The Chronicle

of the month of Galemir in the year 156

Lady Jenny Davy has astounded the Monterey, Bottler and Trueman factions by vetoing the Witanmoot's decision to bring the Witanmoot Investigation Agency under the control of the Law and Order committee. Only some members of Lady Davy's faction and the minor groups spoke against the motion. Not even Cllr Peter Ryman's impassioned belief that the Agency was the only group actually tackling crime, nor Cllr Jessamine Scathlocke's reminder that "the criminal elements in this city do not play by the rule book", prevented the Common Council from firmly supporting the motion. Lady Davy then caused both offence and outrage by declaring that "Given the recent trend towards putting political and personal gain above the benefit of the city, I am not willing to see the Agency loose its ability to investigate whomsoever and whatever it wishes."

Concern is growing across the city about the Citadel's near complete control of the grain supply. With the assistance of the recently ennobled Petro Cutario, the Citadel has acquired the vast majority of last year's grain. Although this is being currently being sold at market rates to the Cornmongers, many people have pointed out that come Springtide much of what is left could be shipped south to feed the navy. Concerned citizens have been predicting that shortages and unaffordable price rises will result. So far the Citadel has not seen fit to offer any reassurances.

Cllr Maud Blessop has been forced to apologise to the citizens of Faringdon following her outrageous behaviour during a recent football tournament at Ye Oval. The Faringdon apprentices were doing well until a decision by one of the Referees disallowed their winning goal. Cllr Blessop, still a formidable matron despite advanced years, personally invaded the pitch to give the unfortunate man a piece of her mind. The match was postponed and later the umpires (from the safety of a bunker) declared it to be a win for the Temple team.

The murder of wealthy Goldsmith Arthur Brakeman has sent shock waves through the Guilds of Linrodeth. Mr Brakeman, who is well known for his extensive investments in Zedigal, is thought to have run up significant losses recently. There was no sign of a break in or of any obvious burglary, and the City Guard suspects that the killing was the work of a professional assassin.

Cllr Jessamine Scathlocke has proposed that "The Witanmoot hereby orders that the nomination papers for Lord Chief Magistrate, Sheriffs, Committee Chairs and Envoys be signed by two proposers and by the candidate him or herself in order to be valid. "I take the envoy post very seriously indeed, as I do my duties within my ward; working directly for those who elected me and those who did not. It may be, at some future time, when I have gained more experience that I will be fitted to be an envoy for our city. I should then be only too proud to serve. But to be forced into it before I am ready is folly for both me and the Witanmoot." she declared.

Cllr Julia Delmarsh of Shambles has had her voting rights suspended because of tax arrears. The bankruptcy checks that prevent a councillor voting if they are more than two months in arrears with their poll tax payments is rarely used. However Alderman Marie Cripstead has taken the extreme measure because "Cllr Delmarsh is a persistent offender who could easily pay the tax if she cut back on her extravagant lifestyle".

In contrast to the heady atmosphere created by Lady Davy's use of the veto, the elections to the committees was a lacklustre affair. Alderman Gilbert de Clare took Lands and Agriculture in an uncontested vote, with all the other of committee chairs retaining their places. Although Marie Cripstead's bid to take Welfare and Education from Richard Saunders was only defeated by Lady Davy's casting vote. The potentially contentious Western Isles vote provided the one point of entertainment with rumours circulating that Lady Davy was prepared to use her veto yet. In the end this became unnecessary with Gregory Benton replacing Samuel Ruche who moves to look after Cascorach. All other Envoys remained in post. The final result were:

Chairman of the committee for the Treasury: Melanie Romanie

Chairman of the committee for Trade: Alan Monterey

Chairman of the committee for Law and Order: Eva Capel

Chairman of the committee for Shipping: Thomas Osbert

Chairman of the committee for Welfare and Education: Richard Saunders

Chairman of the committee for Lands and Agriculture: Gilbert de Clare

Envoy to Kerun: Gemma Downe

Envoy to Orissa: Bartholomew Hyde

Envoy to Eresan: Gillian Howe

Envoy to Cascorach: Samuel Rucche

Envoy to the Western Isles: Gregory Benton

The Chronicle

of the month of Skelern in the year 156

Petro Cutario's farewell party to the Witanmoot has dominated social events this month. The newly ennobled Count hired the Brynette Temple's demonstration chamber (the largest domed space in the city), and also arranged for its under-floor heating to be well-stoked throughout. The dress code for the occasion was extravagant, but those turning up in velvets and thick furs were quickly forced to abandon several layers in the heat. The chamber had been turned into a tropical paradise with scores of imported exotic plants, fine pelts, caged birds and bejewelled butterflies. The redecorated dome with its new night-sky mosaic drew much applause (it is not known if the Brynettes will choose to retain the images of Miros, Baccelos, Hippone, etc. depicted thereon). The Kerunians in light silks were very much at ease, although lifelong Linrodeth citizens were highly scandalised at the lack of garments. The laden tables of mysterious foreign food also proved a hazard to the unadventurous, and many confined themselves to sampling the fountains of wine. Noticeably at ease was Her Highness the Princess Selina, resplendent in glittering costume as the Great Moon Goddess. The event culminated at Midnight with a spectacular aerial display of rope dancing by Kerunian artistes, flimsily clad, which Cutario cheerfully referred to as the "heavenly bodies". Shortly thereafter most of the great and good bid farewell and departed in horse-drawn sleighs, leaving the dance floor to the young and lively. At this point it seems that the interior temperature rose yet again, and much of the remaining guests' costumes, along with their restraint, were discarded. The revels continued until the late winter dawn, and the temple is even yet cleaning up and making repairs.

Once hangovers had subsided, the Witanmoot was treated to a major showdown between the old establishment and the new factions over the Witanmoot Investigation Agency. After Alderman Alan Monterey made a number of failed attempts to establish the control of the Law and Order Committee over the agency, a clearly frustrated Eva Capel has thrown down the following motion: "That the Witanmoot Investigation Agency be brought formally under the control of the Committee for Law and Order." The motion was immediately seconded by Jim Bottler and opposed by an incandescently angry Peter Ryman and a more thoughtful Jessamine Scathlocke. The latter pointed out that, "The criminal elements in this city do not play by the rule book and therefore I perceive no problem with the Agency using similarly unorthodox means". So far the Trueman and Davy factions have reserved their positions, but much lobbying has been going on in the corridors of power ahead of next month's vote on the motion.

Residents of Dowgate have been spooked by tales that some of the more grotesque ice sculptures come alive overnight. The City Guard have dismissed reports as "tales for the gullible", but the wardmoot has approved an official letter of complaint to the Bards College. The worthy citizens request that students desist from playing such practical jokes, as it is highly disturbing to the local children.

The Citadel Infantry has been perplexed, and somewhat irritated, by attempts from local citizens to inspect and audit their grain stores. Citizens are reminded that the Outer Ward is run under military law and, while access is permitted to the Court, the sentries' tolerance for sightseers is not unlimited. Future trespassers may be shot first and questioned later.

Normal business at the Witanmoot resumed with nominations for the committee elections. The full nominations are as follows:

Treasury: Mary Hastings, Melanie Romanie.

Trade: Dominic Horner; Alan Monterey, Marc Bergeren.

Law and Order: Peter Ryman, Eva Capel, Hugo Merewell.

Shipping: Thomas Osbert

Welfare and Education: Richard Saunders, Marie Cripstead

Lands and Agriculture: Gilbert de Clare

Envoy to Kerun: Gemma Downe

Envoy to Orissa: Bartholomew Hyde

Envoy to Eresan: Tilly Falgar, Gillian Howe

Envoy to Cascorach: Samuel Rucche, Joanna Russell

Envoy to the Western Isles: Jasmine Scathlocke, Samuel Rucche, Gregory Benton

New councillor Jessamine Scathlocke appears less than flattered by Jim Bottler's nomination of her to the Western Isles. Describing Bottler as, "A rich bully boy swaggering about the corridors of power, buying votes and thinking he can do what he wants!" Her indignation greatly moved Alderman Saunders, who announced his support for her faction. Scathlocke added that the nomination was a malicious and mischievous attempt to get a faction leader, who came close to upsetting the status quo, out of the way. "I will not be going to the Western Isles under any circumstances" she announced. Support for Bottler has however come from the unexpected direction of Lady Davy who declared that, "some of these newcomers need to learn that with election come obligation. Whilst I think Samuel Rucche would do a much better job, if the Witanmoot decides Jessamine Scathlocke is the right person for the Western Isles then she is going whether she likes it or not.".

