The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 142

The proposal that the Witanmoot Guard patrols Linrodeth Bridge has been passed overwhelmingly by Council, despite protests from the Ward of Bridge and the Chairman of the Trade Committee. The proposal was passed by 158 votes to 50, and included a requirement for the Trade budget to provide funds, hence presumably, the protests. The Land & Agriculture budget has also been unveiled, and remains unchanged from last year. In anticipation of the forthcoming Midsummer elections, Matthew Dixon has suggested some electoral reform, and in a full session of the council proposed, "That from the Midsummer 143 election, each elector for the sheriffs shall have two votes. The two votes must be cast for different candidates (but one or both votes may be abstentions). In the event of a tie, the votes of the Lord of the City shall count double." Cllr Mowbray, while claiming to support the principle of the motion, offered the following amendment, which he claimed would prevent a number of potential problems with the original motion. "That the Lord of the City shall not normally vote, but shall have a casting vote with which to resolve any tie."

Aralan Derwent has once again been seen dining at Mrs Blessop's carvery in the company of Sir Henry Longbridge, and once more it would appear that Sir Henry has added to her jewellery collection. Perhaps Sir Henry is unaware that the reason Aralan keeps needing new jewellery is that she has flogged off all his previous gifts in order to finance her speculative business ventures.

Adverts have started to appear about the new Avigon fête, scheduled for Setheran Lastday, which Gax the Heretic has been promoting in his latest speaking tour. Sir Paston Courtney has confirmed that he will be opening the fête and signing autographs in positively his last public engagement before retiring to his manor. Unkind eavesdroppers have noted that Alderman Perignon also offered to open the fête, and is now having to get her ego reinflated.

Elsewhere, the hectic social whirlwind of Olnorth Dexter has been halted by an unexpected challenge to duel. The challenge comes from none other than his own sidekick, Irving Grendle, who is reckoned to be a fairly flashy wielder of the rapier outside his hours in the council chamber. The challenge appears to stem from certain derogatory remarks made by Alderman Dexter at a glittering summer ball hosted by Augustus Merle of the Goldsmiths guild. The duel will be at sunrise on Setheran Firstday, and will undoubtedly be a more exciting affair than Alderman Dexter's previous, unfortunate encounter.

Cllr Buggs Moran of Dowgate has demanded that the City take action against the drumming from the floating market, which has if anything increased in both intensity and volume. She told the Chronicle, "This is just typical of our Government's 'somebody else's problem' attitude over the Floating Market. It's about time someone actually did something, rather than just hoping that if they ignore it long enough it will go away."

LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS! LATE NEWS!

The results of the hotly contested sheriffs posts are;

Beatrice Perignon 11

Alan Griffiths 6

Elliot Anderson 5

The Chronicle

of the month of Heliora in the year 142

The Court of Common Council reached a deadlock last month over the two budget amendments proposed following the controversial 1s.2d tax hike announced in this years budget. Both amendments were closer to last years figures, with the Perignon proposal suggesting a 6d average increase per household, and the Dixon one a 10d equivalent. It was left to newcomer Councillor Adam Avery to break the deadlock, with a speech pointing out that the Dixon amendment suffered from the same flaw as the original budget – that it contained items not yet approved by full Council session. The final council vote then went to 142 votes for the Perignon amendment, and 121 votes for the Dixon amendment. Councillor Avery then rose to his feet again to suggest that Councillor Dixon's suggestions should now be examined in more detail. He formally proposed "That the Council investigate the extension of the Witanmoot Guards' area of responsibility to include the Bridge, and the resultant transfer of funds from the Committee for Trade to the Sheriffs' Office." The vote on this will take place next month. Earlier this month the Treasury's budget outline was proposed for the year. It was identical to those of previous years and was passed without dissent.

Beatrice Perignon, Alan Griffiths, Eliott Anderson were nominated for Sheriff.

