Jim C Wednesday July 25th, 2012 3:28:06 AM Everyone receives 1460 experience points and 1 hero point for helping the citizens of Heranmar.
The new module should be approved soon, just have to make one correction/update on it. So expect it to start next Monday.
Until that time, your characters will have 1 week on the road to craft--but only 2hrs per day due to traveling.
After 1 week, when back in your quiet tower, you can craft freely for 3 weeks before the new module begins, so plan accordingly.
You may make only one crafting catacomb order (an order that consists only of crafting materials) while in Hook City, so as not to possibly abuse the time given and do nothing but craft, sell, craft and sell.
During the next few couple of days, please only post as if on the caravan--do not progress it forward to reaching Hook City, I'll do that. Get to know your new friend, Wyaar the Assassin Slayer.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 16/14/14 CMD: 15 HP:50/50 (Spells) Wednesday July 25th, 2012 8:27:53 AM
Restlin is very excited to be going home. "Don't get me wrong," he says for the 10th time today. "I'm glad we were able to help all those people, but look at my face. I can't prestidigitize away all these bed bug bites. Hopefully they won't scar."
He turns to Wyarr. "Does this look infected to you? It hurts more than the rest. I should probably stop poking at it."
...and so it continues.
At some point in the trip, however, Restlin will put on his serious face and have a chat with Zeoll.
"Zeoll, you know stuff. There's a god of luck that's worshiped up in the northern continent, right? Would you mind telling me about him. I've never been the religious type, but I just walked away from all that without a scratch, well...except for these bites, and with almost every magical trinket I was going to buy afterwards anyway. I'm thinking I may owe someone a thank you..."
Zeoll (HP39 of 39, AC22, CMD15) d20+10=17 ; d20+17=31 ; Wednesday July 25th, 2012 10:25:26 AM
"Surre," says Zeoll. "In my youth I lived in the Norrth. Let me see what I can rrememberr."
Know Religion check: 17.
"Yeah, Warrdd is the god you arre thinking of. Trricky, lucky, ne'err do well, always getting in and out of scrrapes. One of the moons is named afterr him. Let me see what else I can rrememberr ..."
Know Religion with Memory Subdomain reroll: 31
"Oh, and he has some followerrs who arre super lucky. Called Mendicants. And some that arre superr crrazy. Called Obssessed. Well, they'rre all crrazy, I hearr. Some arre morre fixated on stuff than otherrs is all."
Zeoll continues to give as much detail as he can.
Zeoll (HP39 of 39, AC22, CMD15) Wednesday July 25th, 2012 10:53:03 AM
OOC: Sorry friends, made a couple mistakes with the loot. Revised piles:
Beri 1 ring of protection +2 1 cloak of resistance +3 1 large +2 glaive 1 pair of boots of levitation 2 +1 daggers
Zane 1 ring of delayed doom (1 gem left) 1 ring of protection +2 1 pair of boots of levitation 2 large +2 greataxes
Wyaar 1 cloak of resistance +3 2 large +2 greataxes 6 +1 daggers
Restlin 1 ring of protection +2 1 cloak of resistance +3 1 +1 dagger 2 rings of delayed doom (1 gem left) 1 pair of boots of levitation
Zeoll 1 cloak of resistance +3 2 rings of protection +2 3 suits +2 armor
Bosk 1 ring of delayed doom (1 gem left) 2 pair of boots of levitation 1 cloak of resistance +3 2 suits +2 armor
Wyaar (JonL) AC 24/17/19 CMD 23 HP 61/62 d20+7=20 ; d3=3 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+14=34 ; Wednesday July 25th, 2012 1:15:14 PM
Wyaar will gladly help Bosk with whatever information he knows about the Stylus and obtaining one. He also asks about the city in an effort to locate a merchant that may have one on hand that he would be willing to sell in the recovering city. Business has to start up again if the city is going to survive after all.
