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Elysian Tales Admin
Merijn Le Rütte
Elysian Tales Admin
Instigator
Rodney

Men Commit Horrors in the Wake of Prophecy

An Elysian Tale by Rodney


Cast

AV Unit 1

  • Lowie as DOP
  • Nick as Gaffer
  • Rodney as Director and Editor
  • Tess as Floor Manager
  • Tudor as Production Sound Mixer
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Elysian Tales Admin
Elysian Tales Admin

The Cast

“Think lightly of yourself, and deeply of the world!”


Pre Elderville Lyon:

Burdened by prophecies, Lyon, a 16 year old Changeling, has been traveling the realm in search of meaning and answers together with Mark XII-II, a Unknown, their personal bodyguard. Lyon knows naught where they originate from. Their entire existence is a mystery to them, which has caused them to become fascinated with Nihilism. The existence of the gods is undeniable, but it is in their intentions that Lyon found cracks and inconsistencies.

These ideas stem from his earliest memories, which are evenly vague as they are clear. Prophecy after prophecy, all contradictory made them question everything. It didn't help that these prophecies were forced upon them (The Last King Prophecy being the most alarming one to them and their beliefs); all prophecies pointing towards the inevitable leadership of Lyon. However they rejected all of it, for they realized they still seemed paradoxical in nature.

This absurd moment of realization, made them yearn for lucidity. And while the scholars of Elderville claimed this blasphemous interest would be ephemeral, the desire to learn the truth still lingers in Lyon's mind.


The Last King Prophecy:


He who was born under ethereal starlight 

He who hath wandered the land

He who remains betwixt duty and freedom

Will be in name and thought The Last King 

So it must be


He shall abolish thoughts of diversity 

And only then can the realm be one

For any thought that abandons diversity glorifies unity!

And so it must be


Truer unification than that of the Last King there is naught

He will show the enlightened path in thought

And vessel it's finalization 

So it must be

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Post Elderville Lyon/Lophicus:

Lyon Grass, a fragile being bound by destiny, it seems. A vessel inhabited by the soul of a king who once was, a great king, Lophicus the Gold-Faced. But what does that make Lyon? Is Lyon just an empty vessel that thinks they have a soul? What is it that Lyon feels? Do their feelings come from Lophicus, the soul that inhabits their body, or are they their own? Are they nothing more than just a vessel? But does it truly matter? Isn't Lyon just Lyon? Does a soul or name define who you are? Is everything we do not just simply a repetition of the people that came before us? Is there even a point in doing these things?

If only I was not born, I wouldn’t have to carry this burden. But because I was born into this world, I have a purpose. A purpose to free the chains of mankind, liberate them from their oppressors, change them for the good. And if I were to pass away, I wouldn’t mind being born again if I got to travel with these companions for a second time, because that would make me happy. For they are peculiar people, people that at first I didn’t like, but they have grown on me. If only they thought the same. People often find me weird because of who I am, how I look, how I behave.

But if I only were able to change the trajectory of their lives a little bit, for the good, I would be happy, for it would be a present from me to them. A thing, a moment that would remind them of me, for when I no longer am around. I want to help people, yes. I will follow in Lophicus’ footsteps so I can mean something. I can be something. I can truly achieve something. I will free the people of Elyziæ. From this moment forth, I will also be known as, Lophicus the Gold-Faced, First King of the Second Children, Emperor of the Aurum Imperium, Bringer of Harmony, God-Graced and Servant to the Free People of Elisi!


HAT-Man:

As the Empyrean Dissonance encumbered his empire in the last days of his rule, Lophicus realized that his time on earth was coming to an end. But he wasn't a man who let things happen by accident. He already had a plan, a scheme that would go beyond time. He would have to come back if the realm was to be guided to a true union again. But not as he was, because the requirements of the world will change along with it. So, he would need vessels, vessels that could carry his soul and make his kingdom a fact again.

In order to secure his return, Lophicus trusted his master artificers, alchemists, and scientists, to a single purpose: the creation of guardians who would outlive kings and empires, who would endure through the ages until the time was right. These beings, known as the HAT-Man, would be more than just guardians. They would be the invisible hands to guide destiny.