Somewhat belatedly, Gax the Heretic has spoken out against proposals for a new city orphanage. In a scathing attack delivered from the Mootstone, he told a large crowd, "The proposals of Ms Perignon that the city establish an orphanage, are indicative of the Establishment's failure to respond to the true needs of its citizens, and of the perversion of projects of the common good to the service of self interest. Citizens should be under no illusions as to the true purpose of Ms Perignon's proposals which is to establish a centre for the indoctrination of the youth of the city in the Hahnite faith". The good natured, although puzzled, cheering of the crowd subsided in time for them to hear about the new Highsun Fete, to be held in Avigon, the proceeds from which will go to Gax's orphanage out eastside.

Following the retirement of Sir Paston Courtney, the Carpenters Guild has been holding elections to determine the new look of the Guild. Punters had expected the high profile Matthew Dixon to emerge as the new leader, but it turned out that Nicholas Bowden was returned as the new Guildmaster. Cllr Dixon managed to land the office of Treasurer instead, and Mervyn James becomes the new Secretary.

Residents of the Ward of Dowgate have been losing sleep and temper to a fresh irritation from the Floating Market. On odd nights for the past two weeks a persistent noise, described variously as a low thrumming or deep drumming sound, has been emanating from the river slum. Angry residents have already started to shoot the occasional fire arrow into the area, but these have so far failed to make any difference. However, a petition has been sent to the Knight Marshal, Sir Salverian, asking him to clear this public nuisance from the King's Highway. Maybe we shall see sparks flying soon.

The Shipwrights are noted to be working on a particularly large and ornate ocean-going vessel, apparently a commission from the Temple of Esprayenna. Rumours continue that this is one of the rare, exploratory, Ships of the Dawn.

The Chronicle

of the month of Jasmarill in the year 142

At the end of the voting during Springtide, it was revealed that the city now has a new overlord in the person of Lady Samantha Cox. The full voting was as follows:

Paston Courtney 7 (Courtney, Griffiths, Andrews, Dexter, Bowden, Anderson, Tasker)

Samantha Cox 15 (Cox, Warin, Shefford, Faithside, Isenbard, Barnett, Downe, Belcher, Maxil, Worton, Horl, Rimon, Perignon, Lansdowne, du Bolay)

Alan Griffiths 1 (Carter)

A disappointed Paston Courtney confirmed that he will now also be retiring from his post as Guildmaster of the Carpenters, and will no longer take part in civic affairs. He added that he intended to take advantage of his retirement and indulge a long standing ambition to travel to distant lands. After some prompting he allowed that it might also be pleasant to spend more time with his family.

At a recent surprise trial, the city has learned that Ferdinand Lansdowne, named heir to the vast Lansdowne fortunes, paid for the attacks upon the Dixon household which led to an assassination attempt on Cllr Matthew Dixon. The news dawned on the city at a trial before the then Sheriff Sam Cox, who revealed that Ferdinand, along with his brother Antoine and Sara Warfdon, had hired an assassin to kill Roland Dixon in retaliation for the death of Guimar Perignon. In her summing up Samantha Cox described how the three had been enticed by the assassin into paying £15 for the attack, and how the assassin had then gone on to kidnap Elizabeth Dixon, and perpetrate other crimes which led to the near death of Matthew Dixon. Samantha Cox told the court how the assassin had laid a careful and many layered plan to blame the Nyskildians for the crimes, and that she had been convinced that creating a conflict between the two cities had been the main objective of the scheme. She described Ferdinand and his accomplices as unfortunate dupes, paying for an attack which would have taken place anyway. She told the court how, to his credit, Ferdinand had co-operated fully with the investigation's attempts to track down the assassin and how he, along with Cllrs Dixon and Derwent, was injured in the fight which ensued. The assassin was eventually tracked down and killed following a late night chase along the Old Gavelkinden Road. In pronouncing the death sentence she made it clear that conspiracy to commit murder is as great an offence as the crime itself, and should receive the severest sentence. However, considering Ferdinand's assistance of the investigation she commuted the death sentence to exile and loss of citizenship. The assassin, one Carol Bardsdale, had been a resident of Castle Bard for the past two years. Any citizen with information regarding her is requested to contact the Witanmoot.

