diff --git a/examples/hero/crypt/hero_crypt_example.vsh b/examples/hero/crypt/hero_crypt_example.vsh
new file mode 100755
index 00000000..797f110e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/hero/crypt/hero_crypt_example.vsh
@@ -0,0 +1,112 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env -S v -n -w -cg -gc none -cc tcc -d use_openssl -enable-globals run
+
+import freeflowuniverse.herolib.hero.crypt
+import freeflowuniverse.herolib.core.redisclient
+
+// Connect to default Redis instance (127.0.0.1:6379)
+mut age_client := crypt.new_age_client()!
+
+// Test stateless encryption
+println('Testing stateless encryption...')
+keypair := age_client.generate_keypair() or {
+	println('Error generating keypair: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+
+message := 'Hello, AGE encryption!'
+encrypted := age_client.encrypt(keypair.recipient, message) or {
+	println('Error encrypting message: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+
+decrypted := age_client.decrypt(keypair.identity, encrypted.ciphertext) or {
+	println('Error decrypting message: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+
+println('Original message: ${message}')
+println('Encrypted message: ${encrypted.ciphertext}')
+println('Decrypted message: ${decrypted}')
+
+assert decrypted == message
+println('Stateless encryption test passed!')
+
+// Test stateless signing
+println('\nTesting stateless signing...')
+signing_keypair := age_client.generate_signing_keypair() or {
+	println('Error generating signing keypair: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+
+!signed := age_client.sign(signing_keypair.sign_key, message) or {
+	println('Error signing message: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+
+verified := age_client.verify(signing_keypair.verify_key, message, signed.signature) or {
+	println('Error verifying signature: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+!println('Message: ${message}')
+println('Signature: ${signed.signature}')
+println('Signature valid: ${verified}')
+
+assert verified == true
+println('Stateless signing test passed!')
+
+// Test key-managed encryption
+println('\nTesting key-managed encryption...')
+key_name := 'example_encryption_key'
+named_keypair := age_client.create_named_keypair(key_name) or {
+	println('Error creating named keypair: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+
+named_encrypted := age_client.encrypt_with_named_key(key_name, message) or {
+	println('Error encrypting with named key: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+
+named_decrypted := age_client.decrypt_with_named_key(key_name, named_encrypted.ciphertext) or {
+	println('Error decrypting with named key: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+println('Key name: ${key_name}')
+println('Encrypted with named key: ${named_encrypted.ciphertext}')
+println('Decrypted with named key: ${named_decrypted}')
+
+assert named_decrypted == message
+println('Key-managed encryption test passed!')
+
+// Test key-managed signing
+println('\nTesting key-managed signing...')
+signing_key_name := 'example_signing_key'
+age_client.create_named_signing_keypair(signing_key_name) or {
+	println('Error creating named signing keypair: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+
+named_signed := age_client.sign_with_named_key(signing_key_name, message) or {
+	println('Error signing with named key: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+
+named_verified := age_client.verify_with_named_key(signing_key_name, message, named_signed.signature) or {
+	println('Error verifying with named key: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+println('Signing key name: ${signing_key_name}')
+println('Signature: ${named_signed.signature}')
+println('Signature valid: ${named_verified}')
+
+assert named_verified == true
+println('Key-managed signing test passed!')
+
+// Test list keys
+println('\nTesting list keys...')
+keys := age_client.list_keys() or {
+	println('Error listing keys: ${err}')
+	return
+}
+println('Stored keys: ${keys}')
+println('All tests completed successfully!')
diff --git a/lib/hero/crypt/age.v b/lib/hero/crypt/age.v
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5b8159ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/hero/crypt/age.v
@@ -0,0 +1,133 @@
+module crypt
+
+import freeflowuniverse.herolib.core.redisclient
+
+// Stateless AGE operations
+
+// generate_keypair creates a new Age encryption key pair
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) generate_keypair() !KeyPair {
+	response := client.redis.send_expect_list(['AGE', 'GENENC'])!
+
+	if response.len < 2 {
+		return error('Invalid response from AGE GENENC command')
+	}
+
+	return KeyPair{
+		recipient: response[0].str()
+		identity:  response[1].str()
+	}
+}
+
+// generate_signing_keypair creates a new Age signing key pair
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) generate_signing_keypair() !SigningKeyPair {
+	response := client.redis.send_expect_list(['AGE', 'GENSIGN'])!
+
+	if response.len < 2 {
+		return error('Invalid response from AGE GENSIGN command')
+	}
+
+	return SigningKeyPair{
+		verify_key: response[0].str()
+		sign_key:   response[1].str()
+	}
+}
+
+// encrypt encrypts a message with the recipient's public key
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) encrypt(recipient string, message string) !EncryptionResult {
+	ciphertext := client.redis.send_expect_str(['AGE', 'ENCRYPT', recipient, message])!