The branch responsible for their creation was known as The Devising Hand, a special unit within Lophicus’ government, made up of those most dedicated to his cause. In their hidden laboratories, they used science and magic to make a single intertwined creation with multiple bodies. Each HAT-Man was constructed with immense precision.

The first of them, Mark I, was the prototype, a being of towering strength and cold logic, with a fixed directive: to seek out and protect the chosen vessel when the time came. But as the time passed, the HAT-Man evolved. With each new model, they grew sharper, more refined and their purpose became clearer. Serial number Mark XII-II, the latest model in the line up, had switched to Lyon, a boy made of flesh and blood, destined for a great burden, a very potent vessel.

The HAT-Man had no kings, no master, only the shared goal to make Lophicus return once more. They were designed to make Lophicus return through a potent vessel, which meant they would now belong to Lyon, the most potent vessel yet. They would follow him, guard him, and ensure that the plan unfolds as Lophicus had intended.


Lophicus:

In a time when this world was still in its era of creation, Lophicus was brought into existence, a divine king that would bring light and purpose to the Second Children, shaped to guide mankind toward harmony. His name was, and turned into a symbol of hope, and his deeds were carved into the hearts and minds of those who chose to follow him.

Known as the First King, Lophicus built an empire unmatched in size. It was a city of unity that stood for equality, strength, wisdom, and justice, and a safe place for those in need. He taught his people important ethics like courage, sacrifice, and compassion. And Lophicus also vowed that he would never take the life of any of the Second Children. But his legacy did not stop there.

Not only was Lophicus a formidable king, but he was also an unmatched general. His soldiers raged, his soldiers screamed, and his soldiers fought until their mission was complete, because his soldiers did not buckle or yield when they were faced with the cruelty of this world. This was how he led his people in the His signature move was inspiring his soldiers and striking fear into his enemies hearts. He managed to win the war, but at a great cost, as he had already predicted. He created a fragile peace, at the cost of his life.

Yet, even after his passing, Lophicus' warding presence still loomed over the people. The people that knew him, and his dear followers continued to see him as their light in dark times, a symbol of hope and unity, standing for all the ethics he once vowed for. After some time, legends were spread that they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory to lead humanity to the right path once more, with a plan that he had devised when he was still among the living.

Now, the time has come for Lophicus’ plan to be executed. Bound by destiny and driven by the same purpose as before, he returns to lead the world towards a new era and to create a new paradise for mankind. His fate, however, seems to be intertwined with that of a young boy named Lyon. Now both have to fulfill the promise the king made ages ago. A promise forged during the days of war. Many soldiers, brave in battle, tragically passed away, their souls unable to find a place in the afterlife due to their role and the cause they fought for. As the noble and selfless leader Lophicus was, he touched his fallen people and stored their souls within him. Promising to give the souls of his loyal soldiers and followers a special place in the magnificent paradise he would one day create, a place where they can finally truly rest.


Aurum Imperium:

When Lophicus first gazed upon the land that would become the foundational seat of the Aurum Imperium, it was no more than a strip of unfruitful, blighted earth. The people, as fractured as the land itself, sought refuge but found none. Repose, unity, and purpose were nowhere to be found in the remains of a broken world. But where others saw ruin and devastation, Lophicus saw hope and a bright future. With nothing but his ideals and his firm will, he set forth to create a realm where inequality and oppression are but words in a history book. A realm where honour and purpose are paramount and where wealth is expressed in wisdom and loyalty. 

First he built houses of white marble with golden accents and hanging flower baskets that carried all the colors our mortal eyes can see. Now, the tired and broken could finally find repose. The streets quickly filled with sounds that had become exotic; children running and laughing after a kaleidoscope of butterflies, entire families dancing to the jolly tunes of the many minstrels that could be found everywhere and the harmonious sound of fresh water dripping from newly built wells.