The Chronicle

of Midwinter of the year 156

The expected breakthrough by Jessamine Scathlocke did not materialise as the established factions rallied their troops in a concerted effort to defend against her. In Castle Bard Gilbert de Clare, with the backing of Alison Shefford, received 54 votes; a comfortable margin over Jessamine Scathlocke's 46 votes. Alison Shefford and Bever Edge (who had both worked had to transfer their votes to the main contestants) trailed in with 30 votes and 14 votes respectively. In Dracas Thomas Osbert had a tight 3 vote majority over Fanny Drake who received 34 votes. In Ishtan Eva Capel received 30 votes giving her a comfortable victory over Eliott Anderson's 21 votes and Bartholomew Hyde's 16 votes.

The battle between Alan Monterey and William Trueman was hard fought this year with Monterey emerging as the victor. In Arpent Hugo Merewell defeated long-standing Alderman Judi Spich by 44 votes to 42 votes, and in Cartage Brunstan Blackbeard beat Alice Barbiter by 47 votes to 39 votes. Elsewhere Trueman, who focused his efforts on defending what he had, held on to his Aldermen. In Portsoken Stephanie Exton received 60 votes, Nicholas Worton 45 votes and Kate Penipot 31 votes. In Shambles Marie Cripstead received 89 votes and Ralf Seagrim 47 votes. Trueman and Monterey themselves were never seriously challenged. In Faringdon William Trueman received 94 votes to Greg Heppledyke's 64 votes and Maud Blessop's 61 votes. In Levestone Alan Monterey received 43 votes to Martin Key's 37 and Hugh Fitz-Abushon's 32 votes. The Trueman faction was unclear if it should celebrate the Berewic victory of Mary Hastings, who received 51 votes to challenger Aldric Houghton's 47 votes, but in doing so defeated fellow faction member Emma Chireton who also received 47 votes.

In Avigon the election was thrown into huge disruption by the Citadel's dawn announcement that Princess Selina was ennobling Petro Cutario to a Count (Eorl) and an Order of Merit for his services to the war effort. The title is thought to be in exchange for the military acquisition of this year's grain surplus. Count Cutario looked determinedly pleased despite his sudden disqualification from the Witanmoot elections. A day of panicky campaigning followed which resulted in Phillip Candever receiving 72 votes to Samuel Rucche's 69 votes. The ennoblement of Cutario did not otherwise seem to affect his faction members results either way. In Oldgate Duncan Barnett received 77 votes, Joanna Russell 57 votes and John Madigan 47 votes.

In Bassishaw Marc Bergeren received 69 votes, Gemma Downe 53 votes and Sheila Herman 43 votes; this was a closer result than expected but still shows a good margin for the Monterey faction. In Welland Jim Bottler received 58 votes, Gillian Howe 40 votes, Tilly Falgar 21 votes and Eddie Englefield 19 votes. In Bridge Richard Saunders, who received 97 votes, was never seriously challenged by Andrea Beablet who gained 54 votes. In Cadene Melanie Romanie received 83 votes, Tiffany Durnegate 61 votes and Gregory Benton 58 votes. In Kingsgate Adam Povre received 100 votes and Godwin Green 70 votes and in Marshgate Samuel Kutler confirmed his position receiving 72 votes to absentee Maureen Quiller's 52 votes.

As expected in Cripplegate, Peter Ryman won with a clear majority. He received 97 votes to Janice Travers' 44 votes and Irving Grendle's 44 votes. The emerging Ryman group's latest member Rose Cheping also had an astonishing victory in Dowgate where her 104 votes crushed incumbent Graeme Porter and apparent challenger Audrey Wirstan, who received 88 votes and 30 votes respectively. The other major upset came in Temple where independent Dominic Horner's lavishly funded campaign resulted in a massive turnout and a defeat for David Northropp by 143 votes to 133.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kruthos in the year 155

