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Background:
Born as the youngest son in a well-off merchant house in Korvosa, Scipio's talent in magic revealed itself early, and after a spoilt childhood of tutors and teachers, he found himself a student of the Acadamae in Korvosa. Upon finding himself surrounded not by doting tutors, but by rival apprentices from all around the world, the naturally lazy teenager's initial illusions about his own skill were quickly dispelled. But no merchant son's easily outwitted, and instead of focusing on the traditional skills of conjuration taught at the Acadamae, Scipio's interest focused on the more uncommon and underhanded uses of magic. Just barely passing through the 'prestigious' summoning classes, Scipio's interests lay with folks' tales, gnomish magic and other, less mainstream arcane pursuits. Finding himself in the confortable, but hardly enviable position as favoured student of Professor Aridescu, the Head of Illusion, Scipio found more time for his other pursuits, namely wine, women and tall tales, using his skill at disappearing and deception to outright copy and steal other students' courseworks, scrolls, and copying spells off their spellbooks in the night, often distributing them amongst less adept students. Whether to widen the list of possible suspects or to help his fellow man, nobody but Scipio knows, and he's not telling. Using his natural charm and sociability to eventually graduate and become an Assistant Professor of Illusion, in the hopes of a cushy life, filled with trivial and worldly pursuits. A position he began regretting as soon as he obtained, however, due to the Headmaster's autocratic grasp of the Acadamae. A few ill-timed comments and acerbic jests at the university led to the Assistant Professor of Conjuration, Merria Itabari, a stern loyalist to the headmaster, to begin an academic grudge towards not only Scipio, but the students choosing to specialise in Illusion. The prideful man refused to back down, fighting back with underhanded and humiliating tactics, up to and including disguising himself as Merria and convincing a first-year class to practice imp summoning in the conjurer's own teaching room. The 'Assistant Professor War' officially ended with said act, chosen as a final strike before him handing in his resignation on the aforementioned high note, but a scorned devil summoner's vengeance can come at any time. Scipio's currently in Magnimar to get away from a semi-hostile magical college, and to apply for a vocation at the Stone of the Seers, the Magnimaran magical academy. Given their propensity for types of magic he's less experienced, however, his hopes aren't too high.
Scipio in 'action':
The handsome figure of Professor Totti stood in front of the young students. Raising a hand in the air, his loud, clear voice began echoing. "Good morning, everyone! It'll be a busy one today, so please hold your questions until the end, and please, consult your notes.", his hands clapped together in a theatrical motion. "Now! Illusion! If you excuse my biased position, the most wonderous of all Schools of Magic, and the one most often ostracised. Some fear it, some cast it aside as immaterial...", the voice continued onto a beginner's lecture, the starry-eyed students soaking in the jubilant professor's enthusiastic lecture with gusto. A chair in the back creaked, seemingly prompted by nothing. And some use it to skip on their own lectures., Scipio thought, rubbing a hand through his hungover eyes.
A familiar scene:
The pouring rain and the scribbling of quill-tip on ink was the only sound in the quiet office. The small room, barely qualifying as a study, was covered wall to wall with aging bookshelves, dried reagents and the smell of old paper. Through the window one could peer at the courtyard of the Acadamae of Korvosa, rows of students of various ages practicing the drawing of ritual circles, scorching the grounds with evocation magic, or struggling to contain an extraplanary entity with their magic. Scipio, sitting comfortably in a worn couch, glanced outside to a group of teenagers in uniforms, soaked through to their bones, struggling to light a bale of hay on fire. His gaze hesitated on a moment on the lanky half-elven boy currently attempting magic and his hand gestures, then turned back towards the similarly soaked instructor. Professor Scipio Totti. Somatic components need more work. And the rain doesn't help, but I'm not letting him know that. Concentrating in his mind, the outside Scipio stopped watching, pulled an arm from under his cloak, and began speaking to the crowds. "Oh, this takes me back.", Scipio chuckled as he glanced down at the book in his lap. The scribbling from the desk stopped, and a small dragon the size of a gecko perched up, its ink-covered golden scales glinting in the light of the fireplace. "What does?", it hissed, raising a head from a stack of submission papers, before flapping a set of tiny wings to glance through the window, sighing in exasperation. "To my hard work back in the day. At least now I get to get away with it.", the man replied, reaching for a cup of warm coffee on his side, and readjusting in the comfortable chair. The dragon hissed sardonically, before nodding its head toward the paper-laden desk. "I'd double check if I were you.", the wyrmling whispered before digging once again in the papers. Scipio stood up quickly, glancing at a hooded figure approaching his illusion outside. The familiar broad sight of Gatrik Oben, the abjurer. Oh, Hells. The half-orc's wide smile looked past the group in the courtyard, before raising two fingers in the air towards Scipio's office. Sighing in surrender, Scipio hung his head, before heavily crashing back down in the sofa. The illusion in the courtyard nodded at the half-orc, before returning to the lecture. "Calibris,", Scipio turned towards the smugly grinning wyrmling at the desk. "Pen down my attendance for the two morning lectures on Sunday. And put a reminder to get back at Prof. Oben."