At Restlin's question about his bug bites, Wyaar moves over and purses his lips to study the wizards face and places a hand on Restlin's chin, turning his head left and then right as he inspects. He gets a concerned look on his face followed by a deep frown before smiling with a shake of his head and letting the soothing magic of his Lay on Hands take care of the small bites on the mage before dropping his hand. "No, my friend, I do not think they will scar. Though you can say the scars are honest ones and the story of having obtained them while helping a storm wracked city may impress some ladies, I'm afraid they'd be easily confused with pock marks and few women I know would believe any story to the contrary."
For the caravan, Wyaar will pay his fee for "protection", but also offer up his bow in service to the group and will gladly take a turn at guard duty if asked.
Knowledge (Planes) +7: 20
Knowledge(Nature)+7: 14
Diplomacy to Gather Info about where to buy Stylus +14: 34!
On the Road Again -- Jim C Wednesday July 25th, 2012 3:38:06 PM
After thinking about it a bit, Wyaar determines the only places he's ever heard of a Ishgara stylus being up for sale was far to the north, in the cities of the Plateaus and the Floating City.
@Bosk, in order to get a stylus, we would have to do a mini-adventure--something I'm not adverse too, you just need to get everyone else onboard when you would like to take this side story event.
Although thanked for his offer, Wyaar is turned down for helping protect the caravan--the bodyguards are a pretty tight knit group and have their procedures down pat.
Luckily the sky above looks crystal clear, not a cloud in the sky, and the travel--although a little bumpy, is nonetheless comfortable. Heading south into a thick forest, the road is extra wide allowing two, almost three, wagons wide to travel it's path. At the end of the first day, the caravan stops at a waystation, which is little more than a large lean-to for the horse to take shelter under and be fed and cleaned. Several large campfires are started and the caravanmaster reminds everyone to not go into the forest to far, "There are elves about and they don't take kindly to people messing up their land and homes."
Sitting about the communal campfires, the smell of cooking meat permeates the area as a stall nearby is selling kabobs for 1sp each. These are not you small street-side vendor types of kebabs, these are large and just one is a whole meal.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Wednesday July 25th, 2012 3:48:33 PM
Bosk thanks Wyaar for his help. I really appreciate it. Getting a hold of one of those stylus would really benefit the group, allowing me to make people items that would normally take too long to be practical. Zane has been asking for one of those sorcer's robes and Beri would like some things to make him more sneaky. Speaking of which, I am going to have some free time over the next few weeks. Does anyone have any wondrous items they would like me to work on? I need to visit the WLA, but I plan to spend a week working on items for the group.
Crafting -- Jim C Wednesday July 25th, 2012 3:48:35 PM
If you have plans to do any crafting in the upcoming 3 weeks of gametime/downtime, please let me know in a private post.
If you want a shorter time between modules, i.e. looking for adventure, let me know too.
WLA & Crafting -- Jim C Wednesday July 25th, 2012 3:50:30 PM
I don't have a problem with crafting full time and going to workout at the WLA at the same time, since one is physical and the other mental--so no need to allocate seperate time for each.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 62/62 CMD = 23 Wednesday July 25th, 2012 6:29:20 PM
ooc: I appreciate the extra time between modules. As a non-magic user I have to rely on other people to craft for me in their free time, and they typically have their own needs to craft for... and having a few days to train at the WLA of course.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 16/14/14 CMD: 15 HP:50/50 (Spells) Wednesday July 25th, 2012 7:42:11 PM
OOC: James, Restlin would love a headband of vast intellect +4. Crafting cost is 8k. Is that doable? Totally ok if not.
Edit: Nevermind. Let's make it a +2. That's 2k gp to craft.
Zane Stormfront AC 27 CMD 23 HP 62/63 Wednesday July 25th, 2012 8:02:03 PM
Zane, being Zane, allows those with shorter legs or at least shorter strides that he does to ride when it's his turn to do so. During the travel, once he gets all warmed up and stretched out, he actually just rolls the robe's top half and ties it off at his waist. This has the effect that his whole back tattoo is reviled. He'll chit chat with anyone whom wants to talk.
(I'm back, but I can't sit for very long and require the laying down due to the internal surgery pulling agains my body.)
