Swords, Sorcery, and Adventure...a Fantasy RPG(Its a Go!)

[MagicalPen]

Swords, Sorcery, and Adventure

A Century of War has left the world of Talamah decimated. Untold lives have been lost. Countless Villages, Towns, and Cities have been burned to the ground. Groups of Mercenaries, Soldiers, Bandits and Monsters roam the lands, raping and pillaging their way to fortune. Famine and disease stalk the land, following in the wake of what few Armies still exist. In a world so dark and desolate, every life is precious. In a world so dark and desolate, woman vastly outnumber the men due to the countless wars, leaving many bastard and orphaned children behind. In a world so dark and desolate, is their finally a ray of hope? Over a Century ago, Talamah was plunged into darkness. Every Kingdom, Country, and Duchy that could field an Army did so. The exact circumstances and reasons have long been lost to the annals of time. No one remembers why they fight anymore, just that they do. No one alive today has been untouched by War or not seen it first hand. Very few people live outside the walls of their community. Mercanaries-for-Hire roam the land, often acting as bandits themselves. Bandits, too, roam the lands. The soldiers sent to protect often go rogue themselves, adding to the danger. Creatures of the Night, tribes of Orcs, and other evil creatures - no longer hunted by man - are eager to get in on the action to. There is no end in sight. Or is there? Engineers and Soldiers are perhaps the most common of occupations in this new world of war. Villages, Towns, and Cities are armed to the teeth, often requiring service from all citizens to patrol the walls. Walls of at least 15 feet in height are constructed - of wood in the villages, and wood and stone in the Towns and Cities (if not larger). War Machines often grace the tops of the walls, the land cleared well away from the walls to offer the best of views. Merchants often travel in large caravans under armed escorts but even these are not immune from attack. Traveling solo is only done at your own risk - there are too many dangers out there, waiting to pray on the weak. Farmers as always, suffer. They have formed walled communities, only working their fields by day, long after the sun is up, often with men manning watchtowers, overlooking the fields, to warn of any approaching bands. This means less time in the fields which means smaller harvests, straining food supplies for all those that rely on them. Brothels are almost over flowing with women from all walks of life. The human-slave-trade thrives, though Humans are not the only race being traded. The divide between the wealthy and the poor is at an all time high, though when those up high fall, they fall hard and fast. Out of the ashes a new hope has risen. A powerful warlord-turned-King has managed to pacify a large area, claiming the ancient title of King of Ribenheim. Boasting a powerful, core army and a blossoming Navy, some sea-lanes have been restored a trade with the Western Isles has begun once more - a region largely untouched by the century of war. The Warlord-King, however, has passed away and his powerful Daughter has taken his place. She seeks to expand her control, surrounding herself with advisers and people of power - and those seeking to gain the favor of her ear.  She seeks an artifact of power in order to do so. But where it lies is still a mystery. Rumors of the artifacts location are widespread and varied. Her many enemies will also seek to find it. So she has tasked two groups of people to find it - one publicly, soldiers of her own, though there are merely a diversion. A second group, collected in secret, believing they are searching for something else, has been formed to seek this artifact of hers. With a plethora of mercenaries and soldiers-for-hire, forming this second, secretive group should not be an issue. Not with one of her Hidden People at its head. So complete has the destruction of what was once known in Talamah that there are no reliable maps anymore. Villages that once existed do not. Towns that did not exist do now. A century of warfare has much changed the landscape of Talamah. There are perhaps more ruins than inhabited places. And because of this, there are twice as many rumors - rumors about haunting and treasures, lost cities of gold. Sadly, the tales of things that go bump in the night are true more often then not. Many of the braver souls have gone exploring, many not returning. Magic is uncommon in Talamah. It is rumored that once almost all people had a touch of magic. These days, only the select few can say they can touch the ebb and flow of magic. Many of these people are employed by those who would call themselves rulers in Talamah. Gone are the days of Battlemages though the destruction they wrought is hard to forget - the ground torn asunder, areas where nothing still grows, places that set every hair on your body tingling. But their magic remains in places, tombs protected by spells, magical traps triggered by the mere presence of people. Mages today can often sense such places and traps though they do not always have the knowledge of how to disarm them. As such, most Mages are of the healing type though a few are known to have more destructive or illusive magic. Once magic is discovered in someone, they are often taken to one of the Mage Guilds Towers - fortified locations throughout Talamah where Magic is able to be practiced, usually free of outside interference. Often, these towers The Races of Talamah are, surprisingly, more diverse then before. People are often displaced. Women are raped. There are more half-races then before, while also more races living with each other. Racism and disdain of the others races is still prevalent and certain regions ban all non-humans from their villages and cities, though this is often dictated by wars and battles from the past. In the more pacified regions, such bans are not nearly as common.

