(IC) Festival of Heroes - Jousting Arena

[dysmorphia]

This time, he was close enough to fully attack. He swung with his full might at the goblin, once again using power attack.

(1d20+23)[36] dmg: (3d6+24)[34]
(1d20+18)[29] dmg: (3d6+24)[28]
(1d20+13)[25] dmg: (3d6+24)[37](1d20+8)[14] dmg: (3d6+24)[35]

He took a five-step back, to force Zeetzeet to chase him.

Now at M32

[Croverus]

ZeetZeet snarls as the first two strikes leave deep bruises, but he blocks the third strike and completely avoids the fourth. He follows after Ainsley, eager to keep this melee going!

5-ft step to L32

Current Full attack (raging and getting morale bonuses from crowd)
4 Unarmed Strikes
(1d20+34)[53] for (1d3+11)[13]
(1d20+29)[37] for (1d3+11)[13]
(1d20+24)[37] for (1d3+11)[13]
(1d20+19)[36] for (1d3+11)[13]
2 Claw attacks
(1d20+29)[39] for (1d6+16)[19]
(1d20+29)[35] for (1d6+16)[21]
Bite Attack!
(1d20+30)[41] for (1d8+16)[22]
Grab (1d20+34)[54] and do (1d8+16)[19]

[dysmorphia]

Well, it actually hurt this time. Wincing, the paladin struggled in the goblin's grasp. He was quite tired at this point, and he couldn't break free.

"Get - off - of - me!"

[Croverus]

He nods and lets go, only to unleash another swarm of attacks.

Current Full attack (raging and getting morale bonuses from crowd)
4 Unarmed Strikes
(1d20+34)[41] for (1d3+11)[14]
(1d20+29)[49] for (1d3+11)[13] (Confirm crit (1d20+29)[30] for (1d3+11)[12] bonus damage
(1d20+24)[27] for (1d3+11)[13]
(1d20+19)[39] for (1d3+11)[12]
2 Claw attacks
(1d20+29)[48] for (1d6+16)[19]
(1d20+29)[34] for (1d6+16)[22]
Bite Attack!
(1d20+30)[31] for (1d8+16)[18]
Grab (1d20+34)[52] for (1d8+16)[17]

[dysmorphia]

As a swift action, he healed himself, placing a hand on his arm.

Lay on Hands (10d6)[30]

Then he leveled his sword back at the goblin. "That stung."

He invoked another Power Attack.

(1d20+23)[33] dmg (3d6+24)[30]
(1d20+18)[30] dmg (3d6+24)[35]
(1d20+13)[14] dmg (3d6+24)[36]
(1d20+8)[15] dmg (3d6+24)[34]

[Croverus]

ZeetZeet growls as the paladin heals himself and winces at the pain as the first two strikes once again hit. He continues his assault of attacks, not letting up despite his injuries.

Current Full attack (raging and getting morale bonuses from crowd)
4 Unarmed Strikes
(1d20+34)[37] for (1d3+11)[14]
(1d20+29)[35] for (1d3+11)[13]
(1d20+24)[26] for (1d3+11)[14]
(1d20+19)[22] for (1d3+11)[12]
2 Claw attacks
(1d20+29)[36] for (1d6+16)[20]
(1d20+29)[41] for (1d6+16)[19]
Bite Attack!
(1d20+30)[32] for (1d8+16)[17]
Gab (1d20+34)[46] and do (1d8+18)[25] damage and start grapple

[dysmorphia]

Grappled, and definitely hurting, he struggled in the grapple, but refused to give up. He didn't care about the audience anymore. This was between him and Zeetzeet.

He healed himself again.
(10d6)[38]

Performance check for the heal
(1d20+12)[25]

"Would you stop grabbing me?"

As he said it, he attacked, once more invoking power attack.

(1d20+23)[24] dmg (3d6+24)[33]
(1d20+18)[33] dmg (3d6+24)[34]
(1d20+13)[32] dmg (3d6+24)[37]
(1d20+8)[13] dmg (3d6+24)[31]

[Croverus]

ZeetZeet actually catches the first swing and almost tears the sword free before Ainsley pulls it back and strikes true twice, then misses with the last swing. The goblin roars, releasing the paladin as he does so and unleashes another flurry of attacks, hoping they are enough to overcome the paladins healing.