An early and prolonged spell of freezing weather has turned the river solid. Traders have already set up a Frost Fair on the ice and are offering the usual delights of skating, sledding, hot snacks and steaming drinks. Some of the students from the Bards College hauled a block of clean ice down to the fair and overnight carved it into a crystal mermaid. Within days the buxom lass had been joined by a menagerie of sea creatures, some very beautiful and a few clearly the products of a deranged imagination. The ice sculptures have added an artistic atmosphere to the usual gaiety of the Frost Fair, and are immensely popular with all but the smallest revellers. The craze looks set to sweep the Citadel with new pieces being commissioned for Her Highness' Yuletide celebrations at the end of the year. These festivities mark the end of a year where the threat of invasion was removed, are set to be the most splendid yet. The traditional masque will recreate the pirate raid on Salvoyn which ended in the firestorm in its naval dockyard. We trust the audience will remain unsinged during the finale.

Campaigning for the election has been fierce and unforgiving this year. With new contenders such as Jessamine Scathlocke and Dominic Horner disrupting the old order, the cosy agreements of the past appear to be breaking down and wards which have not seen activity for years are being hotly fought. The new challengers, whilst short of people do appear to be particularly well funded. The Horner faction in particular has been massively inflating the cost of a vote in the wards it is contesting. As ever with new contenders innovative campaign practices are emerging in particular the huge paintings which have been appearing on the sides of Scathlocke supporters houses.

Rumours that several theatrical companies have been bidding for the rights to the play "The Demon of Berwick" have unsettled the Witanmoot this week. Aldermen Monterey in particular has viewed the enterprising activities of the Witanmoot Investigation Agency with disapproval. Other patrons of the theatres clearly hope that commercial success of this title will allow further sequels to be written; "The Bandit Bitch of Botmoor" has already been suggested.

The city guard on duty at the magistrates' courts were forced to call on the Knights Templar for reinforcement after a brawl threatened to get out of control. A number of youths called before different judges for minor offences took rather greater offence at being in each other's vicinity outside the courtroom. A fistfight quickly escalated into serious trouble as knives were drawn, and the general melee left two dead before the situation was brought under control. It is understood that five witnesses, one Mandatien and three guardsmen have been taken to the Torian infirmary.

While the rest of the Mercers and Grosser guild fret about the fall-off of international trade, Alderman Cutario has decided to fling caution to the wind and enclose Ye Oval in tiered seating for its audiences. Clearly this will cost no small amount of money and suggests either great confidence in Linrodeth's future prosperity or great confidence in the number of punters willing to pay for sheltered entertainment. As this month's programme appears to feature a prolonged football tournament, which local Kerunians have described as "endurance mud wrestling", the likely payback would seem to be measured in decades.

The Chronicle

of the month of Ternost in the year 155

The Service of Remembrance at Ghostmoons was a quiet and moving occasion. There were no security incidents despite the large crowd gathered in the outer ward of the Citadel. The night passed peacefully with the first fall of snow settling overnight.

The Midwinter elections next month are likely to see a number of closely fought battles. In Arpent Hugo Merewell is once again facing a challenge from Judi Spich, although he looks lily to hold his seat. In Bassishaw Marc Bergeren is facing a serious challenge from Gemma Downe whist in Berwick ex-Sheriff Hastings and fellow Truemanite Alderman Emma Chireton are slogging it out a no holds barded contest. In Cartage the fight between Alice Barbiter and Brunstan Blackbeard looks set to be even closer than it has been over the last few years with the normally heavy Trueman campaign in this ward looking decidedly lacklustre against a well managed Monterey campaign. In Kingsgate Adam Povre will probably once again hold against Godwin Green, although the contest should once again be close.

Perhaps the most interesting contests this year are those where the new Scathlocke faction is disrupting the old order. In Castle Bard Jessamine Scathlocke herself is rapidly closing on Gilbert de Clare. Alison Shefford looks resigned to loosing the contest but has so far refused to express a preference for which of the other two she would like to see as Alderman. A serious three way fight is also emerging in Dracas between Thomas Osbert, Randolf Flambourd and Scathlocke devotee Fanny Drake. The Scathlocke group's best chance at an Aldermanship however appears to be in Ishtan where Eliott Anderson looks set to defeat Eva Capel.