Appearance:
Scipio is a rather handsome man in his early thirties, of visibly Varisian and Chelish descent. His skin is rather pale, indication of his preference of staying as far away as possible from physical labour, the sun, and rough living. Usually dressed in a well-tailored and fashionable suit, with the telltale clerk elbow patches clearly absent, he exudes an aura of competence and culture. A small golden-brass wyrmling with ink-stained claws and intelligent expression usually rides on his shoulder, and in the rare events it doesn't, a well-engraved golden pen shines in his coat pocket. Personality:
Scipio is a personable individual, with the fact that he's been in a position of a tutor for a significant period of his life notable by his quiet competence and proudly worn expertise in the fields of history and magic. While once he might've been called arrogant often, the years surrounded by mages with powers and aptitudes higher than his has knocked it down a notch. A more abrasive trait, thought, could be considered his academic-brand laziness. Happy to avoid or pass along boring or unimportant labour at the earliest opportunity, or find an easier way to do repetitive tasks (or, often, pass them along to his familiar, Calibris), it can often be slight grating to companions of different descent. Finally, notes about the build. I've been pondering as to which way to take it, and the temptation of optimisation did shine a couple of times, until I thought 'hell, I'm playing a wizard. There's no way to go wrong about it.', and decide to go for the challenge of an illusionist, which can be excellent RP opportunity in PbP! In terms of spells, he'll mostly be focused on buffing, debuffing and debilitating, with a SoD spell or two saved for the direst of emergencies or the greatest of opportunities. After all, why do things yourself when you can help others help themselves! In terms of social ability, I'm considering grabbing a few Diplomacy and Bluff abilities to indicate his skill in teaching and an illusionist's ability to bend the truth. I can get the actual build up in a day or two, if need be, GM!
I understand. Still, it has been fun (This was my first PbP ever), and I still enjoy Scipio. Been a pleasure, GM, best of luck in personal life, and see you all in a different game!
Upon coming down the stairs, Scipio quickly frowns at the state of the room. "Such a mess.", he says, before presenting his trident to Ranna and smiling. "My lady, if you were to be so kind to provide me with the gift of light, it would be my pleasure to provide you assistance within this... storeroom." Noticing the unpleasant choice between left and right, he decidedly begins walking on the left hand side. "Let's finish this quickly. We are simply here to see if none of those pests are still kicking.", marching forward happily. As soon as he reaches the hallway, he lifts his weapon up, ready to toss it at an ungrateful barbaric goblin.
Scipio unceremoniously puts the tied down goblin on his shoulder, then looks around the room. Locating a suitable trunk, he opens it to find just a couple of broken shards of glass inside. Opening the lid fully, he slams the goblin in there, trying to avoid not to kill him outright, then locks the padlock. "And think about what you've done!", he says, clapping his hands together to remove some of the goblin's dirt. "Now, my companions, I suggest we give a brief look downstairs, just in case there's more of these ridiculous creatures there. Then we march to Sandpoint to find Tsuto and Ameiko!", he says, raising his trident perhaps a bit too dramatically, and taking point towards the staircase, beginning to walk down.
"But we need to find what the note was about, do we not?", says Scipio at the others attempting to hurry to get out of here. "I suppose we could go on an assumption, but I don't think that we should. Then again, trusting a goblin isn't something we'd like to do either. What a predicament. I suggest we take the goblin to town and leave him with the goblin huntress, see if she can get something useful, and look for Ameiko's brother there.", he says, wrapping up the goblin with rope and putting a bag on its head. "Poor man...May your gods accept you and take you in their arms, and may your enemies be crushed in the Abyss. We'll make sure the second happens.", says Scipio to the corpse, as he begins heading back towards town.