The Chair for the Treasury, George Rimon, caused uproar in the chamber with the announce­ment of the coming year's budget, which will be funded by an extra tax of 1s.2d off each householder, and an extra 2% tax off each guild. This, he assured the house, would be a special measure for one year only in order to cover the initial setting up costs of the Cascorach Emissary and an official city orphanage. Amid an increasingly noisy background of heckling he stated that he hoped the new emissary would stimulate trade and bring in­creased wealth to the city. The council was then adjourned until order was once again restored.

The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 142

This year's voting results from the Aldermanic Council show a sharp decrease in support for the Justice League, with the traditional Mowbray/Dexter alliance losing out to the new and rather tentative Dixon/Perignon axis. Interestingly Cllr Derwent's faction, although still claiming loose affiliation to the League, has chosen to vote with the newer team. One of the more landslide returns was for George 'hang em high' Rimon, who recently changed to Perignon's faction after some years with Olnorth Dexter, a fact which has either escaped the notice of the League (they voted for him anyway) or which shows devious plans are afoot. The only Alderman to escape the general purge seems to be Alison Shefford, and we're sure the fact that she is Ma Perignon's guildmaster is entirely coincidental. The full results of the voting were as follows:

Chair for the Treasury George Rimon 21 Kennet Maxil 2

Chair for Trade Nicholas Bowden 13 Miranda Andrews 10

Chair for Law & Order Alison Shefford 15 Duncan Barnett 7

Chair for Lands & Agriculture Jemma Downe

Emissary to Nyskilde Arianne Pencric 13 John Madigan 10

Following the season's elections, most active factions have spent the past month in internal rearrangements and self-investigation. Meanwhile Alderman Rimon is hard at work drawing up the new budget, while Lord Courtney still has the appointments of the Emissaries to Cascorach and Salvoyn to ponder. Should these be delayed they will become the appointments of the new Lord. Paston Courtney, Samantha Cox and Alan Griffiths have all been nominated for this post as expected.

The Nyskildian vice-emissary has lodged a formal complaint with the Witanmoot over the continuing detention, without trial, of one of his guards. The guard is suspected of having been behind the attacks on the Dixon household, which led to the near death of Cllr Dixon and the kidnapping of Lord Courtney's granddaughter. The vice-emissary accused the Witanmoot of attempting to frame the Nyskildians for the attacks, and has hinted at dire consequences should the matter not be resolved by the time the Nyskildian ambassador returns.

The first ships from the south have reached harbour after a particularly mild spring, and bring several pieces of news from the Royal court. Citizens will be delighted to hear that the Princess Alexis Emma was born to Princess Eleanor on Eighthday Thirdweek of Kruthos. Both mother and daughter are now said to be doing well. The ship also carried the news that, on the occasion of Prince Kieran's 18th birthday back in Skelern, the King appointed the Prince as Commander of the King's Rangers. The Prince will be joining the Rangers who are currently based in the highlands of east Athion. Last but not least, the long overwintering in Salvoyn has led to the happy announcement that Her Highness the Princess Selina Karandreos of Kerun is to become betrothed to the young Prince Edwin. This somewhat unexpected conclusion has confounded court watchers who had expected Crown Prince Edward to be the subject of the Princess' attention.

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 142

The Chroniclers are pleased to announce that the following officers have been elected unopposed:

Chair for Shipping Olivia Warin

Chair for Welfare & Education Beatrice Perignon

Emissary to Eresan Marc Bergeren

Nominations have been received for the following posts:

Chair for the Treasury George Rimon (OD) Kennet Maxil (BP)

Chair for Trade Nicholas Bowden (MD) Miranda Andrews (OD)

Chair for Law & Order Alison Shefford (MM) Duncan Barnett (AD)

Chair for Lands & Agriculture Nicholas Bowden (subject to Trade) Jemma Downe (AD)

Emissary to Nyskilde John Madigan (HT) Arianne Pencric (AA)

Letters in brackets indicate the nominating faction. The posts of Emissaries to Salvoyn, and to Cascorach did not receive any nominations (councillors obviously take no notice of their own resolutions), and so will be the direct appointment of the Lord of the City.

