GM Rennai's Reign of Winter (Inactive)

Game Master Rennaivx

You quickly go back to the wooden hut and, even with a thoroughly examination, you weren't able to find anything interesting or useful, neither with Freyja's help in sensing magic auras. When you are finished, Blaze is more than happy to burn it to the ground, even if it takes a while to properly ignite it thanks to the accumulated snow. After a couple minutes, the entire hut is burning... however thick and blackened smoke rises into the sky.

Leaving the burning hut behind, you continue to move towards the center of the winter pocket, now moving southeast. After a couple hours, if gets dark once more, meaning that you'll need to camp, or continue to walk in the dark, which is always dangerous.

Camp time! I need a round of RP representing your night time, as well as any special measures you take during the night.

"Ah, it is almost night. Perhaps the skies will be clear enough to see the stars!" Cithembi says, his voice a bit too loud as he smiles. "If you have watches already, friends, it is best if I do not watch alone. Cithembi may see better in the dark than a human, but if something is behind me, I will never hear it!"

Evelina shrugs, "I don't think we have a formal watch order or anything...but there's six of us now so it should be pretty easy to just do two, two an' two." Looking to the others, she comments, "I can take first whatever watch you guys want. I don't even feel that tired to be honest...

As Evelina begins her evening habit of trying to be helpful while setting up camp, but mostly just hovering as others do work. As she does, she eyes Cithembi with curiosity. Finally deciding to approach him, she asks, "So what do you mean by you see better than a human at night? Is it because you are a cat? Can you see colors?" Evelina looks thoughtful for a second, "...or is that dogs?"

Cithembi laughs. "I can see colors, yes! I am not that like a cat, friend Evelina," he replies. "Only enough to see better with little light. It is a useful thing, under the shadows of the great trees of the Mwangi."

Evelina looks more curious than ever, continuing to barrage the newcomer with question, "Oh! The Mwangi Expanse!?! Is that where you're from? I've read some stories about that. Isn't that really far away? How'd ya end up all the way in Taldor?"

Earlier

Freyja prots at each eye with a dagger. This one. The mirrored one. It enchanted with divination magic but its fading now that the doll is damaged. But the other. the nice sapphire has active necromancy on it. Let me try to identify what spell it contains.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

It looks valuable, but I have never been any good at appraising things. Anyone?

Present

Indeed. We had best look for a camping spot now. The sun is dropping fast and I've no wish to stumble around in the snow.

Survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Been looking already - how's that spot up ahead to the right look? Between those big trees, next to that little hillock; they'll shield us from the worst of the wind, and we might be able to string up more of a windblock between the trunks.

Survival to find a good spot: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Survival to feed folks: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Survival to keep folks warm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
I should be able to get food for two people besides myself and provide a +4 on saves against extreme weather for two people besides myself (Evelina and Cithembi, most likely, Arvanya if I can elect to protect someone else and not myself). Anyone who can make a 10 on Survival can aid me for one more person fed and two more people protected each.

When a campsite is settled upon, Astrid as usual sets to work, quickly laying a series of small game traps and collecting pine boughs for kindling and an enhanced windblock. The spot isn't ideal, and it's hard to get enough space protected to keep everyone out of the wind, but she soldiers on doggedly. As she works, her gaze keeps flickering back to Cithembi, as if she's sizing him up. Is he being deliberately coy about his curse...or are there truly beast-men who don't carry it? Who is he? What is he doing here?

I'll take whichever watch. The fire will give me enough light to see well even in the darkest hours, and my hearing's more than fine. Secretly she hopes for a chance to pull the cat-man aside, but she knows on watch isn't the time for it - without hearing, he'll have to choose between conversation and attentiveness, and that's not a good choice to have to make. In the morning, or on the trail. That'll be better.