Current Full attack (raging and getting morale bonuses from crowd)
4 Unarmed Strikes
(1d20+34)[48] for (1d3+11)[14]
(1d20+29)[40] for (1d3+11)[13]
(1d20+24)[30] for (1d3+11)[13]
(1d20+19)[37] for (1d3+11)[14]
2 Claw attacks
(1d20+29)[45] for (1d6+16)[18]
(1d20+29)[34] for (1d6+16)[22]
Bite Attack!
(1d20+30)[32] for (1d8+16)[21]
Grab (because I forgot it)
(1d20+34)[49] and does (1d8+16)[24] damage

And performance check because that's 7 hits (1d20+15)[17]

[dysmorphia]

With a hiss at the damage, Ainsley prepares another round of attacks and invokes Power Attack, hoping it's the last time.

Before the attack, however, he attempts another heal.
(10d6)[34]
Performance checks (1d20+12)[29]

(1d20+23)[33] dmg (3d6+24)[38]
(1d20+18)[28] dmg [roll[3d6+24[/roll]
(1d20+13)[19] dmg [roll[3d6+24[/roll]
(1d20+8)[27] dmg (3d6+24)[42]

"Just - go - down!"

[Croverus]

ZeetZeet hold on tight, taking the first two blows and not giving up, he manages the avoid the second, but finally the last strike catches him across the temple and there's a spatter of blood as ZeetZeet drops. His muscles relax and several of the worse bruises actually tear and start to bleed as well.

KO'd, rage ends

[dysmorphia]

Huffing and puffing, Ainsley drove his sword into the dirt and leaned against it. After catching his breath, Ainsley straightened and spread his enchanted wings.

"With Arete's guidance, I claim victory in the name of Arete!"

Then he dismissed his wings and the hedging weapons.

[Wolfykins]

Warrick flew down into the arena and reached out to clasp arms with Ainsley, smiling.
"Good job," he said as acolytes rushed into the arena to gather up Zeetzeet and take him down to the pit.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your winner!" he boomed.

Down in the pit, the aides were bustling about, and a handful of acolytes circled Zeetzeet nervously as they tentatively cast cure spells on him. Other acolytes came forward to heal Ainsley, bowing respectfully to the paladin. Two of the acolytes were petite blonde teenagers, obviously in service to Arete.
Once both heroes were restored to full health, Warrick guided them back towards the door.
"Time to pay your respects to the crowd."

The Master at Arms led them both back out into the arena and to the center where they'd stood for the start of the match.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I hope our dazzling heroes impressed you with their show of strength today! This was a grudge match for the ages, wasn't it? I know there's mixed feelings aplenty after that! Zeetzeet is quite the impressive and tenacious goblin, isn't he? We should all remember him and what he represents: redemption! Just because he's a goblin doesn't mean he can't do good in the world! And he clearly captured a lot of hearts and imaginations today! Sir Ainsley's victory was hard fought and well-earned! He engaged his opponent directly and with honor and valor! He behaved in exactly the way a paladin should, and I am sure his deity is proud of him and honored by him this day! It is my sincere hope that this match has settled their differences and that these two have come to truly respect and appreciate each other's skill and ability!" Perform oratory: (1d20+36)[55] Warrick paused to allow the audience to applaud and cheer some more, and after a moment when they'd quieted down, he lifted his arm on Ainsley's side.
"And now, I present to you, your victor for this bout: AINSLEY M'ARETE!" Warrick gestured for Ainsley to fly up and be visible for the crowd to make his speech.

[dysmorphia]

Healed and feeling much better, Ainsley stepped forward after Warrick made his speech and gestured for Ainsley to come forward.

(1d20+21)[34]

"Good people - I thank you for your cheers and your encouragement!" he bellowed, raising his voice so all could hear him. "You have witnessed a victory claimed in the name of Arete - I hope you will do Arete the honor of donating money in Her honor! I shall do my utmost to make the next fight just as entertaining for you and for Arete!"

[Wolfykins]

Warrick blinked and shook his head, chuckling at the paladin.
"Alright, you two head over to the entrance there," he said, pointing west, "and greet your fans. Shake hands, smile, try not to chit-chat too much. They'll keep you all day if you let them!" he warned.

As before, the crowd began moving out of the arena, many hurrying to find whatever seats were left in the dueling arena. As they passed Ainsley and Zeetzeet, they paused to shake hands, ask for autographs, or offer words of encouragement.

Ainsley and Zeetzeet are free to spend the rest of the day as they wish. They leave the jousting arena at about 4:20 pm.

[dysmorphia]

For the next battle, Ainsley picked out his items with Aurora, smiling as he did so. He had a good feeling about this match. Once the aids had helped him done the heavy armor, he turned to the centaur.