Secondly, he built squares, where people could come together and commune. This, he did not do alone, for word spread quickly and tired there were many. The idea, the thought, the possibility of an Elysian Paradise inspired all who heard about it. Elves, Dragonborn, Humans, Half-Elves, Half-Orcs and even the most exotic of races set aside their past differences and work together. Even the Dwarves, who retreated into the mountains early in the Aurora Epoch, were intrigued by this ambitious dream. Welcomed as guests, they aided with their masterful skills in craftsmanship and helped create the foundations on which the Imperium was built. Now, with bustling streets and filled squares, there was a sense of unity that would bring everyone closer together.

Thirdly, he built market halls, where people could practice and present their craft. Lophicus would often walk amongst the people and listen to the sound of masons, smiths and lumbers practicing their trade as if it were a symphony. Equality was not merely a word spoken in the Aurum Imperium it was its foundation. Everyone was free to be or do as they wished, to pursue their own path without fear of persecution. Goods from across the realm changed hands in these grand market halls, not for exploitation but for mutual gain. All was equal, no man, woman or else stood above another. Purpose was given to the people once more.

Lastly, he built edifices, to maintain the beauty of his Imperium. Nobility was earned by honour and contributions. The people elected their representatives and leadership was a duty, not a prize. Those in power were not of inherited wealth, but of experience, dedication and wisdom. Debates were not riddled with insults and threats, but served as exchanges of profound wisdom and critical philosophy.

When all was built, and Dissonance seemed but a fading memory, Lophicus spoke to his people: “Free people of Elisi, thou had once chosen me as your king. A heavy duty, which weighed heavy on my shoulder and which I took with honour and consideration. In thine name I have fought, in thine interest I have acted and now I hath given you what was lost. Repose, unity and purpose have returned to us and we have found our place in this wretched world. Let it be heard that the Aurum Imperium is a realm of equality and freedom. Let it be heard that we have created an Elysian Paradise.”

What once was a war-ridden land, devoid of hope, was now the pinnacle of civilization. The Imperium flourished, not because of what it could be, but because of what it was; a symbol of Unity and Justice. Lophicus had given his people more than a realm, he had given them a home.


What are Lyon’s current objectives/quests:

1. Save Alcides from the grasp of Lithion.
2. Reassemble the Aurum Imperium! (And initiate The Second Shaping!)

Lyon Grass/Lophicus The Gold-Faced Diary: Lyon and Lophicus' Diary.


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"For the greater good"


Levdelim

Morcidus is born as an only child to 2 parents who's name he never mentions. His parents were wealthy but they never looked at Morcidus, it looked like he always disappointed them. Morcidus had a talent for magic at a young age if he was'nt reading you could find him in the garden practising his magic. Once he burn down a tree when he tried to cast firebolt. His parents punnished him for that and locked him up in room with no light or food. In there he learned to cast dancing lights. When he was 16 his parents shipped him of to a school of magic called Dunarth, school of wizards and witchcraft. This school is located in a far elven kingdom. In his school years he never had many friends, they thought he was weird or to fixated with learning magic. He became friends with one person named Myral Niquis who is a half elf from the woodlands. He always stood up for Morcidus and showed him there is more to life then only school. Morcidus is a person who loves knowledge and tries to learn as much as possible. He quickly rose to the top of his class he was verry proud and for the first time in his life he felt like he acomplished something. His class dispised him even more for this. One night when he was walking through the school halls a few of his classmates ambushed him. They knocked him on the ground and started kicking in on him, at that moment a rage that was boiling for years escaped with one loud scream all the class mates that were kicking him went flying through the halway and got smashed against the walls. The headmaster was not angry at him but needed to punish him, 1 month of detention but his classmates needed to serve 6 months including the weekends. When Morcidus graduated school he was crowned one of the best students the school has ever seen.


