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Post by soodowyvern on Mar 15, 2008 13:34:25 GMT -5
'Thank you Anna my dear.' Seamus states as he rights himself on Anna's back and re-seats himself where he belongs.
Pardon our intrusion into your space. We were just passing through with the hopes of setting up trade routes with this city. But I am having seconds thoughts about recommending any type of trade with this city. From what I can tell from the air here. Not sure if I would even consider going down for a closer look. So if you do not mind, we will take our leave and seek another city to do business with. Seamus states out loud in dragconic.
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Post by pigdish on Mar 15, 2008 19:35:54 GMT -5
Your attempts at deceiving me are laughable. Your purpose here is known to me and it is not for trade. Many deaths you shall bring with you to shireen'khed'awal'esh, the city you know as Khedesh. The Jade City which we inspired to be made. We do not oppose the change if that is to come. Let Him know to honor the ancestors."
With those last words the creature slithers through the air and off in the distance dives into the expanse of water.
When you are returning to the Orc camp you notice a group of people moving towards the mountains. Anna says, "Some of those people look to be the Yak folk and the others seem to be a mix of races."
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Post by soodowyvern on Mar 16, 2008 12:51:07 GMT -5
Without saying another words, Seamus has Anna return the Orc encampment.
As they approach the encampment and circle the camp to their landing spot as they descend from the clouds, Seamus asks Anna to announce their return. Which she lets out a roar.
Once they have landed, Seamus proceeds to tend to Anna. Making sure she is fed and watered. Groomed and unsaddles her. Then Seamus proceeds to clean himself up, stow his gear and to get something to eat. As he is doing this, Seamus sends the closest Orc he could find to Tusk with a message that he'll be there in an about a hours time with his report.
After an hours time, Seamus makes his way to Tusk's great tent to make his report. Seamus walks into the outer receiving area and waits for Tusk to arrive. Once Tusk arrives and receives Seamus, he begins his report.
Mighty Warchief Tusk, blessing of the Gods and Ancestors on you. I had quit a little adventure gathering this information you have requested. The terrain to the city will be a slow go. Narrow, winding mountain passes that go by 8 watch towers / keeps. Three of them are in bad need of repair from neglect from the years. The city is surrounded by a massive wall which seems to be made of one solid stone. Roughly 30 feet high and 30 feet wide. That taper in and then back out. It will be difficult to scale the walls. The city itself, polluted. But there seems to be some well maintained places. Which seem to be places of worship or temples of some sort. They may give us trouble if they are the protectors of the city. Speaking of protectors, I did not see many city guards on the walls or threw the city. So I could can not give you a true easement of their possible forces. Seamus pauses for a moment for Tusk's reaction to this information before continuing.
As for the location of the ruling palace, it is on the north side of the city. Surrounded by another wall. It is almost like another city within a city. But this one is very well maintained, beautiful gardens, fresh running water and what seems to be only one way in. Over a large heavily gated bridge. Seamus pauses for a moment, sighs and then begins again. My fly over of this area was interrupted. There is a dragon living within the waters around this palace. It's voice is enough to render someone unconscious. I did not go unconscious but I had lost focused enough that I fell off of Annasphinx's back when she maneuvered to avoid this dragon. It had caught me in the air as I fell and then played with me. Toasting me around like a child's toy. Annasphinx was able to retrieve me and then we made our way back here. But this dragon had one last thing to say to us as we left. In short, it knows of the plans of invasion, is welcoming the change, as long as you "Honor the ancestors". As we were returning Annasphinx had noted a group of Yak Folk and other mix races moving into the mountains. I did not investigate this further, so I can not tell you if they were armed or fleeing the city.
With at being said Seamus ends his report by just sitting silent.
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Post by pigdish on Mar 16, 2008 18:55:03 GMT -5
For days now Seamus had been patrolling the skies near Khedesh to provide information that would prove valuable for his (Tusk's) plans. Now his friend stood before him with a stiff back and a sharp countenance. The bonding of him with the dragon had made a new man out of the simple spell caster he had adventured with. Tusk liked this new Seamus and greatly valued the trust he shared with him.
