TREATIES OF THE LANDS (IC)

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DM Dialectic
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TREATIES OF THE LANDS (IC)

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Diplomatic Drama in the Duchal Court

It is a tense Duchal Court, perhaps the tensest in Court history. The treaty, a document that will end a de-facto state of war between Baldur’s Gate and the Zhentarim and open trade and diplomacy between the polities for the first time in recent memory, is about to be ratified. It is a miracle or curse that the treaty has made it this far, as its conception previously died or almost died so many times in the past years.

Grand Duke Eltan, commander of the Flaming Fist, reflects how his own comrades have been killed by Zhents in war. He continues saying that the same goes for allies of Baldur's Gate present in the Court room, including the fealty Order of the Radiant Heart Auxiliary, who's esteemed members Grandmaster Arkaine and Knight Erza had tried to righteously thwart the treaty in the days and hours before ratification in the name of good, as well as long time loyal ally Doron Amar, but that a break in endless threats of conflict abroad has practical benefits for rebuilding city security and the Flaming Fist. Grand Duke Entar adds that trade and the stagnant economy of the city are not what they had been in years past despite a tremendous recovery from depressed levels after the siege of Baldur's Gate by undead and the wars thereof, in no small part due to the aid of many goodly temples, orders, companies, and adventurer groups in the city. Grand Duke Belt proclaims that the common people no longer fear the Zhentarim as much as they once did. Grand Duchess Liia retorts that still the city should not forget its values. The Lord Selengil Harkonis of Darkhold adds some words of good will toward Baldur's Gate of his own.

After being prompted by Grand Duke Eltan, a priestess of Waukeen next gives her prayer to bless the to-be-ratified treaty before an impending signing ceremony of the document. “May we see coin flow for all beings, for all stations and class. May we see peace enable prosperity and good fortune for all of the Gate.” She concludes with a solemn nod. Grand Duke Entar Silvershield, eyes closed during the prayer, then opens them, seemingly not sure if he is ready for what is next.

The priestess of Waukeen then takes out a document and proceeds to hand it to the Zhentarim Lord Selengil Harkonis of Darkhold, leader of the Zhentarim delegation from Darkhold, a delegation which also includes the poised Zhentarim Maximillian, Wren, and Xavier, to sign on behalf of the High Lord Fzoul Chembryl of the Zhentarim and of Zhentil Keep. “Right here, my Lord.” The priestess speaks and then points to a signature line on the document and offers a quill with ink to the Lord. The Lord Selengil Harkonis then dips his head respectfully, holding out a free hand presumably for the quill.

Before Entar signs, an aggressively drinking Grand Duke Belt bellows randomly over chaotic chatter in the court of the public assembled “This is a Ducal Decree, not a discussion, so listen more and talk less.” Lord Selengil Harkonis smiles in response and takes the writing device from the priestess, flicking his wrist as he makes his signature. Harkonis then speaks: “In the name of Lord Chembryl and in representation of these matters. I sign this treaty in good faith.” A moment later Grand Duke Belt winks at a chance court female and the priestess of Waukeen nods to Harkonis and takes the document from the Lord of Darkhold to whom is next.

She passes the treaty to Grand Duke Entar Silvershield. “You will be signing for the Council I heard?” She asks politely. Grand Duke Entar seems to pause before responding, perhaps reflecting. “Your highness?” She then adds after waiting a few moments. Silvershield then rises from his chair and he steps forward. Coolly, he looks over the treaty after taking it from the priestess, every line carefully, again, a purposeful reason as he takes quill in hand. His head raises from review of the document back out to the crowd a moment before staring hard at Harkonis of Darkhold who then stares seriously at the Grand Duke in return as Silvershield prepares to sign, an intensity in Harkonis’ eyes as he waits on the Grand Duke's signature.

Entar continues next to let the stare linger, thoughts in his eyes, weighing a hundred futures. Lord Harkonis in response gives an almost imperceptible encouraging nod to the Grand Duke Entar as the two men stare at one another further. After, Entar slowly cranes his head to Grand Duchess Liia, his head still held high as he looks to her. The Grand Duchess stares back at Entar with extreme and relentless focus. Grand Duke Belt meanwhile looks over at Entar and gives him a nod to sign, looking like he has other places to be in his mind. Silvershield finally slowly returns his eyes to Selengil and with eyes upon the man he signs the treaty. “Welcome to Baldurs Gate.” He adds, matter of factly.

