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cyric_s_newbie_tutorial [2023/11/09 09:25]
cyric [Shadowdancer] 		cyric_s_newbie_tutorial [2025/10/17 09:49] (current)
cyric [Newbie Tutorial]
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 Updated June 8, 2022 - Oracle tutorial updated to give specific stat recommendations and also add an offensive spell to ease getting through Kilgore Keep\\ Updated June 8, 2022 - Oracle tutorial updated to give specific stat recommendations and also add an offensive spell to ease getting through Kilgore Keep\\
-Updated Nov 9, 2023 - Changed thief build to duelist style\\+Updated Nov 9, 2023 - Changed Thief build to duelist style\\ 
 +Updated Dec 13, 2023 - Slight tweaks to Oracle guide to align with updated spell lists 
 +Updated Oct 17, 2025, - Slight tweaks to Thief guide to add Thief talents\\ 
 **Note to everyone**: This tutorial should be periodically reviewed and updated to account for MUD changes. **Note to everyone**: This tutorial should be periodically reviewed and updated to account for MUD changes.
  
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 ''list'' to see the items, show ''item 1'', ''show item 2'' etc. to make sure you're buying the right one.\\ ''list'' to see the items, show ''item 1'', ''show item 2'' etc. to make sure you're buying the right one.\\
 ''buy large sack'' and ''buy climbing tools''\\ ''buy large sack'' and ''buy climbing tools''\\
-      * eventually you'll want 5 large sacks or backpacks.  They will let you carry more; try not to go overboard (best bet is to stay under 6 containers)\\+      * The limit is 5 containers, plus one of each unique type (like a scroll case), so you'll eventually want 5 sacks or backpacks.  \\
       * do not put sacks inside of sacks, they do not save.       * do not put sacks inside of sacks, they do not save.
       * when you check your inventory ''i'' inside of a shop, it will show you what you can sell at that shop for how much gold\\       * when you check your inventory ''i'' inside of a shop, it will show you what you can sell at that shop for how much gold\\
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 ''list'' to see the items, show ''item 1'', ''show item 2'' etc. to make sure you're buying the right one.\\ ''list'' to see the items, show ''item 1'', ''show item 2'' etc. to make sure you're buying the right one.\\
 ''buy large sack'' and ''buy climbing tools''\\ ''buy large sack'' and ''buy climbing tools''\\
-    - eventually you'll want 5 large sacks or backpacks.  They will let you carry more; try not to go overboard (best bet is to stay under 6 containers)\\+    - The limit is 5 containers, plus one of each unique type (like a scroll case), so you'll eventually want 5 sacks or backpacks.  \\
     - do not put sacks inside of sacks, they do not save.     - do not put sacks inside of sacks, they do not save.
     - when you check your inventory ''i'' inside of a shop, it will show you what you can sell at that shop for how much gold\\     - when you check your inventory ''i'' inside of a shop, it will show you what you can sell at that shop for how much gold\\
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 Head north from the Offestry main square until you reach a meadow.  \\ Head north from the Offestry main square until you reach a meadow.  \\
 ''wear robe'' if you haven't already.\\ ''wear robe'' if you haven't already.\\
-''ms1'' to cast monster summoning 1, and some prisms should appear. \\+''ms1'' to cast monster summoning 1, and some animal should appear. \\
 They should grow to double normal size and begin to glow.  If not, you need to ''hardenedminions''.\\ They should grow to double normal size and begin to glow.  If not, you need to ''hardenedminions''.\\
 ''dispell'' will let you see what spells are active and how long you have remaining on the spell's duration. ''dispell'' will let you see what spells are active and how long you have remaining on the spell's duration.
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 you now have a new feat you can add.  We will pick: \\ you now have a new feat you can add.  We will pick: \\
-''feats add spell penetration'' - we are building towards perfect caster\\+''feats add greater spell power'' - more caster levels are good\\
 ''cl me'' to heal yourself to max hp\\ ''cl me'' to heal yourself to max hp\\
 ''master'' shows us we have a free level 1 spell slot. \\ ''master'' shows us we have a free level 1 spell slot. \\
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 Go 1 north to the town square (Caerveron Square).  \\ Go 1 north to the town square (Caerveron Square).  \\
 We're going to use this room (and the yard of the crown and castle inn) as a central point for directions going forward.  The town square is near the southern side of Tabor.\\ We're going to use this room (and the yard of the crown and castle inn) as a central point for directions going forward.  The town square is near the southern side of Tabor.\\
-We also have two new feats we can add.  ''feats spellcraft greater spell power'', ''feats add perfect caster''.  This will allow us to use area effect spells without damaging our fodder or party members.\\+We also have two new feats we can add.  ''feats spellcraft spell penetration'', ''feats add perfect caster''.  This will allow us to use area effect spells without damaging our fodder or party members.\\
 We also receive a coif +1, ''study coif'', ''wear coif''\\ We also receive a coif +1, ''study coif'', ''wear coif''\\
     - this coif is good as it will increase to +2 at level 12 and +3 at level 18.\\     - this coif is good as it will increase to +2 at level 12 and +3 at level 18.\\
 We also open up our first level 3 spell slot, excellent. We also open up our first level 3 spell slot, excellent.
 ''alias prep3 prepare oracle level 3 times 50'', ''prep3'' ''alias prep3 prepare oracle level 3 times 50'', ''prep3''
-''master searing light'', ''alias sear cast searing light on $*'' - there are a lot of great spells at level 3, but we're going to pick up our first real offensive spell to use to take on some toughter monsters.+''master wave of pain'', ''alias wav cast wave of pain on $*'' - there are a lot of great spells at level 3, but we're going to pick up our first real offensive spell to use to take on some toughter monsters.
     - At level 6, we can cast this four times per fight, which, combined with our fodder, should be enough for fights in most low level areas.\\     - At level 6, we can cast this four times per fight, which, combined with our fodder, should be enough for fights in most low level areas.\\
-    - you can ''sl att'' to cast searing light at attacker, which will hit whatever you're fighting.+    - you can ''wav att'' to cast wave of pain at attacker, which will hit whatever you're fighting.
 heal yourself with cure light wounds to go to max hp.\\ heal yourself with cure light wounds to go to max hp.\\
  