[/font]

[MagicalPen]

Gnomes and Halflings are the rarest races. Their small stature often has them confused for children and they are clearly not meant for battle. Large communities of both have been wiped out and their numbers among the populace are dwindling.

The century of war has brought Dwarves out of their mountain strongholds, seeking work as mercenaries and blacksmiths. Not much is known about the Dwarves, their Mountain Kingdoms offlimits to outsiders. What is known is that Dwarven Steel is the best you can get, their arms and armor far superior to humankinds.

Half-Orcs are looked upon with disdain everywhere they go, the result of an Orc raping a human female. Orcs themselves are often killed on sight - sometimes Half-Orcs are mistaken too.

Humans and Elves have long been at war with each other. Elves are banned in certain regions and Half-Elves on both sides are more common than in the past.

[MagicalPen]

Desired Roles:

Class Stereotypes Wanted:

Thief - RubySlippers
Archer - Open
Mage - Open
Soldier, Spearman - Open
Soldier, Open - Open
Soldier, Open - MagicalPen

These are *rough* sketches of the type of classes I am looking for for this small party. When expressing interest, please also express interest in which Class you desire to play.
I would also like to keep this even between the sexes (3 Females, 2 Males + Me). However, if there is a lot more interest then that, I am willing to *expand* the part with a few extra spots.

Character Image Desired:
Pathfinder Art
Kings of the Realm Art

[MagicalPen]

Character Section:

Konrad Roht by MagicalPen

Name: Konrad Roht
Age: 34
Race: Human
Profession: Soldier / Hidden One

Background and Personality: Konrad Roht was born a bastard and was an orphan by the time he was 4 years old. To say that his life was a hard one would be an understatement - the village in which he was born no longer exists. With the death of his mother and the destruction of his village, Konrads life changed forever. Little is known of how he survived for the next year and it is not something he has ever talked about but what is known is that he made his way to the capital city of Ribenheim where the Cloaked Ones found him.

The next 12 years of his life were spent with the Cloaked Ones as they trained him and turned him into a Hidden One. The Hidden Ones, or the Hidden People, are assassins, spies, bodyguards, and masters of disguise. Much about them is superstition or rumor. What is known for fact is that a single Hidden One can take on, and defeat, half a dozen veteran soldiers on their own. They are trained from a young age in all types of weaponry, physical strength, climbing, agility, languages, disguise, alchemy and poison among other things. It is said that all of the Hidden Ones are Orphans, people without families, people with nothing to lose, who are brainwashed to serve - which is what makes them virtually unbreakable even if captured. No one knows who exactly they are or how many of them there are or even how far they have infiltrated into both Ribenheim and its enemies. They are the secret army, the death from the shadows that can strike at any time.

Konrad hides his secret and his past. He is fluent in several languages, knows the customs of several cultures and peoples, and is highly skilled with the sword. He is loyal to a fault and the leader of the expedition - a role new upon itself for him as he is posing as a hired mercenary. He can come across as cold and withdrawn while at other times lively and warm. He will guard your back but as soon as you betray him, he'll slit your throat while you sleep.

Major Skills: Stealth, Weaponry, Combat, Languages
Minor Skills: Woodcraft, Climbing,
Flaws and Weaknesses: Loyal - to a fault, Socializing, Archery

Items:

Additional Information:

Character Creation Sheet:

Code Select Expand


[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Race:[/b]
[b]Profession:[/b]
[b]
Background and Personality:[/b]
[b]
Major Skills:[/b]
[b]Minor Skills:[/b]
[b]Flaws and Weaknesses:[/b]
[b]Items:[/b]
[b]Additional Information:[/b]


[MagicalPen]

On Magic:

Magic is like your inner chi - it is something within you that you can touch, some have a greater ability to do so then others. Most people, however, can not sense this magic. In some places, it seems to well up and barely take any effort to touch. In other places it feels like being in a desert, dying of thirst - very hard to draw upon it.