Grand Duke Eltan then claps. Grand Duchess Liia Jannath nods politely. Grand Duke Belt puts his hands together as well. Entar lays the quill back to where it belongs, returning to his chair, without further word or look upon the man he just made the deal with.


The text of the ratified treaty is later posted as promised by Grand Duke Eltan at the Duchal Court session in public ways around the City of Baldur's Gate for all to read as well as sent to allies and fellow members of the Lords' Alliance and a ratified copy to Darkhold and Zhentil Keep.

A Treaty to Open Relations and Trade Between the City of Baldur's Gate and the Zhentarim

In order to permanently establish diplomatic and trade relations between the City of Baldur's Gate and the Zhentarim, the following articles are agreed to between the governments of Baldur's Gate and the Zhentarim.

ARTICLE 1. No Zhentarim law breaking in Baldur's Gate or other Lords' Alliance cities.

ARTICLE 2. Public announcement of the treaty contained herein and its provisions.

ARTICLE 3. No Zhentarim military adventures or intrigues that threaten member polities of the Lords' Alliance. The Grand Dukes in any case recognize the Zhentarim proportional right of self-defense if attacked first.

ARTICLE 4. Agreed that Eliphas the Deceiver will remain banned on pain of death from Baldur's Gate, forever, at Duchal discretion, and that the Zhentarim offer to turn Eliphas into the Flaming Fist Mercenary Company if he is ever found alive again.

ARTICLE 5. Agreed that the Zhentarim agents known as Wren and Maximillian were spotted in the Baldur’s Gate Farmlands without Duchal permission, as banned Zhentarim persons under pre-treaty herein Duchal law, and both conceded that this was a mistake in interpretation of local Baldurian law and both vowed to not do so again and apologized and made proper legal remediation.

ARTICLE 6. The Zhentarim herein announces that the duties of the political and diplomatic leader of Darkhold now include to act as the informal trade and diplomatic representative to Baldur's Gate on behalf of the Zhentarim and to take up residence in the City of Baldur's Gate as appropriate and in accordance with Duchal law. Having an agreed to diplomatic and commercial purpose as such, the Grand Dukes have good reason to let the political and diplomatic leader of Darkhold reside in Baldur's Gate as other foreign diplomatic and trade representative residents of the city do and see no reason to limit such commercial, diplomatic, and cultural activities such as going about the city in taverns, frequenting parties, and taking part in social areas and scenes for the political and diplomatic leader of Darkhold to make trade deals and represent at a basic diplomatic level the Zhentarim.

ARTICLE 7. It is agreed that Selengil Harkonis of Darkhold will publicly apologize to the City of Baldur's Gate and the Temple of Ilmater for the murder and violence he committed in Baldur's Gate in the past, including specifically an incident in the Temple of Ilmater in the second month of 1351 DR. He will also offer a significant sum of restitution to the temple of Ilmater for such crimes, and if it is refused by the temple, then to the poor generally of Baldur's Gate. Additionally, property owners of Baldur’s Gate will not be impeded by the Grand Dukes in disallowing known Zhentarim or anyone they suspect as such from entering property they own in Baldur’s Gate if they so wish.

ARTICLE 8. The Grand Dukes make it clear that they expect exemplary decorum, treaty honoring, and law abiding by any Zhentarim in Baldur’s Gate and the Baldur’s Gate Farmlands, inside the gates of the city or otherwise, if the Zhentarim wish to keep their new legal status and treaty, noting that nothing is permanent if the Zhentarim do not do as such.

