The Chronicle

of the month of Pipetal in the year 139

The spring thaw has arrived, and with it many refugees from the surrounding domains. The main through roads have become filled with homeless families and Lord Raphael has now ordered the city gates closed to all but those with business or relatives in the city. The city watches, already at double strength from last month, are said to be coping with the situation, although the 7th Infantry have taken over duty at the gates. Most food suppliers have now closed down, but Lord Raphael has assured the Chronicle that the city still retains enough corn to feed its citizens.

Beyond the city, many refugees speak of bandits raiding the villages and manors, especially along the Chineway and Gavelkinden areas. Both the Mercers and Grossers are organising large caravans to avoid trouble, and merchants are advised to contact these guilds if they are thinking of travelling East.

King Edmund has summoned Lord Raphael and Aldermen Rimon, Faithside and Horl to a short interview at the Citadel. All four refused to comment afterwards, but His Majesty has since left the city accompanied by most of the 2nd Cavalry and travelling upriver. Princess Eleanor is at the Hahn Temple, where she is now residing and studying at the newly re-opened Law School. The Queen has taken ship to Salvoyn, where preparations are starting for a royal reception on Dragonfeast. Prince Kieran is also said to have left the Citadel for the Wealden area, along with an undisclosed number of rangers. Sources describe the Citadel as "quiet – too damn quiet." Their Majesties have given notice that the thatching contest has been postponed until Harvest.

Apothecary Falgar, after an extensive and unconventional guild investigation, has been cleared of all blame in the murder of Elsania Dawson. the investigation ended with the arrest of a dockland thug who has since been tried and executed. After suitable interrogation.

The duel between Cllrs Ellis Devon and Matthew Dixon ended with Cllr Devon being taken to the Torian infirmary, seriously ill. Cllr Dixon attacked with lethal skill and, had his luck matched his intent, would have killed his opponent. Fellow members of the Common Council refused to comment on these tactics, but a number of anonymous ditties featuring the "Crimson Councillor" have begun to be heard around Bardsgate.

The Springtide Festival approaches and many celebrations are being planned, although the traditional tossing of buns from the Witanmoot steps has been cancelled for fear of a riot. The street singing and colour dancing will continue, and no doubt the peal of Hahnite bells will deafen everyone as usual. During the celebrations the Aldermen will be gathering to cast their votes for the new city overlord. Lord Raphael has gained a strong start by becoming part of Armundus Septer's powerful group. Can either of the two challengers organise an effective campaign? Paston Courtney's party manager is the brilliant but erratic Thomas Castlemaine, whereas Kennet Maxil is relying on the ubiquitous Reg Marc. Will they split the uncommitted vote?

The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 139

With the solving of the corn crisis our councillors seem to have settled in for a quiet spring, well some of them at least. Councillor Matthew Dixon of Levestone, fresh from his duel with Marc the Thatcher and his court battle with Malcolm Mowbray, seems unable to stay out of trouble. Apparently our respected councillor got into an argument with Councillor Ellis Devon of Faringdon whilst they were 'having a few jars' in the Empty Barrel. The two men came to blows and were quickly dragged apart by other councillors, however the men could not be pacified and a duel will take place next month.

There were ugly scenes last week when some mercenaries attempted to resist His Majesty's summons to service. Several taverns, including the Falcon, the Dancing Bear and the Spinning Sow, witnessed mass brawls as patrons were required to prove citizenship. Large numbers of the Seventh Infantry, looking far from convalescent, reinforced this late night call-up. Of those 'rounded up', many were released the following morning. The remainder are understood to have been recruited into the Seventh Infantry.

More scandal within the Apothecaries Guild, where Tilly Falgar of Welland is being investigated by Guildmaster Samantha Cox following the death of Elsania Dawson of Cartage, one of Guildmember Falgar's customers. When interviewed by the Chronicle Camilla Dawson stated, "Mother was fine until she took her regular dose of Falgar’s preparation, and ten minutes later she was dead. If the Guild doesn't take some action then we will." A young spokesman for the Apothecary could only say that since receiving the news Miss Falgar had gone "all pale and interesting".

Lord Raphael, in response to popular demand, is encouraging local watches to 'crackdown on crime'. Anyone noting suspicious activity in their vicinity is asked to report it at once to their local Alderman. Lord Raphael stated "There is only one way we will make our city safe, and that's through concerted action. It is the duty of every citizen to be wary and to support their local watch." The Chroniclers note without comment that the City's Inner Council is due to vote this month on the appointment of the next Lord of the City.