The fall and the rise

After school he Travelled around for a few years with Myral. They travelled the world together, from Aesteria to Sautrin. Morcidus despiced the bigger city's because of the nobles, they reminded him of his parents, but Myral made it a fun time for the both of them. One day they set camp in the woods Morcidus went to hunt and when he came back he saw Myral fighting a band of bugbears and hobgoblins. Morcidus gave everything he could but Myral yelled for him to run because they were with to many. Morcidus managed to kill two of them. Myral ran towards him screaming to run, right there a arow pierced through Myrals eye and he fell.... dead right in front of Morcidus. Morcidus world became silent everything stopped moving. He could'nt believe it his friend is dead, those bugbears killed him. An arow flies right across his face and wakes up out of the trance. He ran and while looking back he thought he saw a cloaked figure on the ledge behind de bugbears but when he blinked it was gone. He escaped safely but the next few days were hard, he didn't sleep and barely ate. When Morcidus passed trough a valley it was hot and he was exausted. A few miles in the valley he encountered a man who was sitting besides a campfire. Morcidus aproached cautiously. The man at the campfire greeted him "Hello Morcidus, please sit down" he gestured with his hand to sit down. Morcidus did'nt know what was going on but he felt he was compelled to sit down, so he did. "Who are you?" He asked the strange man. "My name is Sades, My child, I've been watching you for a long time" Morcidus was shocked "Are you the man I saw with the bugbears, why didn't you save us..... Save my friend" He yelled at him. "Calm down my child, indeed that was me but I arived to late, I scared the bugbears away" "I see potential in you Morcidus." "I can teach you things no school would teach you. I can teach you things even some gods can't do. I have knowledge for over 10000 years for you to learn." Morcidus looked at him with interest and he joined him. After some years he was promoted to become a member of Sades his cult, The cult of Hextor. From that moment on he was known as Morcidus Hex


A new alliance

After long years Sades Tasked me with Darion  to aid Sigwald VI Gibraltar Agolith in his quest for revenge. In this year he met a few friends, and foes. Saulus Goodmanus a brave man who Morcidus didn't like at the beginning but his actions made him a true friend of his. The rest of the of importance are discribed in Morcidus' Diary.


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"Audentes Fortuna Iuvat"


Grief, Anger and Redemption

Saulus Goodmanus was once a dutiful village guard, raised with discipline and moral strength by his father Brutus Goodmanus . After losing his wife, children and almost his own life in a brutal attack, he was reborn through an oath of vengeance. The pain hardened him into a cold, bitter and ruthless warrior that was only interested in getting revenge. After many years and countless adventures Saulus was killed during the fight with his arch nemesis Burkhart Redmayne.Trough destiny and perhaps luck Saulus was able to cheat death a third time and was able to be reborn as Ero ‘The Crestfallen’.
Saulus now fights to reclaim the man he once was and to fulfill his role as The Crestfallen. He now walks a path of honour and virtue, seeking not only justice for the fallen but also redemption for himself. Guided by his code and the memory of his loved ones, Saulus strives to protect the weak, restore balance, and become a true knight in a broken world.

The Warrior

In the aftermath of the Unknown, Saulus was chosen by the Twin Flames of Ur. Though his command over the flame was at first faint, the bond deepened upon his rebirth. From the ashes of his former self, he emerged with the power to wield the Flame of Phānix .
Clad in steel full plate armour and a red cloak over his brought shoulders, Saulus bears Logossss, his blazing longsword once named Retribution. 
Thus Saulus is known as a formidable and skilled opponent on the battlefield.

The Philosopher

Saulus has walked many paths, each marked by trial and error. These experiences have changed him into a man of wisdom and quiet strength. He has learned that true power lies not in rage, but in restraint. That violence is a last resort and not a first. Honor and virtue now guide his life. Stoic by nature, he endures suffering without complaint. Humility, kindness, and the duty to protect the helpless are no longer ideals, they are the foundation of who he is. Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.
No longer just a warrior, Saulus has become a guardian of flame and spirit, bound by honor and unshaken by fate.
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"Then it shall cost him his life instead"


There once was a very normal boy...if you consider being the crown prince of the largest kingdom in Tearithia to be normal. On the 19th of Sigallon, 199 Y.o.S, with dark hair, brown eyes, and a slightly tanned complexion, Sigwald VI Gibraltar Agolith was born. Eldest son of King Franko Agolith, and Queen Kaêla Agolith of the Sha'Kri Islands. His first name was given to him by his father to honour the king's late brother, Sigwald V Agolith, and to continue the family tradition. The name Gibraltar was given to him by his mother, but carries no known meaning aside from the fact that it's from her home country.