The surprise move of the new council session appears to be Beatrice Perignon's sudden progress, having managed to get many of her supporters returned unopposed while blocking some of Olnorth Dexter's moves. She appears to have gained the active support of Cllr Matthew Dixon, and this surprise alliance of two established factions is thought to have profound consequences for the balance of the Witanmoot. The nominations were followed up by the surprise recruitment of Nicholas Worton into Perignon's faction, away from Olnorth Dexter, in a move strongly reminiscent of Beatrice's earlier demolition of his faction by the timely removal of Lilith Lansdowne.

Followers of the Witanmoot's informal duelling league have been awaiting with interest the outcome of Aralan Derwent's latest duel after a prolonged period in the Torian infirmary. A fair amount of money changed hands over Mary Clifford ability to pull a surprise victory in what would normally have been easy challenge for Cllr Derwent. The morning of the duel dawned bright and clear, but with a bitterly cold wind which kept temperatures below freezing and deterred all but three onlookers. Cllr Derwent arrived early with an impressive entourage consisting of her second, a senior Torian Physickian and a number of Torian acolytes as assistants. This caused some surprise as it was not thought that Aralan had been that ill. Indeed Aralan proceeded to go through a number of warm up exercises and looked to be in nearly top form. The sun continued to climb higher into the sky (without any noticeable change in the temperature) and the aggrieved party had still not appeared. Eventually, when even the Physickian began to look impatient, a messenger from the Clifford household slipped through the city gates and delivered a note to Cllr Derwent. The exact contents are not known, but the gist appeared to be that after a prolonged and intense discussion with Matthew Dixon, Alderman Clifford had been persuaded that she had been a little precipitate. She now accepted that Aralan had acted entirely for the good of the city and so, after due consideration, she was prepared to accept Aralan's apologies. Cllr Derwent was then seen to retire, muttering, to the Empty Barrel in Welland, where she was joined by a number of Witanmoot Guards for what should have been a victory drink. Unhappily, the earlier exertion seems to have triggered a relapse in the councillor, and by lunchtime she once again had to be rushed to the Torian infirmary.

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 142

Councillor Matthew Dixon narrowly escaped death last month when an assassin attacked him in the ward of Dowgate. Cllr Dixon was rushed to the Torian Temple, where his condition is described as critical. It is believed that the assassin, who escaped into the Floating Market, was hired by the Nyskildian Embassy as part of a campaign against Cllr Dixon. Other incidents included the kidnap of his daughter Elizabeth, an attack upon his home during which Roland was nearly killed, and the assassination attempt itself. With Cllr Dixon in the infirmary it was acting Alderman Beatrice Perignon who solved the mystery, tracking down one of the assailants to a bar in Ishtan where he was captured by the watch. It was this prisoner who later identified Elran Calberne, a guard at the Nyskildian Embassy, as the man behind the attack. Suspicion had already fallen on Calberne, and Cllr Perignon ordered his arrest. Beatrice was later able to announce to the Witanmoot the safe recovery of Elizabeth. Harlan Jargelson, a representative at the Embassy told the Chronicle, "This entire incident is a disgraceful example of Linrodeth's arrogance and stupidity. Elran has been framed for this crime in an attempt to cover up political intrigue within the Witanmoot. Why else would an attempt be made on his life, only half an hour after the attack on Cllr Dixon? It is my intention to bring this entire issue before the King upon his return."

This year's midwinter elections have seen the return to politics of the ever popular Kennet Maxil, who has been returned as the Alderman for Cadene. Another upset was Philip Portman, who lost his Aldermanship to Olnorth Dexter. Beatrice Perignon, riding high on popularity following the kidnap investigation, was returned as Alderman of Levestone, ousting fellow vintner Malcolm Mowbray from that post. Leonard Tholin once again gave George Rimon a run for his money, but failed to gain the Aldermanship.

