Togo's Planar Adventure set partly in Sigil (IC)

[THEChanger]

Simon has stayed silent during the proceeding negotiations. While he did not enjoy deception, it would appear his companions thought it necessary. Androse's charity fiction would serve to get them to Sigil, and that was what Simon was concerned with at the moment. But it was time to move. Simon did not know what these humans would think of a moving statue. That was not his problem.
"Master Androse, as interesting as these merchants are, do we not have more pressing matters to attend to? Such as finding our way into Sigil?" Simon whispered.

[Togo]

In response to Uzark's call, Umbriel remounts and rides over toward the robed man. She regards his apparatus curiously. "Perhaps I can assist here. What techniques are you employing?"

Uzark keeps on staring at his pendlum, now suspended from the tripod.

The theodolite, she is used to determine the ah... thickness of the planar boundary. Normally, I would be using a more difficult set up, but here on the Outlands, the reality, she is very... ah... very thin? Noone much cares you see. Not here. And this place, it was only ever the place where the gate was. If I can be finding the precise location of where the portal was being, maybe we can rebuild it, maybe it still work.

He glances around in frustration at the shattered foundations he is standing in.

If I can be finding the right spot, that is.

Umbriel

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Umbriel will focus her arcane sight on Uzark to see if he has any spellcasting or spell-like abilities, whether they are arcane or divine, and the strength of the most powerful spell or spell-like ability he currently has available for use.

Yes, arcane, 6th.

"Of course, of course, I understand that you can't give away your sample. But one of the production versions? You've got a moment to show me some of your stock, while the brains figure out which direction to go? That is, unless Mister Uzark the Impatient knows which direction to head next. In which case, I could just ride in your wagon as you go, and look over the merchandise en route. Because what luck for a merchant such as yourself, to find a customer like Lord Androse, a man of such taste and breeding, here in the middle of the desolation. Why look such a gift horse in the mouth?

She smiles winsomely up at the merchant.

I'd love to, um.. m'lady? But the smallest mirror we have is more than 12 feet high. Most are much larger. The smaller items went ahead with Nephira. I'd rather not risk unpacking a large mirror on the road, particularly not when you'd only be able to see a corner of it anyway. If we can get through the gate to Sigil, you're all more than welcome to visit our ah.. building... and see our stock displayed properly in all it's glory. Well, most of it, anyway. See them in good light, indoors, with maybe a few refreshments/ Not crouching on a dusty roadside. I'd... ah... certainly like to discuss this further, under rather better circumstances.

Godot

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He doesn't appear to be hiding anything and has explained clearly why he doesn't want to pursue to prospect of a sale with a wealthy potential customer. Which is a little odd. Maybe he has something more important on his mind?

Saffron

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The breach came from the astral, but it comes with a strange oder, sickly sweet. It reminds you of something you found once, a giant sea creature, like a squid or kraken, thrown up on a desert shore, and left to dessicate and decay for a hundred years or more.

You're also picking up something else. The trace of a portal to... somewhere unfamiliar. It smells of people, and herbs, of cheap pottery and ale and too much garlic sausage. It's coming from somewhere above where Umbriel and Uzark are standing.

Rhion

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The people are very very nervous. Well enough disciplined not to do anything foolish, but nervous all the same. It may well be that most of them have never been on a planar journey before. The carts are reinforced to carry extra weight, and are loaded with large flat objects, some a good 24 feet or so long. They're wrapped, padded and insultated. They're keeping a very close eye on Kalinor, but are largely ignoring Uzark.

The dragon spoke firmly, glancing up to the man, stepping forward toward him: "Say, where exactly do you come from? We are travelers from a faraway place, and I reckon you are as well."

We're from Chaldecott, on the great Circle Sea.

Kalinor sighs.

Prime Material plane. I guess the rest won't mean much to you. The more you travel, the smaller home seems to be.

Androse

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He is looking at the object to try to determine what plane it might be on, any magical abilities a heavy mirror might have, and if it has religious significance.

As far as you can tell, it's a perfectly ordinary mirror with no magical abilities. Maybe the glass or frame is made from some kind of exotic material? It could have religous significance, if there was some kind of mirror-based religion. You'd expect more in the way of symbols on it though.

