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The Red Hand of Doom - Completed 8 February 2008: Against Tiamat and Epilogue
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<blockquote data-quote="Pedestrian" data-source="post: 3900640" data-attributes="member: 40208"><p>Lord Jarmaath’s home was a massive building, the old original stone extended and augmented with wood additions. It sat at the top of the hill Brindol was built upon, and held a commanding view of the city, the walls, the lands beyond. Within, it was as grand as the exterior. Artwork celebrating martial prowess adorned the walls, images of the Heir of Heaven in all His glory, the Celestial Throne imbued the radiance of heaven. The Jarmaaths were a pious line, thought Xerxes. In the Empire, that would have meant a cleric behind the throne, Seraphim in every shadow.</p><p></p><p>The guards ushered them, past the assembled and impatient worthies of Brindol, into the dinner hall, now acting as a war room. Around a large table a group of people were in heated discussion. Xerxes recognised Speaker Wiston and Sellyria, but none of the other four. A well dressed man was arguing with a shrewd looking woman in equal finery, his finger jabbing at a map held down by several plates. A stern, heavy set man in the Brindol colours scowled at the whole thing. The last was a woman in silvery robes possessed of an otherworldly air, a Templar.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, hello, welcome,” the well dressed broke off from his argument with the woman, walking around the table to greet them. “I am Lord Jarmaath, ruler of this city. Norro and Sellyria you have met. The others at the table are Lady Kaal, Captain Ulverth of the Lions, and High Templar Tredora Goldenbrow.” Lord Jarmaath grasped both of their wrists in turn, smiling warmly “and you are Xerxes of the South, and Sol, defenders of Drellin’s Ferry. I’ve heard a great deal of your prowess.” As he spoke, he guided the two to the table.</p><p></p><p>“Greetings,” Xerxes raised his hand to his forehead, “Sol and I have just come from the Thornwaste, where we have vanquished the Ghostlord, an ally of the horde. He is returned to myth, nothing more than a tale to frighten children, and a further blow to the Hand. What progress against the Hand has been made here in the Vale in our absence?”</p><p></p><p>“The Ghostlord dead?” Jarmaath clapped his hands together excitedly, “by the Celestial Throne, that’s good news. Another thorn gone from our side.” He swept his hand to indicate the map. “The progress is as you see it before you. We make plans to hold off an assault. Thanks to your heroic efforts in the Fens and the larger Vale, we can count on the support of the good elves of the Kiri Titor” he bowed to Sellyria “and the Shining Axes. Captain Helmbreaker reported your names to me, as have many others. Your fame grows large!</p><p></p><p>“Your deeds are well known to we in Brindol, but only in the broadest strokes.” He clapped a hand against the firm muscle of Sol’s arm “Brave Sol, have you slain greater beasts than the two Chimera you vanquished at Drellin’s Ferry?” Sol scowled, thinking a jest had been made at his expense. Jarmaath seemed not to notice. “And you, cunning Xerxes, I have no doubt your eldritch arts played a role in the downfall of the Ghostlord. So, friends, tell us of your deeds, of what you know of the Hand and its plans, any weaknesses.” He waved to a servant “See to it that our brave heroes have anything they desire. Wine? Food? No doubt the quest has put a thirst into you. Come, tell us of the Blackfens, of the monsters you faced there.”</p><p></p><p>“Sol struck down an infernal Behir guarding the crypt of the Ghostlord,” Xerxes supplied uncertainly. This was not what he had had in mind for the war council. Jarmaath seemed more intent on showing them off to the dour council then in preparing for war “And destroyed the body of the Ghostlord while I banished its festering remnant of a soul.”</p><p></p><p>“A… behir? A fiendish behir?” Lady Kaal’s voice seemed to carry a sneer, though it may only have been her cultured Argyle accent. “Did this happen to be an ally of the Hand, or just some roving monster you despatched in Waste?”</p><p></p><p>“It was at the entrance to the lair… it could have been either, I suppose.” Lady Kaal seemed unimpressed with this answer, inclining her head toward Lord Jarmaath.