Newly elected councillors this year include Joanna Paynell, Godfrey Russell, Margery Haynes, Harry Truestaff and Adam Avery. The Chroniclers wish them all possible success in their endeavours.

In recognition of Beatrice Perignon's services to the city, Lord Courtney is pleased to confirm that all convictions previously relating to Beatrice Perignon have been repealed and quashed. Lord Courtney stated that the evidence presented at the trial was obviously trumped up as part of Armundus Septer's attempts to discredit respectable citizens and spread sedition, "I am very pleased to have this opportunity of endorsing Beatrice Perignon's election as Alderman". It is believed that Alderman Perignon has also received an undisclosed sum of money as compensation for the wrongful conviction.

With her new-found duties Beatrice has had to turn over further investigation of the Nyskilde incident to Cllr Dixon, who is convinced that further conspiracies remain to be uncovered. Despite these duties Alderman Perignon has found time to wine and dine Sir Henry Longbridge, who is obviously missing the company of Aralan Derwent. Cllr Derwent meanwhile, is slowly convalescing, with frequent visits to the Torian Infirmary to ply the recumbent Witanmoot guard with offers of drink.

Ann Tasker is continuing to lobby the Witanmoot for a full public investigation into Armundus Septer's 'disappearance' while in the custody of the city's prison. "Armundus has gone missing under what can only be described as 'mysterious' circumstances. I find the Law & Order Committee and the Witanmoot's failure to investigate most intriguing, and hope that it is not a sign that an official cover up is taking place." Pending further action by the authorities, Ann Tasker is believed to have hired a group from the 'Dancing Bear' to enquire into Cllr Septer's disappearance.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 141

Following the ritual murders carried out last month, an investigation headed by Aralan Derwent resulted in the surveillance of properties in the Ward of Shambles. Despite or because of this (accounts differ) two citizens of the Ward were later found to have been murdered in their bed, and Alderman Bert Belcher has made numerous and loud complaints to the Court of Common Council over the intrusion of the Witanmoot Guard into his Ward. In reply Lord Courtney has been equally scathing of the Shambles Watch disturbance of the surveillance. Meanwhile the investigating patrol of the Witanmoot guard uncovered the existence of a stone circle within the city, centred on Cllr Derwent's own Ward of Berewic. A raid on the house at the centre of the circle resulted in the largest fight the city has seen since the Levestone riots. The "Battle of Berewic" ended with a total of 14 people dead, 9 arrested and 7 Witanmoot Guard plus Cllr Derwent seriously injured. The Committee for Law and Order has set up a Court of Enquiry at Alderman Lansdowne's mansion to look into the incident. Cllr Beatrice Perignon has been appointed Acting Alderman for Levestone during Mowbray's absence.

In the run up to the Midwinter elections all factions have put their campaigns into full swing, with more time and money being spent on canvassing and party-coloured bunting than ever before. Once again it appears that the Justice League is the only group to achieve a full campaign across the city, although the Perignon faction has a strong showing in most wards. The only major absence is that of the injured councillor Aralan Derwent, who had previously maintained that, "its never too early to start knocking up".

Citizens in the Ward of Levestone and nearby are urged to assist with an extensive search which is now underway for Lord Courtney's missing granddaughter, five year old Elizabeth Dixon. Little Elizabeth was last seen wearing a pink dress with white apron, and playing with her massive black and grey cat called 'Tiddles'. The cat is also missing.

The Knight Marshall has ordered an audit of the city's granary stores, after a meeting with representatives of the Cornmongers Guild. The two sides had failed to agree a price for the fulfilment of the Citadel's autumn grain order, which was substantially larger than expected. Guild Treasurer Leonard Tholin told the Chronicle, "If the Knight Marshall is going to insist on running the city's reserves down to nothing, I think it only right that he should pay for the privilege".