Cithembi smiles, a wistful look in his eyes. "Yes, I come from the Mwangi, far to the south. It has been a long journey to get here, but Desna has called me to wander, it seems. I had no real destination in mind, you see, just a feeling I should go north." He shrugs slightly. "And so I did. Many stories I could tell of my journeys, but already I think this story shall be much more important."

Been looking already - how's that spot up ahead to the right look? Between those big trees, next to that little hillock; they'll shield us from the worst of the wind, and we might be able to string up more of a windblock between the trunks.

You have a good eye for such things Astrid. That looks like an excellent spot. I can try to help with your trapping and to keep everyone warm.

Survival Assist for food: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Survival Assist for warmth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Freyja is useful in helping with the traps but her seeming immunity to the cold makes her less useful to shield others from it.

survival assist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Arvanya assists with the game traps, even crafting a clever snare trap using a heavy rock. "And no eating squirrel this time. Save some for rest of us," she gently chides Auryel with a smile.

As Astrid prepares their sleeping arrangements and Freyja starts the fire, Arvanya begins to count out rations and refill waterskins with a sly casting of create water. Noticing Cithembi's interest in the sky, she walks over and pokes him on the shoulder. "You have favorite stars, um..." she falters a moment, trying to recall the word in common. "..constellation!"

"Let's see...North is...that way!" she twirls and points, her long hair gently slapping Cithembi in the face. (casting know direction).

"Aw...come on..." Evelina whines, as she realizes she isn't going to get told a bunch of stories about the Mwangi Expanse. However, she still stays to listen to the discussion on stars for a bit, until she gets distracted and wanders towards Astrid and Freyja setting up camp. "Um...Freyja?" she asks, "I don't know a lot about camping, but ain't you supposed to actually light the fire?"

Are the stars visible this night, GM?

[/b]Earlier[/b]

Even if Freyja tried, the magic residue were too weak for her to identify the magic that created them.

Actually, with detect magic, there is no way for you to identify a particular spell, just the school.

Camping

Astrid and was able to find a good spot for camping, and with Arvanya and Auryel's help, they were able to provide enough for almost everyone. As Evelina asked Freyja about the fire, Blaze turned to her, quite choked, even if with a smile on her face. "Hey, that is my part!" Almost effortless, she brought the pile of timber into fire.

Cithembi and Arvanya looked into the sky, trying to pierce the falling snow and gaze upon the stars, but the weather were not cooperative... all they could see was the constant falling snow.

I'll update tomorrow, since I'm really liking the RP!

But on believe spellcraft is. And Freyja rolled a 22 spelllcraft. Am I confused?

Cithembi blinks As Arvanya's hair flies in his face. "It is hard to choose favorites, friend, for they are all so wondrous," he replies, smiling. "The tiger-stalker, the water-serpent, the great ape... but the stars are different here. I could show you were the skies clear, but..." he shrugs. "We have snow, instead."

"True..." Arvanya agrees with Cithembi, turning back toward him so he can see her lips. "But snow is not forever, and stars still are floating, waiting." Shes's reminded of the young girl and the doll then, and falls quiet.

With a brief smile, she points back toward the fire, inviting Cithembi to return to the warmth. Seeking out Auryel to ensure he hasn't despoiled the traps, she inspects the fit on his leather armor, removing and re-securing it, then returns to the others. She sits by the fire, inspecting and working her longbow, humming a little tune as night settles in.

After a quite decent meal thanks to your hunter skills, you talk a bit more with each other before you decide to finally rest. Cithembi and Arvanya, as well as Auryel, take the first watch. You have the sense that it is getting colder and colder but, aside from this, you notice nothing wrong or alarming during your watch.

Astrid and Evelina are then awake for the second watch. The snow continued to fall uninterruptedly. On the middle of the second watch, Astrid turns her head towards north, perhaps having noticed something...

Sorry, Freyja, I did not understood what you tried to say.

To identify a magic item you cast Detect Magic and make a spell craftcheck I believe. Freyja did that and made a 22 spellcraft check. I was hoping that would tell her what the necromancy spell on the gem was.