</p><p></p><p>“Aye, aye, the Ghostlord done. That is good, knowing the Hand will not be able to call on the forces from beyond death.” Jarmaath moved some black pebbles from the tabletop, placing them in a small coffer. “What of Rhest? The ruins of the old kingdom? Sellyria tells me you aided her people, earning their allegiance, fought off dragons and worse… though I can scarce imagine what could be worse!”</p><p></p><p>“I received visions of Rhest,” Tredora’s voice was musical, almost verging on song. Xerxes was slightly unnerved by her presence. Could it be she carried the blood of the Heralds of the Sun? “Visions of a monstrous birth. Sellyria assures us that you mercenaries dealt with it?”</p><p></p><p>“Your visions are accurate, High Templar. The Red Hand were involved in some plan to breed a new creature, infused with the blood and power of forest dragons. I can only offer guesses, as I’ve never witnessed their like, and my studies only told me that little. They are fierce, and strong, but neither so much as their dragon forebears.”</p><p></p><p>The table erupted in clamour.</p><p></p><p>“Dragon men? Did they fly?-“ “surely if they are some new miscegentation-“ “- Sol, what of the battle with them?”</p><p></p><p>“So, what have you done to get ready for the fight then?” interrupted Sol, stretching the thick fingers of his hands, to encompass the maps, looking as if he thought to scoop up the whole city into that strong grasp.</p><p></p><p>“Indeed,” Xerxes stepped up to the map, scanning the coloured stones arrayed here and there “There are dragons at hand now. We saw a red, a massive beast, on our flight to Brindol. We should prepare for that.”</p><p></p><p>“Sol is right to call us to the matter at hand, of course,” Lord Jarmaath looked vaguely disappointed, but Xerxes didn’t feel overly worried. He and Sol were not here to entertain some bored noble. “I have a plan, a bold one, but if you hear me out, I think you’ll see the wisdom in it.” As Jarmaath spoke, he moved his hands about the city map, emphasising with jabbing fingers. “If we can gain the field outside Brindol, we can strike at the Horde using our superior skill at arms to break them, perhaps cause a rout. Audacious, I know, but the element of surprise will help us gain in the early stages, and perhaps even break the Hand.”</p><p></p><p>“My Lord!” cried Captain Ulverth, horror quickly hidden on his broad face “I beg your pardon lord but we should consider using the high walls of Brindol to defend our warriors as they battle the Horde.”</p><p></p><p>“I have considered that, Lars. I am concerned that placing our men on the walls only lines them up for dragonfire, and fighting in the streets will lead to a fiery death-trap. This way, seizing the initiative, we can cut into the Horde and perhaps spare Brindol from the torch.”</p><p></p><p>“I am not certain of this plan, Jarmaath,” Lady Kaal’s voice was acidic “it seems a risky gamble for glory.”</p><p></p><p>“There’ll be no glory here. Just fighting.”</p><p></p><p>“My point, Master Sol, is that I would prefer the fighting spared lives and relied on what we have, rather than throwing them into the mouth of the Horde.”</p><p></p><p>“Well, if we mass ranks out on the field, those on the wall can shoot, give a bit of cover.”</p><p></p><p>“Aye, that is true, but if one hundred of we Lions can make a difference on the wall, a thousand all up with crossbows will make that much more.”</p><p></p><p>“What of the Halflings? And the Six of Prosser?” Xerxes had almost forgotten about the small folk of Dauth, and the band they looked to for protection.</p><p></p><p>“We… Lord Jarmaath held audience with the Six three days past,” answered Tredora, “the folk of Prosser and Dauth have either joined the militia if they are able, or moved on to Dennovar if they are not.”</p><p></p><p>“I was just considering… we need a band of those mighty in arts eldritch and martial, to assist Sol and I an vanquishing the flame drake.”</p><p></p><p>“Yeah. What about magic too? Anyone any good at that in the city?”</p><p></p><p>Lady Kaal looked distinctly uncomfortable. Captain Ulverth spoke up. “There is Immerstal the Red. Lady Kaal and he have an… understanding. We’ll have to negotiate.”</p><p></p><p>“The Temple stands with Brindol, of course.” Tredora’s amber complexion darkened for a breath. “There are also the local cults and the newcomer, the Ruby Knights. And the… the Heretics. They have all declared for Brindol.”</p><p></p><p>“It don’t matter who someone prays to if they’ll save lives.”</p><p></p><p>"Discussions of theology are better suited for another day. Suffice to say, I accept the aid of these others, but I will not condone their beliefs."</p><p></p><p>Sol grunted noncommittally. “Anyway, a bunch of magic guys would be a big help in killing the dragon. Who can lend a hand?”