In an interesting court case Cllr Edge has been defeated in his attempt to have the watch of Dowgate censured for failing to prevent the attack on the Floating Market. Summing up Magistrate Arnold stated, "As Gax has most eloquently shown, the Watch did indeed deliberately fail to prevent the attack on the Floating Market. However, as neither the market nor the wall from which the attack was launched are within the jurisdiction of the Watch they cannot be brought to account over this failure." Charain Meduenin, a Solistel representative of the market called by Gax to give evidence, later told the Chronicle, "This case proves that we in the market cannot expect justice from the City, which made no attempt to stop or investigate this attack. It is clear that we must protect ourselves and I warn those who contemplate attacking us that in future we will administer our own justice".

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 141

In the run up to the midwinter elections, and perhaps disconcerted by the downfall of Armundus Septer who until recently was one of the city's most influential people, our remaining councillors have been at pains to demonstrate their good intentions, pureness and wisdom. Both motions, to reform the selection of emissaries and to appoint an emissary to Cascorach, were passed with near unanimous support. The only dissent came from Olivia Warin who succeeded in pushing through an amendment. This will mean that in special circumstances Aldermen can be elected as emissaries, but must now consent to their nomination.

Julia and Roland appear to have settled into the Dixon household, and it looks like the reconciliation between the two families might hold. Beatrice seems especially pleased that they have chosen the name Perignon, although rumour has it that she was somewhat less pleased when she eventually received the bill for that wedding dress.

The grain tax crisis produced the most heated debate of the month, with Alderman Rimon calling for the Linrodeth's marching watch to be raised, in order to quell any potential rebellion of the Barons. How­ever this was thought to be something of an over reaction by most of the council, especially since the city is now deep in snow and the dispute has become somewhat academic. However, resentment is still smouldering, and come the spring the city may once again find itself the centre of unrest.

Cllr Edge of Castle Bard has brought formal charges against the Watch of Dowgate over the incident in Lorinfall where the Watch failed to prevent an attack on the Floating Market. Cllr Edge confirmed to the Chronicle that Gax the Heretic would be willing to present evidence on behalf of the people of the Floating Market. Cllr Buggs Moran of Dowgate commented to the Chroniclers, "Edge is a typical example of the bleeding heart liberals who have let the city slide into its current state of decay. Like the boats of the scum he is seeking to protect, his case is full of holes."

Rumour has it that the Chairman for Law and Order, Malcolm Mowbray, spent a fair part of the month canvassing support for a motion to outlaw duelling. However, given Cllrs Dixon and Dexter's inclination towards the activity he didn't appear to get very far, and has instead turned to practising with his rapier. He was last seen mumbling bitterly about people fighting with toys, and seen still wielding it like a broadsword.

Overheard late one night in the approximate vicinity of Cllr Derwent, "I wonder what happens if I seduce a Chronicler?" We will be dispatching our intrepid reporters to find out!

The city was shocked and disgusted by a vile display of necromancy and demon worship which occurred last night (the 13th day of Ternost). Ritual murders were committed through the wards of Levestone, Berewic, Bridge, Dowgate, Arpent and Faringdon, with perhaps the most audacious being committed at the Mootstone itself. The murders all occurred at midnight, with the bodies being left bleeding into the snow. All the murderers escaped, except for one man who was killed by Hahn Temple guards, and a number of councillors have been highly critical of the local Watches. Lord Courtney has ordered an immediate investigation, and any citizen who may have any relevant information should contact the Witanmoot Guard.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 141

Lord Courtney has proposed another change in the electoral system of Linrodeth, which would prevent Aldermen from being elected as Emissaries. He stated that, "as the Alderman is the ward magistrate, it is quite iniquitous to have them away from the city for an extended period of time". The proposal has gained widespread support from amongst the Aldermen and the Councillors. Alderman Alan Carter has also proposed that the post of Emissary to Cascorach be created to reflect that city's growing importance since the Princess' marriage. Both motions will go to a full vote of the Witanmoot next month.