Evelina had been prattling on to Astrid during their watch. "...So, I'd fallen asleep, you see, even though I'd sworn I wouldn't...an' when I woke up..." Evelina breaks in her story to let out a huge yawn, stopping just long enough to see that Astrid seemed to be ignoring her and staring off in another direction. Walking next to her, she asks, "What? Did you see somethin'?"

I didn't see anything...but I heard something, that I know. Wings, like a bird's or a bat's, and a strong wind those wings are fighting against. Astrid's wide nostrils flare to draw in the cold air as her chin twitches upward, strangely reminiscent of a dog standing below a stove. But either it's blindly fortunate or crafty - it's downwind. I can't smell it. Once more she tries to draw in the scent, but in vain. Whatever it is, I can't tell if it's coming close...but everyone needs rest to be in fighting shape, and I don't want to wake them for nothing...

Evelina nods and looks more on guard, placing her hand on her rapier and taking up a defensive posture.

Total defense. AC 22

From the direction Astrid was looking at, you see a familiar face... the same creature who was guarding the rope bridge by the lodge, that pesky blue creature wearing a boot as a hat. If flies towards you, smiling wickedly. Behind it, you notice a mass of whirling wind approaching, surrounded by a cloud of snow. It completely ignores you, moving around in a circling motion, going directly to your campfire...

It is pitch dark now and the only thing you can hear is the cackling laugh of your attacker...

As you might notice while looking at the battlemap, there is a shade on top of it... this is to remind you that it is completely dark! The enemies are positioned for my own convenience... you don't know where they are yet, unless you have means to discover their position (like Astrid Scent as a move action).

At the sound of laughter, Evelina draws her rapier and tries to look around. "Hey! We got company..." she shouts back to her sleeping companions. "Also...no fire. Anyone got a torch?"

Delay action until she gets a better idea where enemy is.

As the firelight winks into darkness, Astrid sucks in a deep breath, hefting her spear to her side. Intruders! she bellows, the sound ringing through the wood - and the tents where her allies rest. The little blue bastard from before! Leveling her spear point before her, she charges forward at where she'd last seen the mephit, praying for Gorum's blessing of battle - and praying that the pest's stayed where she saw it.

Swift action to cast divine favor, full-round action to charge toward the square where she last saw the mephit and attack into it. Frosty, I'll leave the token moving to you in case the mephit's moved from where I first saw it.

Cold iron longspear attack with charge & divine favor, miss chance (high hits): 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 211d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 61d100 ⇒ 96

Perception to wake up: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Alerted by Evelina Freyja stands letting her bedroll fall to the ground. Responding to the call for light she conjures 4 orbs of torch like dancing lights.

Assuming I can see him now with the lights. Disregard if not. I'll roll concealment just to be safe. For concealment I always assume high = good.

As lights dance up around the camp, Evelina runs forward towards the outline in the distance.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 70

Unfortunately, Cithembi can't hear all of the ruckus about him... and so he continues to sleep solidly.

Vanya Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Auryel Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Auryel's eyes snap open, his hackles bristling and a low growl escaping his lips. The growl transforms into a vicious bark as he surges forward, barking loudly into the air. FYI Auryel also benefits from scent.

Arvanya sits up, heart racing. "Auryel, what is it?" Reaching over toward Blaze and Cithembi, she rouses each of them in turn, then reaches for her bow.

GM, with my full round, how much of the following can I accomplish? (1) Rouse Blaze, (2) rouse Cithembi, (3) Grab my longbow/arrows, (4) cast light on my bow.

Astrid is fast to react and charges blindly forward... luckily, or by her God's direction, she manages to hit something, even if unable to access how much damage was done. Meanwhile, Evelina draws her rapier and the others, with the exception of Cithembi, wake from Astrid's call.