Those who possess magic tend to have charms of some sort that help them focus in on their inner magic. Talismans and trinkets - its different for every person - and staffs. All tend to have some sort of magical properties and are highly sought after.

The most common form of magic is that of healing. Healing Mages are quite popular due to their ability to heal fatal wounds and infections, saving the life of many a soldier and warlord.
Mages that possess some form of destructive magic are rarer and often employed by the military (of some sort) due to obvious reasons. They, however, pale in comparison to the Battlemages of old.

Common Magics:

-Healing Magic:
Level 1 Healing --Ability to heal multiple minor wounds at only a small cost to the Mage (often with a headache and feeling lethargic)
Level 2 Healing --Ability to heal a few grievous wounds at a taxing cost to the Mage (often with a headache, bloody nose, feeling very tired and sore, hours needed for recovery)
Level 3 Healing --Ability to heal a mortal wound at great cost to the Mage, often resulting in unconsciousness for 1 - 3 days (all of the above, including feeling extreme weakness upon waking up)
Level 1 Poison --Ability to cure poisoning though often showing signs of the poison themselves (headaches, pallor to the skin, weakly feelings, upset stomach/nausea, vomiting)


Uncommon Magic:

-Destructive Magic:
Level 1 Destruction --Small balls of Fire that set everything they touch on fire. Used sparingly, equivalent to Level 1 Healing. Used continuously, equivalent to Level 2 Healing.
Level 2 Destruction --Burning Touch, grants the users hands to become searingly hot to the touch, often burning what they touch. Used sparingly, equivalent to Level 1 Healing. Used continuously, equivalent to Level 2 Healing
Level 3 Destruction --Telekinesis, the ability to move and manipulate objects around them, often at greater speeds than natural. Used sparingly on light objects, equivalent to Level 1 Healing. Used continuously, equivalent to Level 3 Healing, on heavier objects or people possibly leads to Coma and Death
Level 1 Poison --Ability to poison an object, usually a blade or an arrowhead. Equivalent to Level 1 Poison.

[Vercile]

Seal of Interest

[MagicalPen]

Vercile jumped the gun ^-^ but I think there is enough information posted at this point for people to express interest.

AT THIS TIME:

-I AM NOT Accepting Character
-I AM ACCEPTING people expressing interest in specific roles (might be smart to mark 2 or 3 roles you might be interested in)
-I AM ACCEPTING questions/comments/suggestions!

[Ollumhammersong]

Well this certainly seems like it could be damned entertaining. I might just take a stab at the mage slot, either that or spearman. failing those that would leave archer I suppose.

So most magic is healing magic? Are mages held to usual D&D armour restrictions? Is magic more like sorcery? Innate and conjured by force of will or like Wizardry? More studied and practised. Carrying around tomes for memorization and study and whatnot.

[MrBubbles]

I'm getting some hardcore Thirty Years War vibes from this game, which makes me want to play an unscrupulous mercenary type, probably a Landsknecht.

Which will become an issue since Landsknecht were typically two-handed swordsmen, which has already been taken (at least, that's what I assume "Swordsman" is.)

[Muse]

  I'm not seeing if this is supposed to be a pathfinder game, or freeform with heavy inspriation? 

[Zaer Darkwail]

I wonder same as Muse, is this freeform or system game?

[MagicalPen]

I've never played a dice/system game in my life, I just (generally) really like the artwork of Pathfinder that I've seen on the net (from searching for character pictures in the past).

Will provide more information/answer questions later tonight (running off to work now).

[MagicalPen]

Added a post about magic. Will perhaps expand on it later if needed?

[RubySlippers]

I'll play a half-elf thief if there is flexibility in concept.

[Ollumhammersong]

Hmmm.... Interesting concept on magic. Now would a healing mage only ever know healing magic? Are the two disciplines unable to host within the same mage?

I guess I am wondering that if I do become a healing mage, what else am I able to do as a mage?

[MagicalPen]

There certainly is flexibility in regards to character archetype. The 'generic' terms are more to give an idea of what sort of party I am looking for.

