OFFICIAL TANGLEWOOD GUIDE ∆ Updated 9/12/2022

[TANGLEWOOD.]

TANGLEWOOD
[sup]the sanctuary for wayward souls[/sup]

Welcome to Tanglewood.  Here in the darkest corners of the swamp, the Tanglers dwell, a group of wayward travelers, outcasts, and assorted misfits.  They are as wild and untamed as the forest they live in and the only rules they follow are the ones set by both their home and themselves.

If you are accepted into the ranks of the Tanglers, you'll find yourself part of the greatest family on the island.  If not, expect to find yourself lost among the overgrowth, forever lost to the whims of the swamp...

TERRITORY

The Territory:

THE MARSH: From the border to about a quarter of a mile in stretch perilous wetlands swarmed with every danger imaginable. Cypress roots and vines strangle the boggy earth, and it's difficult to keep oneself dry while traveling. Not an inch of sunshine manages to trickle through the dense canopy, and plenty of bramble thickets and ferns provide shelter for creatures hiding in wait. Where the swamp grows closer to the shoreline, the sea level drastically lowers, forming a murky lake home to plenty of mutated fish to catch as well as the elusive alligator or snapping turtle. The lake, despite being polluted with archaic garbage, provides the source for many of the flooded areas throughout the marsh, yet fails to be a trustworthy water source for the wildlife. The animals who drink the contaminated water either die of poisoning or produce offspring with sickly and bizarre mutations, many of which can be spotted throughout territory. However, many smaller ponds near the town have been purified by Tanglers recently, allowing for more drinkable water to be readily available. Along with the marsh's natural defenses, members of Tanglewood have been taught to rig snares and nets in the undergrowth, trapping invaders unfortunate enough to step into their traps. Occasionally, the marsh proves to be a rather scenic place, with countless lily pads, idle ponds, and willow trees found beyond the eerie groves and clustered ferns.

THE FOREST: The further in one travels, the steeper the ground becomes, until the marsh drains and allows the dense undergrowth to open into a boreal forest, a woodland mixed with interwoven oaks, birches, and spruces, along with dozens of other trees. The forest is not too gloomy compared to the rest of territory, yet still manages to cause bristling hackles at every warbling chirp or ominous hoot. Throughout the year, wilted grass and bracken cover the forest floor, broken only by slick moss. Decaying stumps and logs constantly block abandoned trails, creating dead ends that lead to nowhere, and after a while, the forest has grown into a pointless labyrinth. Sometimes it appears as if the forest is seemingly rearranging its clearings and features every time one turns their back, leaving strangers disorientated and even more. Small brooks and ponds uncontaminated by the marsh's pollution are often stumbled across and serve as the few landmarks to help navigate. Tanglers who have lived in the area long enough have typically learned their way around the forest, leading it to be a useful spot for hidden bases and stashes of valuables. The hollows and clearing bordering the edge of the woodland are where various herbs are most abundant, labeling Tanglewood as a hotspot for medical supplies. From here, the forest splits into a field filled with undisturbed insects and cowering prey. The grass is tall enough to engulf a grown wolf, and it too has numerous traps hidden among the waving sea of green, along with broken glass and other shards of shrapnel. On occasion, corpses stripped of any tissue can be found locked in place as if attempting to escape a rapid danger.

THE SHORE: Although the forest is safe from floods thanks to being nestled on a hill, the earth slopes back down into the swamp, though the water is no longer congested with mangroves and duckweed. The marsh opens up into an estuary teeming with catfish and razor grass lurking in the saline water; this is where the swamp merges with the nearby coast. Because of the sudden mix of salt and fresh water, dangerous currents are known to drag creatures under the surface and sweep them out to sea. The expanse of wading water has accumulated a shoreline of silt and dark pebbles at the delta's end, where crustaceans and water fowl are commonly hunted. Many Tanglers gather to escape from the humidity and swim for a while in the clean, clear waters. Tanglers made an effort to clean up this area to allow for a public beach to be opened; the old docks were also repaired and repainted, forming a perfect place to fish for more food.

