Therendyr & Blackstone Herald

January, 604 Volume 3, Issue 1

Annual Therendry/Blackstone Awards to be Announced Duke Ellis Pinetree has announced that he will be presenting the Therendry/Blackstone Awards during the Feast at the gather this month. In accordance with Herald policy, all ties are won by selection of His Grace, who has also seen fit to cut unseemly categories and nominations. The Herald is pleased that there was such an overwhelming response to our polls this year. We look forward to serving the public in this capacity in the future as well. The paper supports His Grace in all aspects of this record, and will post the official winners in the next edition.

The Therendry/ Blackstone Herald

In This Issue… An Interview with Baron Zug De’Kiernan… page 2 Modes of Adventuring Attire … page 3 An Interview with Lady Pyroxia Fyrestorm… page 4 The Legal Corner… page 5 Letters to Lynne… page 6 Top Ten… page 7 Rumor Has It… page 8 Redsash Manifesto… page 9

Best Dressed Noble Viscount Simeon Silvercord

Pinetree the Generous

An Interview with Baron Zug De’Kiernan of Havencrest What do you think is the most valuable character trait for a Baron of these lands?

The ability to think quickly and make decisions for the good of the people. Did you know that the title was going to be bestowed on you?

Yes. Why or Why not?

His Excellency informed me that I would be previous to the gather. In what ways to you feel that you deserve the title?

My liege is confident in my abilities. To whom (if anyone) do you attribute your success to this point?

Therendry and her people. What would you like the people you will now rule to know about you?

Havencrest's court stands ready to serve Therendry. In what ways do you think Havencrest can improve?

Any lands can always be improved, whether that be in ridding them of those what would do harm, or simply planting more crops in preparation for a good Harvest

In what ways do you think it already excels?

It excels in the fact that people have a land in which they may live and work to survive in.

How would you like to be referred to/spoken to/addressed?

The proper address for my station is "My Lord Baron" How would you like your vassals to be referred?

The proper address for Lords/Ladies are "Your Lordship/Your Ladyship while Knights are "Good Sir Knight/Good Dame Knight.

Are you making any legal changes the populace should be aware of?

Havencrest shall follow the laws of Therendry as always. How do you feel about Draelin Carlylin refusing his title to bond with Myrr?

My good brother is a citizen of Myrr, it is his homeland to which he holds a very high love of. I am pleased that he has been given the chance he has, as it is something that he has wanted for many years.

How would one who wishes to swear oath to you go about doing it?

Speak with me.

The Therendry/Blackstone Herald Page 2

Modes of Attire for the Astute Adventurer or a CompendiModes of Attire for the Astute Adventurer or a CompendiModes of Attire for the Astute Adventurer or a CompendiModes of Attire for the Astute Adventurer or a Compendium of Clothingum of Clothingum of Clothingum of Clothing Anonymous

I have noticed in my travels that apart from the generic tunic and pants, many members of the adventuring class have distinctive and varied styles of clothing they prefer to wear. Gypsies tend towards bright, garish colors and lots of bells. Some of the women tend toward more revealing, form fitting shirts and bodices, with louncy skirts. Gypsy men generally wear loose fitting clothes, melon being a popular color. Dressing Gypsy means an individual does not have to worry about color coordination, as according to them, all colors go together. Color suitability is very important. If one is half black and half purple, then it obviously makes sense to wear a tabard that corresponds to your given skin tone. Color, however is only important to those races that can see in color. If one sees in shades of gray, then color has no meaning and a race that has no concept of clashing or unsuitable colors cannot be held accountable for such taste as it is all some variant of gray to them. Gorbe do not see in color, and have difficulties understanding the concept beyond the variations between black and white. Vampires are somewhat vain creatures and usually sport some sort of fanciful, voluminous chapeau. For nocturnal undead, they tend to have a keen sense of fashion! Necromancers, not so much. Necromancers are an interesting category to try and qualify because they encompass a wide variety of individuals. Some tend toward the more simple garments. I met one once who wore black shorts and a blue tunic with sandals which seemed to work well for him. He could be just as menacing as, say, the one who wore a fresh Gorbe hide. This of course brings us to the topic of fur. Gorbe have fur, and are known for the remarkable variance in fur patterns. Some wear loose fitting clothing designed to keep their bodies cool in warm weather. Others prefer not to wear anything at all, except for necessities, such as armor or a hat if it is especially sunny. One lovely Gorbe has recently taken to wearing Quentari-made vestments, however this seems to be a winter occurrence as the cold in this area is much more brutal than it ever gets in Myrr. Wolven also have fur, and while Gorbe generally have more intricate patterning, the Wolven seem to have a heavier, thicker fur, especially on their tails for those who have them. Barbarians and wild elves both sometimes wear fur.