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 When you have enough to advance to level 7, you'll need to find a board (like at the crown and castle), a church, or a dock. When you have enough to advance to level 7, you'll need to find a board (like at the crown and castle), a church, or a dock.
     - at level 7 we get another level 2 spell and another level 3 spell.     - at level 7 we get another level 2 spell and another level 3 spell.
-    - we take eagles splendor to give a little extra oomph to our searing light.+    - we take eagles splendor to give a little extra oomph to our spells.
     - we also take remove blindness because blindness means you can't target anything, and also you can't see where you're going.  Its a very bad time.     - we also take remove blindness because blindness means you can't target anything, and also you can't see where you're going.  Its a very bad time.
  
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         - ''master spiritual ally'', ''alias ally cast spiritual ally'', ''alias com command ally to $*''         - ''master spiritual ally'', ''alias ally cast spiritual ally'', ''alias com command ally to $*''
         - this lets us summon a spiritual ally, which is a powerful summons that we can command to do things for us.  ''help spiritual ally''         - this lets us summon a spiritual ally, which is a powerful summons that we can command to do things for us.  ''help spiritual ally''
-        - it is an excellent and versatile spell.  You can command your ally to ''protect'' you, for additional defense above what your prisms do.  You can use it scout areas ahead of you and trip traps that may be blocking exits.  With your high cha, monsters are unlikely to attack you, so you can command your ally to attack them first if you're not sure how strong they are.  Try out different commands and see what works with it.  +        - it is an excellent and versatile spell.  You can command your ally to ''protect'' you, for additional defense above what your summoned animals can do.  You can use it scout areas ahead of you and trip traps that may be blocking exits.  With your high cha, monsters are unlikely to attack you, so you can command your ally to attack them first if you're not sure how strong they are.  Try out different commands and see what works with it.  
     - another good level 4 spell is freedom of movement     - another good level 4 spell is freedom of movement
         - if you get stunned, use ''freeme'' to try to unstun yourself.         - if you get stunned, use ''freeme'' to try to unstun yourself.
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         - ''master resist energy'', fire is usually good but if you know what spells are going to be cast against you, you can protect yourself somewhat.         - ''master resist energy'', fire is usually good but if you know what spells are going to be cast against you, you can protect yourself somewhat.
         - This spell also lasts a long time so best to always have it active.         - This spell also lasts a long time so best to always have it active.
-    - thanks to our high cha, we now have 8 level 3 spell slots, so we can be more liberal with our searing light spells, just remember to prepare after every fight.+    - thanks to our high cha, we now have 8 level 3 spell slots, so we can be more liberal with our wave of pain, just remember to prepare after every fight.
     - I killed Laklier after a Yntala leprechuan sent me to the rainbow room (you'll know what this is if it happens to you) at level 9, but it was a tough fight so I recommend waiting until later.     - I killed Laklier after a Yntala leprechuan sent me to the rainbow room (you'll know what this is if it happens to you) at level 9, but it was a tough fight so I recommend waiting until later.
  