THE JUNKYARD: A distance away from the abandoned town Tanglewood calls home, a scrapyard has survived the ages. Rusted machinery overgrown with ivy and broken household appliances make their city here, piling up into the sky and casting long shadows on the bare soil. No trees grow in the lot, and the entire junkyard has been fenced off with barbed wire. Fortunately, portions off the fence have degraded with time, allowing for the chain-link to be lifted up and slipped under with minimal scratches. It is here where members scavenge and loot for spare parts or man-made materials, although many are irreparable. No prey ever dares to step foot in the junkyard, allowing rats and crows free reign over the garbage.

THE FARM: On the opposite side of town from the junkyard lies a decrepit barn encircled by a field of rye and wheat that managed to thrive even without human caretakers. In stark contrast to the scrap heap that makes up the junkyard, the farm is abundant with mice and grasshoppers, often attracting visiting birds of prey along with the competing mutated wildlife. Yet the fellow predators don't just hunt after rodents -- they're after the remaining population of livestock still clinging to the farm. Escaping the after effects of radiation thanks to an untouched watering hole, the surviving farm animals broke down their pens and stables, and now freely roam the ranch, although they seem to be too afraid to venture any further. Taking advantage of the unprotected livestock, Tanglewood has claimed the farm as a food supply as well as for possible trade goods. The remaining creatures on the farm, either incapable or unwilling to communicate, can be found throughout the farm: goats, cattle, sheep, chickens, pigs, domesticated rabbits, and turkeys.

THE CRATER: Towards the darkest corners of territory, a massive crater has practically dented the earth from a speculated source. Whatever it was, nothing has ever grown there since, and only skeletons of charred and slanted trees still stand, nearly uprooted by the impact's blast. Fine dust is whipped into dust devils, and lone burnt bodies can be spotted on the horizon after all these years, still waiting to be rescued. It is advised to never travel to the crater alone, or at all even, for radiation is believed to still pulsated throughout the air there. Strangely enough, while one theory suggests that it was a human nuclear bomb that caused the crater, it itself is far too small and controlled to be explained by that disaster. Some delusional creatures preach that the moon was yanked down from the atmosphere and crashed into the land as punishment for mankind's sins, while others just try to forget that the crater ever existed at all. Recently, Tanglers worked to build a small mausoleum in this area to honor the dead. However, shortly afterward some angry spirits rose from cracks in the earth, leaving the shrine's fate unknown for the time being.

The Town:

THE TOWN: Smack dab in the middle of territory and guarded by the combined barrier of the swamp and forest lies a once-barren town that was previously overgrown with age and lichen. Though previously the town was in a distinct state of disrepair, recent efforts to renovate it have proven successful, leading the entire place to appear more tidy and presentable. Many buildings have been repaired and decorated again, looking much more lively than before. Flowers and other miscellaneous plants have been placed all around as well, adding a long-missed touch of color to the landscape. The town square is usually the center of action, mostly because the area is the least dense with flora. In the middle of the mossy square are the remains of what used to be a proud statue, now worn down to a pitiful marble blob. Due to its sheer convenience, the General uses the statue's base as a seat when giving announcements and conducting meetings. Inscribed at the statue's feet is a rusted nameplate, which reads "Tanglewood - the sanctuary for wayward souls".

The Deathless Hound Tavern: Renovated from the old mess hall within the town, The Deathless Hound serves as a center for both exciting social events and quiet gatherings, offering food and drink to those present. With two large wooden doors leading into it beneath an ornate wooden sign bearing the tavern's name, the tavern is a large building with two wooden pillars to both sides just inside, curved into the ground and into the roof with elementals. One of these pillars is carved with a pattern of various feathers, while one is carved with an ornate pattern of vines and flora. The bar is directly ahead of those coming in through the doors, with a large fireplace on the left wall and various swamp themed decorations on the right, including a large taxidermied gator. The main tavern floor has many large circular wooden tables scattered all around it, with plenty of room for eating, drinking, and playing games. With an abundance of game supplies kept behind the bar, members can often be found simply hanging around playing something casually. There are also two small back rooms, with one serving as a prey and drink storage area, and the other serving as a kitchen, where large meals can be prepared.