[Ifni]

"Fascinating. How is the theodolite read? Are you a specialist in this type of planar magic?" Umbriel regards the tripod and pendulum with genuine curiosity. "I do not perceive any residual conjuration magic in this area; how does your device work?"

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Knowledge(Arcana) check to remember something about the theodolite and how it works? (1d20+37)[38] if so (including Share Talents now).

[Toliudar]

I'd love to, um.. m'lady? But the smallest mirror we have is more than 12 feet high. Most are much larger. The smaller items went ahead with Nephira. I'd rather not risk unpacking a large mirror on the road, particularly not when you'd only be able to see a corner of it anyway. If we can get through the gate to Sigil, you're all more than welcome to visit our ah.. building... and see our stock displayed properly in all it's glory. Well, most of it, anyway. See them in good light, indoors, with maybe a few refreshments/ Not crouching on a dusty roadside. I'd... ah... certainly like to discuss this further, under rather better circumstances.

Now that her curiosity has been piqued, Godot is no longer having to act her curiosity about the mirrors. She pulls out her notepad and a writing stick.

"Well, of course, I understand. We don't want you to endanger your stock, so close to your destination. But in case my Lord wishes to visit once everyone is safely back in Sigil, what address should we use?"

[Togo]

"Fascinating. How is the theodolite read? Are you a specialist in this type of planar magic?" Umbriel regards the tripod and pendulum with genuine curiosity. "I do not perceive any residual conjuration magic in this area; how does your device work?"

Humph. Tripod is conjuring. It can only conjure ball, yes? Like a bond between devil and diabolist. But tripod is very weak, yes? Not successful. Never successful. So, standard summoning, goes through planar boundary, where it is weakest, tries to get ball, grabs ball, but, not strong enough, she merely twiches.

Hah. But she twiches towards summoning, towards where planar boundary is weakest. Towards where the portal was, yes? Measure pendulum at different places, find remains of portal. Fine technique, made it myself. So why it's not with the working? Why all points in the circle lead here, and pendulum still twitch, but no portal?

He scowls and looks around.

Missing something. Is late, Uzark tired, what goes wrong?

Umbriel

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Knowledge(Arcana) check to remember something about the theodolite and how it works?

You've not seen anything like the theodolite before. It's a nice idea, and very clever way of using some really advanced planar theory to achieve something in a very primative fashion that would much much easier to do with divination magic.

His explanation makes sense, although he seems to be confusing conjuration, the invocation of physical matter and energy, with summoning (calling), the invocation of a particular creature by identifying them by name. It's the kind of mistake in technical terms that apprentices make. Then again, he also has trouble with basic grammer, so maybe he's just confused by the language he's using.

"Well, of course, I understand. We don't want you to endanger your stock, so close to your destination. But in case my Lord wishes to visit once everyone is safely back in Sigil, what address should we use?"

Um.. My understanding is that we're based... let's see, in a compound just passed Briar Bridge, off Silver Street. I've not actually been there myself. I'm sure we can arrange some time when it would be good to visit...

[Cespenar]

Finishing his little tour and having seen what was to see, Rhion rejoins Androse and Godot as they converse with the "merchant extraordinaire". He stays still for a while as he listens in to their conversation, and waits patiently for a moment of silence to happen. When it does, he blurts it out, though with a soft voice:

"Sorry if I'm interrupting, but why 'the Golden'?"

[Ifni]

Umbriel crouches down to examine Uzark's device more closely. She smiles at the other mage - an unaccustomed expression for her, but she appears genuinely impressed by the cleverness of the technique. "Most ingenious! But... hmmm... you speak of a circle, not a sphere? Does the device have sensitivity to vertical displacement? Or must such a portal be located on a solid surface, in the same way that creatures can only be summoned onto a surface that supports them? In the latter case, perhaps we should look for an underground chamber?"

She pauses for a moment, and then remarks, "Also, if you would prefer to speak another tongue, I am fluent in dragonspeech and the common languages of the Outer Planes. This trade-tongue is not your native language, correct?"