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 62/62 CMD = 23 Wednesday July 25th, 2012 10:48:53 PM Bosk (or any other wondrous item crafter), I would also appreciate it if you could craft me a pair of Boots of Speed and Eyes of the Eagle if you could spare the time.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Wednesday July 25th, 2012 11:15:16 PM Sure, I can craft your headband of vast intellect +2 if you'll cast Fox's Cunning for me. Just be sure to let me know what skills you want it attuned to enhance. Beri, Boots of Speed are a bit tricky for me to complete in a timely manner, but if you can get someone to cast Haste for me and will buy me a potion of Crafter's Fortune I should be able to complete them without a problem.
WLA & Crafting -- Jim C Thursday July 26th, 2012 12:10:59 AM
BTW, I am using 7 day weeks.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 16/14/14 CMD: 15 HP:50/50 (Spells) Thursday July 26th, 2012 6:38:06 AM
Restlin will pick up a scroll of fox's cunning and can also cast haste for Beri's boots. I'll take care of the catacombs transaction now and hand you the mats when we're home. I'd like the skill to be knowledge (religion), please.
Meanwhile, back IC...
***
Restlin hungrily eyes the kabobs. Having given all his coin to the people of Heranmar, he will humbly ask his friends for enough money to eat.
"I'm good for it, honest! I just don't think they have the 5999 gold and 9 silver in change I'd need if I gave them a chit."
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Thursday July 26th, 2012 12:21:33 PM
Bosk pays for Restlin's Kabobs. Don't worry about it. I had a feeling this would happen, that is why told everyone that I was keeping gold set aside for this type of thing when we gave money to help the hurricane victims. Had everyone else saved their gold I would have donated more the the citizens. It all works out.
Speaking of which, how about we all pitch in 800gp gp to restoring those who were affected by the curse? It's not really fair that they should each have to pay $2,00gp for healing, and I would hate for someone to not give their all in battle because they are worried they cannot afford treatment afterwards.
Wyaar (JonL) AC 24/17/19 CMD 23 HP 61/62 Thursday July 26th, 2012 1:03:42 PM
Wyaar will Buy a kabob or two and agrees to put in 800 towards the restorationefforts of his companions, as well as an additional 3200 for any other group expenses.
-----
Can Restlin upgrade Wyaar's ring of port from 1 to 2? I'mguessing we can get Bosk to cast Shield of Faith.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 16/14/14 CMD: 15 HP:50/50 (Spells) Thursday July 26th, 2012 1:25:49 PM "That's awfully kind of you guys,"Restlin says between bites of kabob. "But I already bought that diamond dust and gave it to Bosk. Still, I've always said we should pitch in for these things. We'll work it out next time we buy healing stuff."
***
OOC: I can just give 3k for this staff we're talking about if everyone else is pitching in 800. Also, Restlin would be happy to upgrade that ring for Wyarr. He should also have time to craft the Ring of Forcefangs Zane wanted if that's still on the table.
Zeoll (HP39 of 39, AC22, CMD15) Thursday July 26th, 2012 2:02:22 PM
Zeoll asks Restlin, "Did you buy enough dust forr me too, my frriend? I just don't want to buy extrra. Although maybe we should have a supply on hand. Hmmm."
OOC: DM Jim. I also forgot to include the -2 from negative levels on my item crafting checks ... but even with the extra -2, there was no problem.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Thursday July 26th, 2012 2:17:53 PM
ooc: Sorry, but Restlin only got $2,000 gp worth. The spell requires $1,000 gp worth and only cures 1 level. Only one level can be restored a week. We still need $2,000 gp worth of dust for the 2nd round of casting the 2nd week.
Zeoll (HP39 of 39, AC22, CMD15) Thursday July 26th, 2012 2:43:45 PM
"It's okay," says Zeoll. "I'll go buy my own two grrand worrth. And afterr fourr weeks we'll both be back to grreat."