As for magic...think of it as having an affinity...to water, or earth, or fire, etc like you see elsewhere. You are aware of those other 'elements' but unable to tap them yourself. "Mage-School", as it is, teaches you to focus on that inner core of your magic, how to harness it more efficiently, how to control it, and how to channel it into something more powerful through artifacts etc.

[MagicalPen]

Added a little more to the Magic Section.

Not drumming up a whole lot of interest at this time - anyone else interested?

[Thufir Hawat]

I'm not really interested, but can offer a couple hints.
First, the thread title is kinda misleading with the "Swords and sorcery" part, which coincides with the name of a genre.
Second, I am pretty sure you'd get more interest if you remove the part of the first post that says "WIP Do Not Post In This Thread!"

[MagicalPen]

Thought I had removed the WIP part ^-^

EDIT: Any better suggestions for a game name? Came up with a new one on my own.

[akirakaneda]

Sounds interesting, I have to ask if a samurai-style warrior might be accepted?

[Menoru]

Sounds intriguing. I would be interested in playing a half-elf (or elf) archer, but would magic solely be restricted to mages? Or could other classes have magic as well, just not as advanced?

[MagicalPen]

No on the Samurai. I am sticking with the aforementioned art/style for characters which is a pretty Western approach to things.

I am also going to keep an eye on the Elf/Half-Elf ration. This a dominantly HUMAN kingdom, so I think only 2 of the 6 characters will allowed to be Elf/Half-Elfs...still a lot of racism and anti-Elf positions out there.

And no, due to the 'history of magic' you either have it or you don't. If you have it you have to focus on controlling it and understanding it. Little time to do enough training in Soldiering of any sort to be worthy in battle.

[MrBubbles]

Thought I had removed the WIP part ^-^

EDIT: Any better suggestions for a game name? Came up with a new one on my own.

I'm open for the other [Soldier, Open] position, but when are we getting the green light to make characters?

[akirakaneda]

No on the Samurai. I am sticking with the aforementioned art/style for characters which is a pretty Western approach to things.

Well, fair enough, I'm still interested in the soldier position

[Ollumhammersong]

I am still interested in the mage.

[RubySlippers]

I'm thinking a graceful Dancer as in she can perform, is skilled in athletic movement and martial arts while being somewhat versed in the criminal arts. But invests in the best scoundrel gear like a ring of skeleton keys and climbing claws to boost her odds to do criminal acts.

Her weapons will be ones useful in performing and in her theme quarterstaff, light scimitars, daggers (juggling and throwing) and tricks like blinding powder and fine marbles and the like. And can use marital arts the kind athletic acrobatics is good with.

[Thufir Hawat]

Thought I had removed the WIP part ^-^

EDIT: Any better suggestions for a game name? Came up with a new one on my own.

A Fantasy RPG Adventure would be best, I  think, but anything that avoids "Swords and Sorcery" would be fine.

[Theo]

I'm interested in this, for sure. I have this character I've been wanting to play for a while now, and he might fit in here, if allowed. He would be an old blacksmith that still can still hold his own in a fight.

[RedEve]

Tentative interest in the archer role.

Would this work as a likeness for that role?

[Atlach-Nacha]

I like this sort of game, but at the same time I'm not cut out to play heroes. If it's allowed, I would be interested in playing an antagonist, a quest giver, a summoned creature or any other type of NPC.

[Lyku]

I am interested in the soldier, either spearman or otherwise if they it is open.

[MagicalPen]

@Nekobiker ~ Not really any room for an antagonist in this, I'm afraid. The whole world is the Antagonist - danger around every corner and the ilk!

@Redeve ~ Thats a little too 'fantasy' for this game. Something like this or even like this would be more suited.

@Everyone else ~ I will go through this thread tonight, answer the rest of the questions, and send out PMs. There is more interest then expected (but largely from males) so I am hoping to drum up one more female to try and keep the M:F ratio a little more even (I don't want this to be a complete sausage fest!). More on this later though.

[Muse]

*pops in* 

Oh, Siereis.  That's a very nice picture.  I like how she's realisticly equipled but still looks very femenine.  (And VERY Strong.) 

(Note, when I say realisticly, the bells and whistels on that armor look to me like things a historical noble would have worn on his armor. ) 

[MagicalPen]

Tonight/This Weekend all remaining questions will be answered and PM's will be sent out.