Page 3 The Therendry/Blackstone Herald

Gorbe in Quentari fashion.

Wild Elf Redistributes

Pouches for Better Viewing of His 'Tail'Vornae with Vornae

doll.

Continued on page 12…

An Interview with Lady Pyroxia Fyrestorm

What do you think is the most valuable character trait for a Lady of these lands? I think that any noble of any land should be willing to sacrifice everything for the people of the land and put the people first above all else.

Did you know that the title was going to be bestowed on you? Why or Why not?

Baron Zug had spoken to me that he might be able to bestow this honor upon me before.

In what ways to you feel that you deserve the title? In what ways not? I deserve nothing only that I am blessed to be able to serve the people especially the children. Anywhere that I am given the responsibility and the respect of being able to help those in need I feel joy.

To whom (if anyone) do you attribute your success to this point? To all my friends who have supported me above and below.

What would you like the people you will now rule to know about you? That I do not "rule", I lead. I wish to do what is right and follow the laws. I will listen to all and try to do my best by them and the people.

What would you like to tell the people about your plans for the future? I hope to make Calais become a thriving city, a place where people can come and have good trade and a good time. I would like to build a school for battle healers so that I and others may pass down their knowledge and experience to the new adventurers.

In what ways do you think Calais can improve? In what ways do you think it already excels?

I think that Calais is a wonderful town full of wonderful people. I hope that the people can grown and learn as I will and be accepting of those who are different than they.

How would you like to be referred to/spoken to/addressed? Lady Roxi is just fine with me. Every time someone says Lady Pyroxia Fyrestorm I look around for my mother. :) Any and all people are encouraged to come and speak with me I was a commoner not to long ago and do not plan to ignore them in any way.

How would you like your vassals to be referred? By what ever means is correct in addressing them however, it is not necessary to use Goodman, Goodwife etc unless the person requests it.

Are you making any legal changes the populace should be aware of? Not at the moment, If I do I will be sure to scribe it onto the Fae tree so that all will know and to have it written in your paper.



The Legal Corner

Changes to the Laws of Therendry: A Ducal Edict Citizens of Therendry,

Be it known to all persons within the confines of the Duchy of Therendry that conversation with the entity known as "The Incarnation of Evil" is outlawed and punishable by death. It is, as of this moment, considered, by me, to be an Enemy of Therendry and its presense is to be reported to the nearest authority with all possible haste. If it is seen in conversation with anyone within the borders of Therendry then that person is to be reported to the nearest authority as well.

By My Hand and Seal Ellis Pinetree Sovereign Duke of Therendry **Please note that according to the Laws of Evendarr, this crime includes missives and posts to said criminal on the fae trees.

Titles and Nobility The following are newly titled in the Duchy of Therendry:

Valoric Treehawk is the new Count of Stormcross, formerly Midland County Zug De’Kiernan is the new Baron of Havencrest Pyroxia Fyrestorm is the new Lady of Calais Balduranthus Moonshadow is the new Lord of Slateron

The Herald wishes to extend its congratulations to the newly titled, and our hope that they will be able to fulfill their noble duties with honor and integrity.

Notes from the Duchy Scribe The following will comprise the new methodology for submitting requests to His Grace: First, those requesting the Right to Practice in Therendry are to submit to myself a copy of the Guild they represent, the By-Laws, and a list of the Members of the Guild, including Guild Masters/Mistresses. Secondly, any personage wishing to construct an extended Circle of Power must make request through myself with details of the need and the availability for adventurers, commoners, and nobility. Any extended circle found to be in existence without a charter will be destroyed by the Magistrate or a representative of the Duke. Thirdly, those requesting Special Dispensation, Record of Property, formal Honor Combat, or Noble Representation must do so in writing to myself and His Grace.