[SPoD]

Does the device have sensitivity to vertical displacement? Or must such a portal be located on a solid surface, in the same way that creatures can only be summoned onto a surface that supports them? In the latter case, perhaps we should look for an underground chamber?"

Saffron suddenly allows herself to be seen by the humans: a tall, muscular woman who is more tiger than human, with the head of a beast and thick striped fur beneath her armor and black cloak. To them, she seems to pop out of thin air, given her ability to obscure her presence even while being observed.

"An excellent deduction, but not undergound. Up." She points one claw to a spot about twenty feet above Uzark. "The portal was on the second floor of the inn."

[Togo]

"Sorry if I'm interrupting, but why 'the Golden'?"

Kalinor waves his rings. Because I'm rich. Same principal as being called 'the mighty' or 'the wise' except I have a different profession. Noone wants to do business with a merchant who loses money, any more than they want a bodyguard who loses fights, or a.. um... whatever it is that you do... What is that, anyway?

Umbriel crouches down to examine Uzark's device more closely. She smiles at the other mage - an unaccustomed expression for her, but she appears genuinely impressed by the cleverness of the technique. "Most ingenious! But... hmmm... you speak of a circle, not a sphere? Does the device have sensitivity to vertical displacement? Or must such a portal be located on a solid surface, in the same way that creatures can only be summoned onto a surface that supports them? In the latter case, perhaps we should look for an underground chamber?"

Vertical? Ya, portal is needing a frame of some kind, so the only thing here would being dug into the ground...

He looks around, then takes a violent step back as a striped creature appears nearby.

"An excellent deduction, but not undergound. Up." She points one claw to a spot about twenty feet above Uzark. "The portal was on the second floor of the inn."

He gazes around, frowning, and then looks up, and then swears in what sounds like gutteral infernal.

But there was being a frame here. The tiger, she is being right! There was being a whole taverning here. Uzark you star-fuddled lout! All these sockets in the ground could be supporting a ramp or stairs...

He turns and shouts

Kalinor! Now you have told pretty gnome your sleepings place, get over here! The portal was up, above the ground, about 20 feets, maybe more, but I'm not thinking so. We are needing a ramp, for the wagons.

A ramp?

Kalinor moves towards Uzark, picking his steps carefully in the gathering gloom. Uzark calls to him.

Ya, ramp, we need to rebuild portal off the ground. About 20 feet high. Good get started..

And we can't wait until it gets light because...?

Because by then portal may not to be fixed... and then our next choice is to say 'Hellos Tiamat, we is just passing through!'

I'll get the shovels out. But the men have been travelling all day, they're tired already, we may not make it by morning. Is there anything you can do?

I am having a scroll, with a magic to make stone walls?

Fine, we can use that as the brace at the end of the ramp. An earth ramp, needs to be at least 60' feet long if we're going to get the wagons up it. I'll get the men to start digging. We're in for a long night...

Kalinor turns to the men huddled around the wagons, and spread his arms wide with an encouraging smile.

Boys! Great news! We're almost there! There's just one little detail we need to take care of...

She pauses for a moment, and then remarks, "Also, if you would prefer to speak another tongue, I am fluent in dragonspeech and the common languages of the Outer Planes. This trade-tongue is not your native language, correct?"

Uzark watches as Kalinor starts getting the tired men to light torches and retrieve shovels from under the carts.

No, I can be speaking the tongue of my people. Is debased form of infernal, so I am being told, so is more safe not to use. Peoples be getting wrong idea. But tonight, we will be ok, because most of what I am needing will be the swearings.

He pauses and then, eyes fixed on Saffron, leans his head in Umbriel's direction, and says

The fierce pretty lady with the stripings and the fur. Who tells us where to look. You are seeing her too, yes? It's not just Uzark with his long day and cheap brandy?

[Toliudar]

Both to divert any interest in the question of Rhion's profession, and out of a genuine desire to be helpful (she had, after all, been clearly identified as pretty), Godot clears her throat.

"Ah, well, perhaps I can both clarify what I do, and be of some assistance in shortening the time required for this exercise. My colleagues are tremendously talented as well, and may be able to further expedite the process. Mister Uzark, you say that the desired end point of the ramp is up there? I trust that someone else will have the wherewithal to identify the specific location."