</p><p></p><p>“In good time Sol. First let’s attend to the broader battle, eh?” Lord Jarmaath stood straight. “So, are we to follow my plan, and seize the day? Or hide behind the walls? I’m for meeting destiny with sword in hand, so I say aye.”</p><p></p><p>“Nay.” Lady Kaal’s tone brooked no argument.</p><p></p><p>My men are brave, well-trained and equipped. But the weight of numbers against them... Out on the field, they can be consumed easily by the dragon. I cannot, in good conscience, commit to the field. I say nay."</p><p></p><p>Lady Tredora’s face was a conflict of doubt. “Though I fear… no matter. I support Lord Jarmaath’s plan. Aye for the field.”</p><p></p><p>“Two votes either way. Lady Sellyria, yours is the deciding vote.”</p><p></p><p>"My people have long relied on mobility and superior skill to survive in what you know as the Blackfens. We also use the land to our advantage. To forsake the shelter of your high walls... no, you should not send your warriors into the field. Nay."</p><p></p><p>“The nays have it then,” sighed Jarmaath.</p><p></p><p>“Ok, so what about the dragon? Who’s going to help me and Xerx out with that?”</p><p></p><p>“Sol, my friend, I suspect wherever we fight, the dragon will not waste time in finding us all.”</p><p></p><p>“Even with these high walls,” Sellyria spoke up again, “The Horde is many. You, we should consider what to do should they fall.” The council members were silent, uncomfortable at the thought of the walls failing, the Hand running unchecked through the streets. Would mentioning the possibility weaken the stone?</p><p></p><p>“All I know is there is a dragon flying with the Hand, and it needs to be dealt with.”</p><p></p><p>“Yeah, can we get some volunteers and we’ll take care of the beasty.”</p><p></p><p>“Sol, Xerxes,” Ulverth heaved a tired sight. His eyes were red, sunk into his face like he suffered from a ravaging sickness “Aye, there’s a dragon that’s to be dealt with. And five thousand hobgoblins. And two thousand more goblins on wolf-back. Who knows how many giants? There are many threats. Perhaps more than Brindol can face. The dragon’s a big one, but I need to look to the city’s defence as a whole.”</p><p></p><p>Jarmaath placed a hand on the captain’s shoulder. “Lars, you are wise in the ways of war.” He lifted his hand, encompassing Sol and Xerxes in a broad sweep, “but as are these heroes. The dragon needs to be planned for, and deeply, but first let us, as Lars suggests, look to the rest of the city. And then,” he clenched his hand, grinned fiercely, “we can talk of the role you will play in the coming battle.”</p><p></p><p>“We aren’t going to!” Sol had lost his temper “Xerx and I are going to get the dragon, whether you give us help or not!”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, see to whatever you wish, and Sol and I will face the peril over the city,” Xerxes heard his voice raising, and shook his fist at the council, “We will see who will stand with us or go it alone as we need. Our only concern is the dragon and preventing it from burning the city down around us all.”</p><p></p><p>“Very well,” Jarmaath’s earlier good humour was gone, icy formality settling in its place, “I see that you are determined. We will hold council, and provide you with whatever aid we can in your dragonslaying.”</p><p></p><p>Xerxes swallowed his anger, a hard act. “We did not wish to focus on the one thing, we understand that the dragon is not the only problem, but it seemed as though you dismissed our idea and moved on, we just wished some feedback. We have not come this far just to fight a dragon, we have done that and it is not so much fun. We are here for the city and wish to discuss plans further, for all we've done all we ask is that we be of service to you”</p><p></p><p>“Look, I know what it's like. I was young once, a wanderer" Jarmaath smiled, "but I must think of the whole of the city. Yes, the dragon is a huge threat - tremendous - and likely you two must deal with it. But we cannot very ignore that potential of hundreds of hobgoblins breaking through the gate, or giant bombarding us. Do you see what I am speaking of?” Jarmaath visibly softened. Here was not a hard man, a bold tyrant, realised Xerxes. He could be decisive, perhaps, but as a ruler, Lord Jarmaath sought only to be loved.