The Windmill: Close to the farm's edge and shielded by picket fences and thorns looms a decaying windmill whose fabric blades no longer able to rotate with the gusty weather. The inside of the machine smells like musty wood and grain, and discarded supplies are strewn about the stone floor for rats to feast upon. Even without the strength needed to complete its original function, the windmill has been repurposed into a storage unit where members may freely stockpile belongings and materials for safe keeping or later use, along with unneeded human tools and furniture from the town. The main door is sturdy and typically barricaded to deter thieves, but a keen eye may spot broken windows or bricks at ground level to slip in through.

The Library: Functioning as a lone, peaceful sanctuary within the territory, little has changed about the library since the years of humans claiming the town. Fancy leather-bound books line the ancient shelves, their spines almost too worn to quickly skim over the titles. An oak tree has broken through the weakened walls, hardly displacing the library at all as it grows into the ceiling. The library is small compared to others of its line, only managing two floors within its cramped space and only illuminated by opaque windows and various lanterns. Members are free to come and go as they please, making the library a popular location for idle chat and menial games, or for borrowing the countless books stacked all around. Despite its originally poor condition, the library has been cleaned up allowing for it to become far less of an eyesore and more of a proper building.

The Cemetery: Nestled on the outskirts of the abandoned town are the chained gates to a graveyard, a city of ivy-strangled tombstones and soot-stained mausoleums remain, filled to the brim with expensive coffins and fossilized corpses. Due to the waterlogged earth, bodies unable to afford above-ground caskets eventually float to the surface, becoming a meal for those brave and dumb enough to eat rotten flesh. In the safety of day, members can be seen lounging about and sunbathing on headstones and marble statues, and even leader gatherings are held here on rare occasions.

The Bunkers: Shelters were built beneath the town during a mass hysteria causing the previous population to believe the apocalypse was at their doorstep. The bunkers didn't save them in the end and now remain abandoned and collecting dust beneath the ground. The only way to enter and escape is through a sturdy hatch hidden within the library. Unless one prefers a subterranean lifestyle among roaches and vermin, the bunkers serve no purpose beyond holding captures and prisoners. No light is to be found down there beyond a personal torch or the occasional ceiling lamp, and the musty labyrinthine system reeks of expired rations and death.

Tanglewood is home to a great many wonderous things, from soaring canopies to dangerous lurking beasts.  It is advised that you make yourself familiar with the lay-out of the forest before it swallows you alive...

HISTORY

History:

Fifty or so years ago, the rural town was a bustling place, filled with farmhands and pleasant families. It was a quiet community, with hardly any outside communication, and functioned on its own for a while. No one can be certain of what caused the town to be abandoned and destroyed, but it is fairly obvious why. Namely the impact crater in the far ends of territory -- while far too small to the result of a nuclear bomb, it had the same properties. Creatures more acquainted with human behavior theorize that a miniature version of a nuke was being tested for battlefield use, and that the town was an accidental casualty. The exact happenings are open for debate, but the fact that the entire ecosystem was affected is undeniable. The surviving population mutated as a result of the radiation, becoming sickly and deformed creatures and most wildlife went extinct for a period of time.

Yet over time, foliage began to grow back over the decimated town, and the wildlife is slowly recovering from its mutated ancestors. Around this point in history, Tanglewood was founded out of loneliness by a poltergeist known as Beck. He gathered a number of rogues and loners under the claim of security against other rising groups, and established most of the customs and laws. After one of their founding members, Vladimir, was captured and murdered by the Typhoon, Beck denounced the fellow warbound group as enemies, and to kill any of their members on sight. Not much later, Beck agreed to an alliance with the Ascendants, considering the benefits of possessing at least one ally. After three months of work, some of Tanglewood's territory was reformed into suitable land, and the traditions of Mask Vigils and Lunar Festivals were created. Six months into Beck's rule, he was replaced suddenly by Morgan, who began to change Tanglewood for the sake of progress.

With Morgan's reign, ranks were changed to a more militaristic style, with himself being called a General. Badges and Scarves were used to identify ranks and titles. With time the town was made more livable, the lakes being purified of waste and radiation, and the farms being put in working order. Later on he had a dock built as another food source and a mausoleum to honor the dead. He and his love Vigenere discovered the flower field near the edge of the territory. With no Proxy to succeed him, Morgan named his trusted friend Crow as his heir.