+
+	return EncryptionResult{
+		ciphertext: ciphertext
+	}
+}
+
+// decrypt decrypts a message with the identity (private key)
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) decrypt(identity string, ciphertext string) !string {
+	return client.redis.send_expect_str(['AGE', 'DECRYPT', identity, ciphertext])!
+}
+
+// sign signs a message with the signing key
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) sign(sign_key string, message string) !SignatureResult {
+	signature := client.redis.send_expect_str(['AGE', 'SIGN', sign_key, message])!
+
+	return SignatureResult{
+		signature: signature
+	}
+}
+
+// verify verifies a signature with the verification key
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) verify(verify_key string, message string, signature string) !bool {
+	result := client.redis.send_expect_int(['AGE', 'VERIFY', verify_key, message, signature])!
+	return result == 1
+}
+
+// Key-managed AGE operations
+
+// create_named_keypair creates and stores a named encryption key pair
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) create_named_keypair(name string) !KeyPair {
+	response := client.redis.send_expect_list(['AGE', 'KEYGEN', name])!
+
+	if response.len < 2 {
+		return error('Invalid response from AGE KEYGEN command')
+	}
+
+	return KeyPair{
+		recipient: response[0].str()
+		identity:  response[1].str()
+	}
+}
+
+// create_named_signing_keypair creates and stores a named signing key pair
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) create_named_signing_keypair(name string) !SigningKeyPair {
+	response := client.redis.send_expect_list(['AGE', 'SIGNKEYGEN', name])!
+
+	if response.len < 2 {
+		return error('Invalid response from AGE SIGNKEYGEN command')
+	}
+
+	return SigningKeyPair{
+		verify_key: response[0].str()
+		sign_key:   response[1].str()
+	}
+}
+
+// encrypt_with_named_key encrypts a message using a named key
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) encrypt_with_named_key(key_name string, message string) !EncryptionResult {
+	ciphertext := client.redis.send_expect_str(['AGE', 'ENCRYPTNAME', key_name, message])!
+
+	return EncryptionResult{
+		ciphertext: ciphertext
+	}
+}
+
+// decrypt_with_named_key decrypts a message using a named key
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) decrypt_with_named_key(key_name string, ciphertext string) !string {
+	return client.redis.send_expect_str(['AGE', 'DECRYPTNAME', key_name, ciphertext])!
+}
+
+// sign_with_named_key signs a message using a named signing key
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) sign_with_named_key(key_name string, message string) !SignatureResult {
+	signature := client.redis.send_expect_str(['AGE', 'SIGNNAME', key_name, message])!
+
+	return SignatureResult{
+		signature: signature
+	}
+}
+
+// verify_with_named_key verifies a signature using a named verification key
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) verify_with_named_key(key_name string, message string, signature string) !bool {
+	result := client.redis.send_expect_int(['AGE', 'VERIFYNAME', key_name, message, signature])!
+	return result == 1
+}
+
+// list_keys lists all stored AGE keys
+pub fn (client &AGEClient) list_keys() ![]string {
+	response := client.redis.send_expect_list(['AGE', 'LIST'])!
+
+	mut keys := []string{}
+	for i in 0 .. response.len {
+		keys << response[i].str()
+	}
+
+	return keys
+}
diff --git a/lib/hero/crypt/age_test.v b/lib/hero/crypt/age_test.v
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ea6b3755
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/hero/crypt/age_test.v
@@ -0,0 +1,81 @@
+module crypt
+
+fn test_stateless_encryption() {
+	mut client := new_age_client()!
+
+	// Generate a keypair
+	keypair := client.generate_keypair()!
+
+	// Encrypt a message
+	message := 'Hello, AGE encryption!'
+	encrypted := client.encrypt(keypair.recipient, message)!
+
+	// Decrypt the message
+	decrypted := client.decrypt(keypair.identity, encrypted.ciphertext)!
+
+	assert decrypted == message
+}
+
+fn test_stateless_signing() {
+	mut client := new_age_client()!
+
+	// Generate a signing keypair
+	keypair := client.generate_signing_keypair()!
+
+	// Sign a message
+	message := 'This message is signed'
+	signed := client.sign(keypair.sign_key, message)!
+
+	// Verify the signature
+	verified := client.verify(keypair.verify_key, message, signed.signature)!
+
+	assert verified == true
+}
+
+fn test_key_managed_encryption() {
+	mut client := new_age_client()!
+
+	// Create a named keypair
+	key_name := 'test_encryption_key'
+	client.create_named_keypair(key_name)!
