*** Jess and I are going to fight to the death ***


Along the Eastern Road 
  Constructed of great slabs of closely fitted stone, a wide and well-
traveled road runs to the east and west here.  To the north of the road
lies an open pasture of stringy grass, grazed upon by a few skinny heads
of cattle.  Beyond this field, cultivated fields and pastures spread out
to the limit of the horizon in all directions, demonstrating quite
clearly why this region is considered the breadbasket of Thera.  A sparse
wilderness of twisted and stunted trees grows to the south, in sharp
contrast to the civilized countryside on the opposite side of the road.
Rising above the trees in the distance are the ruined towers and
crumbling spires of an ancient city.
 
[Exits: east south west]
     A sign points south towards the Ruins of Ostalagiah.

<656hp 181m 546mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> Alas, you cannot go that way.

<656hp 181m 546mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> w
Alas, you cannot go that way.

<656hp 181m 546mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> w
People near you:
(PK) Gerabis                      Along the Eastern Road
(PK) Jessallias                   Along the Eastern Road

<656hp 181m 546mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> You tell Jessallias 'Im there.'

<656hp 181m 546mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> wAlong the Eastern Road 
  Constructed of great slabs of closely fitted stone, a wide and well-
traveled road runs to the east and west here.  To the north of the road
lies a cultivated field, filled with row upon row of green, leafy plants.
Beyond this field, cultivated fields and pastures spread out to the limit
of the horizon in all directions, covering the gently rolling
countryside.  A sparse forest of twisted and stunted trees grows to the
south, the broken spires and crumbled walls of an ancient ruined city
visible in the distance, rising above the trees.
 
[Exits: east west]

<656hp 181m 545mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> w
s
Along the Eastern Road 
  Constructed of great slabs of closely fitted stone, a wide and well-
traveled road runs to the east and west here.  An untended field of high
grass lies to the north, growing right up to the edge of the road.
Beyond this field, cultivated fields and pastures spread out to the
limit of the horizon in all directions, covering the gently rolling
countryside.  To the south of the road, the broken spires and crumbled
towers of a ruined ancient city are visible in the distance, rising above
the sparse forest of twisted and stunted trees that covers the land in
this direction. 
 
[Exits: east west]

<656hp 181m 544mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> call resiAlong the Eastern Road 
  Constructed of great slabs of closely fitted stone, a wide and well-
traveled road runs to the east and west here.  An untended field of high
grass lies to the north, growing right up to the edge of the road.
Beyond this field, cultivated fields and pastures spread out to the limit
of the horizon in all directions, covering the gently rolling hills.  A
wide dirt path breaks off from the road and runs to the south alongside a
crumbling wooden fence.  Stunted trees twist their way up to either side
of the path, the space between them filled with thin, tough grass.
 
[Exits: east south west]
     A sign points south towards Blackclaw Village.

<656hp 181m 543mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> call resist
A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path runs north-south along an old pasture fence. There are no
farmhouses in the vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back
pasture. No livestock would be contained by this fence now, as half the
wooden rails are missing or torn down. The path itself looks heavily
traveled, by both carts and foot travelers, but it is not very well
maintained. In the distance to the south east, a dry-looking forest begins,
and the abandoned farmland extends to the west. Looking south, you can see
the top of a stone structure over the scraggly brush. To the north, the 
great Eastern Road lies. A small sign is nailed to one of the fence posts.
 
[Exits: north south]

<656hp 181m 542mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> You feel tough!

<656hp 131m 542mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> s
s
wher
A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path runs north-south along an old pasture fence. There are no
farmhouses in the vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back
pasture. No livestock would be contained by this fence now, as half the
wooden rails are missing or torn down. The path itself looks heavily
traveled, by both carts and foot travelers, but it is not very well
maintained. In the distance to the south east, a dry-looking forest begins,
and the abandoned farmland extends to the west. Looking south, you can see
the top of a stone structure over the scraggly brush. A ways to the north, 
you can barely see a junction with a larger road.
 
[Exits: north south]

<656hp 131m 539mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> 
A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path runs north-south along an old pasture fence. There are no
farmhouses in the vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back
pasture. No livestock would be contained by this fence now, as half the
wooden rails are missing or torn down. The path itself looks heavily
traveled, by both carts and foot travelers, but it is not very well
maintained. In the distance to the south east, a dry-looking forest begins,
and the abandoned farmland extends to the west. Looking south, you can see
the top of a stone structure over the scraggly brush. A ways to the north, 
you can barely see a junction with a larger road.
 