The first day of Galemir saw the accidental death of Anton Morris in a duel against Olnorth Dexter. Witnesses say that young Anton was an inept duellist and that he was killed by his own recklessness. The Chronicle deplores the current foolhardy fashion among the young of challenging for sport, and requests all citizens to discourage duelling as a way of settling minor disputes.

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 139

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

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

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

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

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

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 138

Scandals continue to brew in the turbulent ward of Levestone where Malcolm Mowbray has formally accused Matthew Dixon of attempted blackmail. The blackmailing apparently concerned some old debts which (unhappily for Cllr Dixon) are fully paid off. Cllr Beatrice Perignon then came forward to bear witness that she had overheard the incident (how we wonder). The Hearing takes place before Alderman Martin Key next Thursday and Cllr Mowbray has already contacted the Temple of Hahn concerning the prosecuting lawyer for the subsequent trial.

The Knight-Marshall has been forced to send troops through the snow to restore order in nearby villages after fighting broke out around the granaries. Some villages have already run out of food and The Wellkeeper reports severe shortages throughout the countryside. Despite several pleas the Cornmongers Guild continues to hold its stockpile and many citizens are laying in their own store for the winter.

Further east the harsh winter has forced bandits out of the hills in search of food and shelter. Several manors in the Gavelkinden area are rumoured to have been raided, although the true extent of the problem may not be discovered until spring.

The Chronicle would like to welcome two new Aldermen after the Midwinter elections: Susan Faithside for Avigon, and Olivia Warin of Temple ward. A surprise result is the announcement from Bassishaw that Marc Bergeren has been elected councillor as a member of the Thatchers guild. Naturally the Carpenters are contesting the legality of this. It is also noted that Cllr 'Mobile' Mowbray, previously a member of two other factions, is now setting up his own group.

The Princess Eleanor was recently seen to be dressed in deepest mourning, although nobody appears to be sure for whom. All members of the royal family are reported to be in full health.

Early rising citizens (or sleepless students) may have noticed a duel fought outside Bardsgate earlier this month. Marc Bergeren's erratic brilliance was slowly worn down by the consistency of Matthew Dixon. Marc eventually conceded after sustaining a messy wound. Perhaps Cllr Mowbray should try to do better?

The Chronicle would request citizens not to play Pooh Sticks with the frozen beggars from the newly repaired bridge. Several Watermen have had to avoid these navigation hazards at very short notice, and the local fishermen are also becoming upset.

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 138

The Armundus Septer Hearing was held before Sheriff Courtney early this month in a packed room at the Witanmoot. Master Septer, Recorder for the Court of Common Council, was accused of Treachery, but significantly the main witness refused to repeat the accusation under oath. A number of Levestone householders, including fellow councillor Malcolm Mowbray, then testified to Master Septer's upstanding and law-abiding nature. Sheriff Courtney concluded that the rumours were without substance and dismissed the allegations. The Levestone Alderman, Martin Key, later spoke to our reporter outside the court. He deeply abhorred this attempt to denigrate Armundus' character just before the coming elections, and hoped that the remaining days of the election campaign would be without further incident.

Shinannon, the Wellkeeper of the Temple of Daleth, has sent messages to the Citadel and to Alderman Tholin, Chairman for Lands and Agriculture, warning that excessive grain has been sold off to merchants by irresponsible landowners. Many complaints are reaching her from the surrounding countryside, describing granaries inadequately stocked against the coming winter.

Events in the Welland/Shambles border dispute have taken a bizarre turn with the behaviour of Erik 'The Finger' Dragonsbane, owner of the blood-daubed "Dancing Bear". Ignoring completely the political wranglings of his councillors, our proprietor set out, apparently to trace the donor of the entrails. Erik has since been seen collecting entrails and wrestling pigs across the city.

In a dramatic intervention, The Archimandrite of the Temple of Hahn has adjourned the Carpenters vs Thatchers court case. Presenting a writ from the King, the Archimandrite told the assembled citizens that those wishing to be considered as Craftmaster of the new Thatchers' Guild should present themselves to the King at the hunting lodge, come the Springtide Festival. Applicants are required to bring the tools of the trade, and will be required to demonstrate their skill.

Gax the Heretic is appealing for donations of food and firewood to help the city orphans survive the winter. With thick snow covering most of the Bardsgate site, the orphanage has removed to Hanley Barn, where all donations should be sent.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 138

Pendentite Jasmine Beauvaire, Priestess of Hahn, has officially announced that the Princess Eleanor will be attending the Temple's new Law School upon its completion next year. We understand that the princess will have her own suite of rooms in the main temple for security reasons. Pendentite Jasmine went on to assure us that the Princess would otherwise be treated like any other novice.