~Pai Zhi


Letters to Lynne… Ello my Lovelies! I am sorry you hawe been missing my letters, but I hawe been a wery busy rom! Being a newlywed has been troublesom - but I hawe managed to peel Dathras off me long enough to write dese responses. Please keep sending me de letters, my sweet ones, and I will keep writing. Dear Lynne, Why are goblins green? ~Curious Ello Curious - De little goblins are green because legend has it – many moons ago, when de eardt was still young - some goblins, pale skined as a human - got a hold of some bad mushrooms - dis turned dere stomachs, and dere hearts sour. Dis also explains dere sometimes sour demener. Dear Lynne, What do you get when you shave a sarr???? ~Wolfie Dear Wolfie - a wery mad gorbe who will gut you shortly. Dear Lynne, Is it true that Xantorax wants to marry you? ~Heard Sumthin Dear Heard - I hadn't heard dat, but all I hawe to say is GET IN LINE! Seriously, though, I am happy in my newlyweddedness and dere is no way he could win my hand away from Dathras. Dear Lynne, My friend and I are new to this area, and adventuring. During the time we have been here, we have encountered many unusual creatures. They all seem to want to spirit lock stuff to us. Why? ~One Spirit Spot Left Ello One - de stars do not say much on dis, odder den perhaps dey are trying to lock tings to you which are not so good so de good tings cannot lock to you. Dear Lynne, I have a problem with a noble. Unfortunately, that noble is pretty powerful and can probably take me out. What can I do? ~Filthy Commoner Hiyas Filth - I would recommend bringing it up wit de local nobel and attempt to go trough de chains of command. If dat does not work, load up your wardo, my friend, and move to de summer home a few monts early.



Top Ten New YeaTop Ten New YeaTop Ten New YeaTop Ten New Year’s Resolutionsr’s Resolutionsr’s Resolutionsr’s Resolutions 10) Stop drinking hooch with gypsies. 9) Fix the starving peasant problems. 8) Fix the pesky Incarnation problems. 7) Clear my lands of undead. 6) Pick up a school of magic. 5) Learn how to read those magic scrolls. 4) Improve my fighting style. 3) Hire some reliable minions. 2) Become ruler of all. 1) Figure out where all the treasure is going. Top Ten Reasons to Avoid the Incarnation Top Ten Reasons to Avoid the Incarnation Top Ten Reasons to Avoid the Incarnation Top Ten Reasons to Avoid the Incarnation of Evilof Evilof Evilof Evil - He is an outlaw. - He can’t dance. Its true…We heard. - He is mentioned in the Code of Chivalry. In a bad way. - His tribbles are socially unacceptable. - Mordekai Pennance.

- He’s very good friends with Death. - He invented Slavery. - He Also invented Chaos. - And Trenches. Top Ten Reasons to Keep in the Duke’s Top Ten Reasons to Keep in the Duke’s Top Ten Reasons to Keep in the Duke’s Top Ten Reasons to Keep in the Duke’s Good Graces:Good Graces:Good Graces:Good Graces: 10) Title. Title. Land. Title. Title. Chicks. Title. Title. 9) He’ll never ask you to form a Sanitation Development Team. 8) Traveling Nobles. 7) He’s got the final word on the Awards. 6) Two Words: Hard Labor. 5) The Harem. 4) 20 Life Spells. 3) Davy, Zug, Valoric, Simeon. 2) His nickname is “The Generous”. 1) No kneeling.

A Classified Advertisement:A Classified Advertisement:A Classified Advertisement:A Classified Advertisement:

Hey, Parthynia…The taint may have been cleansed…but I remember. Watch out. I know where you live…and I’ve seen where you sleep. I swear, in the name of Tyrra, that Strider will CRY when he sees what I have done to you. An Interview with the Lady of Calais Continued from Page 4… How do you feel about Draelin Carlylin refusing his title to bond with Myrr?

Draelin did not refuse his title, he actually accepted it for about 1 hour then he was made an offer that he has been waiting a lifetime for. To become a Myrran squire has always been a dream of his and he could not refuse. I cannot deny anyone the bond to the homeland, It is something I understand very well.

How would one who wishes to swear oath to you go about doing it? They would approach me and explain their reasons why and if I found them sound then I would take their offer to Baron Zug so that he may give me permission to accept them into my ranks.

Is there anything you wish to tell us about how you gained the esteemed rank of Hero of Evendarr?