ARTICLE 9. The Zhentarim recognize and understand that the Banite Public Preaching of Dogma, Rituals, or Public Display of Symbols ban in the City of Baldur’s Gate as quoted below will remain in place as Duchal law after relations would be opened between the Zhentarim and the City of Baldur’s Gate and that violating this ban will be grounds for the Zhentarim losing open relations status in the future along with any other lawbreaking.
- Public Preaching of Dogma, Rituals or Public Display of Symbols of the following Gods is severely punishable by up to banishment or death, as determined by judicial ruling: Bane, Bhaal, Loviatar, Malar, Myrkul, Shar and Talos. Judicial ruling resulting in execution, will be public and final (OOC: a perma-strike against convicted PC).
------

SIGNING PAGE.

For Baldur's Gate:

Grand Duke Entar Silvershield of Baldur's Gate on behalf of the Council of Four of Baldur's Gate

For the Zhentarim:

Lord Selengil Harkonis of Darkhold on behalf of High Lord Fzoul Chembryl of the Zhentarim and of Zhentil Keep

Dated:

24th of Hammer, 1353 DR, The Year of the Arch
Elturel Responds

Soon after the shocking ratification of the Baldur's Gate-Zhentarim Treaty, there is another surprising bit of news immediately following.

With the approval of the former government of the now destroyed Triel settlement residing in Elturel, fellow goodly members of the Lords' Alliance, and goodly adventurers and heroes of the Western Heartlands, High Rider Lord Dhelt of Elturel publicly announces from the High Hall of Elturel that he has ordered a company of Hellriders of Elturel, approximately 100 to 150 medium cavalry riders, to setup a forward outpost deployment approximately located in the ruins of Triel and in the nearby Trielta Hills to stand vigilant over incoming Zhentarim convoys from the east and other threats to Elturel and the goodly folk of the Western Heartlands in the area. Lord Dhelt adds additionally that given recent events "Elturel must learn the lessons of the tragedy of Triel of the Black Orc War a few years earlier in terms of not responding to threats early enough, not intervening then was a mistake. This time we will be proactive in our vigilance."

As the deployed to positions were already on regular Hellrider patrol routes, the strategic move is quick and established almost immediately. Banners of Elturel and the patron god of their High Rider paladin ruler, the protector and watcher god Helm, now ride over the hills around the ruins of Triel and of the Trielta Hills as well, as does the code of arms of the High Rider. Other goodly powers of the Lords' Alliance release edicts of support for Elturel's move as well including Waterdeep, Silverymoon, Berdusk, Neverwinter, Iriaebor, and Sundabar.

The High Rider also militantly and defiantly proclaims that while some of the Lords' Alliance in Baldur's Gate or Mirabar may now treat and trade with the Zhentarim, Elturel will remain vigilant and never give into what he terms the evil and treachery of The Black Network. Still, he says, Baldur's Gate remains friend by Lords' Alliance defensive alliance treaty, yet one he now has a severe moral disagreement with. He adds that some may call him a warmonger for remaining so principled in his stance, but it's an insult he takes as badge of honor if the conflict is just he states.
DM Dialectic
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Re: TREATIES OF THE LANDS (IC)

Unread post by DM Dialectic »

DM Golem wrote: Fri Nov 16, 2018 9:15 am
SOVEREIGNTY RETURNS TO BEREGOST
Celebrations and street parties continue into the night after the Beregost Accords come into effect - somewhat later than planned, 16 Uktar 1354 - although announcements suggests the delay was merely bureaucratic.

A ceremony was held before the Song of the Morning Temple by the Most Radiant Kelddath Ormlyr, as his Excellency Catrazzo Dopris, representative of the Council of Six, handed over leadership of the town to the Most Radiant. With this act, Amnian occupation of Beregost came to an end, and the Amnian flag over the garrison building was replaced with Beregost's colours.

With the ceremony being held in the evening, the athletic competitions are planned to take place in the following days, but the street parties were boisterous and the Citizens of Beregost clearly much enthused by their independence. A sense of positiveness pervaded, influenced by the Most Radiant's words of peace and reconciliation, with a number of the more pious citizens offering prayers to the rising sun on the morning after.

There were some incidents of drunken high japes, with a large bonfire being created and several dancing around it yelling about the "fires of freedom". Several of the livelier, reckless residents began throwing things and had to be calmed down before they set anything on fire.

It was noticeable that the Most Radiant is held both in high regard by the people of the town, and is prepared to deploy his Templars to ensure order is maintained despite the withdrawal of the Amnian garrison.