The surprise social event of the month has been the second wedding of Julia Perignon and Roland Dixon. It would appear that once the families recovered from the shock they decided that a 'proper' wedding was in order and a stupendously extravagant ceremony took place at the Temple of Hahn. Julia Perignon managed to outshine the Temple itself with an incredible dress in dazzling cloth of gold which cascaded from her waist to a full length train edged in pearls which flowed behind. The tight bodice was intricately embroidered with pearl motifs depicting symbols of love and fidelity. The long wide sleeves fell to the floor showing the close fitted of the red velvet underdress. Her hair was in a circlet of plaits which were adorned with pearls and a floor-length veil of pale gold gauze embroidered with golden thread. Roland by contrast wore a simple crimson doublet and cape, with gold knotwork and ceremonial rapier. A small private reception was held at the Vintners Hall that evening and the Watch of Levestone spent most of the night keeping uninvited well wishers and the merely curious out.

Armundus Septer has escaped from prison, and is believed to have left the city despite the snow. Ex-councillor Septer escaped on the night of the Ghostmoons. The guards at Cripplegate prison are convinced it was with demonic assistance, describing arcane blue light radiating out from under the door. Their subsequent courageous entrance proved that Septer no longer occupied the cell, and their search of the surrounding area was further hampered by the new law which closed the city gates for the duration of the night. The following morning revealed no footprints in the snow surrounding the city, further evidence of the use of unknown magicks, Alderman Mowbray, the Chairman for Law and Order, is predictably furious and has ordered a full investigation. However with the Astrologer Royal away from the city, this could take some time.

The unrest over the high grain tax has continued this month, with a number of barons joining the dispute on the side of the peasants. Baron Scrope is reported to have complained that the city is milking his lands dry, and has lodged a protest with the King. The Chairman for Lands and Agriculture, Susan Faithside, told the chronicle, "The problem is that people are taking a short term view. It's true that this years harvest has been a good one, however our stocks have been seriously depleted over the last few years and unless strong action is taken to replenish them now, a poor harvest next year could prove devastating." She refused to comment on rumours that the city has been considering dispatching the Witanmoot Guard to deal with the situation.

One person missing from the council chambers this month is Aralan Derwent, who has been suffering from a mysterious illness. The Chronicle has been unable to confirm rumours that the arch-seducer has finally fallen for Sir Henry, and is actually lovesick.

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 141

On the first day after the Higharvestide feast, Lord Paston Courtney convened a special court for the trial of Councillor Armundus Septer. The defendant was noticeably more alert than on the previous occasion, but even from the public galleries it was apparent that the year's events had taken a toll on his health.

The prosecution opened with a lengthy account of the riot in Levestone during Heliora, and of Alderman Mowbray's subsequent investigation into its start. A number of ringleaders were identified, both by the Alderman and during the testimony of a pale Beatrice Perignon, whose house was the main target of the rioters. Oddly, Cllr Perignon also appeared to blame the rioters for the death of her son Guimar. Testimony from Charles Smith, a journeyman of the Dixon household, described how one of the ringleaders had approached him the afternoon before the riots, and had tried to bribe him to join in. The prosecution concluded with the results of the interrogation of the ringleaders, which revealed that their funding had come from a cloaked patron, who they identified as Armundus Septer due to his distinctively slurred voice.

The defending Mandatien began by establishing an alibi for Armundus on the night he was suspected of having met the rioters. She then called several of the Witanmoot Guard to confirm that the mob had been chanting in support of the exiled Roland Dixon throughout the night of rioting. The defence went on to show that a person matching Roland's description had been seen in the area on the night of the meeting, the implication being that Roland had been impersonating Armundus for his own ends. As the court adjourned for the night it appeared that this explanation was accepted, and Lord Courtney indicated that a verdict would be given first thing in the morning.