The Witanmoot has belatedly discovered that Maureen Quiller has unexpectedly departed to assist in the blockade of Salvoyn, along with a number of members of her household. With Nicholas Bowden now a Sheriff, Maureen was widely expected to regain her Aldermanship and her departure last month was a complete surprise. A spokesman for the household told the Chronicle, "The new Belisle port at Salvoyn is vital to the trade health of Linrodeth and the defeat of the evils of the false Reshites in Salvoyn. As a senior member of the Mercers Guild she sees it as her duty to go where Linrodeth needs her most. After all, we are at war." A warehouse fire in Ishtan ward was contained by the prompt action of local citizens. The Hodges Warehouse on Slip Street was completely gutted, but fortunately only half a dozen other buildings had to be pulled down to complete a fire break and prevent the blaze spreading. The warehouse is said to have been filled with linens and woollens awaiting shipment south. The fire is thought to have been started by a watchman's candle.

High winds have caused problems for the last travellers struggling to return to the city for the winter. Poor visibility and treacherous footing has made the bridge crossing especially hazardous. A number of wagons were overturned and abandoned on the bridge at the height of the blizzard, and were later removed by the City Guard. Citizens are reminded of their annual duty to keep the highways and byways of the city clear at all times, and to remove frozen beggars before they can accumulate underfoot.

The Chronicle

of the month of Kryll in the year 155

A major naval engagement has been fought in the Salvoynian estuary against a fleet out of Zedigal. Linrodeth's superior navy was eventually victorious, but the battle disrupted the blockade long enough for a large group of merchant vessels to break through to Salvoyn. Observers fear that the enemy may have been supplied with enough grain to last out the winter. Hopes for a swift end to the siege have been replaced by a grim determination to see it through despite the onset of winter. Of longer term concern to Linrodeth is the effect of Zedigal's hostility on merchant shipping heading south. Trade to Kerun is dropping off and there is some concern that the Treasury will have trouble balancing next year's budget.

The Nyskilde Venture Company has rallied its "settlers" in the Weald and has set out overland to Nyskilde. It is heading along the coast road, closely followed by a small fleet of well-paid fishing cogs carrying food and other essential supplies. The company still has a good chance of reaching Nyskilde before the winter sets in, but it is unlikely that any news of their fate will be had before Springtide.

The Citadel is pleased to announce that Princess Alexis has been reunited with her father. Dispatch riders from Fenny Bridges brought news that the princess was located in the wilds of the High Wolds, and will be returned to Cascorach forthwith. Officials are refusing to comment further, although it is understood that the young lady's immediate future may involve a religious establishment, or perhaps several.

The run-up to the Midwinter elections is getting underway in earnest, with the younger councillors particularly keen to hit the streets and set bunting out. Their seniors have been invited to the traditional pre-election discussion with her Highness Princess Selina. It was noted that Alderman Cutario returned looking no longer smug. At the start of the campaigning Jessamine Scathlocke is emerging as an Aldermanship candidate in her own right. The highly popular Cllr Bever Edge of Castle Bard has been extolling the virtues of Cllr Scathlocke. With Alison Shefford already trailing in third place it looks as though she may now be in a position to take the Aldermanship from Gilbert de-Clare.

An unexpected challenge to David Northrop's hold over the ward of Temple has emerged in the shape of one Dominic Horner. Cllr Horner's very well funded campaign has been spending money at an incredible rate and has completely caught Northrop off guard. Some groups in the Citadel have expressed concern that the Glaziers guild, which already has a number of prominent members in the Witanmoot is attempting to buy itself an Aldermanship.

Her Highness Princess Selina has announced that she will hold an official Programme of Remembrance for the dead of the war against Salvoyn. Although it will focus on the military, and in particular the brave sailors of Linrodeth's formidable navy, there will also be prayers for civilian lives lost. This unusual step has been taken in recognition of the many years that Salvoyn has spent targeting the most vulnerable inhabitants of our city. The service will be held at Ghostmoons in the grounds of the outer Citadel. Representatives from all major temples will be present and all citizens are invited to attend. This marks the first time that the Citadel has been made open to casual visitors in very many years.

The Chronicle

of the month of Lorinfall in the year 155

The siege of Salvoyn continues with neither trade nor food permitted to enter the port. Duke Faure de Lamonte has launched a probing attack by raft through the upriver marshes, and has destroyed some outlying buildings. The Linrodeth Navy continues to block seaward access, but its freshwater supplies at Belisle Port continue to be a problem and may hinder operations. The Admiralty has increased its water allocation to merchant vessels heading further south to the city states, and has also issued an official warning about increased “pirate” activity around Zedigal.