"So it wuz a dragon dat sent dis message fer me?" Tusk rubbed the stubble on his chin. Sometimes he was amazed at how much he had changed. The change was not just a physical change but how he felt so driven to lead his people and the work he did with the blessings of the spirits to whom he owed all that he ever was. At that moment he recalled something Aramil had told him regarding the history of Khedesh and then it all made sense. The dragon was not a dragon but a spirit god.
"You have truly been blessed Seamus for your encounter my friend. That was no dragon that you met but verily the spirit of the water god of the lost tribe of One Eye." Tusk spoke in Orcish since he knew Seamus would understand him. He saw the confused look on Seamus' face and explained. "You see long ago a tribe of orcs was believed to have gone into the great water (ocean) and was never seen again. Most believed that something had driven them mad and they all died in the process. But perhaps they were answering a call from the water spirit and found a new home in the water. I don't understand how that is possible but the power of the spirits is great." Tusk was as close to being giddy with excitement as Seamus had ever seen him in the past few months.
"The message you were given must be to honor the lost tribe and the water spirit. By honoring them they will give me their blessings in what they know what is to come. Without their blessings..." Tusk left the ill sentiment unspoken. Tusk stomped his foot hard on the ground and in an instant the black scaled orcs were inside the tent pavilion. "Summon Shakti to me, now!" The two massive brutes saluted and departed.
"There are many questions that need to be answered but Seamus my friend you bring the bestest news me could hab hoped for. Now if you will excuse me I must make preparations. Well done and be near for I may have need of you and your dragon soon."
After Seamus had departed Shakti entered a few minutes later. He was covered in streaks of sweat and blood. He fell to both knees and prostrated himself before his master. "Stand!" Tusk commanded and Shakti stood saluting and with his hands at his sides. "I see you are still finding time to train with Frost and the bulls. How goes the training? Will the bulls be ready?"
"Great Warchief the bulls are taking well to the teachings of the Yak. He is a mighty warrior and his methods are very different from your people. He trains them hard and the bulls are proving themselves to be hardy and have the intelligence to learn the complexities of what Frost teaches them." Shakti reports with efficiency.
"What word do you bring about the task I set you on?" Tusk asked.
"We have acquired 32 ships, which will be able to carry 13,600 troops, from the southern and eastern port cities of Ankurugar, Carmala, and Marukuraku. You have bought capable sailors to work the ships."
"That is great news indeed. I want you to prepare to leave in the next four days. If the bulls are ready take them with you. You are to also bring an offering to the water spirit and make the offering before you set sail for Khedesh. No one is to know about this plan. I want it to appear that the main attack will come from the front on the gates. Khedesh will know who it is that leads the Horde upon them. In three days time I will see these bulls and Frost to see how the training has been. Now go and make preparations."
"Yes my master." Shakti salute and bows to his Warchief.
Alone once again in his massive pavilion Tusk fussed over the plans and mulled over the strategy of the coming battle in his mind. In less than a week it shall be decided. Tusk grinned a toothy grin.
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Post by soodowyvern on Mar 16, 2008 23:05:19 GMT -5
When Seamus was dismissed, he gave Tusk a royal court bow, took three step back and turns to leave. Once he reached the entrance, the turns back around, There is one other matter I would like to talk to you about at another time. It concerns an old acquaintance .... Maximilian of the Conclave. Seamus gives another bow and backs out of the tent opening before Tusk could reply.
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Post by soodowyvern on Mar 18, 2008 13:07:58 GMT -5
After his conversation with Max, Seamus now finds himself standing outside of Tusk tent again, waiting on permission to enter to speak with the great warchief.
'I guess I will have to address this matter about Max and the Conclave sooner then I hoped.' Was the thought that crossed Seamus mind as he waited to be admitted.
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Post by pigdish on Mar 18, 2008 15:11:03 GMT -5
"Let him in!" Tusk shouted from inside the pavilion.