On December 1, 2019, Crow stepped down and named Leroy as his successor. After Jervis's execution on January 2, 2020, The Pitt has seemingly become less of a threat to Tanglewood. The clan had gone quiet for a few months, until a meteor crashed into The Typhoon's territory on May 9, 2020, causing tremors that destroyed some of Tanglewood's town. Luckily though, the group repaired itself, with Leroy holding reconstruction tasks to keep everyone occupied, and returning Tanglewood to a restored state.

On June 25, 2020, Leroy stepped down and left Tanglewood, leaving Vigenere Cipher to lead in his place. On July 16, 2020, Vigenere made huge changes to the ranks, which seemed to be well-received among his clanmates. On August 4, 2020, The Pitt raided Tanglewood after months of lying on the down-low, possibly sparking another war between the two groups. On August 23, 2020, Vigenere was returned to Tanglewood, with the help of Goldenluxury, and the threat of The Pitt has slowly been decreasing.

On September 23, 2020, Vigenere announced some more changes to Tanglewood; to start off, he made their titles now into badges and not just a special title that one could carry around. Then, on October 27, 2020, Vigenere was kidnapped by Stryker, the Kingpin of the Coalition of the Condemned. The Coalition continued to hold Vigenere captive, hosting a takeover raid on Tanglewood on October 29, 2020. The raid was successful, and the group was held under Coalition control for several weeks, with a revolt taking place – although ultimately proving unsuccessful – about a few days into the takeover. Ultimately, on December 8, 2020, Vigenere was killed by Stryker at the December monthly meeting, in a show of power by the Coalition leader towards the rest of the groups, and Tanglewood.

Finally, shortly afterward on December 8, 2020, The Typhoon, led by Roxanne Roux, hosted a raid into Tanglewood territory, helping Tanglewood get free of Coalition rule and rescuing their leader, Goldenluxury Roux. For some time, Tanglewood was left without a proper leader, simply recovering from the takeover. Then, on December 29, 2020, it was proposed by Moth that her brother, Aurum, take over as the group's new Luminary. With the support of the rest of Tanglewood, Aurum agreed to take over the position, stepping up as the group's newest leader.

This reign did not last long though. Aurum shortly led in ignorance, but eventually departed and handed over their leadership to Elsweyr. The Coalition of the Condemned freed themselves from the grasp of The Typhoon and revolted. Within this battle, Stryker was sentenced to a quick death by beheading. Tensions began to fade away. Not for long though. In the meantime, Elsweyr's fiery leadership came with hardships. A drought struck Tanglewood sometime later, leading to shortages and a long period of struggle for the animals within. Thankfully, relief came soon. Starting with a heavy downpour, the marsh's began to return to their normal state after some time.

Elsweyr's departure after the drought left her partner Arrow to lead. The ghostly feline's leadership was led by her thick skull and cocky attitude, but not for long. The town began to flood. The Luminary was swept away by the raging waters, only to be killed in the process. The news must have came quick, as a successor rose from the ashes. A Pittian from the north arrived, claiming to takeover their ruined town. Brymstone was met with disapproval. Despite this, the strange male continued to try and lead, only to be chased out.

After Brymstone's swift banishment, a new member rose to the spot of Luminary. Firefly, a longtime member of Tanglewood, proclaimed their leadership.  Firefly's leadership has ultimately been very quiet until recently, when many members of Tanglewood (and some other places!) began to rise from the dead!  With this phenomenon has brought a surge of confusion and activity the swamp hasn't seen in some time and Firefly struggles to keep track of new and old relationships in the marsh...