The Citadel is returning to normal following the abrupt departure of Duke Alexander and his armed retinue. The troop departed on an easterly road towards the Great Fens, presumably following up new information acquired during their recent investigations on Linrodeth's streets. Despite this departure, speculation continues that Princess Alexis is being held captive within Linrodeth for increasingly absurd amounts of ransom money.

The Nyskilde Venture Company may be forced to abandon its plan of campaign due to a shortage of vessels and able-bodied seamen. The Admiralty Board has moved quickly to ensure that any useable resources are either employed by the Consortium or commandeered by the Navy. The Nyskilde Venture Company is understood to be considering alternative plans, including a long overland trek or use of a very large fishing fleet.

Aldermen William Trueman and Alan Monterey are united in their campaign for the Witanmoot Investigation Agency to be bought under firm control with an open and accountable reporting structure and finance. Alderman Ryman remains a very vocal supporter of the agency in its fight against criminal elements with the city, and has chosen to leave the Monterey faction in protest. The Witanmoot looks set to become divided on the issue with some councillors pleased that someone is finally tackling street crime, and others remain deeply worried by the role of the agency in the mystical events of the Dragonfeast. The disagreements rumble on while one agency captain refuses to answer any Witanmoot questions on the subject, and the other captain turning up unconscious in the Torian Infirmary.

News from the Dalethian Temple confirms that this year's wheat harvest has been very much better than expected, despite the damp and miserable conditions earlier in the summer. Speculators planning on cashing in on the grain surplus are disconcerted to discover that almost all of it has been purchased ahead of time. Repeated statements from nearby towns expressed the sentiment that it had been acquired "for State, City, and the Consortium". And indeed Alderman Petro Cutario is looking extremely pleased with himself in recent days.

Scholars from the Bards College have been invited to catalogue the contents of a house in Cadene. This unusual step was taken after neighbours discovered the remains of the owner, old Ron Nevis, slumped in the garden privy. The very elderly gent and was known to be a formidable hoarder, but investigators were surprised to discover over 2000 items of parchment and vellum squirrelled away amongst the junk. Early plans for a hygienic burn and clear of the house contents have been halted while scholars try to understand what the documents are and where they originally came from. Old Ron was said to have worked as a janitor at many city institutions over the course of his long life, and to have been fired from most of them for pilfering.

The Chronicle

of the month of Arvinoth in the year 155

The combined levies of Eresan and Cascorach have been able to secure at least the outer edges of the reeds and waterways surrounding the city of Salvoyn. This is the first time that the troops have been able to move into the immediate hinterland of the city, and the advance has halted while the army adapts to the unique hazards of the wetlands. This major success with troops controlling such a significant area pays tribute to the military vigour of Duke Faure de Lamonte, and his masterly use of intelligence provided by Viscount Constarlis, a native of the area, who has been placed in protective custody of the armed forces at the siege.

The city guard has launched a major raid on the criminal factions of Cripplegate. Over fifty troops, some of them mounted, descended on an inn which the Witanmoot Investigation Agency has alleged was the headquarters of a major criminal gang. All of the key members of the gang were either killed or taken prisoner. Alderman Ryman has declared himself delighted that "at last the city is taking action". He went on to praise the Witanmoot Investigation Agency for the robust way they were tackling crime and suggested that his political colleagues stop interfering and leave them alone to get on with the job.

Princess Alexis may be somewhere within Linrodeth. Agents of Duke Alexander of Cascorach have been asking questions on the whereabouts of the young, missing princess, and there are rumours circulating on the streets that she has been spotted on more than one occasion. On some occasions the duke himself has taken to questioning witnesses, always with great charm and generosity, clearly playing on his enduring popularity within the city (especially amongst matrons of a certain age). Her Highness Princess Selina has also expressed concern for her niece's safety and is offering a reward of £1000 for anyone who can provide accurate information leading to Princess Alexis' safe return.