</p><p></p><p>The pair settled themselves in for a long discussion but, apart from Jarmaath, the rest of the council seemed to only half entertain their ideas. The plans went back and forth, decisions were made. The healers of the Temple would be split up amongst the units of the army, to offer support in battle. A system of barricades would be used to block the roads. Finally, Xerxes would be linked in a telepathic bond with Lord Jarmaath, Immerstal and Lady Kaal. This last point was hotly argued, and only resolved with the concession that Kaal would support a field battle outside Brindol.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Pedestrian, post: 3900640, member: 40208"] Lord Jarmaath’s home was a massive building, the old original stone extended and augmented with wood additions. It sat at the top of the hill Brindol was built upon, and held a commanding view of the city, the walls, the lands beyond. Within, it was as grand as the exterior. Artwork celebrating martial prowess adorned the walls, images of the Heir of Heaven in all His glory, the Celestial Throne imbued the radiance of heaven. The Jarmaaths were a pious line, thought Xerxes. In the Empire, that would have meant a cleric behind the throne, Seraphim in every shadow. The guards ushered them, past the assembled and impatient worthies of Brindol, into the dinner hall, now acting as a war room. Around a large table a group of people were in heated discussion. Xerxes recognised Speaker Wiston and Sellyria, but none of the other four. A well dressed man was arguing with a shrewd looking woman in equal finery, his finger jabbing at a map held down by several plates. A stern, heavy set man in the Brindol colours scowled at the whole thing. The last was a woman in silvery robes possessed of an otherworldly air, a Templar. “Ah, hello, welcome,” the well dressed broke off from his argument with the woman, walking around the table to greet them. “I am Lord Jarmaath, ruler of this city. Norro and Sellyria you have met. The others at the table are Lady Kaal, Captain Ulverth of the Lions, and High Templar Tredora Goldenbrow.” Lord Jarmaath grasped both of their wrists in turn, smiling warmly “and you are Xerxes of the South, and Sol, defenders of Drellin’s Ferry. I’ve heard a great deal of your prowess.” As he spoke, he guided the two to the table. “Greetings,” Xerxes raised his hand to his forehead, “Sol and I have just come from the Thornwaste, where we have vanquished the Ghostlord, an ally of the horde. He is returned to myth, nothing more than a tale to frighten children, and a further blow to the Hand. What progress against the Hand has been made here in the Vale in our absence?” “The Ghostlord dead?” Jarmaath clapped his hands together excitedly, “by the Celestial Throne, that’s good news. Another thorn gone from our side.” He swept his hand to indicate the map. “The progress is as you see it before you. We make plans to hold off an assault. Thanks to your heroic efforts in the Fens and the larger Vale, we can count on the support of the good elves of the Kiri Titor” he bowed to Sellyria “and the Shining Axes. Captain Helmbreaker reported your names to me, as have many others. Your fame grows large! “Your deeds are well known to we in Brindol, but only in the broadest strokes.” He clapped a hand against the firm muscle of Sol’s arm “Brave Sol, have you slain greater beasts than the two Chimera you vanquished at Drellin’s Ferry?” Sol scowled, thinking a jest had been made at his expense. Jarmaath seemed not to notice. “And you, cunning Xerxes, I have no doubt your eldritch arts played a role in the downfall of the Ghostlord. So, friends, tell us of your deeds, of what you know of the Hand and its plans, any weaknesses.” He waved to a servant “See to it that our brave heroes have anything they desire. Wine? Food? No doubt the quest has put a thirst into you. Come, tell us of the Blackfens, of the monsters you faced there.” “Sol struck down an infernal Behir guarding the crypt of the Ghostlord,” Xerxes supplied uncertainly. This was not what he had had in mind for the war council. Jarmaath seemed more intent on showing them off to the dour council then in preparing for war “And destroyed the body of the Ghostlord while I banished its festering remnant of a soul.” “A… behir? A fiendish behir?” Lady Kaal’s voice seemed to carry a sneer, though it may only have been her cultured Argyle accent. “Did this happen to be an ally of the Hand, or just some roving monster you despatched in Waste?” “It was at the entrance to the lair… it could have been either, I suppose.” Lady Kaal seemed unimpressed with this answer, inclining her head toward Lord Jarmaath. “Aye, aye, the Ghostlord done. That is good, knowing the Hand will not be able to call on the forces from beyond death.” Jarmaath moved some