The Black Blade of Ruin -- Jim C Thursday July 26th, 2012 4:17:51 PM
The blade speaks telepathically to Zeoll, I hunger, master. Feed me the blood of the innocent, let me gorge on the souls of children. Feed me.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Thursday July 26th, 2012 4:52:14 PM
Putting together his catacomb's list, Bosk asks Restlin I know you are busy, but would you have time to upgrade my Ring of Protection from +1 to +2 and craft me a ring of counterspell?
Zeoll (HP39 of 39, AC22, CMD15) Thursday July 26th, 2012 4:57:15 PM
OOC to Evil DM Jim re Black Sword -- What!? Seriously? Even through a Bag of Holding? I'm scared!
Then again, it did call me "Master"! That's progress, right?
Jim: you seem to be telepathically linked to it. Until someone else touches it I guess :)
Zane Stormfront AC 27 CMD 23 HP 62/63 Thursday July 26th, 2012 7:31:00 PM
ooc:Restlin, just tell me how much you need for the supplies to buy the mats for the ring, please.
IC:
Zane will kick in some money to also pay for food on the trip back to the city. Those who pay attention to such things, the approaching dragon in the tattoo on Zane's back appears to get closer over the trip. Not that you could prove it, but maybe the wings have shifted just a little bit, almost like they were flapping. You haven't known him long enough to know for sure, and whenever near any populated area, Zane still covers up and redons the hood hiding his face mostly from view.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 16/14/14 CMD: 15 HP:50/50 (Spells) Thursday July 26th, 2012 7:37:47 PM
OOC: Restlin will have time to upgrade two rings of protection to +2, as well as create a ring of counterspell, assuming Bosk can cast Imbue with Spell Ability for him. He'll also have time to craft a ring of forcefangs for Zane if he's still interested, but there's a 25% chance of that failing due to the DC since I'm lacking a required feat.
Does Zeoll share the fact that this sword is still communicating with him?
***
Restlin looks rather sheepish when Zeoll asks about the diamond dust. "I guess it would have been polite to ask, eh? My apologies, friend."
Zeoll (HP39 of 39, AC22, CMD15) Thursday July 26th, 2012 8:07:15 PM
Zeoll will tell his friends about the telepathic sword ... as soon as Evil DM Jim confirms that he was not kidding.
PS: Please be kidding!
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 16/14/14 CMD: 15 HP:50/50 (Spells) Thursday July 26th, 2012 9:18:34 PM
OOC: The mats for Zane's ring come to 4000gp.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Thursday July 26th, 2012 9:51:22 PM
ooc: Bosk will cast the spell and purchase all the materials.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 62/62 CMD = 23 Thursday July 26th, 2012 10:19:28 PM Hmmm, this crafting stuff is complicated. Bosk, are you still able to help me with those boots? Beriothian notices that Zeoll looks a little flustered for some reason.
Zane Stormfront AC 27 CMD 23 HP 62/63 Friday July 27th, 2012 4:36:58 AM
Zane will give Restlin a green chit (6k right?) so he can pick up the needed materials. "It's all I've got basicly, I've got some smaller stuff but nothing that adds up to enough."
The Black Blade of Ruin -- Jim C Friday July 27th, 2012 3:42:30 PM That one, over there, the girl holding the doll--feed her to me.
Zeoll (HP39 of 39, AC22, CMD15) Friday July 27th, 2012 4:08:34 PM
Zeoll comes back from the Catacombs with two brand-spanking new staves. "Youse bums owe me something like thrree orr fourr grrand each. Who can triggerr a CSM item here besides me?"
Then the sword speaks to him mentally, from across planes and spaces unknown to mortals, Zeoll flinches, as his fears are confirmed.
He tells his friends everything about his mental experiences.
Then he thinks back to the sword, "Go jump in a volcano, you sick nasty thing. I'll never serve you, nor sacrifice any innocent to you. Forget it, go away, and stop putting words in my head. The more you pester me, the more likely I am to poke a hole in that Bag of Holding and send you into a dimensional rift forever."
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Friday July 27th, 2012 4:40:26 PM
Bosk raises his hand. I can use and recharge a staff, but I tend to be on the front line during combat, so so if someone else thinks they can use it more defectively than me I won't complain.