Another of Princess Selina's concerns may have been resolved, or at least postponed, with the departure of the Zedigal envoys aboard the trading cog Belos. Neither side was willing to comment on the outcome of the talks, but it was noted that the visiting merchant princes took no advantage of the opportunity to trade with Linrodeth's guildsmen. Meanwhile reports from the navy on blockade duty say that a new port has been established on the main island overlooking the Salvoynian estuary. This will act as a trading base for ships wishing to provide goods for the surrounding army or on the trip between the city states and Linrodeth. Belisle Port is already thriving with a number of prominent Linrodeth merchants already taking warehouses on its rapidly filling dock front.

Within the lately quiet Witanmoot, the faction of Cllr Jessamine Scathlocke continues to grow with Gemma Downe, Bever Edge and Audrey Wirstan all joining her entourage. With a large base of support in the ward of Castle Bard, and an increasing presence in Dracas and Ishtan wards, this group looks poised to break the current impasse in the Witanmoot.

A small trading mission to Nyskilde has returned and reported that, whilst the city is not entirely abandoned, trade that has completely collapsed and the port has been reduced to a fishing settlement. Undeterred by this dismal information, a private fleet is being assembled by a group of nobles within our Principality in order to sail north and claim the land. The Citadel is denying any involvement in the venture, but is clear that this private invasion fleet is loyal to Princess Selina.

The Chronicle

of the month of Setheran in the year 155

Linrodeth's Temples, Witanmoot and Citadel are still struggling to explain the incredible omen which Linrodeth received at Dragonfeast. Whilst everyone agrees that it was a good omen, accurate interpretation beyond that has been erratic. At exactly midday on Dragonfeast, the dark overcast skies were pieced by a bright column of light which leapt up from the area of Berewic and spread out in a ring which illuminated the centre of the city. Once the light had died down, clouds eventually cleared and the afternoon was bathed in warmth and sunlight. The Citadel has so far resisted the temptation to declare that Linrodeth is about to become "the centre of light clearing away the darkness of Resh", but a number of temples, in particular the Hahnites, have been much less reticent. The Witanmoot itself seems more pre-occupied with tracking down the source of the "magic” and hard questions are being asked of the actors who staged the play "The Demon of Berwick" which culminated at the same time as the omen occurred and which took place in the same location as the centre of the light. The Bards College has requested that the area be sealed off and is refusing to comment on rumours of a secret chamber beneath the stage. Whilst completely overshadowed (if that's the right word) by mystical events, both the Midsummer Fair and subsequent Dragonfeast were a great success.

The play itself has generated significant controversy with its "revelation” that the famed Battle of Berewic was in fact staged by Aralan Derwent to further her political career. Further fuelling the political furore over this, the Chronicle has been able to learn that it was the already controversial Witanmoot Investigation Agency that both sponsored and co-wrote the play. Just why the agency would be involved in an attempt to re-write political history, and assassinate the character of the now Countess Derwent, is unclear and raises further questions about what really went on at Dragonfeast. A furious Alderman William Trueman is demanding to know who approved the budget and has raised an urgent motion to "Bring the agency under control".

Further naval action has taken place between ships of our navy and warships from Zedigal at the blockade of Salvoyn. A formal embassy from the city state has arrived at the Citadel to protest at the blockade and its interference with trade in general and their ships in particular. The envoys are reported to have been in an uncompromising mood and fears are being raised that the powerful city state may launch an all-out attack on our forces. Whilst discussions are still continuing, Princess Selina has raised the stakes by authorising the Navy of Linrodeth to take "all actions necessary to defeat those offering support or aid to our enemies".

The Midsummer sheriffs' elections resulted in the appointment of Nicholas Bowden and Olivia Warin to the office. Mary Hastings, whilst clearly disappointed to have lost her chance at lordship, appeared genuine in welcoming back Bowden, "whose experience in the role of sheriff," she declared, "was clearly needed in these difficult times." Samuel Kutler, Maureen Quiller and Lyndon Skate (the latter a strong supporter of Bowden within the ward) have all been proposed as the replacement Aldermen.

To add to Princess Selina's already fraught schedule, Duke Alexander of Cascorach has ridden in at speed with a small but veteran troop of household knights. Going directly to the Citadel, the Duke is understood to have obtained an immediate private interview with Her Highness, followed by a lengthy and much less private search to find suitable accommodations for his retinue. His Grace is believed to now be residing in the Manticore Tower.