Early life

Gibraltar spend most of his early years in a separate wing of the Royal Castle, where he was taken care of by maids and servants. When he was young, his mother would often visit him to play. But as he grew older these visits grew rarer and rarer. Only seeing her at the monthly family dinners where she would uninterestedly ask whether he was doing alright. When Gibraltar was five he was granted a personal maid, Elina, by his father, and they grew close very quickly, she read him books, looked at the garden with him and went everywhere he went. Gibraltar showed a keen interest in the guards and knights stationed in his wing and would often talk with them. In particular an somewhat older knight, Sir Daiva Henara, who showed great interest and care in the education of the young prince. To the dismay of his commander, Sir Radier Tellion, Sir Daiva felt like a grandfather to Gibraltar. Unlike other nobles, Gibraltar did not grow up around aristocrats and therefore lacked the skills you would assume any young prince to have. Instead, he often tended to the gardens, watched as the bread would rise in the oven and listened to the kitchen staff complain about another tax increase.

Kidnapping

On a beautiful day in Aerowyn, 12 year old Gibraltar and his maid Elina were roaming the market district in search of a bouquet of white lilies. The birthday of Sir Daiva's wife was coming up and Gibraltar wanted to give something extra special. After a couple of hours of going from florist to florist, and stopping at a bookshop from time to time, they finally found the perfect bouquet. Whilst decorating the bouquet with ribbons and such, a group of guards approached them. They wore the same blue and white uniform that all of Sir Radier's men wore, but something felt off. They claimed that the King has requested Gibraltar's presence and were to escort him to the castle quickly. With no reason for doubt, Elina urged Gibraltar to join them and that she would finish up the bouquet. The young prince followed the soldiers, but soon realized that they had deviated from the normal pathway to the castle. Before Gibraltar could do anything, a sack was put over his head and he was shoved into a cart.

Captivity

Gibraltar was held captive in a bandit camp, somewhere in The Danneafold. He slept in a cold cell with a number of other prisoners, of which most were similarly  aged boys of Sha'Kri descent. The leader of the bandits, Ordis, was a tall, muscular brute that would beat anyone up who would go against him. Gibraltar quickly realized, however, that the actual brains behind the operation could be credited to the vice-leader, Leandro, whom he would often talk to. Leandro claimed that it was all business and nothing personal, and that he wishes to return him safely. The ransom had already been placed, and it would only be a few days for a response to arrive. The vice-leader was eager to hear stories about things inside the royal castle and would give more or better food as payment. 

Premonition

After a handful of days, early in the morning, a royal letter arrived. The entire camp roared with energy, and as they prepared to leave, Gibraltar was left wondering what was going on. Late in the afternoon, Leandro slowly walked over to Gibraltar with the letter in his hand. He starts to read aloud, "To the Arrows of Twilight , who thought to outsmart the King..." A deep pause fills the room with a heavy silence. Instead of continuing, the vice-leader passes the letter to Gibraltar. As the boy starts to read, Leandro slowly walks outside whilst sulking. The world starts spinning for Gibraltar, as he starts to realize what the letter entails. Within the darkness of his cold and lonely cell, something changed in Gibraltar. The crown prince of Agolith died that day, and their passing left an emotionless husk in its place. By the time he comes to terms with the truth, he crumples the letter and whispers, Then it shall cost him his life instead.

That night, Agolithian forces ambush the camp and start slaughtering all the bandits. Leandro rushes to the cells and sees Gibraltar hunched over in the corner of his room. The vice-leader, shocked, darts his eyes around in search of an escape of sorts. After a few seconds, he jolts awake and grabs one of the Sha'kri boys and throws him into Gibraltar's cell. He undresses both of the boys and exchanges their outfits. Smoke fills the room as the roof is set ablaze. Leandro grabs some basic survival gear and hastily dresses Gibraltar up. "They've come to slaughter us all. We know too much, we've been betrayed." He allows the words to settle in the air, as he still can't believe it himself. "You must run, hide, escape this terror. You must enact the revenge we both so desire." Leandro stares in the soulless eyes of the boy for a couple of seconds before handing him a dagger. "The Sun Burns the Just", he softly says before pushing Gibraltar outside. From here one, Gibraltar's memory falters. Vague words and blurry images fill the void of his memory, but those few moments before will forever stick with him.