[Exits: north south]

<656hp 131m 536mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> sPeople near you:
  Friitjoff                    On the Bank of the River
(PK) Gerabis                      A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence

<656hp 131m 536mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> sc
Gerabis the Warrior of the Blade
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level    : 35           Sex      : male         Race     : duergar     
Ethos    : Chaotic      Align    : Evil         Class    : warrior     
Practices: 4            Trains   : 2            Hometown : Galadon
Exp      : 265295       To Level : 5955         Sphere   : Combat
Age      : mature, 63 years old (39 hours)
Hit Point: 656  /656    Mana     : 131  /302    Move     : 536  /575  
Str      : 22(23)       Int      : 16(10)       Wis      : 18(16)
Dex      : 21(22)       Con      : 21(21)       Chr      : 13(14)
Carry #  :  31/36       Weight   : 296 lb 7 oz (Max 487 lbs)
Gold     : 0            Silver   : 0            Copper   : 0           
Wimpy    :  100 hp      Morale   : Moderate     Position : Standing
Hitroll  : 30           Damroll  : 42          
AC pierce : -150  Divinely armored      AC bash   : -150  Divinely armored      
AC slash  : -154  Divinely armored      AC magic  : -41   Very well armored     
AC element: -121  Divinely armored      
vs Spell : Protected           vs Paralysis: Barely protected    
vs Breath: Somewhat protected  vs Mental:    Not protected       
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summon     : You can only be summoned by players within PK range.
Corpseguard: You do not attempt to guard corpses.
Rescue     : You allow others to rescue you.
Give       : You allow things to be given to you.
Trust      : You trust no one with questionable spells/supplications.
Follow     : You accept followers.
You feel full.
You have 0 weapon specializations.
You are specialized in axe.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are affected by:
Commune: 'bless' modifies save vs spell by -14 for 44 hours.
Commune: 'bless' modifies hit roll by 7 for 44 hours.
Power: 'truesight' for 10 hours.
Power: 'truesight' for 10 hours.
Power: 'spellbane' modifies save vs spell by -10 for 7 hours.
Power: 'resistance' for 5 hours.
Commune: 'armor' modifies armor class by -20 for 3 hours.

<656hp 131m 536mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> jk
They aren't here.

<656hp 131m 536mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> jk
They aren't here.

<656hp 131m 536mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> jk
jk
They aren't here.

<656hp 131m 536mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> They aren't here.

<656hp 131m 536mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> sc
Gerabis the Warrior of the Blade
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level    : 35           Sex      : male         Race     : duergar     
Ethos    : Chaotic      Align    : Evil         Class    : warrior     
Practices: 4            Trains   : 2            Hometown : Galadon
Exp      : 265295       To Level : 5955         Sphere   : Combat
Age      : mature, 63 years old (39 hours)
Hit Point: 656  /656    Mana     : 131  /302    Move     : 536  /575  
Str      : 22(23)       Int      : 16(10)       Wis      : 18(16)
Dex      : 21(22)       Con      : 21(21)       Chr      : 13(14)
Carry #  :  31/36       Weight   : 296 lb 7 oz (Max 487 lbs)
Gold     : 0            Silver   : 0            Copper   : 0           
Wimpy    :  100 hp      Morale   : Moderate     Position : Standing
Hitroll  : 30           Damroll  : 42          
AC pierce : -150  Divinely armored      AC bash   : -150  Divinely armored      
AC slash  : -154  Divinely armored      AC magic  : -41   Very well armored     
AC element: -121  Divinely armored      
vs Spell : Protected           vs Paralysis: Barely protected    
vs Breath: Somewhat protected  vs Mental:    Not protected       
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summon     : You can only be summoned by players within PK range.
Corpseguard: You do not attempt to guard corpses.
Rescue     : You allow others to rescue you.
Give       : You allow things to be given to you.
Trust      : You trust no one with questionable spells/supplications.
Follow     : You accept followers.
You feel full.
You have 0 weapon specializations.
You are specialized in axe.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are affected by:
Commune: 'bless' modifies save vs spell by -14 for 44 hours.
Commune: 'bless' modifies hit roll by 7 for 44 hours.
Power: 'truesight' for 10 hours.
Power: 'truesight' for 10 hours.
Power: 'spellbane' modifies save vs spell by -10 for 7 hours.
Power: 'resistance' for 5 hours.
Commune: 'armor' modifies armor class by -20 for 3 hours.