Quickly tying the unconcious goblin to a table and hitting him lightly with a device of unknown purpose, Scipio rushes forward towards the corpse. "Gods protect! Who would do this to their fellow man, such thought out and torturous act! It must have surely been personal!", Scipio begins babbling quickly, his rather theatrical words loud in the quiet scene. "Could this be the work of the young Kaijutsu? I hope not. May somebody bring me the goblin, please?", he turns towards the rest as he begins searching the body for anything that could be used for identification.
Upon analyzing the finds, the half-elf turns towards the goblin and wakes him up with a couple of rough, ungentlemanly slaps, winking at the rest before beginning to interrogate the green menace. "Do you a-see this, you mongrel! Did you or your despicable tribe members do this to this poor man? What would you gain from torturing him?!", he shouts, winking at the rest. "What were you doing in the glassworks? Answer me, or I'll leave you in the same situation he is!", he shouts, jamming his trident in a table next to him for good theatrical measure.
"Cornelious, you are truly a magnificently terrifying sight in battle!", shouts Scipio at the eidolon, who is tearing apart another goblin. Emboldened by the acts of his comrades, Scipio bravely charges the remaining goblin.
Ducking to the side of the melee, the nimble half-elf runs straight towards the other goblin, who attempts to run away. Scipio tosses his trident, catching the goblin's thin neck in between the prongs, sending the goblin on the ground. Leaping after, he then lands a punch on the goblin's huge head, sending the creature into unconciousness. "What a fight!", he shouts, clearly ecstatic.
Seeing his fellows down the goblinoid hordes with utmost efficiency, Scipio shouts, "Well done, friends! Could we keep one for interrogation, yes?", as he moves from the table onto the unfortunate goblin wearing a blue boot for a hat. "Surrender, beast!", he shouts to the one wearing a rather fancy purple scarf, as he slams his trident into the other one.
He then assumes a fighting stance, looking at the two goblins from behind his shield.
"Nice shot, Master Calathes!", Scipio exclaims as he sees the magic-wielder display his significant skill with a crossbow as he balances on the table.
Scipio once again dashes forwards, drawing the goblins' attention to himself. As soon as he manages to place one in between himself and Ranna, he attempts to swing underhandedly and impale the green monstrosity to the wall.
Moving again to keep up with his target, he smashes his shield with his trident in an intimidating motion and strikes again.
Seeing his foe lie bleeding down, he stands ready, looking at the other goblins' cries, giggles and moans. "What's with them? Are they usually this... bizarre?"
Scipio, too busy shouting orders, narrowly misses the goblin running past him. He then turns to the one in front of him and attempts to skewer him with his trident. "Foul creature!", he shouts,
as the trident buries itself in the menace's flesh. Taking a step forwards to position himself in between all the goblins, he shouts, "Let's get them!"
Scipio notices the goblins, and shouts at Sarvis and Cornelious, "Move to the edges, pincer movement!", as he moves forward.
Scipio rushes forward, trying to be as sneaky as possible, a feat quite unachievable for someone with a heavy shield and armor. "Hurry! Time's wasting!", he hisses, as he continues forward, following the spry eidolon.
Scipio looks at the door next to him, drawing a trident and kicking down the door, ready to impale a goblin to the wall in a spectacular fashion. "Should we announce our presence? They might be frightened enough to be drawn out or run?", he says, looking at Sarvis.
Scipio moves in, right behind the big... eidolon. Walking down the way, he draws his trident, ready to pin a goblin to the wall with it. "I suggest we leave one of them alive, so we can ask about Tsuto!", he whispers to the others, as he walks onwards to combat.
Scipio walks in the glassworks, attempting to see any traps. "The little rats have probably set us a trap of some point! Ah! But, I wonder, why would Tsuto send Ameiko here? Is it because he knew that the goblins were in here, or because he's working alongside them? I don't believe the latter is possible, but we need to be careful.", he says, as he rummages through the room.
"Hmm. I see! A little subterfuge would be necessary!", says Scipio unnecessarily loud, as he follows Ranna around the building.