Keep moving forward

After being saved by an older woman who was living in the forest, Gibraltar aimed to travel to Elderville, as their apolitical status would keep him safe from his father for at least a while. Before Gibraltar left, the woman gave him spare clothes, some rations and a small pouch of gold, as well as some words of comfort. He gave her a heartfelt hug, and went on his way to the city of knowledge. The following years were spent studying and learning the ways of the rogue, as he felt those skills would be most helpful in his plan for revenge. It was time for a new chapter in Gibraltar's life, one hopefully safer and more comfortable than the previous one. Fortunately, it wasn't for at least a number of decades before he met Morcidus the Grey and decided that it was time to enact his long sought-after revenge.

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"Remember Friends, Honour Burns Brightest"


Fire and Honour

As head of House Redmayne, Ramhart takes his ancestral words by heart. His honour dictate his actions and not the other way around. He is large in size and mighty in stature and is considered by many to be one of the most esteemed and chivalrous knights of the dominion. He wields Honourbound, a large broadsword that seems impossible to use. It's the ancestral weapon of his House and was crafted by Gaelhart Redmayne himself. It's rumoured to be coated in an ancient magic that forms to its wielder, giving it abilities and features that synergize with their fighting style.

Once, his House was blessed by the Unknown, and its head would inherit a strong affinity with either Phānix or Āfreet. However, after the Unknown, Ramhart renounced this inheritance and the blessing was claimed by Ûbel, Fire Lord of Lithion.

Lord-Liege

After his father, Limehart Redmayne, passed away, Ramhart took over as Lord-liege of Firehold, House Redmayne's ancestral seat. The impenetrable fortress has 4 cornering towers surrounding a centering tower that easily reaches 200 meters. An extensive library, second only to that of Elderville, can be found within the thick and dark walls and is frequented by Ramhart. His interest and expertise on history, culture and ancient mysteries is directly reflected in the decisions he makes. Namely, the creation of the Eyes of Ramhart, which lead the various expeditions to the uncharted Deep South. The group consists of handpicked individuals from his Ord Onórach, an already prestigious and unrivaled order of knights. 

Dragon Prince

Ramhart was bestowed the title of 'Dragon Prince'  during the Unknown, by his close friend Arnold Agolith. Ever since, Ramhart has acted as the 10th of the Dhûr-Lhûg only answering directly to the Dragon King himself. His dragon, Urrax, has been with him since his 10th year, making him one of the oldest dragonriders in the order, and possibly the world.

Lord-Commander

"Every King has a Redmayne at their side", is a quote that cannot be more true. After his father's passing, Ramhart also took upon the role as Lord-Commander for The Royal Army. A role he has dutifully fulfilled until the Unknown, where he has yet to be spotted at the front lines. His motives aren't completely clear, but it appears he believes that the war is senseless and could be easily avoided. Additionally, to the frustration of the king, Franko Agolith, he has recalled his own troops after the Unknown, in preparation for another possible attack.


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"Destined to Bloom"


The Medui-Alf is an insurgent group created by the survivors of Unknown after they reclaimed Phandor and activated the dormant Dreamwillow with the help of Providentia Forest. They have sworn to get revenge on King Franko Agolith and bring an end to his court of lies and deceit. 

Their sigil is a yellow Dreamwillow on a black and white chevron pattern. Their words, "Destined to Bloom", is in direct reference to Rectificis III. The Elysian Promise, a prophecy the Pedals of the Flower are fated to fulfill. 

The playable characters from Unknown Tale are the leaders of this faction and created it during Unknown.

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~ Explore ~

Kokoro Reflections (CC-BY 4.0)

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Kokoro Reflections on OpenGameArt.org (https://kokororeflections.com)

ramtam (CC-BY-SA 3.0)

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Tamara Ramsay http://vectorgurl.com

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