"Aurora, I wish you luck today. I will do my utmost to be a worthy match for you."

He then followed Warrick out to the field.

[Wolfykins]

Aurora grinned at Ainsley. "Good luck to you, too! I guess we'll see who's the better flyer," she said with a wink as she finished picking out her gear for the match.
"I look forward to facing you, and hope we can fully test each other's skills! That's how we learn from each other."

---

Warrick smiled at the two heroes. "Looks like it's no grudge match, this time! Hopefully you'll put on as good a show this time as you each did last time!"

Warrick ushered Ainsley in front of him and walked out onto the field with Aurora following. He led them to the center of the arena while the crowd exploded into cheering.
Warrick raised his arms and the crowd gradually quieted.
"Welcome back, good people! For our next bout today, we have Ainsley M'arete, noble paladin of Arete!" Warrick paused to allow the renewed cheering to subside again.
"And his opponent today is Aurora Centauroi, the Platinum Demonslayer!" Warrick waited for the cheering to die down again.
"They have come to participate in a knockout bout. The match will continue for as long as both are still standing. When one falls unconscious, the match ends, the winner the one still standing. The combatants are required to make nonlethal attacks during this match. Blows that violate this rule will net the perpetrator a penalty point. Three penalty points and the match is forfeit. Magic can be used freely, as our own court mage, Hervir, has renewed the coliseum's wardings to ensure all magic does nonlethal damage, no matter its source. Magic that kills outright without otherwise inflicting damage is negated entirely."
"The combatants were not allowed to bring their personal gear out onto the field today. As always, they have been permitted to select from a variety of tournament-issue equipment. So if they look mismatched, it's not their fashion sense that's the problem, I assure you," Warrick grinned at the crowd.
"The combatants will now step into the starting blocks," Warrick gestured for Ainsley and Aurora to go, "Sir Ainsley to the west, and Lady Aurora to the east. They will be given one a very brief chance to prepare themselves for battle, and then the match will begin! During this preparation, they may only do things that effect themselves, and cannot step out of the starting blocks. After that, they are free to engage each other in combat to the best and fullest extent of their abilities! As the audience here today, your job is to let these fine combatants know when you like them, when you love them, and when you don't! So without further ado, let's begin!" Perform oratory: (1d20+36)[46] Warrick flung his arms up and lifted into the air. He flew towards the pit and hovered between the two private boxes on either side of the doorway. He smiled and waved at Hervir and Geiravor before turning his attention back to the field, carefully watching the combat unfold.

Spoiler: SLOPPY MUD!

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The arena floor is very wet, squishy, slippery mud. It counts as difficult terrain, and acrobatics checks DC's are increased by +2.

---

Aurora tread carefully on the mud as she made her way to the starting block. She waved cheerily to the audience and smiled at Ainsley. "You ready for this?"

Suddenly, a pair of enormous, translucent wings with wispy, cloud-like feathers sprouted from her withers. (Swift action, SU.)
With a few mighty flaps, she ascended at a 45 degree angle, 5' up and 5' west, while drawing her bow. (Move action.)
Then, the air seemed to gather around the centaur, but the effect was brief and there was no visible sign that anything had happened. (Standard action, EX. Incoming arrows, rays, and other ranged attacks requiring an attack roll against you to have a 50% miss chance.)

Spoiler: DM

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Wings of Air, Air Barrier, Wind Oracle revelations.

Initiative (favored urban terrain bonus): (1d20+12)[31]

[dysmorphia]

Init roll: (1d20+7)[18]

Ainsley laughed as he prepared himself. Yes, this would be a good fight. He stretched briefly, then drew his sword, slashing it one way, then the other. With a smile on his lips, he suddenly cast his first spell. Might white wings sprouted from his back, spreading wide and throwing off a glow of soft, pure light. With his wings in place, he ascended at a smooth angle, taking his time while staying within the starting box.

"For the Glory of Arete, and the Honor of our Families, let us have a fair fight!"

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 19

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Greater Angelic Aspect

Spoiler: Knowledge Arcana DC 29

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Greater Angelic Aspect page.

[Wolfykins]

"This probably won't come as a surprise to you," Aurora said with an almost apologetic smile.
The centaur flapped her enormous wings and rapidly ascended 40' straight up, to an elevation of 45'. (Fly check crit in dice roller.)
Then Aurora lifted her hand and flung a small amount of fine sand into the air.

Spoiler: Sylvan

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"Fire and wind of my desert home, descend and wear down my opponent!"