When Zeoll tells the group of the messages he is hearing from the sword the cleric thinks back the the Illithad's Temple and remembers the last time the group was asked to commit such a deed...he will never forgive himself...someday....vengence....
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Friday July 27th, 2012 4:41:15 PM Hey, who got a good look at Lowd? Was he the man in black from the auction, or was that a different guy?
Zane Stormfront AC 27 CMD 23 HP 62/63 Friday July 27th, 2012 5:01:07 PM "Ummm, Is there anyway someone can Protect Zoell from that evil sword? Something to prevent possession maybe?"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 16/14/14 CMD: 15 HP:50/50 (Spells) Friday July 27th, 2012 5:01:15 PM
"I don't know, Bosk. It was awfully hard to see out there. Plus, he was all shiny. Alexi was the one who chased after him and had that conversation and all, but he's not around to ask."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 62/62 CMD = 23 Friday July 27th, 2012 10:25:55 PM
Ooc: post coming later
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 62/62 CMD = 23 d20+5=20 ; d20+8=25 ; Saturday July 28th, 2012 12:12:05 AM Bosk, any idea how what to do about that sword? I've been trying to remember stories I've heard at the bar of this sword, as such an items often have stories of their evil acts being passed around. I've also been trying to remember what I've learned over the last century about dealing with such items.
knowledge (local) for info on this specific swrod = 25 Knowledge (arcana) for taking care of evil swords=20
Wyaar (JonL) AC 24/17/19 CMD 23 HP 61/62 Saturday July 28th, 2012 10:15:10 AM
Wyaar almost answered about Lowd, but then remembered he wasn't there at the auction.
~~~
I'll get my catacombs stuff taken care of on Monday if that's alright Jim.
The Black Blade of Ruin -- Jim C Saturday July 28th, 2012 12:43:08 PM Yes master, send me back into the Abyss where I was born, where a true master can wield me to my full potential--not an impotent master such as yourself.
Hook City -- Jim C Saturday July 28th, 2012 12:45:44 PM
Three more days pass and on the afternoon of the seventh day of travel, the caravan arrives at Hook City and the call goes out for protectors while the caravan waits in it's queue to enter Hook City proper. The group however does not need to wait and heads into the city and arrive at their tower to find it as they left it.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 62/62 CMD = 23 d20+13=28 ; Saturday July 28th, 2012 2:37:56 PM
Beriothian looks around the tower for the two ghostly sisters. Excuse me girls, but your friend Zeoll may need your help. There is a magic item that is trying to make Zeoll do bad things. When you are around him can you keep an extra eye on him and let us know if he appears to be in trouble? He leaves the sisters a new toy to play with, a decorative cup-and-ball game he picked up over the holidays, and hopes that sisters will keep an eye on their favorite bard.
Diplomacy = 28
Jim: no answer as usual
Zane Stormfront AC 27 CMD 23 HP 62/63 Saturday July 28th, 2012 7:53:14 PM
Zane's first stop when "home" is to wash himself and his clothes, time to get the smell of the road as well as the smell of combat off of himself. He'd heard the others discuss the ghostly girls, but he'd never encountered them, his feeling was leave him in peace, he'd leave them in peace.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 16/14/14 CMD: 15 HP:50/50 (Spells) Saturday July 28th, 2012 10:45:23 PM
Even on the road, Restlin and his companions are never smelly. The wizard sees to that.
Still, there's a world of difference between a quick prestidigitation with a dab of sandalwood oil and a good, honest bath.
Properly cleaned, the wizard settles back into big city life. He spends his days training at the WLA and crafting for his friends. It's the first time he's had a chance to really use the skills he spent years honing and he thoroughly enjoys the relative peace and quiet.
At some point, of course, they'll need to report in with what they found during their investigation. He'll bring this up soon after arriving.
"We should head to the Hook City bureaucratic center soon to finish up this nonsense. Do we mention the fact that we have an evil, telepathic sword who's asking our bard to shed innocent blood on an alarmingly frequent basis?"