Reaching back without looking into her pack, Godot pulls out a small wooden stringed instrument, polished to a bright sheen. She takes a moment to pluck each string quietly, and adjusts one of the pegs.

Godot begins to play, a drifting melody punctuated with regular thumps on the body. The music is deceptively simple, a tune that a child could learn. And yet...

And yet the earth begins to move, beginning to pile itself up into an approximation of exactly the ramp that has been requested.

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Godot is using her Lyre of Building. Perform check, although I doubt she'll need more time: (1d20+23)[25]

I'm assuming that, by the time the ramp gets to about the 10' mark, some enterprising person with flying/jumping/throwing/magic will have identified the exact end point desired.

[Obrysii]

Androse remained silent during the proceedings, his golden eyes shimmering gently under whatever light source lit the sky; he was thinking - a potent mind, perhaps not as strong as a few of the others, but mixed with a strong sense of common sense and uncommon charisma gave him a certain edge in areas.

Areas that did not include discussions of planar barriers, edges, or circles. He was more into the discussion of the market, more into discerning where best to set up shop, where best to begin making a new life as good, charitable people.

"To my profession, I confess I am more the office manager than the fighter, the shaker, not the mover," Androse said simply, his point proven as Godot began to play music to move the very earth itself. He lacked the magical gear presently to do the same.

"Of merchants and gold - to earn the nickname 'the Golden' as you have, is my goal, firstly," he said, "Though I think I prefer 'the Gilded' or 'Goldforged Androse' or something similar. My companions are likely better at names than I.

"Alas, I am uncertain what I can do for you now - my skills and training are admittedly rather lacking when it comes to planar dimensions and all that you have discussed - though if you wish to run a buisness plan by me, I am all the willing to listen to that."

[Ifni]

Umbriel nods in appreciation as Saffron appears and directs them to the portal. "Elegant. Thank you, Saffron."

She raises an eyebrow at Uzark's description of his language. "A dialect of Infernal? I would be interested to hear some of it, sometime; I speak Infernal, and I've studied linguistic divergence in the past." She pauses. "Once we reach Sigil, do you intend to remain there for a time? If you have more devices like the theodolite, perhaps it might be mutually advantageous to trade knowledge for knowledge. I have some spells you might find of interest."

Uzark's question regarding Saffron is met with a dry laugh. "She is real, yes. To our good fortune." She smiles slightly, and then more widely as Godot begins to play. Her fingers twitch to the beat of the music.

"If more construction is needed, I can recall a spell to shape the earth, but it looks like that aspect is under control. As for exact position... Saffron, how well can you discern the location?" She peers upward again, looking for any hint of lingering magic in the air where the portal once stood. "If you would allow, Uzark, I would be happy to fly the theodolite up there."

To Uzark, she continues, "What do you know of the procedure to rebuild a portal of this type? I take it you do not expect that it is still fully functional?"

[Obrysii]

Androse produced a small roll from his backpack, unfurling it - revealing an elegant, brown-with-gold-trim carpet. "This is a basic flying carpet - I use it to enhance my mobility, and for display. But if you require its use, it is there for you."

He offered this to anyone.

[SPoD]

"If more construction is needed, I can recall a spell to shape the earth, but it looks like that aspect is under control. As for exact position... Saffron, how well can you discern the location?"

"As precisely as you require," she answers flatly. "I simply cannot reach it without calling back my bat, and she's busy playing right now."

Indeed, in the distance, the metallic-skinned giant bat is spinning circles and loop-de-loops in the air, having long since abandoned the futile quest for food. The tigress therefore assists Godot with her strumming, guiding her efforts so that they can reach the place the portal once stood, about twenty feet from the ground.

[Obrysii]

"You may, naturally, use my flying carpet to reach it. It should carry someone like you without much issue," Androse said, looking to Saffron, the first time he had directly addressed the being. She reminded him of some other creature, but he couldn't quite place it.

[SPoD]

"No thanks," she declines. "If my feet must leave the ground, I'd prefer it to be on the back of a creature with a mind and soul rather than a glorified rug. At least I know then that it will have its own survival at heart."