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         - this gives us some bonuses while in combat.         - this gives us some bonuses while in combat.
     - with an area effect spell, we can use the throw command (explained below) to bring larger numbers of monsters into the room with us at once, and hit them with our area spell.  This will make gaining xp faster.  Try it in Yntala forest.     - with an area effect spell, we can use the throw command (explained below) to bring larger numbers of monsters into the room with us at once, and hit them with our area spell.  This will make gaining xp faster.  Try it in Yntala forest.
-        - watch out for your prisms vanishing, that means you'll need to cast another monster summoning soon. +        - watch out for your animals dying, that means you'll need to cast another monster summoning soon. 
-        - use serenity on groups, falling back on searing light when there is only one enemy left or when you run out of level 5 spells.+        - use serenity on groups, falling back on wave of pain when there is only one enemy left or when you run out of level 5 spells.
  
 Advancing to level 11: Advancing to level 11:
     - we get the option to multiclass here, but we're going to stick with oracle to finish out the spell progression     - we get the option to multiclass here, but we're going to stick with oracle to finish out the spell progression
     - we receive a new spellcraft feat, I picked ''feats spellcraft greater spell penetration''     - we receive a new spellcraft feat, I picked ''feats spellcraft greater spell penetration''
-    - we also receive another level 5 spell, I picked ''master monster summoning v'' because we have enough damage spells (one area and one targeted is really all you need) at level 5 and our level 1 prisms are getting beaten up by more powerful and numerous monsters we're fighting.+    - we also receive another level 5 spell, I picked ''master monster summoning v'' because we have enough damage spells (one area and one targeted is really all you need) at level 5 and our level 1 animal is getting beaten up by more powerful and numerous monsters we're fighting.
     - ''alias ms5 cast monster summoning v''     - ''alias ms5 cast monster summoning v''
     - remember if you're out of level 5 spells and your fodder gets destroyed/dispelled, to fall back on ''ms1''.     - remember if you're out of level 5 spells and your fodder gets destroyed/dispelled, to fall back on ''ms1''.
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 Yntala is really meant for characters leveled to the teens, but we can take it at level 8-9 with our fodder (I was able to do it at 6 straight out of offestry so a newbie at level 8-9 should be ok) if we're careful. Yntala is really meant for characters leveled to the teens, but we can take it at level 8-9 with our fodder (I was able to do it at 6 straight out of offestry so a newbie at level 8-9 should be ok) if we're careful.
     - our high cha means nothing will automatically attack us     - our high cha means nothing will automatically attack us
-    - make sure your monster summoning has duration and your prisms, ally, and weapon aren't too damaged before getting into a fight: ''con target'' to see their health+    - make sure your monster summoning has duration and your fodder and ally aren't too damaged before getting into a fight: ''con target'' to see their health
     - dispell and recast them if they're too beaten up or if the duration is about to expire.     - dispell and recast them if they're too beaten up or if the duration is about to expire.
     - don't forget your AOE shield (shield of dawn).     - don't forget your AOE shield (shield of dawn).
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 == Feats == == Feats ==
  
-    * ''feats racial weapon finesse'' \\ +    * ''feats racial opportunity strikes'' \\ 
-      * this uses our human feat to add the weapon finesse option, which adds our dexterity to attack and damage\\ +      * this uses our human feat on the first feat of the duelist tree, improving our damage when using a single one-handed weapon. 
-    * ''feats add opportunity strikes'' \\ +
-      * this is the first feat on the duelist tree, and improves our damage when using a single one-handed weapon. +
  It also is a prerequisite for swipe, which we will be using a lot.\\  It also is a prerequisite for swipe, which we will be using a lot.\\
-      * Swipe is important because it stuns the enemy, which opens them up for sneak attacks. \\ 
  