<656hp 131m 536mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> jk
jThey aren't here.

<656hp 131m 536mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> jk
n
They aren't here.

<656hp 131m 536mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> jkA Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path runs north-south along an old pasture fence. There are no
farmhouses in the vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back
pasture. No livestock would be contained by this fence now, as half the
wooden rails are missing or torn down. The path itself looks heavily
traveled, by both carts and foot travelers, but it is not very well
maintained. In the distance to the south east, a dry-looking forest begins,
and the abandoned farmland extends to the west. Looking south, you can see
the top of a stone structure over the scraggly brush. A ways to the north, 
you can barely see a junction with a larger road.
 
[Exits: north south]

<656hp 131m 533mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> jk
They aren't here.

<656hp 131m 533mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> sca
jYou scan north.
You scan south.
You scan east.
You scan west.
You scan up.
You scan down.

<656hp 131m 533mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> jk
jk
s


They aren't here.

<656hp 131m 533mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> They aren't here.

<656hp 131m 533mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path runs north-south along an old pasture fence. There are no
farmhouses in the vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back
pasture. No livestock would be contained by this fence now, as half the
wooden rails are missing or torn down. The path itself looks heavily
traveled, by both carts and foot travelers, but it is not very well
maintained. In the distance to the south east, a dry-looking forest begins,
and the abandoned farmland extends to the west. Looking south, you can see
the top of a stone structure over the scraggly brush. A ways to the north, 
you can barely see a junction with a larger road.
 
[Exits: north south]

<656hp 131m 530mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> n
jA Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path runs north-south along an old pasture fence. There are no
farmhouses in the vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back
pasture. No livestock would be contained by this fence now, as half the
wooden rails are missing or torn down. The path itself looks heavily
traveled, by both carts and foot travelers, but it is not very well
maintained. In the distance to the south east, a dry-looking forest begins,
and the abandoned farmland extends to the west. Looking south, you can see
the top of a stone structure over the scraggly brush. A ways to the north, 
you can barely see a junction with a larger road.
 
[Exits: north south]

<656hp 131m 527mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> jk
They aren't here.

<656hp 131m 527mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> s
A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path runs north-south along an old pasture fence. There are no
farmhouses in the vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back
pasture. No livestock would be contained by this fence now, as half the
wooden rails are missing or torn down. The path itself looks heavily
traveled, by both carts and foot travelers, but it is not very well
maintained. In the distance to the south east, a dry-looking forest begins,
and the abandoned farmland extends to the west. Looking south, you can see
the top of a stone structure over the scraggly brush. A ways to the north, 
you can barely see a junction with a larger road.
 
[Exits: north south]

<656hp 131m 524mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> sca
jkYou scan north.
You scan south.
You scan east.
You scan west.
You scan up.
You scan down.

<656hp 142m 562mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> jk

[BATTLE] Kretor: thanks for the patch whom ever that was fellas
They aren't here.

<656hp 142m 562mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> n
jk
s

A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path runs north-south along an old pasture fence. There are no
farmhouses in the vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back
pasture. No livestock would be contained by this fence now, as half the
wooden rails are missing or torn down. The path itself looks heavily
traveled, by both carts and foot travelers, but it is not very well
maintained. In the distance to the south east, a dry-looking forest begins,
and the abandoned farmland extends to the west. Looking south, you can see
the top of a stone structure over the scraggly brush. A ways to the north, 
you can barely see a junction with a larger road.
 
[Exits: north south]

<656hp 142m 559mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> 
They aren't here.

<656hp 142m 559mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path runs north-south along an old pasture fence. There are no
farmhouses in the vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back
pasture. No livestock would be contained by this fence now, as half the
wooden rails are missing or torn down. The path itself looks heavily
traveled, by both carts and foot travelers, but it is not very well
maintained. In the distance to the south east, a dry-looking forest begins,
and the abandoned farmland extends to the west. Looking south, you can see
the top of a stone structure over the scraggly brush. A ways to the north, 
you can barely see a junction with a larger road.
 
[Exits: north south]

<656hp 142m 556mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> jk
whThey aren't here.