The following day, the Most Radiant made an announcement at the end of his sermon, and released an open letter; copies of which were placed up for the people to read:

Good folk of Beregost,

Today the Morninglord greets a free Beregost for the first time in years, a change that comes not in blood and fire, but in hope and peace.

The Beregost Accords are now in effect, ratified by the Council of Six, and we are now independent. Here are the terms of the treaty:

1. Newly independent Beregost's leadership will be under the Song of the Morning temple with the church leader, the Most Radiant, as the leader of the newly independent town and its environs. Newly independent Beregost will give ample time and safe passage to Nashkel for any and all Amnian citizens who wish to return to Amnian lands post-independence, with escort to Nashkel offered by the Song of the Morning militia and knights and permitted by the remaining Amnian military garrison in Beregost and by the Everwatch as well.

2. Amnian citizens wishing to do so will be given ample time to forfeit any property, homes, and businesses to a newly independent Beregost's control, or the control of non-Amnians in Beregost post-independence, and are to be compensated as such at fair market value, if no suitable private buyers are available.

3. Newly independent Beregost will maintain diplomatic neutrality with Amn and make a proclamation or agreement of diplomatic neutrality otherwise with the Lords' Alliance and Baldur's Gate.

4. Any Amnian citizens that choose to remain residents of Beregost post-independence will be held without prejudice under the laws of a newly independent Beregost.

5. The Everwatch will act as custodians on Amn's behalf on the point of neutrality of Beregost going forward. As custodians, the Everwatch will meet from time to time with the Most Radiant and relevant Amnian authorities to ensure that neither side feels the neutrality of the other regarding Beregost is being threatened in the spirit of this agreement. The Everwatch will patrol the new border area between Amn and Beregost to ensure that no troop presence is needed by either side to keep tensions low.

I ask you all to respect these terms, as they were negotiated in good faith. I hereby enshrine them into the laws of Beregost as my first act as your new leader.

My second act is to announce that I will not be leader alone. Beregost needs proper government, and I intend to create a ruling council of five to govern day to day affairs. This council will be announced soon, once final preparations have been made for its first meeting.

Lastly, as part of Beregost's neutrality and as formed part of the negotiations, we shall not be allowing the open operations of those associated with the Lord;s Alliance or with the Zhentarim within our town. Those affiliated with the Lord's Alliance or the Zhentarim may conduct their private business here, but we will entertain no formal ties with any such, and any operations or presence of the Lord's Alliance or the Black Network in a formal capacity are disallowed.

I regret and recognise that will impair the activities of many goodly folk and I want it to be understood that assistance given in a private capacity is, of course, a different matter entirely.

Most Radiant Kelddath Ormlyr


Speaking for the Council of Four of Baldur's Gate, Grand Duke Entar Silvershield publicly releases a clarified and revised treaty between Baldur's Gate and the Thayan Guild of Foreign Trade as well as a public statement on relations between the Thayan Enclave in the city and Baldur's Gate soon after meeting with a delegation of Thayan Enclave members in the past tenday in the Duchal Palace of Baldur's Gate:
The Council of Four of Baldur's Gate is grateful to the Thayan Enclave in our great city for its prosperous magical items trade and commerce and security assistance over the years, overcoming past Thayan transgressions that are not expected to happen going forward. The Council looks forward to long-lasting and friendly magical items trade with the Enclave as well as security assistance from the Enclave if the city is again in dire need. The Council also emphasizes its clear commitment to the rule of law in regards to its treaty commitments with the Thayan Enclave and the protections of all Baldurian laws for Baldurian citizens, Thayan citizens, and other foreign citizens or denizens while about the city. May Waukeen bless this continued trade relationship of west and east and bring our city tremendous prosperity in its re-occurrence.