The civic funeral for the late Alderman Geoffrey Morris was held last month and many hundreds of citizens attended despite the cold weather. Before lighting the pyre, Lord Fitz-Simmons delivered a moving eulogy, and the respectful hush was broken only by some rather tasteless laughter from Councillor Dexter. Later, the Wardmoot of Temple appointed the cornmonger John Emberson as their new Alderman, in a surprisingly uncontested debate.

The deteriorating weather has bought a last flurry of caravans off the trade routes. News from the southern mountains tell of the Gelt launching a sudden attack on many of the armies stores. Gaining surprise and attacking with their usual ferocity, the tribesmen inflicted heavy losses on many detachments. It was noted that in each case the tribesmen chose to encumber themselves with substantial amounts of grain during their retreat.

Our star reporter Chinon has been kept busy this month with two major parties to keep track of. The first, a noisy, beer-swilling affair lasting several days and involving half of Welland, appeared to be in honour of the birth of the youngest member of the Marcs family. The second was a wine-tasting party and an altogether more dignified affair hosted by the elderly Armundus Septer at the Scriveners Guildhall, and attended by many notable citizens including Alderman Elliot Sparman.

Now it appears that associations of this kind can have unfortunate effects as, not a fortnight later, Master Septer is accused of Treachery and is himself required to attend a Hearing. We understand that the Hearing will be before Sheriff Paston Courtney at the Witanmoot during Kryll. Certain nameless councillors have suggested that Armundus' Hearing has been going for years.

Keen political observers may note that many previously dormant councillors are beginning to stir themselves into action, having noticed the approaching Midwinter elections. Only 45 more backstabbing days until Yuletide!

Vanessa St Lawrence would be pleased to receive any information leading to the recovery of a small bronze casket stolen last Monday. No intrinsic but great sentimental value. A small reward is offered.

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 138

The public galleries of the Court of Justice has been packed all week to witness the contention between Gax the Heretic and Pendentite Antonious Cyan-Dorius. The legal battle is being hard fought on both sides. The two lawyers are presenting their cases with great knowledge and eloquence in what has sometimes seemed like a personal contest of skill to which we are ignorant and unworthy observers. If you have not yet been to see what is possibly the greatest display of the legal art to take place this generation then I suggest you join the queues.

The social occasion of the civic year – the Higharvestide Ball – was noticeable mainly for its lack of incidents. As the music rose and the colourful, glittering crowd swirled around the Great Hall it seemed that the plagues, floods and wars that have troubled the city had not touched these people.

From the Royal Court, Lady Sapphire arrived daringly dressed (or almost dressed) on the arms of Councillor Castlemaine. Miranda Andrews, still working on the highly confidential defence project, was seen deep in discussion with the Armourer, Olnorth Dexter. Reg Marc, dressed elegantly in stark black, became the centre of attention of many of the ladies. Lord Raphael, of course, was the centre of the political discussions of the evening.

Reports of large numbers of demon worshippers in the area south of the Great Fens are being denied by the Lord of Burbage; "A small group of Azial worshippers was discovered in the area near Emlett, but they have been dealt with and are unlikely to trouble anyone again, at least in this life."

Alderman Isenbard of Welland has intervened in the boundary dispute between Welland and Shambles. In a letter to the Chronicle he stated "I have spoken with the (South Kingsway) group, and see it as entirely proper for me to do so. However Alderman Belcher's insinuation that I am somehow behind this group, manipulating it for my own ends, is completely without foundation and frankly seems somewhat paranoid. Alderman Belcher should be looking to the way his ward is governed; not blaming external factors. The differences in the natures of our two wards are quite apparent and I am in complete sympathy with the citizens of Shambles who want to come under a more effective council."

Alderman Belcher was unavailable for comment as he was busy attempting to have Alderman Sparman censored for allegedly libelling him. The action was unsuccessful but perhaps Alderman Belcher needed the practice.

Outside of the councils the situation has been worsening. The watches of the two wards have been seen exchanging insults over the contested boundary; and in a rather tasteless incident, blood and entrails were strewn over the doorway of the Dancing Bear, the one inn in the area.

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 138

A major row is brewing between the wards of Welland and Shambles. The residents of Shambles living South of the Kingsway have suggested that they ought to be included in the Welland ward. Their leader, Della Sarth, explained further, "We in the south Kingsway area do most of our business with residents of Welland and have far more in common with them than with the butchers of Shambles. The Kingsway is a natural boundary and its high time this anomaly was sorted out." Alderman Belcher of Shambles commented that he had "little time for the manoeuvrings of the Welland council" and saw no need for change.