Auryel moves forward, trying to find the enemies Astrid mentioned but, so far, he finds nothing... Meanwhile, Arvanya reaches for her longbow and her arrows while waking the catfolk with her feet. Soon after, the tent is illuminated by the bright light coming from her longbow.

The mephit moves away from Astrid and soon she and Evelina feel their weapons becoming colder and colder... the same happens to every bit of metal in their possession. Cithembi, still half asleep, feels the same effect.

From the east, the air elemental came flying with its fist raised at Evelina... she tried to block its attack, but the creature was too fast for her, hitting her on the cheek, disorienting her for a fraction of a second. It soon disappeared into the night once more.

@Evelina: You used your action on the surprise round to draw your rapier, so you did not delayed your action. The action you posted will be used this round.

@Freya: Since you were not up before, I'll use that action for your action this round.

@Everyone: The air elemental has a huge movement and he is using Flyby Attack... instead of making a pointless larger map, I'm leaving him outside. To hit him, you'll probably need to resort to AoO's or readied actions.

Cithembi sits up, blinking, trying to orient himself and figure out why the studs of his armor suddenly feel so cold. Then light flares and he sees Arvanya's expression.

Wordlessly he grabs his spear and stumbles out of the tent, then looks around, trying to identify the threats. He can vaguely make out shapes moving in one direction, and so he cautiously approaches Astrid and Evelina.

As the holy symbol on her chest begins to burn with cold, Astrid uses the pain to drive her onward. Seeing that her spear point has little effect on the mephit, she elects to drop the longspear to the ground and pull out her gigantic greatsword, lunging forward and cleaving the chill air as she strikes for the creature's heart.

Greatsword attack, damage with divine favor: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 = 212d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 + 1 = 7 Stop with the minimum damage, dice roller! D:

Arvanya clumsily gathers her weapons, the light from the bow stinging her sleep-filled eyes. She stumbles out into the cold, noting with concern the lack of firelight. Peering into the light granted to her by her longbow, she approaches Auryel, prepared to shoot.

Although unnoticed in the dim light, her eyes grow large, her pupils expanding until nearly entirely black. Auryel's do the same. Activing animal focus (bat) on both of us to gain darkvision 60 feet. Can I see the imp?

Double move to stand and move outside the tent, swift to change animal foci, while Auryel will ready a bite attack for the flying creature.

Auryel bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
confirm?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 171d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Astrid steps closer and once more hacks at the ice mephit. Unfortunately, her attack isn't hard enough to deal much damage to her enemy. Freyja leaves the tend and soon four spheres of pure light move around the campsite, completely illuminating it. Evelina also moves to engage the mephit, but the creature dodged her attack.

Awaken, Blaze gets up on her feet and leaves the tend, gathering energy around herself. Cithembi stumbles after the tend, moving towards Astrid and Evalina, while Arvanya comes closer to Auryel, and the wolf looks expectant at something.

The mephit flies back a bit before unleashing a breath of pure cold that envelops Astrid, Cithembi, and Evelina, even if the catfolk and the swordswoman are able to evade most of it. Even if the cold did not pierce Astrid's natural resistance, she founds herself sickened by it.

The air elemental once more swooped through the battlefield, even if going for Blaze this time. It missed his slam but the tiefling did not missed her opportunity, striking with her recent-acquired cestus. The elemental shrieks before disappearing once more into the night.

@Arvany: Yes, both you and Auryel can see the imp. Actually all of you can, since Freyja's globes of light are illuminating the whole area (obviously, if they try to escape or the magic is dispelled, you would still be on the advantage). Oh, and since Auryel did not use his attack, you can keep that roll until he decides to do something else besides preparing.

As the chill of sword and breath both dig their way into her muscles, Astrid begins to shiver uncontrollably, sharp teeth chattering against each other audibly. But she's unwilling to let so pedestrian a thing as pain or discomfort master her, once again she steps forward and takes a swing at the mephit. What's it take to hurt this shit? she calls out, hoping someone's got a wider range of experience with the weird than she does. My sword's hardly doing anything to it!