<656hp 142m 556mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> wher
jk
People near you:
  Friitjoff                    On the Bank of the River
(PK) Gerabis                      A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence

<656hp 142m 556mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> sThey aren't here.

<656hp 142m 556mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> s
A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path along an old pasture fence takes a turn here, running north and
west, to follow the bend of the fence. There are no farmhouses in the 
vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back pasture. No livestock 
would be contained by this fence now, as half the wooden rails are missing 
or torn down. The path itself looks heavily traveled, by both carts and foot 
travelers, but it is not very well maintained. In the distance to the south
east, a dry-looking forest begins, and the abandoned farmland extends to the 
west and north. Looking southwest, you can see the top of a stone structure 
over the scraggly brush. The path continues to the west and north.
 
[Exits: north west]

<656hp 142m 553mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> 
w

<656hp 142m 553mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> whA Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path along an old pasture fence takes a turn here, running south and
east, to follow the bend of the fence. There are no farmhouses in the 
vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back pasture. No livestock 
would be contained by this fence now, as half the wooden rails are missing 
or torn down. The path itself looks heavily traveled, by both carts and foot 
travelers, but it is not very well maintained. In the distance to the south
east, a dry-looking forest begins, and the abandoned farmland extends to the 
west and north. Looking south, you can see the top of a stone structure 
over the scraggly brush. The path continues to the east and south.
 
[Exits: east south]

<656hp 142m 550mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> wher

People near you:
  Friitjoff                    On the Bank of the River
(PK) Gerabis                      A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence

<656hp 142m 550mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> wher
People near you:
  Friitjoff                    On the Bank of the River
(PK) Gerabis                      A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence

<656hp 142m 550mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> wher
People near you:
  Friitjoff                    On the Bank of the River
(PK) Gerabis                      A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence

<656hp 142m 550mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> !
People near you:
  Friitjoff                    On the Bank of the River
(PK) Gerabis                      A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence

<656hp 142m 550mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> !
People near you:
  Friitjoff                    On the Bank of the River
(PK) Gerabis                      A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence

<656hp 142m 550mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> !
People near you:
  Friitjoff                    On the Bank of the River
(PK) Gerabis                      A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence

<656hp 142m 550mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> wher
People near you:
  Friitjoff                    On the Bank of the River
(PK) Gerabis                      A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence
(PK) Jessallias                   A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence

<656hp 142m 550mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> e
jkA Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path along an old pasture fence takes a turn here, running north and
west, to follow the bend of the fence. There are no farmhouses in the 
vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back pasture. No livestock 
would be contained by this fence now, as half the wooden rails are missing 
or torn down. The path itself looks heavily traveled, by both carts and foot 
travelers, but it is not very well maintained. In the distance to the south
east, a dry-looking forest begins, and the abandoned farmland extends to the 
west and north. Looking southwest, you can see the top of a stone structure 
over the scraggly brush. The path continues to the west and north.
 
[Exits: north west]

<656hp 142m 547mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> jk
They aren't here.

<656hp 142m 547mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> n
jk
A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path runs north-south along an old pasture fence. There are no
farmhouses in the vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back
pasture. No livestock would be contained by this fence now, as half the
wooden rails are missing or torn down. The path itself looks heavily
traveled, by both carts and foot travelers, but it is not very well
maintained. In the distance to the south east, a dry-looking forest begins,
and the abandoned farmland extends to the west. Looking south, you can see
the top of a stone structure over the scraggly brush. A ways to the north, 
you can barely see a junction with a larger road.
 
[Exits: north south]
Jessallias the duergar is here.

<656hp 142m 544mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> A shadowy spirit departs from Jessallias and 
enters you!
You drive your axes into both sides of Jessallias's body.
Your brutal attack EVISCERATES Jessallias!
Your brutal attack EVISCERATES Jessallias!
Jessallias yells 'Help! Gerabis is trying to hack me to pieces!'
Jessallias parries your wrath.
Jessallias parries your electrical discharge.
You dodge Jessallias's wrath.
Jessallias has some small but disgusting cuts.

<656hp 142m 544mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> call 
A shadowy spirit departs from Jessallias and enters you!
Your wrath EVISCERATES Jessallias!
Your electrical discharge MUTILATES Jessallias!
Your electrical discharge EVISCERATES Jessallias!
Jessallias parries your wrath.
You parry Jessallias's wrath.
Jessallias's wrath DISMEMBERS you!
You dodge Jessallias's wrath.
Jessallias is covered with bleeding wounds.