"This doesn't sound like glassworkers! It must be criminals, or worse, goblins!", he whispers loudly, and waves at the others to move on with him. "Let's stop whatever is happening in there, my comrades! For Sandpoint!", he continues with the loud whispers, as he moves towards the entrance. , surprisingly lightly, considering his heavy shield and armor.
Scipio begins walking around excitedly, before asking, "I don't know, but I believe that usually the Glassworks are open throughout the day and night. Shall we go to the front door and knock? I see no reason not to, we're on official business anyway. But I guess that it might warn Tsuto, were he with less than scrupulous intentions."
Taking a step in front of the others, Scipio says, "I suggest that we go and talk to whoever is inside. We have an honourable mission on our hands, and I don't see no reason why someone would try and stop us. If need be, we'll quote the Sheriff's words, and how we are an extension of his arm and might. Let's find Ameiko!", he says, leading the others towards the entrance.
Scipio gives his head a quick shake, as if to get his senses back together, and gives the halfling an enthusiastic series of nods. "But of course, of course! We are the protectors of Sandpoint, are we not?!" raising his hand at his companions. "Any and every person in Sandpoint shall be under our protection, and we will aim to help in every way possible! Our hands will be strong, and our feet swift!" Standing straight up, Scipio fixes his shield, looks around, and says, "Let's not burn daylight, my friends! To the Glassworks!"
Scipio nods quickly at the halfling's suggestion, replying, "Ah! I would suggest that we find what is wrong, but to do this, I suggest we go and talk to Master Kaijitsu himself. At any rate, he should know that his son is here. He may know more about him." Looking back at Bethana, Scipio asks, "Unless you would know where Tsuto usually occupies, when he is down in Sandpoint? Perhaps we could go and ask there. It seems like a probable choice to meet with his former acquaintainces and friends, is it not?"
On the road, Scipio gets a hold of himself, realizing that dwelling on past failures helps noone. "Ah. It seems like this Tsuto is quite the questionable character. I highly doubt that Master Lonjiku would be involved in goblin activities! The man might have some questionable and perhaps too traditional way to look at things, but such a thing is surely unthinkable, is it not?", he says, turning towards the Sandpoint locals for approval. Arriving at the Rusty Dragon, Scipio says, "If only people were reasonable in times of distress, it would all be perfectly reasonable. Yet, it's the nature of the sentient being that is the least likely to change with the years. I just hope we don't have another tragedy on our hands.
Scipio feels quite blue after failing to rescue the husband, and departs to the tavern, waiting for the others, being silent for once. He then soon heads to bed and says his goodbyes to the Sheriff. Early in the morning he wakes up and starts walking around the town, greeting people and secretly looking for goblins before the dawn comes, at which point he joins in quietly in the ceremony, where he remains quiet once more, disappointed at failing at his first act as protector of Sandpoint.
Scipio dashes towards the goblin, stabbing with his trident. His trident misses as the goblin ducks under the attack.
Scipio drags the body away, trying not to look at the head. "Get out, you cowardly beast! The vengeance will be swift and merciful!", he shouts at the closet.
Scipio raises his trident, and begins guiding the others how to breach the doors. "On my mark, Sarvis, open the doors. Calathes and I should be ready to blast anything goblinoid that appears on the other side. If no such thing appears, we should take our time studying the room, then when we're sure it's been cleared, move to the next one.", he says, pointing at the next door.
"I'd advice caution regardless.", says Scipio, ready to throw his trident at any goblin-like creatures.
"My gods! We must rush to help your husband! Hopefully he waited for you to leave, then left the house as well!", says Scipio, trotting along at a steady pace, trident in hand. "So, this thing was definitely a goblin? Big head, giant mouth, dirt-green skin and ripe smell?" "Would it be faster to get the horses? The streets should be clear for now?", says Scipio as they rush out of the inn.
"Please, someone heal the boy before we continue the feast. People of Sandpoint, we will return as soon as this pest is eradicated! For Sandpoint!", says Scipio, as he quickly grabs his trident and shield, smiling widely at an attractive local lady while doing so.