There is a good deal of interest for this game. More then I was honestly expecting. So not everyone will be able to join.

BUT - all hope is not lost! I have another game set in this world, though a few centuries after the events in this game, which can be found here. I am still working on adding information to that thread but enough is posted to give you an idea. There are far LESS character RESTRICTIONS with that game (to an extent) and no real 'cap' limit on the amount of people who can join. Even room for an Antagonist (Nekobiker if you're still around) or two.

So end of shameless self plug for my other game.

I am hoping to hear back from people who have been in communication with me but am not sure if they're still interested etc.

OKAY - so for everyone that is interested, please send me a PM with 'Swords and Sorcery Interest' in the SUBJECT line and a brief character sketch of the type of character you want to play, along with whatever questions you may have. Siereis, I will answer your posted questions later (when not at work!).

[MagicalPen]

So is no one interested anymore? I've got a grand total of 1 PM so far from interested people.

[Ollumhammersong]

ya I have just been busy. i'll get something basic drafted tonight hopefully

[MagicalPen]

Will be responding to those who have PM'd me thus far sometime tonight or tomorrow.

[MagicalPen]

PMs have been sent to those who sent them to me.

Still have 1 slot open on either side of the gender divide for those still interested that have not sent a PM.

[Ollumhammersong]

I sent a PM, did you net get it?

[Ollumhammersong]

When is this RP planning to kick off?

[MagicalPen]

Probably after christmas...I have family arriving today and things are going to be busy for next week or so for me.

[Ixy]

Very excited about the potential-- hope that this works out, and I have the opportunity to appreciate.  Good luck all, and happy holidays of all kinds :)

[MagicalPen]

Locks:
Ollum - half-elf Mage
Ixy - Spear Woman (unsure of race)

Unsure of: The following peeps have expressed interest or I have not heard from them in a while.
Vercile - Female Archer?
Sieris - Unsure if Still Interested
Jinx - Male Archer
Scribbles - Interested, unsure of character type

[Lemon Lime]

If you still need people I am interested! I've been writing on my own for awhile and am dying to get back in with some people. If not, I'm sure it will make for an interesting read. Thanks!!

(side note: I'd be willing to play whatever - so if there is a spot that needs filling, let me know!) :D

[Ollumhammersong]

I thought Rubyslippers wanted to play the thief? is she no longer interested?

Lemon I think you can pretty much pick what you want. We don't seem to have a second soldier but we also don't have a healing mage (I am a destruction mage). In general I don't think anyone will care if you double up on archtypes with them fi you wanted to be a rogue or another archer or something.

Personally I think every adventuring crew needs a good bard.

[MagicalPen]

I am simply going off of the requested PMs that I asked for and the responses I got from that. Its been a solid week since I sent out that message and didn't get much of a response compared to those who had posted in this thread. So - people need to PM me with their character sketch.

[Lemon Lime]

Healing Magic would be awesome - MP I can send you a character sketch asap. If I miss a detail or something please let me know once i've sent it. I also like the rules you have for the magic.

[MagicalPen]

We already have one mage which is the limit for that I am afraid. It would need to be a soldiering type of character at this stage.

[Lemon Lime]

I can do soldier! I see there is at least one half-elf. Could I do an elf?  Also, what information do you want on the characters PM'ed to you. Or did I miss a post with a character sheet of some kind.

[MagicalPen]

I would like to see more humans actually - there is still racial discrimination so I would like an 80% human part, as opposed to a 50% elf/halfelf party.

[Lemon Lime]

Oh totally! I wasn't sure if an elf had been "claimed" or not so to speak - I thought it might add a pinch of drama because of the racial animosity. Human is totally do-able though.

[Logoff]

Hello! I am very curious of your story and I would like to see if I could fit into it! :)

I can be a human with a little bit of Dwarf or Elf, either is fine! If this works then what role would you prefer my character to be? If you don't want this, what are you looking for?

Thank you!

P.S. I have not done a RP on this site before, I am very new. 

[Ixy]

I'm good with human, certainly.  Love to see how this pans out--

[MagicalPen]

I've added a character creation sheet to the list now.

Obviously the holidays are upon us which is why I have been mostly silent. Things should, relatively, return to normalcy for me next week.