black pebbles from the tabletop, placing them in a small coffer. “What of Rhest? The ruins of the old kingdom? Sellyria tells me you aided her people, earning their allegiance, fought off dragons and worse… though I can scarce imagine what could be worse!” “I received visions of Rhest,” Tredora’s voice was musical, almost verging on song. Xerxes was slightly unnerved by her presence. Could it be she carried the blood of the Heralds of the Sun? “Visions of a monstrous birth. Sellyria assures us that you mercenaries dealt with it?” “Your visions are accurate, High Templar. The Red Hand were involved in some plan to breed a new creature, infused with the blood and power of forest dragons. I can only offer guesses, as I’ve never witnessed their like, and my studies only told me that little. They are fierce, and strong, but neither so much as their dragon forebears.” The table erupted in clamour. “Dragon men? Did they fly?-“ “surely if they are some new miscegentation-“ “- Sol, what of the battle with them?” “So, what have you done to get ready for the fight then?” interrupted Sol, stretching the thick fingers of his hands, to encompass the maps, looking as if he thought to scoop up the whole city into that strong grasp. “Indeed,” Xerxes stepped up to the map, scanning the coloured stones arrayed here and there “There are dragons at hand now. We saw a red, a massive beast, on our flight to Brindol. We should prepare for that.” “Sol is right to call us to the matter at hand, of course,” Lord Jarmaath looked vaguely disappointed, but Xerxes didn’t feel overly worried. He and Sol were not here to entertain some bored noble. “I have a plan, a bold one, but if you hear me out, I think you’ll see the wisdom in it.” As Jarmaath spoke, he moved his hands about the city map, emphasising with jabbing fingers. “If we can gain the field outside Brindol, we can strike at the Horde using our superior skill at arms to break them, perhaps cause a rout. Audacious, I know, but the element of surprise will help us gain in the early stages, and perhaps even break the Hand.” “My Lord!” cried Captain Ulverth, horror quickly hidden on his broad face “I beg your pardon lord but we should consider using the high walls of Brindol to defend our warriors as they battle the Horde.” “I have considered that, Lars. I am concerned that placing our men on the walls only lines them up for dragonfire, and fighting in the streets will lead to a fiery death-trap. This way, seizing the initiative, we can cut into the Horde and perhaps spare Brindol from the torch.” “I am not certain of this plan, Jarmaath,” Lady Kaal’s voice was acidic “it seems a risky gamble for glory.” “There’ll be no glory here. Just fighting.” “My point, Master Sol, is that I would prefer the fighting spared lives and relied on what we have, rather than throwing them into the mouth of the Horde.” “Well, if we mass ranks out on the field, those on the wall can shoot, give a bit of cover.” “Aye, that is true, but if one hundred of we Lions can make a difference on the wall, a thousand all up with crossbows will make that much more.” “What of the Halflings? And the Six of Prosser?” Xerxes had almost forgotten about the small folk of Dauth, and the band they looked to for protection. “We… Lord Jarmaath held audience with the Six three days past,” answered Tredora, “the folk of Prosser and Dauth have either joined the militia if they are able, or moved on to Dennovar if they are not.” “I was just considering… we need a band of those mighty in arts eldritch and martial, to assist Sol and I an vanquishing the flame drake.” “Yeah. What about magic too? Anyone any good at that in the city?” Lady Kaal looked distinctly uncomfortable. Captain Ulverth spoke up. “There is Immerstal the Red. Lady Kaal and he have an… understanding. We’ll have to negotiate.” “The Temple stands with Brindol, of course.” Tredora’s amber complexion darkened for a breath. “There are also the local cults and the newcomer, the Ruby Knights. And the… the Heretics. They have all declared for Brindol.” “It don’t matter who someone prays to if they’ll save lives.” "Discussions of theology are better suited for another day. Suffice to say, I accept the aid of these others, but I will not condone their beliefs." Sol grunted noncommittally. “Anyway, a bunch of magic guys would be a big help in killing the dragon. Who can lend a hand?” “In good time Sol. First let’s attend to the broader battle, eh?” Lord Jarmaath stood straight. “So, are we to follow my plan, and seize the day? Or hide behind the walls? I’m for meeting destiny with sword in