RANKS

LUMINARY: The highest in the hierarchy of powers, and in simplest terms, the leader. Capabilities include hosting clan-wide meetings, promotions and demotions, managing politics and raids,  among other common tasks. HP
• Aesior — Teef

SHADOW REAPER: The second-in-command, and the next in the power hierarchy. If the Luminary is absent, they are expected to act as a substitute in the meantime, and hold the power to accept alliance requests and member ideas, host raids, advise the Luminary, and enforce laws. HP
• —

REAPERS: An elite force of Tanglers who has managed to survive and thrive long enough to earn this rank. Reapers act as a vice-deputy, giving them the power to advise the Luminary and host meetings for other HPs. They keep watch over the lower ranks of the group, overseeing the rest of the ranks and keeping their territory safe. They hold the ability to host events and raids, accept requests and member suggestions, and enforce laws. They act as second-in-command if the Shadow Reaper and Luminary is not around. Reapers can specialize in the following: espionage, medicine, communal, military, and ambassadorship. HP
• Reaper of Espionage: TBA — TBA
• Reaper of Medicine: TBA — TBA
• Communal Reaper: TBA — TBA
• Reaper of Military: TBA — TBA
• Reaper of Ambassadorship: TBA — TBA


VASSALS: Vassals are Tanglers who have proven their loyalty time and time again. They are given the responsibility of accepting invitations, visiting groups as ambassadors whenever possible, welcoming newcomers, and keeping as many threads open as possible. They can specialize in the following and act as trainees for Reapers: espionage, medicine, communal, military, and ambassadorship. HP
• Vassal of Military: TBA — TBA

SHADERUNNER: The stepping stone rank given to those who have shown their potential. Their role functions similarly to a Guardsman OR a Medic trainee; the role is essentially to prepare for higher ranks in the future. sHP
• TBA — TBA

SAWBONE: A medic-in-training, so to speak. They are able to host check-ups, but will need to seek approval from their Reaper if they wish to hold a training session. sHP
• TBA — TBA

MEMBER: The common member of the group, acting as the base hunters and gatherers for the population as well as a secondary defense force in case of attacks.

[TANGLEWOOD.]

TANGLEWOOD
[sup]the sanctuary for wayward souls[/sup]

TRADITIONS

Titles: Titles are given to Tanglers who fulfill certain requirements or have achieved certain goals and are given by the General during meetings. Titles are represented by special badges made from wood and carved and painted to look like whatever title they represent (see below).
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Monthly Prank Target: Having originally been founded as a chaotic and fun-loving group, Tanglewood still carries on this tradition through their rotating prank target tradition. Put simply, this tradition involves Tanglewood targeting a different group each month to prank mercilessly for that entire month. In the case of allies or neutral groups, these pranks are mostly lighthearted, and meant to provide a lighthearted atmosphere in times of stress. If the target is an enemy, however, pranks may be more vicious and damaging, meant to remind them just lightly what it means to mess with Tanglewood. Current target: The Pitt.
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Buddy System: Whenever a new member is welcomed into Tanglewood, they are assigned to be "buddies" with another older Tangler for a week after their joining. The older member is expected to show them around the territory, teach them about Tanglewood's history and rules, and just generally help them get settled. While older members are not forced to take part in this tradition, it is used as a baseline to see how friendly they are to newer members of the group.
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Masks: A requirement expected from Tanglers, masks are given as a reward for completing a difficult task known as the Mask Vigil. This vigil is held as needed, and is a rite of passage for those coming of age and those just joined. It consists of a night in the graveyard for participants, with older mask wearing members attempting to catch them in a very violent game of tag. These masks are generally used as an indicator of one's path through Tanglewood life. They may be altered, either with paint or carvings, whenever an important event in their life happens, whether it be something like a wedding or spiritual journey, or something more official, like a promotion. Title badges may even be affixed to masks as a way of showing off what titles one has earned. Alterations to masks is generally done by members known as "maskmenders," who are specially trained to changes without damaging the masks.
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Tree Markers: Even for the most elite members, Tanglewood's territory is still hazardous and in most cases, deadly. To deter members from stumbling into danger, a system has been developed to forewarn wandering Tanglers of surrounding threats. Symbols are carved and scratched into tree trunks, a simplistic code that only Tanglewood inhabitants are taught, with each scratching translating to a different label. The symbols are used to mark not only possible dangers in the vicinity, but also hunting spots, directions, trap locations, and safe water supplies. If there are no trees present to carve into, a rare occasion in the dense forest, then mud is used to paint out symbols on rocks and other surfaces.
guide to the symbols: hunting, water, directions, and dangers
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Death Ritual: When a Tangler's life has come to an end, the entire group comes together to mourn them properly. The dead are buried in a location of their choosing during life, or where their close friends or family choose if they hadn't made a decision. If they have no close friends or family, then they are buried in the graveyard. Afterwards, the current Luminary of the group holds a short eulogy for them, and the group will have a toast for them within the tavern. Their mask and badges are then hung up in either the swamp or the tavern, meant to not only serve as an eternal reminder of the life they lived, but also ward off enemies and evil spirits.
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Laws: Simple rules are used to govern Tanglewood's general lifestyle, and are expected to be respected:
1. Whatever the Luminary says is law.
2. Do not kill or harm fellow members without a proper reason.
3. Never betray the group or its members.
4. Do not cause trouble with another group, or be responsible for the consequences.
5. Newcomers are automatically welcomed into Tanglewood unless they are a threat and/or have intentions to harm the group.
(6. All BoB rules apply.)
Tanglers who disobey these rules or enemy spies who are caught are branded with an identifiable scar and exiled. If they were to ever return, they are executed on sight.