Scipio hits a boar, but the trident hits it's tusks, causing no significant damage. He then watches as the rest manage to position themselves in a classical hunting pattern, and watches as the boars fall down in quick succession. "Masterful performance, everyone! It was a pleasure seeing you in action, it truly was. I suggest we mount the boars on the horses, and proceed with a pleasurable pace for the feast." He observes Zloster spitting out a bit of boar, then smiles at Jim. "What an appetite! She is truly an amazing beast, if I may say so myself!"
Scipio shouts, "I'll move behind it! Stab it's flank!", commanding people around as he shifts behind the boar.
Scipio rides on his horse, drawing in line with Sarvis. "So, my friend, I must say, you seem like quite the interesting fellow. I have to say, I never seen a creature... being, sorry, like Cornelius. If I may ask, how did you two come to meet? I do apologise profusely for my lack of knowledge in such manners, but it's just a natural curiosity of mine. It's the scholar's plight, if I may say so."
Scipio, going back to his role as a chaperon, looks at Ranna with a wide smile, and then begins answering to Aldern. "Milord Aldern, I believe that, while perfectly understandable from anyone's point of view, Milady Ranna feels uncomfortable by your advances, since the way you're performing them isn't familiar to her tradition. Of course, a misunderstanding in the many wonderful and different traditions of our lovely area is sadly something inevitable, therefore I believe that what you're doing is simply due to misunderstanding. If I may say so, I would suggest you speaking to M'lady Ranna and merely educating yourself about the ways of her people, rather than giving compliments, which, while completely true in her case, are apparently regarded in a different way." Scipio completes his entire speech with a smile, hoping to educate and analyze, rather than critique. He then looks at Ranna and expects her response.
Scipio grabs a spear, weights it a bit, and notices how it's rather heavy for him, but stays relatively quiet, seeing how late he was. He then shoulders the weapon and heads for the horse, looking at a rather tame-looking mare, before realizing that he's probably the best rider out of the people who are riding horses, and instead goes for a rather big black stallion. "What a magnificent beast you are! It truly is great a gift, master Aldern, and I promise you with both hands on my heart that I'll look after him to all extends of my power. Now, let's give the people of Sandpoint something to talk about!", he says, climbing on the horse.
In the morning, Scipio is woken up by the insistent knocking on the door of his room in the inn. He quickly finds the sun, more importantly its position in the sky, and runs downstairs, jumping in one leg of his trousers, bottles flying behind him, startling the young girl on his door. He dashes down the stairs quickly, , nimbly dashing under the tray of the barwench, trying to put on his left boot, catching the chair of a patron, who spills a bit from his beer. Scipio turns around, conveying apologies, "Escuse me, escuse me!" in his substantial Cheliaxian accent. Fatally failing to see the just standing up blacksmith and falls to the ground, his boot flying in the air. As the boot flies toward the blacksmith's fiancee, he catches it by the end, preventing it to land on the table, giving them both an apologetic smile, while shouting "Escuse me, ecsuse me! Sorre!", faster and faster. Jumping between two tables, he manages to squeeze to the door, , remembering to push, rather than pull, and begins running towards Aldern's place. Arriving with a slightly short breath, and an unbuttoned shirt, he stumbles on Marshman Jim and Zloster eating next to a fruit cart. "Jim-a! Jim-a! We're late for the hunt!" The tall native looks at Scipio, panting and running, catching stray eyes, bites from his apple and says, "Yup."
"Magnificent. Master Aldern, would it be too much of a bother to ask you to perhaps borrow one of your hunting crossbows or a longbow? I'm not the strongest of people, but my aim is surprisingly true and I find myself with no missile weapons. As you may even tell me yourself, a boar is not a beast you want attacking you with its tusks. Though if need be, I'll be the first one to jump to your defense.", says Scipio, looking at Aldern with a shining smile. As the business with Aldern is concluded, Scipio would love to lead the others to the Library on the quickest route and explain everything there is to know about the town.
Scipio leans forward and says, "Ah, it is merely my companions. For a Magnimaran as you or me, a little bit of bluntness is a decent change of tone, at least in my opinion." He continues, looking at both Aldern and Ranna, with a smile and a watchful gaze. "As for this hunt, where and when had you idea to put that in notion? And, I do sincerely and through all my heart apologise for putting this up, but how would you guarentee that our duties with the town won't be interfered with?" He pauses for a moment's breath, just as Calathes speaks. "I do admit that I'd be curious to partake on a hunt of the matter, but I'm not the best hunter in the world, much as it pains me to admit it. It would be a pleasure to join you on your hunt, but if it's possible, I'd like to organise some sort of event for the common folk of Sandpoint, so that some of them can too partake in the feast. A boar is a good enough meal for dozens, and if we're lucky, we can provide to many more.", says Scipio, looking at Aldern, who's possible overflown with information.
