, amongst the half-cleared debris of the Midsummer fair. The audience were interested to note that Miranda Andrews, herself a mean duellist, turned out to replace Alderman Dexter for the occasion. The duel started badly for Grendle when his initial attack left him overextended and Andrews inflicted a light cut along his arm. Suspecting a trick, Andrews refused to attack and drew back, giving Grendle ample opportunity to recover himself. This move appeared to annoy both of them and the duel resumed with a furious exchange which drew applause from the onlookers. This was followed by a prolonged pause as both participants reconsidered their tactics, and restarted with a vicious exchange which left Andrews with a light cut and Grendle with a deep wound on the leg. This second wound bled profusely and quickly forced him to yield the fight. While the Torian Physickian attended to Grendle, onlookers were startled to observe Andrews, a veteran of many such encounters, make a sudden rush to the city ditch in order to throw up. The worried Torian eventually carted both duellists off to the infirmary for further attention.

A serious dispute has broken out between the Ward of Bridge and the Court of Common Council over the city's deployment of the Witanmoot Guard onto the bridge. The Wardmoot of Bridge has refused to collect the additional levy from its citizens, describing the extra taxation as an unnecessary and pointless burden. Alderman for the ward, Gibian Horl, deplored the Council's decision but maintained that the Wardmoot had a duty to uphold the decisions of the Council. However the rest of the Wardmoot apparently thought differently and Alderman Horl was outvoted. How the council will respond to this unprecedented action is unclear, but at least one angry councillor has suggested that the Witanmoot Guard extend its jurisdiction beyond the bridge.

Councillor Matthew Dixon is pleased to announce the birth of his second child, Paston Dixon. Mother and son are both said to be well. The Chroniclers would like to offer their congratulation and hope that the youngster will have a less interesting life than his elder sister.

With half the Council away on their estates and most of the Aldermen preoccupied with the King, much of this month's business has been postponed. This includes Cllr Dixon's proposals concerning the election of sheriffs, and Cllr Mowbray's amendment to it. Both of these will now be debated next month. In one of the few sessions to be held the Land & Agriculture budget, unchanged from last year, was passed without opposition. The proposed Law & Order budget is also unchanged from previous years, contrary to public expectation. Chairman for Law & Order, Alison Shefford, commented; "Although we wished to strengthen our support for the prisons, there simply isn't any money in the budget with which to do it. The existing budget is the fairest distribution of our inadequate funding, and I therefore see no reason to change it."

With the recent hot weather, the city was lucky to escape relatively unscathed from a fire which broke out in the Ward of Dowgate earlier this week. The fire was brought under control only after several houses had been destroyed. Most of the citizens from the surrounding area, and many of the Witanmoot Guard, were involved in the action to stop the fire's spread. The reason for the fire is unclear, however unconfirmed reports claim that a resident of Dowgate, who was seen on the wall with a number of fire arrows shortly before the fire started, was shot and fell backwards onto the thatched roof of the building below. Our informant was unclear as to whether the shot was fired from the Floating Market or, as some people have been claiming, from the bridge by a member of the Witanmoot Guard.