"My pardons friend for keeping you waiting. I spend more time talking than doing anything else these days. In a few days time you and your dragon shall fly at the place of honor at the head of my Horde. Mara has done well in creating her "boom pots"." Tusk was feeling upbeat. "So what can I do for you my friend?"
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Post by soodowyvern on Mar 18, 2008 21:08:52 GMT -5
"My friend ... you honor me with such a privilege of being at the head of your Horde. My you still find me worthy of such honor after you hear what I must say. You may find yourself doing a lot more talking now a days since you are now a man of power. Kingdoms are not always conquered by force."
Seamus states as he stands in front of Tusk with hands to his side, slightly forward, palms facing front and looking at the feet of Tusk. Then looking to meet Tusk's eyes and taking a more relaxed but confidence posture.
"As I have stated earlier, what I need to speak with you about is concerning our old acquaintance Max of the Conclave. As you remember when we first started out from the Conclave several months ago and you still as Gizgard, Max also has an interest in the Jade City. It was once a place of great trade for the Conclave and he wishes to re-open trade again with the Jade City since we have accomplished our task in re-awakening the Dead-lands. He fears that your quest to unit the Orc tribes and the conquest of Jade City will interfere with his plans of peaceful trade with the Jade City. Which I fear he my take dramatic action again you, Tusk, if for some reason your plans interferes with his plans of trade. For you are no longer the Gizgard he knows and now he does not trust your intentions. But I know you are still that Gizgard, just in a new form. I will assist you as much as possible, but if termorial comes between Max and yourself ... I will not choose sides between the two people I respect and call friends."
Seamus pauses for a moment to catch his breath and to read Tusk's reactions so far. Taking not that the upbeat feeling that Tusk had when he first entered is now more of a puzzled look and possibly turning a little mad because his intentions were being questioned from someone so far away. Seamus continues with why he has come back to Tusk's tent.
"I have said my mind on this matter and have done my duty in passing alone Max's warning. But the reason why I have returned to you in such a short amount of time after we have last spoke, Max has contact me and requested that I return to the Conclave within 3 days time to deal with an urgent matter at the Conclave. A matter in which Max did not tell me. I am here to inform you that I will be returning to the Conclave to take care of this matter for Max. That I will leave as soon as I can because I believe it might take me three and half days travel. Even on the back of Annasphinx. I will return to your side as soon as I can. If you still find me worthy, I will still lead your Horde to the gates of the Jade City."
Seamus stands dead face, looking Tusk square in the eye.
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Post by pigdish on Mar 19, 2008 6:49:24 GMT -5
"Why do you look so worried and pained my friend Seamus?" Tusk walked over to Seamus and put his large hands on the wizard's shoulders.
"Me not sure why Max feel like we be against each other. Tusk look forward to having trade with the Conclave and other kingdoms. Tusk not just simple half-orc who travels the world. Tusk now lead 40,000 orcs, half-orc, and others who call me Great Warchief. Just because Tusk is uniter of tribes it not mean Tusk am divider of friends. Once Tusk control Khedesh and the Jade Empire becomes mine life gonna change for my people and those that work with my people." Tusk spoke candidly to Seamus.
"Max not command Tusk anymore. Tusk still friend of Max and ally of the Conclave but Tusk guided by a higher power. You understand Tusk? Tusk not feel so happy that you gotta go to Conclave but you are free to do what you feel is right. Good luck my friend, thank you for your help and may the Spirits bless your journey."
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Post by soodowyvern on Mar 19, 2008 11:28:32 GMT -5
"Why I am so worried is because I believe other may not understand your intentions and are in fear of this show of force. You have done a great thing by bring the divided tribes of your people under one leadership. Which scare other kingdoms. That such a mighty and powerful race is able to unite. That they may want some reassurance that this force will not turn on them. That you will stop your thirst for conquest once you have accomplished your goals. That you will seek peaceful existence with other kingdoms and not invade their realms. I understand your calling, but others may not understand your calling."
Seamus speaks as candidly with Tusk as he has done with him. Putting his hand on top of Tusk's mighty hand that's on his shoulder.