The following day Lord Courtney's summing up was rudely interrupted by the sudden and noisy appearance of Roland Dixon himself, dragging a less than serene Wellkeeper behind him. Despite the efforts of the Witanmoot Guard, Roland refused to be quieted until Lord Courtney allowed him to take the oath and give testimony. Roland then insisted that much of Armundus' defence was based on a lie because he, Roland, had been in a Wellhouse of Daleth at the time.

"So you spent all that month in prayer and meditation then, hmm?" enquired Courtney.

‘Well not exactly, no," Roland admitted.

Why not?"

"I was on honeymoon."

"? __________ ?"

In fact," continued Roland, glancing apprehensively at Beatrice, "it was Julia Perignon I had just got married to. So you see I really didn't have any reason for starting the riots."

When the ensuing uproar finally died down, the Dalethian priest was able to confirm these extraordinary events, and a rather belated round of congratulations took place. At the conclusion of this Armundus Septer was found guilty and sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Reports from the countryside confirm that a bumper harvest has been reaped this year, and a moderately high tribute has been set in order to replenish the city granaries this year. Additionally, the city hopes to be able to fill the equally large order from the Citadel, whose stocks have also been reduced over the past few years. Unfortunately, it appears that the peasantry have taken exception to these precautions, and have attacked a number of city officers and cornmongers attempting to organise granary trains. A number of troops have been sent out to keep order and to protect the reeves, and it is thought that no further protests will occur.

The dispute between the Carpenters and the Thatchers Guilds escalated this month when Marc Bergeren refused to retract his comments in last month's Chronicle, claiming that he was only acting in his official capacity as Guildmaster of the Thatchers. After a closed session in their 'Guildhall', the Thatchers confirmed that he was speaking for the Guild. A livid Paston Courtney added the matter onto the agenda of the Court of Common Council for the following day. During the debate Marc spiritedly defended the right of Thatchers to call the Carpenters "bastards", before agreeing to abide by the decision of the Council. It quickly became apparent that the other speakers objected to the remarks and the matter quickly went to a vote. The Council was unanimous in condemning the action of the Thatchers as "bringing the city into disrepute", and demanded an apology as well as fining the Guild £3. A delighted Marc Bergeren obliged with a payment and apology on the spot. A senior Hahnite has confirmed for the Chroniclers that this motion did, in fact, amount to official recognition by the Council of the existence of an independent Thatchers Guild. A spokesman for the Carpenters Guild would only comment, "Oh shit!" before disappearing at a run.

The Chroniclers found time this month to attend the duel between Arianne Pencric, commonly held to be one of the three best duellists in the city, and Alderman Malcolm Mowbray, whose distaste for the sport is legendary. Presumably at the cautious Alderman's insistence, the duel itself was held outside the Torian Temple, which was just as well since the duel quickly came to its predicted conclusion. The Chroniclers wish Alderman Mowbray a speedy recovery.

News just in from the Duchy of Cascorach reports a significant victory by the Princess' army against an unexpected invasion by the City State of Adaqua. The Adaquan forces were apparently repelled after a major battle on the Athion border. The Princess is thought to be particularly pleased by the heroic actions of the Hahnite Cavalry, under the leadership of Sir Menzies, who fought off a decisive ambush attempt without a single loss from their own forces. Along with a noticeable reduction in the number of Gelt raids, this has ensured a superb harvest this year. The omens are therefore looking extremely good for the birth of the Princess' first child in the new year.

A deliberate attempt was made last week to set fire to the Floating Market. A number of unknown assailants shot fire arrows into the market from the top of the overlooking city wall. The attack lasted for several minutes, and the Watch of Dowgate has been criticised for failing to respond to the attack. Councillor Edges of Castle Bard told the Chronicle, "I was in Dowgate at the time and, seeing the attack, summoned the watch. However, when they arrived they just stood there and did nothing." Cllr Moran, replying on behalf of the Watch explained, "There wasn't anything we could do. The wall is the King's property."

An unexpected arrival in the port last week was The Allapsus, which collected the ambassador Festus Perara and household before returning to Salvoyn for the winter. It appears the Princess Selina is insisting on his presence after all!