Just that I am not the only one to hold this honor. Draelin Carlylin was also there in Ravenholt and also received this title from His Majesty King Michael. I do not feel I was doing anything other than my duty of protecting the King.

Do you have anything else you wish to say, or request to have accomplished? I only hope that I can be a good noble and a kind one. If any person has a Problem, please come to me and I will try to help as best I can. I am always in service.


Rumor Has It… Now, these are just rumors…NOT FACT. …that the Kingdom Knights are coming expecting to have an addition before they leave. … that the Lords of Slateron and Exeter are fighting for the coveted “Best in Tights” award. … that the Duke of Greyhorn is coming to execute someone. … that the Duke of Therendry is coming to execute the Duke of Greyhorn. … that the word “Consort” can mean “one being courted” or “one’s kept woman”. … that the short union between two Wolven, one a Desertmoon, the other a Darkstrider child, has passed, and is done. … that Zug was bribed into giving Lady Roxi title. …that Duke Chance of Greyhorn has lost his. Chance that is – at a long life. … that Caliphar is a spy within Sir Liam Andreus’ family. …that Glenn Stormwolf says he had good intentions for his race change…but it was for his own selfish purposes. Surprised? Nah. This IS Glenn. …that Lady Tenshi Ryu Toshori is the heir to the Ellentari empire. … that Lord Tao is really in love with a Dark Elf from Kirishai. He bides his time waiting for Kilana to finally DIE ALREADY! …that Viscount Simeon Silvercord plans to assassinate Parthynia…for he blames her for the influence on the Duke in the loss of the competition for the county. No matter. She’ll die, anyway…by the hand of a blue biata. … that Dementia lives. … that Count Valoric is the Lord of Illusions. … that Glenn Stormwolf is the Lord of Illusions. … that Trevor Tenshi is the Lord of Illusions. (I command myself to awaken. Okay, I was wrong about everyone but Trevor.) … that Kilana is in love with Lord Gareth. … that John Little is in love with Peppercorn. … that Peppercorn is in love with Kaede. … that Love is overrated, really. … that Kaede is in big trouble. Poor little Dark Elf. … that Acadia plans to move in with her brother, Count Valoric Treehawk. Did you know Tynsil Treehawke is Acadia’s mother? How twisted is that? … that Sir Thorne Darkstrider is more deadly than any other Wolven on the face of Tyrra. Just ask his four late wives. … that Sir Gwalchmai Gryphon was a Wolven…but he changed to an elf cause he was going bald. Oh, what a shame when Wolven get the mange. … that Jauntarius Darkstrider has a special price to court his daughter. Ask any undead he’s run into. … that Hawk is back! Joy of joys!!!! Now where’s Sea? … that Pai Zhi hates, just HATES being called a conquest. … that Baron Algorian writes poetry under a pen name: Baron Speaks With Flowers. … that there’s a little girl out to get Count Davy.

Obituaries and Resurrections… Obituaries: Kim SuLang, aka Rakurai SuLang- killed in the line of battle defending the town of Calais during the gather in November, Rakurai transformed into a unicorn. Resurrections: Sheriff Glenn Stormwolf, Safir Kathryn De’Kiernan, and Scribe Consort Pai Zhi, in Dar’Khabad, at the hands of undead.