"You have a friend and ally with the Highland clans of Clanan Drummas as long as I live. Thank you for your understanding and I will return to finish what I have started with you ... my friend. I will now take my leave to go do battle of another sort. A battle of words. I just hope my skills with the tongue equals my skills on the battle field. I believe what you have just told me of your intentions will prove helpful in my coming battle. Knowledge and information is power, which is the basis of the Conclave existence and there are those who wish to control that power. May the spirits continue to guide and protect you on your calling."
Seamus looks long and deep into Tusk's eye, gives a slight bow, turns and leaves Tusk's tent.
Upon returning to his campsite and to Annasphinx's side ... 'We have our leave. Are you ready to fly? We have a lone journey a head of us. Which we have to make as quick as possible.'
'I am ready. Just climb aboard and let the flying to me.' Annasphinx replies with a slight humor in her thoughts. Which Seamus lets out a slight smile at.
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Tai Shar Shaidar
Braggart
Power Corrupts. Aboulute Power Corrupts Absolutely. But it Also Rocks Absolutely, Too.
Posts: 115
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Post by Tai Shar Shaidar on Mar 20, 2008 3:28:00 GMT -5
It is time, thought frost to himself as the sun crested the horizon on the 180th day since he had begun training the bulls, it is time and they are ready.
It had been a long hard road getting to this point but the bulls had done well of the original 50 40 remained to complete the training , an unheard of number usually less then 50% lived through the extreme training of the War Hulk, and he was proud of them. Frost had started by encouraging the wild power inherent in the bulls, taught them to focus their rage at in a useful way and to never be caught off guard, after that he had drilled them extensively in the art of war and the way of the sword. After 60 days of training he had felt them ready for the task of becoming a War Hulk, and so their real training had begun. It lasted from before sunrise to after sunset every day the meditation and mystic rituals of power for 2 hours before sunrise and then the brutal runs across the recovering wastes, carrying hundreds of pounds of rock. The fierce battles with the monsters and savage tribes of ogres that still roamed the lands, in this crucible he forged them with the training and combat he honed them. They were to be the unstoppable tip of the spear the lead the orcs to victory. It had not all been harsh though, a stroke of luck had given them the 10 drow wizards that had enchanted their armor weapons and gear. What a glorious battle that had been he had led 45 bulls into combat with 100 drow and decimated them, when the smoke had cleared they had accomplished their goal and captured the drow wizards. They were, of course dead now, the drow were evil and once they had served their purpose they had to be executed.
Every single bull had spent 2 hours a day forging his own suit of armor forged from mithril they had mined from the mountains, a helpful shaman (meaning that he had only had to be hit once or twice before agreeing) form tusks tribe had located a mithril vein for Frost with magic. Now all their swords and armor were complete, all the training was done It was time for the oath.
Frost walked to the center of camp, he raised his dragon bone horn and blew a long note. From every direction the bulls came running with in seconds they stood in formation. Silence again ruled the camp, “Your training is at an end recruits, you stand before me the finest force that the orc race has ever produced, you have done well and earned my respect, but there is more to being a War Hulk then skill, I call upon you now to prove your loyalty to your ruler to claim your places as the tip of his spear. It is time, for the dedication.” Frost reached up to his neck and removed the emblem he had carried there since the shaman had made it for him, every bull did the same. As one the extended their right hands and laid the emblem on the backs of them. “Tusk Warchief of the Orc tribes I swear my life, my sword, and my heart until you release me I am your weapon.” the all intoned at once. The magic of the emblem heated it read hot and it seared into the hands of all the assembled War Hulks, not one of them so much as blinked. When it was cooled the platinum emblem activated a healing spell that sealed the flesh around it.
“Arm your selves my warriors today we return to the tribes.” In 15 min the camp was packed the warriors armed ad armored, they set off at a forced march back to the camp of Tusk’s army. The orcs were in for a surprise.