TRADE

Despite its less-than-ideal territory, Tanglewood manages to scrap up items for trade with their allies. Their main exports consist of medical herbs, livestock, freshwater fish, small metal objects, leathers and furs, and home-brewed moonshine. Bundles of both herbs and other plants are available as well, and human appliances are also abundant in the town's junkyard. Furthermore, machinery has been found in the junkyard that has been helpful in creating metal items such as badges. After discovering a storage of moonshine in their camp, Tanglers have learned to brew their own alcohol from the main ingredient, barley, which may be gifted to allies on the rare occasion.

TITLES

Berserker: A title given to Tanglers who are frequently found on the front lines during raids, participating in battles, or offering to train or spar with their peers. This title is represented by a sword.
— Current Title Holders: Aurum

Hallow: A title given to Tanglers who have put in the effort to learn medicine and help heal others despite not necessarily being medics. This title is represented by a bowl of herbs.
— Former Title Holders: Delilah

Observer: A title given to Tanglers who prove themselves to be proficient at spying on others. This title is represented by binoculars.

Emissary: A title given to Tanglers who have shown promise as ambassadors by offering to visit other groups to keep up relations. This title is represented by a map.

Revenant: A title given to Tanglers who have undergone major character development since their arrival in Tanglewood. This title is represented by a ghost.
— Current Title Holders: Aurum
— Former Title Holders: Delilah

Gatorbait: A title given to Tanglers who prove their loyalty time and time again through consistent activity and inclusion. This title is represented by a gator.
— Current Title Holders: Aurum, Vigenere, Kiira
— Former Title Holders: Caustic, Octane, Bloodhound, Ivan, Arrow, Stocking, Leroy, Axle

Paragon: A title given to Tanglers who complete the feat of earning all the other badges and are dedicated followers of Tanglewood. This title is represented by a diamond

RETIRED TITLES:

Good Noodle: A title given to Tanglers who were helpful around camp and often completed Weekly Tasks.
— Title Holders: Vigenere, Malphas

Host: A title given to Tanglers who were often there to greet joiners.
— Title Holders: Kiira, Aya, Delilah, Leroy, Jim

Firebrand: A title given to Tanglers who participated in a rescue raid.
— [i]Title Holders: Vigenere, Kiira, Arrow, Axle

POLITICS

Tanglewood is a chaotically aligned neutral group and will mercilessly mess up whoever crosses their path negatively; however, combat is usually not actively sought out. They will ally with those they deem trustworthy.

Allies: The Typhoon
Neutrals: all not listed
Enemies: The Coalition of the Condemned, The Pitt

[MysteriouslyMaple]

Alrighty, mobile-friendly guide is now finished! Everyone is free to track now if wanted ^^

[TANGLEWOOD.]

Updated with the first half of the 9/23 meeting!

-- Maple

[deimos]

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[Windowmemer]

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[Orion]

Updated guide with needed history/changes!

[deliah .]

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[Zjarr]

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[Cobra]

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