+
+	// Encrypt with the named key
+	message := 'Hello, key-managed encryption!'
+	encrypted := client.encrypt_with_named_key(key_name, message)!
+
+	// Decrypt with the named key
+	decrypted := client.decrypt_with_named_key(key_name, encrypted.ciphertext)!
+
+	assert decrypted == message
+}
+
+fn test_key_managed_signing() {
+	mut client := new_age_client()!
+
+	// Create a named signing keypair
+	key_name := 'test_signing_key'
+	client.create_named_signing_keypair(key_name)!
+
+	// Sign with the named key
+	message := 'This message is signed with a named key'
+	signed := client.sign_with_named_key(key_name, message)!
+
+	// Verify with the named key
+	verified := client.verify_with_named_key(key_name, message, signed.signature)!
+
+	assert verified == true
+}
+
+fn test_list_keys() {
+	mut client := new_age_client()!
+
+	// Create some named keys
+	client.create_named_keypair('list_test_key1')!
+	client.create_named_signing_keypair('list_test_key2')!
+
+	// List the keys
+	keys := client.list_keys()!
+
+	assert 'list_test_key1' in keys
+	assert 'list_test_key2' in keys
+}
diff --git a/lib/hero/crypt/factory.v b/lib/hero/crypt/factory.v
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..f136f8ab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/hero/crypt/factory.v
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+module crypt
+
+import freeflowuniverse.herolib.core.redisclient
+
+// AGEClient provides access to the Age encryption features in HeroDB
+pub struct AGEClient {
+pub mut:
+	redis &redisclient.Redis @[str: skip]
+}
+
+@[params]
+pub struct AGEClientConfig {
+pub mut:
+	redis_url redisclient.RedisURL = redisclient.RedisURL{}
+	redis     ?&redisclient.Redis
+}
+
+// new_age_client creates a new AGE encryption client
+pub fn new_age_client(config AGEClientConfig) !&AGEClient {
+	// If a Redis client is provided, use it
+	mut redis := if r := config.redis {
+		r
+	} else {
+		// Otherwise create a new Redis client
+		redisclient.core_get(config.redis_url)!
+	}
+
+	return &AGEClient{
+		redis: redis
+	}
+}
diff --git a/lib/hero/crypt/model.v b/lib/hero/crypt/model.v
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..43b7ce0c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/hero/crypt/model.v
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+module crypt
+
+// KeyPair represents an Age encryption key pair
+pub struct KeyPair {
+pub:
+	recipient string // Public key (can be shared)
+	identity  string // Private key (must be kept secret)
+}
+
+// SigningKeyPair represents an Age signing key pair
+pub struct SigningKeyPair {
+pub:
+	verify_key string // Public verification key
+	sign_key   string // Private signing key
+}
+
+// EncryptionResult represents the result of an encryption operation
+pub struct EncryptionResult {
+pub:
+	ciphertext string // Base64-encoded encrypted data
+}
+
+// SignatureResult represents the result of a signing operation
+pub struct SignatureResult {
+pub:
+	signature string // Base64-encoded signature
+}
diff --git a/lib/hero/crypt/readme.md b/lib/hero/crypt/readme.md
index bb27f194..5fdeeb37 100644
--- a/lib/hero/crypt/readme.md
+++ b/lib/hero/crypt/readme.md
@@ -1,2 +1,187 @@
-this will have client using the redis client as basis, but with some added functionality
-this functionality is for AGE features from herodb which is our own customer redis server
\ No newline at end of file
+# HeroDB AGE Encryption (hero.crypt)
+
+This module provides client-side access to HeroDB's AGE encryption features, offering two distinct modes of operation:
+
+- **Stateless Mode**: Client manages keys, nothing stored on server
+- **Key-Managed Mode**: Server stores named keys
+
+## Installation
+
+Ensure HeroDB is running with encryption enabled:
+
+```bash
+herodb --dir /path/to/data --port 6379 --encrypt --encryption-key yoursecretkey
+```
+
+## Usage
+
+### Creating an AGE Client
+
+```v
+import freeflowuniverse.herolib.hero.crypt
+import freeflowuniverse.herolib.core.redisclient
+
+// Connect to default Redis instance (127.0.0.1:6379)
+mut age_client := crypt.new_age_client()!
+
+// Or connect to a specific Redis instance
+mut age_client := crypt.new_age_client(
+    redis_url: redisclient.RedisURL{
+        address: 'my.herodb.server',
+        port: 6379
+    }
+)!
+
+// Or use an existing Redis client
+mut redis := redisclient.core_get()!
+mut age_client := crypt.new_age_client(
+    redis: redis
+)!