Fully trained Bulls
Race: Half Ogre Orc Class: Barbarian/ Fighter/ War hulk Sight: Darkvision: 60 ft Speed 30ft Initiative: +5 HP: 97 Alignment: Chaotic Neutral Level: 2/ 3/ 4 Str: 34 +12 Dex: 12 +1 Con: 18 +4 Int: 10 +0 Wis: 10 +0 Cha: 6 -2 BAB: +5 Fort: +14 Reflex: +3 Will: +2
Armor: AC: 28 +4 natural +2 Mithril Plate mail Ring of Protection +2 Amulet of Natural Armor +2
Weapon +2 Corrosive Great Sword Melee Hit: +19 Damage: 4d6 + 19 Critical: 19-20 X 2
Bolder Toss Ranged Hit: +16 Damage: 2d8 + 12 Critical: X2 Range: 50 ft
Feats and Special abilities Fast movement (+10ft) Uncanny Dodge Rage 1/day Mighty Swing Mighty Rock throw No time to think Improved Initiative Weapon focus Great Sword Power Attack Cleave Improved Bull Rush Awesome Blow
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Post by pigdish on Mar 20, 2008 10:44:10 GMT -5
Tusk walked through his camp at his side were his ever present massive hulking shadows. The scaled black orcs. Tusk was somewhat saddened by the departure of Seamus, Aramil had returned a few days prior to Khedesh, the bright one Solinar had not been seen for weeks now. The camp felt even more empty with Shakti leaving with nearly 14,000 of his warriors and shaman not to mention the 10 bulls Frost had trained. Tusk still remembered when Frost had presented to them to him.
It was a clear day and the overall mood in the camp was of bottled excitement. Orcs by nature loved to fight and they could feel that the time for war was near. It was nearly midday with the ground shook and the sound of crunching metal filled the air joined by a ferocious guttural chant.
We are war hulks can't you see Death and destruction we'll bring to ye. In three core principals we are guided: <haa-root root> Loyalty <haa-root haa> Honor <haa-root root> Discipline In our wake there is nothing but grief, Until death we shall serve our chief!
Entering the camp in a circle the metal clad monstrosities with their massive swords held high in the sky catching the sunlight on the strangely discolored metal. The hulks closed in on Tusk, the black scaled orcs readied to fight as did the several thousand orcs in the vicinity but were held off with a gesture from their Warchief.
Forming a ring of metallic death the massive creature stood then plunged their weapons into the ground in unison. Standing on one knee they presented themselves to Tusk. From amids the Bulls walked out the massive figure of Frost.
Frost saluted and greeted Tusk with honor. "Great Warchief Tusk, I have fulfilled your command to train these bulls in the ways of a War Hulk. Out of the 50 that came these 40 are what remain. These 40 are the best trained warriors you will find but most importantly they will serve you without fail."
Tusk listened to Frost's words with pride. This Yak folk whom he had not known very long had earned great respect from Tusk. His dedication to him was greatly appreciated.
"You do me great honor Frost of the Yak Folk. The work you hab done for me and my people am appreciated beyond words. Now leds see wut dese Bulls cin do." Tusk stood back and spread his arms wide. He roared like a ferocious beast and began to grow. His already large mass became huge in an instant.
Holding Glorskut in his hand he pointed it at the kneeling Bulls turning round he addressed them.
"Bulls ju were War Hulks ju have been forged. Tusk me am, Warchief of the Horde. Serve me as ju hab sworn and long we shall prosper. Betray me and death shall befall ju slowly and painfully."
Intimidate/Diplomacy [dice=20] + 45 = 62
Tusk holds Glorskut, in the form of a spear, high above his head and throws it at a massive boulder in the center of the camp. Glorskut digs deep into the rock. There is a collective gasp from those gathered at the might of the Warchief to plunge a weapon so deep into solid stone.
Tusk took two long steps and pulled the spear out of the massive boulder. No sooner that the tip left the stone did the gush of crimson blood flow from the wound in the boulder. The smell of iron filled the nostrils of the nearby observers.
At the sight of the bleeding rock all the orcs fell to the ground and a chilling shrill began from all the orcs and even the bulls.