On the Nature of Our Being: The Manifesto of the Redsash Men.On the Nature of Our Being: The Manifesto of the Redsash Men.On the Nature of Our Being: The Manifesto of the Redsash Men.On the Nature of Our Being: The Manifesto of the Redsash Men. The story of our organization begins twenty years ago in a small town on the borderlands between the duchy of Therendry and the then county of Blackstone, thirty miles to the north of the lost town of Blade. There, three young lads grew into manhood together, dreaming of adventure and questing as all young men are ought to. These fine lads were myself Mark Pottersson and the brothers Hyrum and Myrthan Nodrall. We together made plans to journey across the land and win the hearts of the populace through exploits of bravery and strength. We left the town of our birth in high spirits, sure that when we arrived in a major town we would find our place in the adventuring elite and in time rise to the heights of fame. Our reception was a harsh one though, and reality had a hidden dagger planed for our backs. We were ignored throughout the entirety of our first gathering of adventures, pushed around by the older, more experienced warriors of the town. We managed to scrounge together a few coppers and one silver piece from a few goblins, but were either pushed away and denied the chance to follow along on explorations of the runes of the area or found that somehow the treasure would "disappear" from the adventures we were taken on, often to serve as a meat wall and referred to as "shields with legs." Despite this harsh treatment we resolved together to stand here rather than return to our farms and swore an oath of blood to stand as one. We each then wrapped a sash of red around our waists to show the bond of blood. The following gather we returned, determined to show a measure of our worth. Again we were ignored, belittled, and taunted due to our lack of marshal and magical prowess. We roughed it out though, always trying to prove ourselves worthy, always looking for the chance to break through the barrier of prejudice that the experienced adventures held us in, always seeking to escape the ignorance that arose from the lack of information the experienced adventures would give us. We thought we were making progress, but we were dangerously wrong. One year into our adventuring career we had the misfortune of happening upon a substantial treasure. By detecting magic upon the items present we found two of them to be magical. On our way back to town though we were ambushed by a mob of veteran adventures that put us to the sword and looted our bodies before tossing us into the woods to die. Hyrum and I resurrected in the earth circle, but Myrthan was unable to do so and there died his permanent death. We found his body in the woods an hour later. Despondent over the loss of our brother we sat in he tavern, drowning out sorrows in ale when the mob of villains who had claimed our lives entered, joking and laughing amongst themselves. We ran for the sheriff, but he refused to help, saying he had no proof of their deeds and furthermore they paid him enough gold that he never would. Enraged we left him, when one of the party of villains came upon us and laughed, saying that he couldn't believe that all I had on my person were five gold and a magical gem that could cast one cure light wounds spell ever. Enraged we set upon him, dropping him in a bloody pool in out fury. We ran from that town with the sheriff and his men on our heels, our sense of justice and the power of good left in Myrthan's shallow grave. This is how we came to see the evil inherent in the adventuring populace, their greed and their lack of concern for others. We were once idealistic, once believed in the power of good. Now we offer shelter and protection to all who have likewise been torn from the joy of ignorance by the evil that surrounds us. We protect our own, and believe that only by standing together with the young adventures of the land can we overcome the shadows of poverty and ignorance placed on them by the established elite. What follows are



Letters to Lynne Continued from Page… Dear Lynne, I wanna be a noble...Quickly. What can I do? ~Soon to be Noble Well soon - I hawe seen many a lady charm her way into de hearts of a noble to achieve nobility - Truthfully, nobility is for de birds. Dathras has noble title in Elysia, and it bores me. I keep tings light hearted and balance him out. I hawe no desire for nobility, derefore it is hard for me to answer dis question. Dear Lynne, I have been deceived. I fell in love with someone who turned out to be something other than I thought they were. I now wish that person were dead. What should I do? ~Daddy to Be Well, Daddy....I recommend you speak with someone lewel headed about all of dis. If you can ignore de situation, den ignore it. Time heals all wounds. Dear Lynne, I'm trying to court someone who is unromantic. How do I peak this person's interest? ~Wooing Dear Woo - Oh, now, dis is someting I know about, but unfortunately de editors would not print what I really want to say. It does, however, involve candlelight, scareves, a warm fire, a sheep skin rug, and little else. If dat does not get dere fire going, I cannot tink of anyting dat would. Dis works most effectively if you are de lady wit de scarves. If you are de man winning de woman, I recommend some strong rom hooch – my cousin Sebastian is an excellent sourse - and de same candle light experience. Good luck, all my lovelies - I will be seeing you all soon, I hope. Stay safe and keep sending me your questions! Letters to Lynne is a service provided by Lynne-Zara De’Amentre, who can be reached through the paper ([email protected]) or via her courier [email protected].


Orphanage Sacked, Burned. Baron Zug De’Kiernan Takes Rap Apparently, the Purists had set up an orphanage/school outside of the town of Calais comprised of orphans of the local community. They had misled the local citizenry into thinking that it was being constructed under the orders of House Therenstar. When Baron De’Kiernan advanced on the territory, he was unaware of the orphans within the building, as it resembled a fortress of some magnitude. Baron De’Kiernan ordered the building burned to the ground after an unsuccessful attack upon it. The Baron was executed as a result of this decision and has resurrected.