But even as the words escape her lips, the tide of battle favors her - the mephit attempts to dodge her attack, but seeing his adjustment in time, she changes last moment from an overhead chop to a sideways swing. The hapless creature ends up flying straight onward into her swipe, and the imposing blade cuts deep, overwhelming even the strange protection the mephit posses.

Once again, greatsword attack and damage! Divine favor, sickened: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 1 - 2 = 232d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 6) + 4 + 1 = 14
Ooh, crit confirmed? Extra damage if so!: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 - 2 = 212d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6, 3) + 4 + 1 = 14
That's more like it! :D

Evelina keeps closing in, trying to get around the creature. Responding to Astrid, she shouts."I dunno...but I'm freezin' an' tired of this...

Angrily, she moves to stab the creature with surprising accuracy and ferocity.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Confirm?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Extra Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Seeing the mighty blows his companions are dealing to the mephit, Cithembi turns his attention to the air elemental. He hefts his spear and peers in the direction it flew, waiting for the right moment to hurl his weapon.

Readied action to throw his spear at the air elemental if it gets within 20'
Readied throw: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Freyja begins to sing to inspire her allies. She pulls her blade and advances.

***inspire courage: +1 to hit and damage.***

And now Arvanya is ready, trying to locate the flying creature in the darkness and through the trees. She nocks an arrow, intent on shooting into the icy wind the moment it's within range.

GM not sure how far away it is, but my longbow's range is 110 ft. (though darkvision's only 60ft).

Vanya ranged, composite, IC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 91d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

Auryel growls, ready to snap at the creature should it appear.

Perhaps blessed by The Lord in Iron, Astrid attacks the mephit with perfection, slashing across its chest, starting from its shoulder and ending near its groin. The creature stands their barely flying and looking at the bearish woman with astonishing in his face.

Freyja starts her encouraging song once more, boosting everyone around her. Evelina, not willing to give Astrid all the credit for defeating the creature, pierces it through its neck. The creature falls into the snow, a puddle of blueish blood forming around it.

Arvanya sees the elemental making his turn thanks to her darkvision but the shot goes wide. All the others prepare themselves for when the elemental comes back, and Cithembi doesn't waste his opportunity, piercing the creature, who cries with a sound not much different than a hurricane. Blaze also fires her magic but also misses.

The elemental, still in fighting shape, slams at Blaze and, even if she is able once more to punch it with her cestus, it flies away... on its way back, a rain of arrows meet him and, this time, he falls as well.

Combat is over!

Cithembi sighs, glad the combat is over, then looks around at his companions. "Who is injured?" He asks. "I shall pray the stars for healing."

Arvanya was so worked up by the fight she hadn't noticed her latent injuries. She winces in pain and touches Cithembi on the shoulder, nodding. With a grateful hand squeeze, she then turns her attention to their fallen enemies, searching their belongings for clues.

"Um...maybe a little, but not too bad..." Evelina says as she wipes of her rapier and checks her clothes for stains. "How 'bout everyone else?"

I'm actually not sure how much damage I took. I think 4 from the elemental and 1 from chill metal, but I'm not sure about the breath weapon.

Cithembi waves a hand gracefully, a soft silver light forming around it, then touches Arvanya. Healing energies flow into her at his touch.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Then he does likewise to Evelina.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

He smiles at them. "That is better, yes, friends?"

Wincing in pain, Astrid throws her greatsword to the ground as the mephit falls, grabbing her bow and standing ready to fire at the air elemental. As everyone works together to take the elemental down, she flexes her hands between shots, trying to work out the cramps and numbness the cold had brought. After things have died down, she holds her bow at the ready for any other surprises that may emerge - only after several moments of silence does she re-sheathe her bow.