hand, so I say aye.” “Nay.” Lady Kaal’s tone brooked no argument. My men are brave, well-trained and equipped. But the weight of numbers against them... Out on the field, they can be consumed easily by the dragon. I cannot, in good conscience, commit to the field. I say nay." Lady Tredora’s face was a conflict of doubt. “Though I fear… no matter. I support Lord Jarmaath’s plan. Aye for the field.” “Two votes either way. Lady Sellyria, yours is the deciding vote.” "My people have long relied on mobility and superior skill to survive in what you know as the Blackfens. We also use the land to our advantage. To forsake the shelter of your high walls... no, you should not send your warriors into the field. Nay." “The nays have it then,” sighed Jarmaath. “Ok, so what about the dragon? Who’s going to help me and Xerx out with that?” “Sol, my friend, I suspect wherever we fight, the dragon will not waste time in finding us all.” “Even with these high walls,” Sellyria spoke up again, “The Horde is many. You, we should consider what to do should they fall.” The council members were silent, uncomfortable at the thought of the walls failing, the Hand running unchecked through the streets. Would mentioning the possibility weaken the stone? “All I know is there is a dragon flying with the Hand, and it needs to be dealt with.” “Yeah, can we get some volunteers and we’ll take care of the beasty.” “Sol, Xerxes,” Ulverth heaved a tired sight. His eyes were red, sunk into his face like he suffered from a ravaging sickness “Aye, there’s a dragon that’s to be dealt with. And five thousand hobgoblins. And two thousand more goblins on wolf-back. Who knows how many giants? There are many threats. Perhaps more than Brindol can face. The dragon’s a big one, but I need to look to the city’s defence as a whole.” Jarmaath placed a hand on the captain’s shoulder. “Lars, you are wise in the ways of war.” He lifted his hand, encompassing Sol and Xerxes in a broad sweep, “but as are these heroes. The dragon needs to be planned for, and deeply, but first let us, as Lars suggests, look to the rest of the city. And then,” he clenched his hand, grinned fiercely, “we can talk of the role you will play in the coming battle.” “We aren’t going to!” Sol had lost his temper “Xerx and I are going to get the dragon, whether you give us help or not!” “Yes, see to whatever you wish, and Sol and I will face the peril over the city,” Xerxes heard his voice raising, and shook his fist at the council, “We will see who will stand with us or go it alone as we need. Our only concern is the dragon and preventing it from burning the city down around us all.” “Very well,” Jarmaath’s earlier good humour was gone, icy formality settling in its place, “I see that you are determined. We will hold council, and provide you with whatever aid we can in your dragonslaying.” Xerxes swallowed his anger, a hard act. “We did not wish to focus on the one thing, we understand that the dragon is not the only problem, but it seemed as though you dismissed our idea and moved on, we just wished some feedback. We have not come this far just to fight a dragon, we have done that and it is not so much fun. We are here for the city and wish to discuss plans further, for all we've done all we ask is that we be of service to you” “Look, I know what it's like. I was young once, a wanderer" Jarmaath smiled, "but I must think of the whole of the city. Yes, the dragon is a huge threat - tremendous - and likely you two must deal with it. But we cannot very ignore that potential of hundreds of hobgoblins breaking through the gate, or giant bombarding us. Do you see what I am speaking of?” Jarmaath visibly softened. Here was not a hard man, a bold tyrant, realised Xerxes. He could be decisive, perhaps, but as a ruler, Lord Jarmaath sought only to be loved. The pair settled themselves in for a long discussion but, apart from Jarmaath, the rest of the council seemed to only half entertain their ideas. The plans went back and forth, decisions were made. The healers of the Temple would be split up amongst the units of the army, to offer support in battle. A system of barricades would be used to block the roads. Finally, Xerxes would be linked in a telepathic bond with Lord Jarmaath, Immerstal and Lady Kaal. This last point was hotly argued, and only resolved with the concession that Kaal would support a field battle outside Brindol. [/QUOTE]
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The Red Hand of Doom - Completed 8 February 2008: Against Tiamat and Epilogue
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