A blast of hot air descended on Ainsley in a 20' radius, in a cylinder that extended 60' in the air. The blast did (4d6+13)[21] fire damage and was strong enough to knock Ainsley right out of the air and off his feet! (DC 22 fortitude save to halve damage and negate being knocked prone. Flying creatures forced into the ground by the powerful downdraft take damage as if they fell unless they make a DC 15 Fly check, in which case they remain at their original altitude.) The heat and pressure of the desert wind was exhausting. (If Ainsley takes damage from this spell, he becomes fatigued. A fatigued character can neither run nor charge and takes a –2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity.)
AoE duration: 13 rounds.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 21

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Sirocco

Spoiler: Knowledge Arcana DC 31

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Sirocco's page

[dysmorphia]

The spell caused the Paladin to grunt, but no great discomfort. With a shake of his head, he disliked the distance between them. Very well. He would be the one to close the distance.

With a great flap of his wings, he sped off over the ground, not ascending but flying quickly over the muddy terrain.

End at K29

---

* post roll count doesn't match database

[Wolfykins]

AoE duration: 12 rounds.
Aurora eyed Ainsley as he approached and shook her head. She fired one shot at the paladin.
Attack: (1d20+26)[28]
Damage: (1d10+8)[10] plus (1d6)[1] electric damage

Then the centaur flew south and slightly east while descending to a 30' elevation, putting the south-east column between her and Ainsley.

[dysmorphia]

His fingers twitched at the electric shock. With a smile on his lips, he shrugged. Hovering where he was, he called out, "Aurora - I'd like you to taste Arete's divinity!"

Then, Ainsley called the spell down upon the centaur. From every pore, Holy Light began to radiate, filling a 30' radius with light.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 19

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Burst with Light

Spoiler: Knowledge Religion DC 29

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Burst with Light page

Damage: (2d6)[9]
Lasts: 5 rounds
Will save DC 25 halves damage and stops light. Will save can happen per round if fails the previous round.

[Wolfykins]

AoE duration: 11 rounds.
Aurora rolled her eyes. "No thanks, Ainsley, I'm not into women any more than you are!" she bantered back. The light tingled a little bit as it shone briefly before flickering out as she resisted its effects.
The centaur ascended at a 45-degree angle for 20', to an elevation of 50', and then continued west for another 140'.

Spoiler: DM

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Chameleon Step (move up to twice your speed as a move action).

Aurora flourished he wrist and touched her bow.

Spoiler: Sylvan

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"Let that which is drab be awe-inspiring like a thunderstorm!"

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 17

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Weapon of Awe

Spoiler: Knowledge Arcana DC 27

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Weapon of Awe's page

[dysmorphia]

The Sylvan words flickered over his ears and he rubbed at the back of his head absently. "What's that about a thunderstorm? Didn't we just have one? Please tell me you aren't trying to call another..."

He was teasing, of course. He could name the spell, but couldn't remember what it did. Something about weapons. Buffs, right, that's a thing. With a great shrug of his shoulders, the winged paladin sighed.

Spoiler: Celestial

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"You who helps those in need, I call upon you. Find a home within my blade and assist me in my holy task."

Spoiler: Knowledge Religion DC 20

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Divine Bond.

The sword in his hand began to glow with an inner, holy light. A smile on his lips, he motioned to her. "Why don't you come down? We should have this out like proper Champions for the People. Or shall I come to you?"

Spoiler: DM

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Attributes added to the weapon: Merciful, Speed, +1 bonus.
Merciful: extra 1d6 of damage, all damage nonlethal; Speed: extra attack at full base attack. +1 bonus brings weapon to +5.

[Wolfykins]

AoE duration: 10 rounds.
"I'm not a ranger for nothin', you know!" she said with a grin as she brandished her bow for emphasis.

Spoiler: Celestial

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"And oh, my, Ainsley, the palace gossip suggested you were more interested in 'finding a home' for your 'blade' in places, rather than the other way around!"

Aurora teased him, demonstrating he wasn't the only one who could understand the other's non-common speech.

The centaur circled around behind the cylinder of desert wind she'd called forth earlier and descended to an altitude of 40'.
"I'm going to say, you're definitely going to have to try and catch me, if you can!" she called.
Aurora threw another pinch of fine sand into the air.

Spoiler: Sylvan

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"Fire and wind of my desert home, descend and block the path!"

A new cylinder of hot, desert wind descended on an area east of the south-west column.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 21

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Sirocco

2nd AoE duration: 13 rounds.