 +    * ''feats add swipe'' \\
 +      * ''alias 1 swipe $*''.  This will allow you to use the ''1'' command to swipe the next available enemy, or you can do ''1 <target>'' to target a specific one.  If it lands, it stuns them, which is great as opens them up for sneak attacks.\\
  
 == Weapons == == Weapons ==
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 ''list'' to see the items, show ''item 1'', ''show item 2'' etc. to make sure you're buying the right one.\\ ''list'' to see the items, show ''item 1'', ''show item 2'' etc. to make sure you're buying the right one.\\
 ''buy large sack'' and ''buy climbing tools''\\ ''buy large sack'' and ''buy climbing tools''\\
-      * eventually you'll want 5 large sacks or backpacks.  They will let you carry more; try not to go overboard (best bet is to stay under 6 containers)\\+      * The limit is 5 containers, plus one of each unique type (like a scroll case), so you'll eventually want 5 sacks or backpacks.  \\
       * do not put sacks inside of sacks, they do not save.       * do not put sacks inside of sacks, they do not save.
       * when you check your inventory ''i'' inside of a shop, it will show you what you can sell at that shop for how much gold\\       * when you check your inventory ''i'' inside of a shop, it will show you what you can sell at that shop for how much gold\\
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 you receive new items, ''wear belt'', ''wear greaves'' \\ you receive new items, ''wear belt'', ''wear greaves'' \\
  
-you now have a feats to add.  We will pick swipe: \\ +you now have a feat to add.  We will pick true strikes: \\ 
-''feats add swipe'' - gives you the swipe command.  ''alias 1 swipe $*''.  This will allow you to use the ''1'' command to swipe the next available enemy, or you can do ''1 <target>'' to target a specific one.  If it lands, it stuns them, which is great as opens them up for sneak attacks.\\+''feats add true strikes'' - every little bit of attack bonus helps, and this gives us +3. \\
  