They're nice, though it took me 5 minutes to figure out how to zoom. Also, the Player's Guide for Rise of the Runelords is free as a download from Paizo, and it has maps, so if anyone wants to take it, it also has a map of the town.
I never played it before, I was joking. I don't think that that's where the final boss is. Unless you both are in it together and toying with me...
The Dreaded Library of Sandpoint claims its next victim...
Well, regarding the rule of don't split the party, I suggest that to minimize ingame downtime, we send Calathes to check for information in the town library, because corpses, goblins, and Forefathers sounds suspicious. As I said, though, that's my reasoning behind it, and if the GM doesn't want to split his attention or Calathes doesn't want to do it, ignore my post. Also, so much chivalry.
"Hm. It's possible that there is a secret in Sandpoint related to Ezekiel Tobyn and goblins? I suggest that we head to the House of Blue Stones to see if there is any information about that. With all due respect, Sheriff, is it possible to give Calathes your blessing to go and ask Sabyl if we could browse his library? I believe he is quite the esteemed historian, so he could uncover something interesting about the goblins or Ezekiel Tobyn. Not that I'm ordering people around, though, just asking, of course.", says Scipio, after receiving the answer. As soon as Calathes or the Sheriff answer, he'll lead his ward to Aldern.
"A grave being robbed... Is it of any material matter? I don't claim to know a lot about funereal rites, but if he was buried with something important, I could see the goblins doing it. I see that they're much more cunning than I thought. If they were to do it for a demoralization purpose, that's even worse. Were any other graves unburied?" Scipio smiles as he hears about Aldern, and he would leave for the meeting as soon as the questions are answered. "So, Milady Ranna, what would your opinion be on young Lord Aldern? He seems quite smitten with you, if I may say so.", says Scipio, as they're heading towards the meeting. "In the temple, we were instructed how to act like chaperones, so if you'd like me to adopt this position for the evening, that would be an honor for me, but don't let me stop you from anything. I'm merely offering my services. And please don't be insulted, I am aware of what fame Calistria sometimes has with... non-elves or some people.", says Scipio, blurting the last sentences in a speed to make a spellcaster envious.
"By all means, we will continue our best efforts to protect Sandpoint, of course. I would probably go on and try to do some training in the case of an attack, trying to get some volunteers. Of course, that would be in last case scenario only, but it's better to have the skill and not need it, rather than the other way around." Hearing about the magical longsword, Scipio's eyes glean for a moment, as a smile comes on his face. "I see. As soon as the Sheriff is back, we should mount an attack on these goblins, hopefully a pre-emptive one, of course." Scipio then leans back, seemingly deep in thought.
Scipio smiles enthusiastically at everyone, especially on Shalelu. As they finish talking, he immediately starts replying. "It is too much of an honor, Sheriff, it truly is. It would be the grandest pleasure of us to accept it, however. What kind of aid should we provide? If I may say so, we could organise some sort of militia, or simply continue with some training and assistance of the guard. We could also do some public events to let the townsfolk continue with the festival as planned, as to reduce public unrest." Scipio continues rambling with ideas for a while, before stopping, realizing everyone is looking at him with raised eyebrows. "I may have gotten carried away, forgive me, I am sometimes quite the talker, and I've been known to jump from subject to subject. I apologise. I'll be at Mayor Deverin's orders, as they are, and we will do our best to help the townsfolk.", he blurts in rapid succession.
Oooh, I like GM-special plans for my character! Gregariousness is definitely one of his traits, another being a rather strange love for unorthodox weapons and fine tailoring. As for most warrior, I can't believe Scipio qualifies for this, to be fair. Also, glad to see all working up for you. I just started a serious job myself, having to fill in some time before I start university again in September, so I decided to go with a paid fundraising gig, which involves a lot of travelling around and walking. Good luck with the monetary part as well, I hear it's quite complicated across the pond.
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