"In all seriousness, do be careful if you fly through my desert winds. The downdraft could well knock you out of the air, and I don't think the wardings would shield you from that," the centaur warned.

[dysmorphia]

A dark flush heated his cheeks and he rubbed at the back of his neck again. "Man, I didn't think it would get all over the castle..."

Ainsley finally moved away from the ground, rising into the air and flying a bit further into position.

"Well, you know what would fix that danger? Not creating those cyclones!" Ainsley shot back with a laugh.

Spoiler: Sylvan

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"I promise not to hit you too hard, Aurora! I"ll be gentle!"

End movement at G18 50' elevation

[Wolfykins]

1st AoE duration: 9 rounds. 2nd AoE duration: 12 rounds.
Aurora laughed. "You should be glad they're not actually cyclones! I'm not powerful enough to do that, yet!"
Aurora lifted her bow and took aim at the paladin, firing a volley at him.

Attack 1: (1d20+26)[37]
Damage: (1d10+10)[19] plus (1d6)[6] electric damage

Attack 2: (1d20+21)[27]
Damage: (1d10+10)[19] plus (1d6)[2] electric damage

Attack 3: (1d20+16)[24]
Damage: (1d10+10)[15] plus (1d6)[1] electric damage

Attack 4: (1d20+11)[24]
Damage: (1d10+10)[12] plus (1d6)[5] electric damage

Performance combat check (multihit): 24 in dice roller. Helpful crowd DC 24! +1 victory point.

[dysmorphia]

The arrows nicked him, giving him a few light shocks. Rubbing at the nicks, he sighed.

"Would you please come down so we can finish this like honorable warriors?" the Paladin called. "I'm sure the people would prefer a good fight over firing arrows, yes?"

Hoping to slow her down a little, he tried a spell - even though it failed on Zeet, he hoped it would work. He had to move closer, though, and flew closer, ascending another ten feet and flying a distance of 40 feet.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 16

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Haze of Dreams

Spoiler: Knowledge Arcana DC 26

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Haze of Dreams page.

Will save: DC 22 negates
Success: 1/2 speed, as if seeing through a dream.
End at J11.

[Wolfykins]

1st AoE duration: 8 rounds. 2nd AoE duration: 11 rounds.
Aurora tensed as Ainsley cast his spell, unsure what it was going to do, but it faded away without overcoming her.
"Come on, Ainsley, don't try to imply that being an archer is somehow 'less honorable' than fighting hand-to-hand," she said, sounding just slightly annoyed. "Manipulation isn't a good color on a paladin!"

Aurora flapped her wings and flew south while ascending another 20', then veered southeast and then east (fly check for 90 degree turn 38 in dice roller), flying over her second cylinder of wind and then descending 10' to an altitude of 50'. (U/T 12/13)

Spoiler: DM

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Chameleon step: move up to twice your speed as a move action. Horizontal distance: 85', vertical distance 50' (20'x2 ascending, 10' descending), 135' total, out of 180' max.

Aurora lifted her arm and flourished her wrist.

Spoiler: Sylvan

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"May the passion of the wind bless me with divine boons!"

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 19

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Blessing of Fervor

Spoiler: Knowledge Arcana DC 29

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Blessing of Fervor

Spoiler: DM

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Blessing of Fervor: Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. 13 rounds.

[dysmorphia]

"Not manipulation, just trying to slow you down a tad so I can catch you," Ainsley said with a laugh. He followed her movements and finally got close enough. With a grin on his lips, he invoked the name of his Goddess and power attacked. He only got in the one attack, but he hoped it was enough to pay her back a little.

(1d20+24)[29] dmg: (1d6+25)[30] + (1d8+5)[8]

Fly check just in case: (1d20+12)[21]

[Wolfykins]

Aurora blocked Ainsley's attack and shook her head. "I never meant to let you get this close," she admitted wryly.

Spoiler: DM

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Blessing of Fervor: +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. 12 rounds.

1st AoE duration: 7 rounds. 2nd AoE duration: 10 rounds.

Aurora flapped her wings hard, and lashed out at the air with her hooves.
A 25' radius blast of wind roared down on Ainsley with a loud clap of thunder accompanying it. The blast did (13d6)[46] bludgeoning damage, and the thunder was deafeningly loud. (DC 22 fortitude save for half damage and avoid being deafened for 1 hour.)

Then, accepting the risk that Ainsley might take a swing at her, Aurora darted 125' east (T/U 37/38). (Ainsley gets an AoO.)

Spoiler: DM

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Chameleon step. 3rd use out of 8.