The Thayan Enclave of Baldur's Gate Treaty
To clarify the operating specifics of the 1347 DR era Thayan Enclave Treaty with Baldur's Gate at this time The Council of Four of Baldur's Gate and Master of the Guild of Foreign Trade of Thay, Samas Kul, agree to memorialize the provisions of the treaty as they have been enforced, or should have been enforced, in recent years in writing. They are as of the 3rd day of the fifth month of 1356 DR as follows and only apply from that date on:

1. Trade. The Thayan Enclave in Baldur's Gate remains primarily purposed with the selling of magical items in the region, while Baldur's Gate is able to sell various resources to Thay in return. The Thayan Enclave also continues to donate 1% of its net annual profits to the Baldur's Gate city treasury. The Thayan Enclave agrees to price its goods and services, generally magical in nature, at 10% below the normal market cost. The sale of slaves is prohibited by the Thayan Enclave. No potions, scrolls, or other magical items produced and/or sold by the Thayan Enclave may have abilities intended for use in crime or overt mass destruction in Baldur's Gate without Duchal permission. The treaty is also otherwise formally amended to allow a wide range of sale of magical items of greater power, beyond lesser magical potions, wands, scrolls, and other minor magical items in the past.

2. Law. Any crime committed by a Thayan outside of the Enclave falls under the jurisdiction of Baldur's Gate and shall be punishable in accordance with the law(s) of Baldur's Gate broken. Any crime committed within the Thayan Enclave falls under the jurisdiction of Thayan law. Existing slaves enslaved in Thay and brought to the Enclave via magical means are permitted in the Enclave, but never outside of it, as slavery in Baldur's Gate is strictly illegal outside of the bounds of this treaty. Enslavement anew of free beings in the Enclave or in the city of Baldur's Gate is strictly prohibited under Baldurian law and this treaty.

3. Defense. If called upon by the Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate, the Thayan Enclave will present a company sized formation for battle in defense of the city as it did so with honor during the Undead Wars of 1351 DR, but Thayans called to arms as such will never be forced to fight those of Thay under oath to do the same from another Enclave. Should the Enclave be assaulted unlawfully, the Flaming Fist will assist in its defense.


Signed for the Thayan Enclave of Baldur's Gate:

Iskra Golondini
Khazark of the Thayan Enclave of Baldur's Gate


Signed for the Council of Four of Baldur's Gate:

Entar Silvershield
Grand Duke of the Council of Four of Baldur's Gate



It is also said that in the past year that the rapidly growing School of Transmutation Guild of Foreign Trade enclave initiative across Faerun has grown to an extent to require new large investment by Thay. Accordingly, the Guild issued additional ownership shares well beyond just its founding School of Transmutation, to now include minor investments by the Zulkirs of the Thayan Schools of Evocation, Abjuration, Divination, and Necromancy and major and controlling continued investment by the Zulkir of the Thayan School of Transmutation. The Board of the Guild and control of it now reflects the investments generally made it is further said.

It is said moreover that the issuance of new equity by the Guild has made the original School of Transmutation founders and investors in the Guild initiative fabulously wealthy. Further, it is said that it becomes more common for Red Wizards of any of the invested Schools in the Guild to be seen leading or staffing the Guild Enclaves, beyond just the previous domination of Red Wizards within the School of Transmutation.

As part of these changes in the politics of the Guild and its expansion in Western Faerun of the Enclave initiative, it is said that Master of the Guild of Foreign Trade Samas Kul has personally assigned one of his chief subordinates, newly appointed Mistress of Western Trade Yuzhi Doressini of the School of Transmutation, to oversee the western Faerun region of Thayan Enclaves, with her basing between her new offices in the Thayan Enclaves in Athkatla and Baldur's Gate as her duties require.
DM Dialectic
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Re: TREATIES OF THE LANDS (IC)

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Image

Speaking for the Council of Four of Baldur's Gate, Grand Duke Eltan, commander-in-chief of the Flaming Fist Mercenary Company, publicly states that a treaty of renewed defensive alliance has recently been signed with the northern Dwarven kingdom of Kraak Helzak in a recent ceremony at the Duchal Palace, adding these additional words of diplomatic affection:

While past misunderstandings lead to a broken alliance between our great polities, careful negotiations, lead by the Baldurian delegation of Grand Knight Aaron of the Order of Radiant Heart Auxiliary and Osric of House Vale and associates on the one hand, and the delegation of the King of Kraak Helzak on the other, lead by Oathsworn Bhor Stonecutter and kin of Helzak Boendal Silvereye and associates on the other, have lead to a renewed defensive alliance between the City of Baldur's Gate and the Kingdom of Kraak Helzak under the leadership of King Dovkin Battlehammer. Tempus bless our future battles together against joint threats to the pact of our treaty.