The Lord Raphael Fitz-Simmon's plans for electoral reform have been accepted by the Council in an almost uncontested debate. It would seem that nobody wanted to speak against what is a sensible and worthwhile reform.

The Carpenters Guild have announced that Pendentite Antonius Cyan-Dorius of the Temple of Hahn will formally contest the right of the Thatchers to form a Guild. The case will come before the Courts next month. A rather smug Mark Bergeren announced that Gax the Heretic will be acting on the thatchers behalf. It would seem that the Hahnites top lawyer is in for a rough time.

Dear Sirs,

It has come to my notice that your esteemed publication has been casting dispersions (sic) about the power of prophecy and astrology. May I point out the portent revealed by both last year's Midsummer Festival (where bad weather stopped play) and the "demented soothsayer" (reported last Ternost) has, of course, rung true. The bad weather on Midsummer day predicts, as is well known, usually precedes famine or plague, but last year this was affected by the multiple conjunction of Adamasto with both Letophoro and Senemora and thus preceded the large number of violent deaths during the last year (see the Chronicles for the months of Setheran, Lorinfall, Kryll, Kruthos, Skelern, Pipetal and Jasmarill). The "demented soothsayer" predicted "floods, storms and vile death". As is, I'm sure, well remembered by readers of this esteemed publication, last year's storms and floods were the worst in living memory and the plague now inflicting Marshgate fulfils the last part of the prophecy. Finally, had the Temple of Hahn contacted me before starting rebuilding of their new law school, I could have told them to delay work for six months rather than suffer the wrath of the conjunction of Letophoro with Alderoth.

Goodgulf Astrologer Royal

The ward of Marshgate has now been declared 'safe' by the priests of the Temple of Torus.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 138

This years Midsummer Fair was blessed with bright sunshine and a light breeze. Fat Sal once again took the wrestling purse, although she was very nearly beaten by the much younger Fendus Graf of Portsoken. The Coopers and Brewers easily retained the Stone Cup. Their Captain Councillor Carl Marc strongly denied rumours that the team would be splitting up next year.

This year the King has not permitted his forces to compete in the competitions, which have therefore been much more open. However his Majesty did attend the festival this year and presented many of the prizes himself. The Archery contest was the only major disappointment of the fair, with performances well below the expected standards. The mysterious failure of Miranda Andrews and many other senior members of the Bowyers Guild to attend cannot have helped.

The day after the festival His Majesty issued the following proclamation.

"Be it known that His Majesty King Edmund is seriously displeased by the failure of the citizens of Linrodeth to fulfil their duty to train for war. Any citizen who by the last day of Menderal has not demonstrated the ability to hit a standard target at a range of 30 yards with six arrows in less than 5 minutes will be fined the sum of five shillings."

The battle between the Thatchers and the Carpenters seems to be hotting up. The Carpenters have formally challenged the Thatchers' right to immediately operate a guild monopoly. They have suggested that instead an interim system should be established whereby the Thatchers guild would be administered by a committee of interested parties until the Thatchers have had the time to develop the sophistication and skill to operate an effective and fair guild. Mark the Thatcher commented to the Chronicle: "We have not fought for our own guild just so that it can be run by the people who've been oppressing us for the last century. I have taken legal advice and although there is a precedent for their plan, it bears little relation to the present situation. I will fight them all the way on this, and although they may get the Law on their side, Justice will be on mine."

The Lord Chief Magistrate Raphael Fitz-Simmons has now released details of his plan for electoral reform. It appears to consist chiefly of shifting the annual election of Lord Chief Magistrate to the Spring instead of the Autumn, thus making the choices for the Sheriffs election more obvious and, incidentally, avoiding the need for his own re-election for another six months.

The ward of Marshgate is this month afflicted with a sweating fever which has already claimed lives. The Torian priests are warning people to avoid the area unless their business is urgent, however they have not yet decided to apply to the Council for quarantine permission.

The Chronicle

of the month of Menderal in the year 138

According to sources within the higher echelons of the council, Lord Chief Magistrate Raphael Fitz-Simmons is sounding people out over a new concept. Apparently he plans a "Reform of the electoral system, which will stabilise the government of the city, ensure good, efficient government and save money.”

Most of the Royal family has retired to its summer lodge at Easthaga, taking a detachment of the second cavalry regiment as household guard. Rumour has it that the Queen is not impressed with the discipline of the seventh infantry regiment and has placed her famous rose garden out of bounds. The Queens opinion appears to be shared by many city watchmen, perhaps others areas may be placed off limits?