Black Bear Bulletin, 256 S.A.

[Sander 3312]

 

VOL. 1

EDITION. 3

Baruch & Kortrevich Publishing

 

Two Minas per Edition

 

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THE BLACK BEAR BULLETIN

Grense, Empire of Man

265 Second Age.

4 pages

 

 

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Written by: Charlie Baruch 

Published by: B&K Publishing

 

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Pg. 1

GENERAL NEWS - THRIVING TARNAVON

A morning view of Tarnavon

A portrayal by Graham Fraser, 256 S.A.

 

It has been just over a year now since Tarnavon was settled shortly after our arrival on the new continent. Since then the main population centre of the Duchy of Valwyck has proven a popular boom town and can be described no better than to be booming. At most times the town is lively and bustling despite its small size. This can no doubt be attributed to both the profitable location of the town, sat on a crossroads and major trade road en route to the Imperial capital, as well as the active management of the settlement. The latter is done by the town’s council and the local lord, duke Duncan. 

This commotion has led to many new residents seeking out a place to live in the town, many of whom prefer its quaint and rustic feel over life in the big city. Still, with all the traffic and immigration the town has gotten this past year this is no sleepy village in the woods. The bustling streets bring visitors from all over the continent. Standing in Highland Circle, one will of course encounter the Ayrikiv with their tartan attire, but so too will they encounter orcish wayfarers, heartlanders from as far away as Lotharia or sage elves who hail from lands further still. With all this activity, Tarnavon looks towards a bright and prosperous future.   

 

Written by: Charlie Baruch

 

 

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Pg. 2

CULTURE - GREYGUARD PROVES TALENTED PAINTER

 

An artist’s depiction of an artist depiction.

“It’s the scenery that does all the work, I just capture it.” Such are the humble words of an artist who’s quickly becoming the forefront of Valwyck’s cultural scene. Darren Dartongue, a member of the local Greyguard militia, picked up painting as a hobby since arriving to the new continent and has developed a passion for the art ever since. “His work should be some of the first in grand museums and showcases” said lady Sybille of House Temesch, one of the many visitors drawn to admire Dartongue’s work.

So far the paintings of mister Dartongue are mostly landscape pieces, with a focus on iconic buildings or monuments depicted in the scene - though he has dabbled a bit in portraiture too. His finest pieces can currently be viewed in Tarnavon’s town hall, Alderhall. Among them is a three-piece display situated in the council chamber depicting said town hall, the Baruch house seat of castle Barden and the Tarnavon church, the Chapel of the Wardfather. The display appears to be a commentary on the power of the three estates; depicting the strongholds of the burghers, nobles and clergy respectively. Central to Dartongue’s work is a high degree of clear detail compared to some of his contemporaries - something that makes his pieces worth seeing for locals and tourists alike.

 

Written by: Charlie Baruch

 

 

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Pg. 3

POLITICS - FIRST TOWN COUNCIL SEES MESSY DEBATE

 

 

Three months ago the first town council of the municipal council of Tarnavon was held in the Alderhall. It was overseen by Burgess, Lady Holly Rodham. Attending aldermen were Malcolm Glenroth, Marik Vanir and - yours truly - Charlie Baruch, with Fergus of Tonnbriste absent from the affair. Though off to a rocky start with a proposal to build more barns for the booming livestock trade of the town, this proposal did pass unanimously. Aldermen Vanir and Baruch were more focused on the financial boon of the proposal while alderman Glenroth was sceptical about the costs and necessity of such expansion, but in the end a compromise solution was reached that would see more stable space provided to the citizens and the cattle trade.

The second matter on the agenda, the Tarnavon tax code, likewise passed unanimously albeit amended with limits set to how much future administrations could lower taxes thanks to an amendment proposed by alderman Glenroth. This discussion, helped by wines and cheese, however hit a roadblock when the next matter on the agenda - concerning the establishment of a clinic - was reached. An elven herbalist had offered her services in the day to day management of a clinic, should such be established. Therefore Burgess Rodham and alderman Baruch spearheaded a proposal to let the elfess do just that, with some cautious support from alderman Vanir as long as the clinic would bring in revenue or some other financial benefit. Alderman Glenroth however was outraged at the idea of an elf practicing foreign elvish medicine, which would supposedly be hurtful and negate traditional Ayrikiv medicine, no doubt guided by hurtful racial stereotypes. As debate derailed and Burgess Rodham failed to effectively preside over the topic of conversation any longer, she decreed that the matter would be tabled for next year’s meeting. Alderman Baruch attempted to at least have the council decide on a location for the clinic to be set up, albeit without a clinician for the time being, saying the town should not have to wait in providing medical care to its citizens. This proposal however did not go far as the Burgess was eager to drop the matter entirely in order to save face.

 

Written by: Charlie Baruch

 

 

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Pg. 4

ECONOMICS - NEW BUSINESSES

 

A depiction of blacksmiths at work from the Guildbook of Traders and Craftsmen

 

With all the new inhabitants of Tarnavon as well as all the incoming visitors and merchants, the small town’s economy has been riding high. Indeed many urchins and wandering traders just offer their wares in the street - one ought not be surprised to come across well-spoken entrepreneurs selling horses or even musin selling paninis, but many too have chosen to set up shop in the town. One of the first businesses to settle down was the Second Son Trading Company, run by the nearby lords of the House of Galahar. This stall, trading in herbs, raw materials, food and horse tack, was soon joined by another local venture; a market stall in the main square owned by the region’s Qalasheen population. The local watering hole, known as the Bear Trap, has also started its operations with a halfling known as Kieran O’brien as its barkeep.

Further down the main road one will find Von Lynden’s stall, selling weapons and armor along other wares, as well as the Barr Trading Company - a store recently set up that so far is dabbling in the alcohol trade. Talk of the town is also that a highlander named Nik has taken up residence in the Alchemic Emporium, with the intention to start producing and selling alchemical products. Lastly, just the other day the news broke that a master blacksmith has decided to take up the workshop and residence at Highland Circle III, providing Tarnavon with its own blacksmithing workshop.

 

Written by: Charlie Baruch

 

 

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This concludes this edition of the Black Bear Bulletin. We hope to bring you our next edition by the end of next year.  

 

[iSmooch 124]

Darren smiles while reading seeing mention of his works. The greyguard eagerly sharpens his shears to procure more wool so he can prepare more canvas. His veins flowing heavily with inspiration.

[garentoft 9265]

Having read the name of the publishing company, a man of Koravia began to make his way to Tarnavon.

[Lirinya 4021]

Sybille passed back through the village on yet another shopping trip through the Empire's lands. She gathered up a copy of the paper, and when she returned home, brandished it to her mother. "Does this count as being published?" Sybille joked as she outlined her quote. @HIGH_FIRE

[adamc2000 1385]

Amin would ruffle the news paper as he reads through, before his eyes quirk up with a smile “Ya Ibn Ami! Ya Zubayr look! We're mentioned!” @ibraheemc2000@_AquaticWolf_@Nestro_Miner

[Pegleg_Bob 1107]

"Ah good on the Qalasheen, greatest workers in the whole of the Empire." Larkin Mack Winburgh smiles the sun smiles at his friends success.