<598hp 142m 544mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> call blood

Jessallias nods.
Your wrath DISMEMBERS Jessallias!
Jessallias parries your electrical discharge.
You deliver a blow of deadly force!
Your wrath *** DEVASTATES *** Jessallias!
You dodge Jessallias's wrath.
Jessallias's wrath MASSACRES you!
Jessallias's wrath DISMEMBERS you!
Jessallias is gushing blood.

<468hp 142m 544mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> 
Jessallias rains brutal lashes upon you with the master's whip!
Jessallias's brutal lashing DISMEMBERS you!
Jessallias's brutal lashing EVISCERATES you!
Jessallias's brutal lashing EVISCERATES you!
Jessallias is gushing blood.

<323hp 142m 544mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> pincer

Your wrath MASSACRES Jessallias!
Your electrical discharge EVISCERATES Jessallias!
Your wrath MASSACRES Jessallias!
You dodge Jessallias's wrath.
You dodge Jessallias's wrath.
Jessallias's wrath EVISCERATES you!
Jessallias is writhing in agony.

<271hp 142m 544mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> piYour senses dull as an overwhelming urge for 
blood rushes through your body!
Jessallias is writhing in agony.

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> 
Jessallias parries your wrath.
Your electrical discharge DISMEMBERS Jessallias!
You get in one more shot on Jessallias as he flees.
Your parting blow MASSACRES Jessallias!
Jessallias is incapacitated and will slowly die, if not aided.
Jessallias has fled!
Jessallias leaves north.

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> n
But you aren't fighting anyone!

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> A Path Beside a Crumbling Fence 
  A wide path runs north-south along an old pasture fence. There are no
farmhouses in the vicinity, so this fence must have surrounded a back
pasture. No livestock would be contained by this fence now, as half the
wooden rails are missing or torn down. The path itself looks heavily
traveled, by both carts and foot travelers, but it is not very well
maintained. In the distance to the south east, a dry-looking forest begins,
and the abandoned farmland extends to the west. Looking south, you can see
the top of a stone structure over the scraggly brush. A ways to the north, 
you can barely see a junction with a larger road.
 
[Exits: north south]
Jessallias the duergar is incapacitated.
MORE BLOOD! MORE BLOOD! MORE BLOOD!!!
Jessallias yells 'Help!  I am being attacked by Gerabis!'
Your wrath MANGLES Jessallias!
Jessallias is DEAD!!

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> l i corpse
tellThe burnt corpse of Jessallias contains:
     a large saddle bag
     a fire opal ring
     the master's whip
     (Humming) a blacksmith's forge hammer
     (Glowing) a pair of Arborian leggings
     red-trimmed black adamantite plate boots
     a jeweled lock pick
     a battle cloak
     a pair of black steel gauntlets
     a shield from the hide of a snow worm
     (Magical) (Glowing) (Humming) an unholy axe, 'Nightbringer'
     a skin from the snow leopard
     (Magical) a ring embossed with lightning bolts
     (Magical) a sleek sienna rod
     a raft
     a black whip named 'Penitence'
     (Magical) a bracelet of golden chain
     (Magical) a sleek amber rod
     (Humming) a spider-hilted steel sword
     (Glowing) (Humming) the Helm of Supremacy
     (Glowing) (Humming) the sleeves of Harrapia
     (Humming) the Scales of a Crimson Dragon
     a wide copper bracelet
     the blademaster's sash
     (Glowing) an Amulet of Strength
     (Magical) (Glowing) a potion of return
     8 gold coins
     296 silver coins
     15 copper coins

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> tell jes I touc
Jessallias tells you 'Tough cookie'

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> tell jes I touch nothing.
You tell Jessallias 'I touch nothing.'

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> 
Friitjoff has arrived.

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> say Dont touch it.
You say 'Dont touch it.'

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> say Sorry mate.

Friitjoff nods.
You say 'Sorry mate.'

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> 
Friitjoff sits down and rests.

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> reply Eh, 
Friitjoff says 'Not thinkin' ter touch it.'

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> reply Eh, can I have this wide copper?
You tell Jessallias 'Eh, can I have this wide 
copper?'

<0hp 0m 0mv 5955tnl (56.37%)> reply HEh.
You tell Jessallias 'Heh.'

*** I didnt take it.. wanted it bad though! ***