In the meantime, for those mulling characters, feel free to start filling out the character sheet and send it to me. That way I'll start to get a good idea of who is still interested in this etc.

[MagicalPen]

Updated with a partially filled out character sheet, for reference.

[Roen]

Hi, what slots are currently open, for what classes/genders?
The opening post says one thing and the conversation so far says another.
Is the information outdated, perhaps?

[MagicalPen]

The opening post is outdated but due to the holidays/lack of response, I have no idea who is still interested etc.

Ixy - I would prefer you send that to me in PM. I only want accepted characters to show up in this thread so that any alterations etc can be discussed in PM.

[Roen]

Well, if the mage slot ever becomes free, please let me know, I'll be wanting to play a human mage, male or female.

[Ollumhammersong]

I have actually claimed that role, and I do not currently have the intention to abandon this roleplay.

[Roen]

I have actually claimed that role, and I do not currently have the intention to abandon this roleplay.

Nor should you. Seems like a great game!  ;D

Good luck with it, I'm sure you'll do great.

[MagicalPen]

I will review my PMs tonight and post what I have seen so far.

[arkhos]

Heyas MagicalPen,

I'd be interested in a 'thief' type character if Ruby has bowed out.

Or possibly a soldier type.

Human is perfectly fine, of course.

I suppose I should simply wait for your forthcoming update, but figured I'd throw my hat into the proverbial ring. :)

-ark

[MagicalPen]

Okay. This is simple roles and who has taken them. I have not had a chance to nit-pick over the exact details of the profiles etc.

Set in stone:

Scribbles - Human Swordswoman
Ixy - Human Spearmaiden
Ollumhammersong - Half-Elf Mage

Still iffy/Unsure:

Jinx - Human (Male) Archer
LemonLime - Human(ish) Swordswoman



I am considering the other people who have PM'd me a while ago but have not moved forward to be no longer interested in this game.

Right now, it looks like 1 more Male and 1 more Female would be acceptable, as long as one is a Rogue/Thief-like character.

For those who have not made the cut so far, or because its mathematically impossible at this stage for them to do so, I am more then willing to reopen this game: https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=240987.0 which is set in the same world, though with a few less restrictions overall in regards to character types and numbers.

I do enjoy the amount of interest, but still would like to keep this group small/mid-sized and manageable.

[MagicalPen]

Well, things just got a little bit more complicated. Some original interest got back with PMs.

So - UPDATE - I am about to start going through the character sheets I have received and start nit-picking them, while also marking down who is who. 

My other fantasy game could still use some interesting characters - i know some people who expressed interest in this game are not going to make it due to the number-limits I have put on it. The other game has no real limit in regards to that, so check it out. Same world, different setting/story.

EDIT: Looks like I neglected to post this link: https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=194228.0

Its my World-building thread on here, containing more information about the world of Talamah.

[MagicalPen]

Update #2: All PM's have been responded to.

If you sent me a PM of another nature and did not hear a response, send me another so I know who is still around/interested.

[Ollumhammersong]

Is there an ooc/IC chat up yet?

[MagicalPen]

Here it is: https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=242114.0

Please DO NOT POST in the OOC Thread until further notice. Accepted character sheets will start appearing in said thread.

[MagicalPen]

Still trying to iron out some kinks in a few profiles...then if anyone is even still around, I hope to get this started.

[Lemon Lime]

Yay! I'm definitely still around and ready to go! :)

[Scribbles]

Yup, still here, been keeping an eye out on the RP! ^^

[Ollumhammersong]

i'm working on it. Had some stuff to do this weekend.

[Jinx]

Present. Looking forward to writing with you all.

[MagicalPen]

Ollum is making some final edits as is Scribbles, at which point all character creation should be done.

Please post in the OOC thread now, as all further announcements will be made there.

[MagicalPen]

Everyone still interested?

[Lemon Lime]

Yup! I just haven't had anything to chat about. :P

[Scribbles]

Yup...

[Ixy]

I am still interested

[Jinx]

Still here. Looking forward to getting started.

[MagicalPen]

Everyone SHOULD post in the OOC thread so I don't have to keep posting things here. Just say 'hi'.

[MagicalPen]

This is my last post in this thread. Please check into the OOC thread (previously posted) as that is where all further announcements will be made.

We are waiting on at least one player to make his opening post at this stage.