The Council of Four of Baldur's Gate releases the treaty text publicly as well in the course of this announcement.
TREATY FOR A DEFENSIVE PACT
between
THE CITY OF BALDUR'S GATE & THE KINGDOM OF KRAAK HELZAK

In order to further reinforce the safety and security of the Sword Coast, to honor the long-standing friendship between the Kingdom of dwarves and the good people of Baldur's Gate, and to bring about the prosperity between the two states, the Council of Four and King Dovkin Battlehammer agree to the following articles, effective on the 3rd day of the tenth month of 1356 DR.

Article 1: For any threat that arises north of the River Chionthar, the City of Baldur's Gate ("The Gate" or "The City") and the Kingdom of Kraak Helzak ("The Kingdom" or "Kraak Helzak") agree to come to each other's defense.

Article 2: The Kingdom of Kraak Helzak further agrees to come to the Gate and its holdings' defense should a threat originate north of the River Chionthar, even if it encroaches upon Baldurian territory south of the River Chionthar.

Article 3: Article 3: Neither the Gate nor the Kingdom shall dispatch more troops than would place their own city under threat. Military aid in the form of coin and supplies may be dispatched in supplement, should there not be sufficient troops to mobilize without sacrificing the security of the Gate's or the Kingdom's respective borders.

Article 4: Should the Kingdom fall victim to attack by the Zhentarim, the City will immediately sever its formal ties with the Zhentarim and march to the aid and defense of the Kingdom.

Article 5: Should the Zhentarim attack trade caravans between Baldur's Gate and Kraak Helzak, the Gate will sever its formal ties with the Zhentarim and come to the aid of the Kingdom.

AS WITNESSED, THIS TREATY IS SIGNED INTO EFFECT BY:

Signed:
Grand Duke Eltan
on behalf of the Council of Four of Baldur's Gate

Witness Signature:
Aaron Lyonaler
Grand Knight of the Order of the Radiant Heart Auxiliary of Baldur's Gate

Signed:
King Dovkin Battlehammer
Kingdom of Kraak Helzak

Witness Signature:
Oathsworn Bhor Stonecutter
Kraak Helzak
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Ghost
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Re: TREATIES OF THE LANDS (IC)

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Treaty of Peace


Herein are stated the terms of peace settlement between the Zhentarim of Darkhold and the Lord's Alliance cities of Elturel, Scornubel, Berdusk and Iriaebor.

Article 1.
Between Darkhold and lands of the Lords' Alliance, a neutral zone shall be established, herein referred to as the North Sunset Vale Border Zone. The borders of this zone shall be the River Reaching to the north and west of Hill's Edge, the walls of Darkhold Vale to the east, and to the south at the northern end of Hluthvar's lands, and it will include the townships of Hill's Edge and Corm Orp. The North Sunset Vale Border Zone shall be independent and autonomous, with its own leaders. Any trespass on these lands by Zhentarim or Lords' Alliance military might shall be seen as hostile action.

Article 1a.
The North Sunset Vale Border Zone may not join the Lords' Alliance nor the Zhentarim. Neither the Zhentarim nor the Lords' Alliance shall lay claim to its peoples, lands, or resources, nor have any legal jurisdiction over its territories.

Article 2.
The Zhentarim withdraws all claims on the crossing over the Winding Water known as Boareskyr Bridge and its surrounding environs, including the bridgefort.

Article 3.
All prisoners of war shall be returned to their respective homelands. Deserters of either side shall also be returned in order to face justice in their respective homelands.

Article 4.
No form of violent conflict between the Zhentarim and the Lords' Alliance may be initiated for a period of one year.

Article 4a.
There will be an indefinite cessation of armed hostilities between the Zhentarim and the Hellriders of Elturel.

Article 5.
The Zhentarim will be free seek the establishment of trade agreements with individual cities of the Lords' Alliance.
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