Wyaar (JonL) AC 24/17/19 CMD 23 HP 61/62 d20+14=19 ; Sunday July 29th, 2012 6:27:31 PM
Wyaar makes a stop to check in at his temple to Maab in Mudtown before heading into Hook City with the others. He'll follow the group to the tower before addressing them, "If I may, I'd like to stick with your group for a time. My Queen and her consort directed me to you and I feel it is in their best interest to stay by your side and help in the good work you're doing for the city and Mudtown outside."
He'll also spend his time in the WLA, will do some unarmed sparring with Zane if the minotaur is game, as well as checking in with his contacts fey and otherwise in the city for any information on the evil sword Gather Info on the sword (19)
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Sunday July 29th, 2012 6:36:16 PM
The blond cleric is glad to be home again in Hook City. Bosk agrees with Restlin. We should visit the inspector and let him know how things concluded with Lowd and make sure no farther bodies have been found in our absence. I really don't know what to do with the sword, but my guess is that the city officials have a policy for dealing with such items, if not, perhaps they can lock in one of those anti-magic jail cells we were kept in until we are able to destroy it. Better yet, in an anti-magic field like that we could possibly destroy it with an adamantine weapon. Either way, I think we should speak to the inspector first and possibly hire a few locals to handle paperwork and waiting in line for us.
The young taur works hard over the next few weeka, training at the WLA, crafting items for himself and the other Iron Adventurers, and bringing everything from the storage locker back to the tower for a detailed inspection on the contents. He also puts out word for Heather's brothers and sisters to contact him and asks those in the group skilled at gathering information to try to learn the identity of the man at the auction in case it was someone other than Lowd.
Inspector Aulander -- Jim C d6=2 ; Sunday July 29th, 2012 7:01:01 PM
When the group wishes to see the Inspector, he happens to be available. Quickly bringing them into his office, he debriefs them and takes notes.
Do you tell him about Lowd's black sword?
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:23/16/16 HP: 62/62 CMD = 23 d20+11=13 ; Sunday July 29th, 2012 7:55:39 PM
Beriothian tries to feel out the motives of the inscrutable inspector, not sure whether they can trust the guards of Hook City.
Sense Motive = 13
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 16/14/14 CMD: 15 HP:50/50 (Spells) Sunday July 29th, 2012 10:02:35 PM
Restlin is wise enough to know that other people in the party are wiser than he. He keeps his mouth shut about the sword and lets someone else make that call.
Zeoll (HP39 of 39, AC22, CMD15) d4=2 ; Monday July 30th, 2012 7:03:46 AM
Zeoll flips a mental coin, and it comes up heads. Yeah, of course he tells the Inspector about the evil intelligent sword. Maybe the Master Mages of Hook City can destroy it or contain it or make it stop talking to him. The liontaur tells the whole grim tale.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:23 HP 64 of 64 Spells Monday July 30th, 2012 1:13:39 PM
Bosk is just about to tell the inspector about the sword when Zeoll beats him to the punch. The cleric sees no reason to hide the information, has not desire to keep the sword, and hopes the inspector will have have access to means of destroying the cursed item.
Zane Stormfront AC 27 CMD 23 HP 62/63 Monday July 30th, 2012 1:15:16 PM
Zane will add anything that he knows, if it was left out of the briefing.
And Zane will gladly spar with Wyaar His style is constantly changing as his skills change as well as he becomes more and more of a Dragon.
Inspector Aulander -- Jim C Monday July 30th, 2012 1:28:14 PM
The Inspector takes possession of the Black Blade (without personally touching it), since it was used in the commission of a murder. In thanks he gives the group a Writ that grants them Protector status at large. He cautions not to abuse the trust he has granted your group and that the writ is not a carte blanche to do what you like, more that it's a official means to perform the duties of a guardsman without incurring charges that a normal citizen would be brought up on for stickng their noses where they don't belong.
Aulander also gives the group a bank note for 1000gp for their help in the case and hopes he may call upon them once more if the need arises.
After that meeting, Zeoll hears no further from the Black Blade, but has an ominous feeling that sometimes truth is not the best policy.
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