She watches as the earthen ramp takes shape and, when it has been completed, she rushes to be the first to climb its summit and mark the spot where the portal once stood.

[Toliudar]

Godot glances up from her playing, watching Saffron rise inexorably into the air. Part of her, of course, admired the hunter's wild spirit and seemingly instinctive courage. Godot's father would have sent a summoned creature through the portal first, to make sure it didn't wind up somewhere phenomenally inhospitable. But there was something appealing about a more direct approach.

Godot smiled, and bent again over the lyre.

[Cespenar]

Launching a grateful look at Godot for her timely rescue (for he hated lying when he could help it), Rhion watches admiringly as she shapes the very earth with her music. Not one of the most interesting talents you would find between this group, but Rhion rarely missed an opportunity to be impressed, it was in his nature.

The act itself (moving the earth) reminded himself of his own powers, but after doing a short self-assessment, he figured his connection with the powers of nature wasn't as strong as to help these people. Ah, very well. He wasn't one to care much about power anyway.

For now, Rhion liked standing there near the back, watching his companions shape the earth, smell portals, and discuss planar physics.

[Togo]

"A dialect of Infernal? I would be interested to hear some of it, sometime; I speak Infernal, and I've studied linguistic divergence in the past." She pauses. "Once we reach Sigil, do you intend to remain there for a time? If you have more devices like the theodolite, perhaps it might be mutually advantageous to trade knowledge for knowledge. I have some spells you might find of interest."

Uzark nods, once.

Useful. I am staying at the compound. I am having problem, need opinion. You come by, we talk.

[Togo]

"Of merchants and gold - to earn the nickname 'the Golden' as you have, is my goal, firstly," he said, "Though I think I prefer 'the Gilded' or 'Goldforged Androse' or something similar. My companions are likely better at names than I.

Kalinor shrugs.

Honestly, if you do well, a name'll pick you. I'm not sure what advice I can give you, or even if I should be advising you at all - you may know better than I do.

He thinks for a moment.

But for what it's worth, three bits of advice:

First, it's about the people, not the money. The right people make money, and they'll get you through hard times better too. After all, we're men not dragons.

Second, keep your enemies close to you. Somone acting against you will do a lot more damage acting openly than they will pretending to be your friend. And you can keep a better eye on them, too.

Third. If you find yourself in a war? Make sure you pick the right side.

For a moment there's a trace of something hard in his voice, but it quickly fades. He grins.

That's the advice I'd give me. I can only hope you find a use for it.

[Togo]

As Godot plays, the earthen ramp starts to grow, rising gradually from the dusty ground, casting long shadows in the torchlight. At it's apex, Saffron gradually guides the gnome's music to just the right spot.

Uzark comes up the ramp followed by soliders bringing long timbers from one of the wagons, and binds them with rope into a crude arch. The resulting structure wobbles alarmingly, but stands upright on its own.

Digging his knuckles into his eyes, Uzark extracts a single drop of moisture from his eyes, and flicks it at the arch. Then, nodding, he steps through and disappears as he passes through the arch. After a moment he reppears, stepping back through the arch to where he started.

She is open. One tear, and you are through.

Kalinor calls out

Right, the portals open, we don't know how long it will last so let's move! A tear opens the gate. I have...

He fumbles in his robe and produces a small vial.

..a bottle of tears. Use it sparingly please, as getting hold of it cost me a lot of strange looks, and considerable embarassment! Small wagon first, and mind how you go on the ramp!.

He turns back the party.

A thousand thanks for all your help. You're welcome to go ahead first, or you can follow after the wagons, whatever you wish. I'm going to meet Nephira on the other side, see what the situation is, and send some message runners out. Do you want me to arrange to get some for you too, if there's someone any of you want to contact? It's the least I could do.

After that, we'll be getting the wagons to the compound. You're more than welcome to come along and look at some of the merchandise?

He addresses Ambrose first, but looks around at everyone to see what reaction this brings, managing to linger only a fraction longer gazing at Godot than he does at anyone else.

[GuesssWho]

Sthrer' had watched all this from in the back. She often stayed in back--her tail caused an awful lot of staring, even if everything else was hidden under her robes. Once the portal opened, though, she was happy to go through.