The Redsash Manifesto Continued from page 9... our demands, which if not followed and implemented by the nobles of Therendry will result in us forcing the changes. 1. There needs to be a redistribution of the wealth of the land. Too many adventures sit on a hoard of gold, components, and magical items and refuse to do anything with them other than watch them gather dust and rust away. If the nobility would enforce a system where the treasure gathered on adventures would be distributed fairly amongst all involved then this would be prevented. 2. The adventures new to the lands must no longer be ignored or abused, but instead allowed as much voice as a warrior of many years. A method must be established to ensure none are forgotten or abused as we were. We were all young once and without a continued influx of new adventures available our generation will be the last to war against the evils of the forests and hills. 3. The murderers of Hyrum, including the gypsy Peppercorn, the Sarr Kiliko, the Quentari Kain, and the warrior who hunted Hyrum down need to be tried for his murder. None are allowed to take the law into their own hands, and justice must be served for Hyrum's death. 4. A system of law must be established to ensure provisions one and two are enforced and that violations of them are dealt with swiftly and harshly. Only with the protection of law can we rest easy knowing that our provisions are protected. Mark Redsash. Voice of the Redsash men. Second to Hyrum Redsash. YOU KNOW YOU’RE FROM TYRANGEL WHEN… • You’re older than your great grandparents. • You hate that stupid storm elf! • You don’t bother to wait for treasure when Wulfshire and Rosewidow are on the same

adventure with you. • You know where the term ‘necro puppy’ originated. • Ward? What’s a ward? Life…spell? Death? Huh? • You actually believe in Marentha. • The source of all your problems is a pillar. • You know what a Sea Elf, Storm Elf, Sun Elf, and Desert Elf is…and have seen one. Of

each. And a drake. • Your Dark Elves are scared to fish, and they run from mushrooms. • You know that sarcasm is ‘where you throw them’. • You remember when Nikita was evil, Thorne was bad, and Alexander was sane. • You go away for a year…and lose a duchy. • You believe rifting to be a hostile act. • You know who they’re talking about when they say ‘tough as nails, and twice as tall’. • You’re not exactly sure how old you really are. • When everyone but your King is willing to fight for you.


Modes of Attire Continued from Page 3… The fur usually comes from wild animals the individual has killed for food or other such uses. I have seen a Wild Elf with a fur quiver and vest that were quite nice. He seemed to pay very close attention to detail in a way completely unexpected and yet delightful at the same time. The brown fur with green wrap pants blended in well with the forest, thus providing him with good camouflage. The colors also suited him well, and he was more than willing to display himself upon request. Wild elves are the easiest type of surface elves to account for in terms of fashion. Quentari produce very well made clothing but the style typically depends on the wearer. One Gorbe who frequently shops in Quentari commented that the garments are designed to “coordinate with their ‘sticks.’” (Please note that the ‘stick’ is not a recommended fashion accessory.) Humans are difficult to qualify as well, for they also employ a wide range of stylistic preference. One local group is comfortable with the tabard and cleats look, which is very simple and can be viewed as representing their simple but effective manner. On the other hand, there is a noble in these lands who always wears purple in the most excessively ornate manner imaginable. Vornae tend to be very traditional in their clothing choices. The women wear Kimono; simple robes with large sleeves that are tied at the waist with a long piece of heavy cloth or obi. The men wear kimono as well, typically with hakama, divided skirt-trousers worn over top. Many of them who adventure, however tend towards less traditional dress, as the floor length kimono can get cumbersome, and movement is greatly valued for those who find themselves in dangerous situations. Biata embrace a variety of dress, same as most other races. They do, however generally take great care and pride in their attire. They pay close attention to how well their feathers match their clothes. They also like to accessorize. Of the few I have met, one carries a whip and another wears a lovely chain mail necklace. This might indicate a certain trend amongst their people. I hope this sheds some light on the variety of vestments found in locally in these parts. Those who truly stand out as being the most fashionable are the ones who add that slight flare and extra bit of attitude to the way they wear their garments. The trick being; to find the right combination to suit the particular aspects of beauty, shape, race, and personality of each individual.


Required One personage of intellect and education with a flawless reputation and character to act as second to the Legal Scribe of Therendry. All applicants may submit their requests via [email protected] or through House Therenstar Proper. Pai Zhi Therendry Legal Scribe, Consort to Count Valoric Treehawk

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Therendyr & Blackstone Herald