+```
+
+## Stateless Encryption (Client-Managed Keys)
+
+In stateless mode, the client generates and manages keys. The server never stores any keys.
+
+### Generate a Keypair
+
+```v
+// Generate a new encryption keypair
+keypair := age_client.generate_keypair()!
+println('Public key: ${keypair.recipient}')
+println('Private key: ${keypair.identity}')
+
+// Important: Store the identity (private key) securely!
+```
+
+### Encrypt and Decrypt
+
+```v
+// Encrypt a message with the public key
+message := 'Hello, encrypted world!'
+encrypted := age_client.encrypt(keypair.recipient, message)!
+println('Encrypted: ${encrypted.ciphertext}')
+
+// Decrypt with the private key
+decrypted := age_client.decrypt(keypair.identity, encrypted.ciphertext)!
+println('Decrypted: ${decrypted}')
+```
+
+### Signing and Verification
+
+```v
+// Generate a signing keypair
+signing_keypair := age_client.generate_signing_keypair()!
+
+// Sign a message
+message := 'This message is authentic'
+signed := age_client.sign(signing_keypair.sign_key, message)!
+println('Signature: ${signed.signature}')
+
+// Verify the signature
+is_valid := age_client.verify(signing_keypair.verify_key, message, signed.signature)!
+println('Signature valid: ${is_valid}')
+```
+
+## Key-Managed Encryption (Server-Stored Keys)
+
+In key-managed mode, the server generates and stores named keys. Clients reference keys by name.
+
+### Create Named Keys
+
+```v
+// Create a named encryption keypair
+named_keypair := age_client.create_named_keypair('app1_encryption')!
+println('Created encryption keypair: ${named_keypair.recipient}')
+
+// Create a named signing keypair
+named_signing_keypair := age_client.create_named_signing_keypair('app1_signing')!
+println('Created signing keypair: ${named_signing_keypair.verify_key}')
+```
+
+### Encrypt and Decrypt with Named Keys
+
+```v
+// Encrypt with a named key
+message := 'This message is encrypted with a named key'
+encrypted := age_client.encrypt_with_named_key('app1_encryption', message)!
+println('Encrypted: ${encrypted.ciphertext}')
+
+// Decrypt with a named key
+decrypted := age_client.decrypt_with_named_key('app1_encryption', encrypted.ciphertext)!
+println('Decrypted: ${decrypted}')
+```
+
+### Sign and Verify with Named Keys
+
+```v
+// Sign with a named key
+message := 'This message is signed with a named key'
+signed := age_client.sign_with_named_key('app1_signing', message)!
+println('Signature: ${signed.signature}')
+
+// Verify with a named key
+is_valid := age_client.verify_with_named_key('app1_signing', message, signed.signature)!
+println('Signature valid: ${is_valid}')
+```
+
+### List Stored Keys
+
+```v
+// List all stored keys
+keys := age_client.list_keys()!
+println('Stored keys: ${keys}')
+```
+
+## Choosing Between Modes
+
+### Use Stateless Mode When:
+
+- You want complete control over key management
+- You don't want the server to store any private keys
+- You need to use the same keys across multiple servers
+
+### Use Key-Managed Mode When:
+
+- You want simpler client code (no need to manage keys)
+- You trust the server to securely store private keys
+- You need centralized key management with rotation options
+
+## Security Considerations
+
+1. **Private Keys**: In stateless mode, you are responsible for securely storing private keys.
+2. **Server Security**: In key-managed mode, ensure your HeroDB server is properly secured.
+3. **Encryption at Rest**: HeroDB supports database-level encryption separate from AGE commands.
+4. **Transport Security**: Consider using SSL/TLS to protect data in transit.
+
+## Examples
+
+### Secure Message Exchange
+
+```v
+// Sender (Alice)
+mut alice_client := crypt.new_age_client()!
+alice_keypair := alice_client.generate_keypair()!
+
+// Bob gets Alice's public key (recipient)
+mut bob_client := crypt.new_age_client()!
+bob_message := 'Secret message for Alice'
+encrypted := bob_client.encrypt(alice_keypair.recipient, bob_message)!
+
+// Alice decrypts Bob's message
+decrypted := alice_client.decrypt(alice_keypair.identity, encrypted.ciphertext)!
+assert decrypted == bob_message
+```
+
+### Document Signing
+
+```v
+// Author
+mut author_client := crypt.new_age_client()!
+author_keypair := author_client.create_named_signing_keypair('document_author')!
+document := 'This is an official document'
+signature := author_client.sign_with_named_key('document_author', document)!
+
+// Verifier
+mut verifier_client := crypt.new_age_client()!
+is_authentic := verifier_client.verify_with_named_key('document_author', document, signature.signature)!