At Cithembi's call, she pulls off a glove, as if only now remembering her injuries. Patches of her hands are white and bloodless, and the ring and little finger of her left hand don't seem to want to bend; when she pulls aside the thick clothing beneath her leather armor, she notices an angry red welt where her holy symbol rests against her chest. Half-snarling the incantation, she sighs with relief as her healing energy suffuses the wounds, and then shakes her hands to diffuse the pins and needles as the blood rushes back to her frostbitten hands.

Converting my bless spell to a cure light wounds. Which day's spells does this come out of?

Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Well, at least this little monster troubles us no more. Surveying the fallen mephit, Astrid smiles; it's clear she takes pride in her final master stroke. Those who can should rest - tomorrow still comes, and who knows what it brings?

Well fought my friends. I too have healing to offer if needed. She moves to the strange fey and looks it over, casting detect magic as she prods it with her toe. A shame we must kill these fey but they seem to be corrupted beyond redemption. I wish it were not so.

As the battle ends, Astrid, Cithembi, and Evelina still feel the chilling cold of their gear but before they are harmed, Blaze comes closer with her flames exposed... even if it appears that you'd be burned, the heat coming from her hands kind of counters the effect of the mephit's foul magic.

Arvanya searches the bodies but finds nothing but the old boot the mephit was using as a hat, and even it was completely mundane. However, she discovers that the mephit is still alive and the freezing conditions of the snow around it is slowly healing his wounds!

Sorry, I forgot that the chill metal spell was still in effect, but since fire damage counters the ice damage and you have Blaze, it would not matter I guess. I've updated your hp totals on the header of the campaign, taking in consideration both your recent damage, healing, and the natural healing you'll get from your deserved rest.

Evelina gives Cithembi a sleepy, but genuine smile. "Thanks. Healing magic is really something, huh..."

Yawning, she looks ready to end her shift and go to sleep. However, before she does, she turns to Freyja and somewhat nervously asks, "Um...I've been meaning to ask...what is it with you and the fey? I mean, it kinda seems like every time we have to fight 'em you talk like it was some great tragedy. More so than anybody else we've had to fight. Do you have, like, um, fey friends or something?"

Cithembi beams at Evelina. "Yes, it is a great blessing!"

Frowning, Arvanya withdraws her cold iron dagger. She hesitates only a moment. Then, wordlessly, she stabs the creature where she expects its heart would be. Coup de Grace.. Wiping the blade clean on her pants leg, she stands. "Is dead."

After healing yourselves and making sure you were not in immediate danger, there is nothing else for you to do besides trying to rest once more. Astrid and Evelina retake the watch... luckily, nothing else bothers you for the rest of the night.

---

Another day rises and the wintery weather continues the same... actually, you have the feeling that it is getting colder and colder. However, the warm clothes you are using are still effective in keeping the cold away from your bodies. After a meager and cold breakfast, you once more return to the trail.

You continue southeast for about an hour, before the trail turns northeast, accompanied by a more pronounced slope, and after about a mile or two in this direction, you are sure that the snow is getting heavier, noticeable by the depth of the snow, now about 3 feet deep, instead of the usual 2 feet deep, and crusted over with frozen sleet. Heavy ice burdens the trees to either side, bowing their branches until many touch the ground, becoming one with the wintry landscape.

After another hour in this direction, you reach a clearing, with about 4 feet deep snow, making the simple act of moving quite troublesome. It is snowing so much right now that you can see past 5 ft. ahead of you. As you reach the edge of the clearing, you notice two low igloos on each side of the trail.

Suddenly, Astrid sees a stone hitting her armor, and soon after it creates a deafening bang against her amor. It is so loud that Blaze screams and Auryel whelps... it appears they are deafened! Soon after, when your ears stop ringing, you notice the sound of someone talking... not, chanting something. The sound comes from northwest and up in the sky.

Reduced Visibility: Due to the heavy snow falling, you can't see past 5 ft., and creatures beyond this distance have concealment. Each square o movement takes 4(!) squares of movement.