Frost stood above all at the spectacle and despite its barbaric nature he knew that this was a great omen to these people. Tusk was truly touched by the gods, and a greater purpose drove this being who was more than an Orc.
Tusk shrank back to his normal large size and said to Frost. "Come, we speak in my pavilion."
Turning to the gathered. "We shall have a feast this night to celebrate the blessings that have been given to us." Tusk turned and started for his massive tent. At his sides were the two black scaled orcs, Frost, and Shakti.[rand=86003816112096912941434911312123092819664905259063843941529823315]
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Post by pigdish on Mar 20, 2008 11:00:56 GMT -5
In the Warchief's tent pavilion Tusk was joined by Frost, Shakti, and Mara.
"Now that Frost has trained the Bulls it is time for you Shakti to depart. Take 10 Bulls with the rest and depart tonight as we have spoken. Mara will you tell the rest what you have been working on?"
Mara stepped forward feeling very small and lost in the company these giants. "I have managed to make a tincture which when applied to an item will cause it to explode. I have made several other potions and tinctures that will aid in the coming battle Warchief. If you don't mind Warchielf I must take leave to find where Ivellios has gone off to."
"You many go Mara and you have done very well." Looking at Shakti standing outside the sitting circle. "Take some of these things Mara has created with you, they will prove to be of use on your task." Turning to Frost.
"General Frost I have learned that a group of your people have been seen leaving Khedesh towards the mountain region. Some of my scouts have not returned but the ones that have have revealed that they are moving people from the city as slaves. Before Seamus left he spoke of seeing something odd in the mountains, like a city or fortress but he could not determine what it was for sure. Perhaps it was nothing but I want to be sure. Have you any idea what it might be?" -- OOC: There is an adventure I had planned for the area in the future depending on how things go.
Tusk takes a drink of the foul smelling orcish drink before continuing.
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Tai Shar Shaidar
Braggart
Power Corrupts. Aboulute Power Corrupts Absolutely. But it Also Rocks Absolutely, Too.
Posts: 115
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Post by Tai Shar Shaidar on Mar 20, 2008 20:33:46 GMT -5
“Yes I believe I know the fortress you speak of.” Frost removed his helmet and placed it in his pack, “If my people were traveling toward it then it could only be the Gateway, it was built 340 years ago by the empire in an attempt to seal my people in their valley. There is only one pass into or out of the Valley of the Stars where my people reside, and it is this pass that the gateway blocks. It didn’t work out as the empire had planned my people took control of the Gateway within days of its construction. It gives them a nearly impregnable defensive position from which to protect their borders. The mountains around the valley are so high that one can not breathe on top of them with out the aid of magic. It was at this time that the empire formed the covenant with the Yakfoke, the empire agreed to not try to retake the Gateway and to provide my people with a number of slaves every year. In return the Yakfoke would act as the empire’s inelegance branch and they would teach the empire how to train War Hulks.”
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Post by soodowyvern on Mar 21, 2008 8:58:07 GMT -5
Just before Seamus left for the Conclave .... 'Dam! I should leave this behind.' ... he reaches into his pack and pulls out the scraying mirror and the instructions. Wrapped them together looked for the closest Orc or half-orc. "YOU!! COME HERE !! YES YOU, COME HERE BEFORE I HAVE MY DRAGON BITE YOUR TINY LITTLE HEAD OFF!! Take this the Warchief and put it into his hands and ONLY his hands. Should this for any reason does not make to his hands or is damaged in anyway, you will be Annasphinx's next meal" Just as Seamus says this, Annasphinx lets out a hungrily growl, looks at the half-orc, jaws slightly open, almost like she smiling at the thought of a half-orc meal and her wipes away the drool from her chin with her tongue. "You do this and this will be yours upon my return." Seamus pulls out a pearl. "I will know if you done this, for I will retrieve this from the Warchief upon my return." Seamus then hands over the scraying mirror to the half-orc and claims on Annasphinx's back. Turns her in the direction of the Conclave and takes to the air.
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