[SPoD]

Saffron looks at the pointless devastation of the local flora and fauna from the vantage point of the ramp. She will have no difficulty getting through the portal.

She pulls out a small metal whistle hanging around her neck on a leather cord and blows on it. No sound can be heard, but in the distance, the giant bat Gylda banks sharply and begins flying toward the ramp's summit.

[Toliudar]

Once the ramp is complete, Godot embellishes it with ridges along the sides for safety. She then digs instructions - in letters 2 feet tall and a foot deep - on using a tear at the top of the ramp to open a portal to Sigil. Might as well make it easier for the next folks to come along.

Tucking away the lyre, she bows to Kalinor.

"And thank you for your gracious company, and your ingenious companion's knowledge and device, without which we might never have found the portal. I am uncertain of Lord Androse's schedule, but would be honoured to come for a visit once we're settled. May your trade be fruitful, and the City of Doors open for you."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Well, well....very nice. Derk mumbles a bit as he turns to Androse and the others near him. Assuming the whispering wind is still active on him he says: Allow me to venture in first, Lord Androse, and secure the perimeter on the other side. 'Tis a portal after all, and caution may be rewarded. He nods at Kalinor. A pleasure to have met you, sir. May your trades be honest and fruitful.

Not knowing whose tears Kalinor bears and how they were obtained, Derk prefers to produce one himself. He walks up the ramp while he rubs his eyes for liquid, inducing a yawn to help the proces, and heads for the portal.

[Cespenar]

Rhion silently joins Derk's side as he volunteers to be the point man. He puts a friendly hand on the man's shoulder if he lets him, and smiles.

"I'll go with you too, if that's not a problem? I can be of help, in case."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Derk smiles at Rhion. Of course, my friend. One can not be careful enough with portals....at least, that is what I have been taught. Derk decides to cast True seeing before heading through the portal.

[Obrysii]

"By all means, take the path ahead of me," Androse said. He slid gently onto the carpet, which lifted up about a foot into the air. He stood on it with absolute confidence - he had no fear of falling, though he made a note to purchase a featherfall token when they reached Sigil.

Lifted higher into the air, he looked around - such devastation. Was this the nature of the Outland? Or was something else at work? It pained him - he'd seen so much loss in his short life, and this wasn't any better.

He acted as though he did not wish to walk on the dirt ramp, floating slowly forward on the five-foot carpet. "I have many thanks to give to you and your crew, Kalinor, and I hope we may do business someday soon."

[SPoD]

Saffron waits for Umbriel, who seems the most interested in what had happened here and why."I do not think this is a mystery that should be ignored," she grumbles. "Whether one cares for the lives of the local animals or not, the Athar made their home here as well. Perhaps we should seek out their brethren in Sigil."

A moment later, her giant bat lands on the earthen ramp. Saffron pets the beast's smooth metallic hide, cooing softly to her and guiding her toward the portal. A mere thought of the lives lost is enough for each of her eyes to produce the necessary tears, and they step through the impromptu gate after Derk and Rhion.

[Ifni]

Uzark nods, once.

Useful. I am staying at the compound. I am having problem, need opinion. You come by, we talk.

Umbriel nods back. "Very well. Until later, then. A pleasure to have met you." As the ramp finishes forming and her companions begin to pass through the portal, she remounts her phantom steed and circles up to the top of the ramp.

She gives a short nod at Saffron's words, her mouth twisting slightly in an expression of frustration. She replies quietly, "Agreed that this should not be ignored. The morphic nature of the Outlands make it hard to judge how localized this was: it could potentially have touched a much greater area. Such a planar rip might be produced by accident, by a spellcaster wielding power beyond their control. If it was intentional... it seems rather overdone, if only the destruction of the inn was intended." And if intended as display, an object lesson, who was the target? Not us, surely, or the message would have been less ambiguous. Another user of the portal? The Athar in Sigil, as Saffron suggests?

"I sensed no negative energy. I do recall legends of the Void between planar boundaries, that could drain life and magic out of a world when those boundaries were torn. You found this portal: could you perceive anything of the nature of the rip?"

She waits beside the gate for the others to pass through, still regarding the empty land with a slight frown of puzzlement.