  
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 We also have a new feat we can add.\\ We also have a new feat we can add.\\
 ''feats add positioning'' - This gives you a chance for an extra attack when an enemy is vulnerable, stacks well with swipe.\\ ''feats add positioning'' - This gives you a chance for an extra attack when an enemy is vulnerable, stacks well with swipe.\\
 +We also receive our first thief talent.  
 +''feats talent keen precision'' - Every bonus counts, and this talent adds a flat +3 to our attacks.\\
 +
 +
 We also receive a coif +1, ''study coif'', ''wear coif''  This is a good item, as it scales up it's enhancement bonus as we advance, +2 at level 12, and +3 at level 18.\\ We also receive a coif +1, ''study coif'', ''wear coif''  This is a good item, as it scales up it's enhancement bonus as we advance, +2 at level 12, and +3 at level 18.\\
 Don't forget to add your skills for level 6.   Don't forget to add your skills for level 6.  
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  - Level 10: we pick up tools of the trade feat, this lets us purchase and use powder from the fence.  Powder is good because it stuns and blinds, opening up sneak attack, assuming you can hit.  You can also ''reveal'' to show invisible creatures.  ''alias tp toss powder at $*''.  Don't forget to add your skills.\\  - Level 10: we pick up tools of the trade feat, this lets us purchase and use powder from the fence.  Powder is good because it stuns and blinds, opening up sneak attack, assuming you can hit.  You can also ''reveal'' to show invisible creatures.  ''alias tp toss powder at $*''.  Don't forget to add your skills.\\
  - Level 11: We have the option to multiclass at level 11, but we stick with thief, because this is a thief guide.  The goal here is to get to level 21 and break into shadowdancer prestige class.  \\  - Level 11: We have the option to multiclass at level 11, but we stick with thief, because this is a thief guide.  The goal here is to get to level 21 and break into shadowdancer prestige class.  \\
- - Level 12: We pick up another stat point, and we add 1 to strength (we will go to 24 base).  We also get a new feat, and we pick up powerattack, which is a prerequisite for cornugon smash and shatter defenses.  \\ + - Level 12: We pick up another stat point, and we add 1 to strength (we will go to 24 base).  We also get a new feat, and we pick up powerattack, which is a prerequisite for cornugon smash and shatter defenses.  We also receive another thief talent, and here we pick Shadow in the Fray, for a 35% miss chance after landing a sneak attack.\\ 
- - Level 13: We pick up Use Magic Device, which allows us to read scrolls without the spellcraft skill.  Experiment using the ones you find as random drops, and learn where the magic shops are so you can purchase scrolls when you need them.  Pick up a scroll case so you can carry many scrolls without taking up your entire inventory.  Useful scrolls are also available at the thief guild fences, so be sure to build up some account balances by fencing items and laundering gold.  Spells set their caster level to your thief level when you pick them up, so you'll want to update them from time to time as you advance.  FYI, unless you advance levels before using them, you will need an int modifier of 1 less than the spell level on the scroll to cast them without fail.  See help magical devices for more details.\\+ - Level 13: We pick up Use Magic Device, which allows us to read scrolls without the spellcraft skill.  Experiment using the ones you find as random drops, and learn where the magic shops are so you can purchase scrolls when you need them.  Pick up a scroll case so you can carry many scrolls without taking up your entire inventory.  Useful scrolls are also available at the thief guild fences, so be sure to build up some account balances by fencing items and laundering gold.  Spells set their caster level to your thief level when you pick them up, so you'll want to update them from time to time as you advance.  FYI, unless you advance levels before using them, you will need an int modifier of 1 less than the spell level on the scroll to cast them without fail.  See help [[magical devices]] for more details.\\
  - Level 14: We pick up scramble, which is another defensive passive feat, that lets us dodge some attacks. \\  - Level 14: We pick up scramble, which is another defensive passive feat, that lets us dodge some attacks. \\
  - Level 15: I got cornugon smash which uses our influence (intimidation) to cause victims to be shaken.  \\  - Level 15: I got cornugon smash which uses our influence (intimidation) to cause victims to be shaken.  \\
- - Level 16: We pick up another point of dex here, getting to 24.  From here on out, we can increase dex or con.  Both are good options.  Dexterity improves your armor class (to a point, unless you eschew armor and use the improved armor spell Shadowdancer's greater shadow conjuration provides, which is great until it gets dispelled), and you can never have enough max hit points.\\+ - Level 16: We pick up another point of dex here, getting to 24.  From here on out, we can increase dex or con.  Both are good options.  Dexterity improves your armor class (to a point, unless you eschew armor and use the improved armor spell Shadowdancer's greater shadow conjuration provides, which is great until it gets dispelled), and you can never have enough max hit points.  \\
  - Level 17: We pick up Spring Attack, which lets us sometimes make an attack after scrambling away from an attack.  \\  - Level 17: We pick up Spring Attack, which lets us sometimes make an attack after scrambling away from an attack.  \\
- - Level 18: I picked up shatter defenses, which allows sneak attacks against shaken enemies, stacks nicely with cornugon smash.  \\ + - Level 18: I picked up shatter defenses, which allows sneak attacks against shaken enemies, stacks nicely with cornugon smash.  We also receive another thief talent, and I picked use magic device which allows us to use the scrolls from the thief fences.\\ 
- - Level 21: I picked up Resistance, because I noticed I'm getting smashed by spells a lot.  Other options are exotic weapon proficiency or blind fight, both of which you will probably want to get at some point.  Or death ward, because you will face an increasing number of save-or-die attacks.  Options for feat trees are the spell power / perfect caster tree so you can use AOE without nuking your party members or fodder, the toughness / damage resistance tree to increase your durability.  Best to avoid the combat maneuvers tree, as these are opposed and partially based on base attack bonus, which will always lag behind fighters and most monsters.  Map out what feats you want to choose, and don't forget that when you go back to thief at level 31, you will receive bonus combat feats at 31, 36, 41, and 46 (so perhaps pick up spell focus, spell penetration, and perfect caster at 24, 27, and 30). \\+ - Level 21: I picked up Resistance, because I noticed I'm getting smashed by spells a lot.  Other options are exotic weapon proficiency or blind fight, both of which you will probably want to get at some point.  Or death ward, because you will face an increasing number of save-or-die attacks.  Options for feat trees are the spell power / perfect caster tree so you can use AOE without nuking your party members or fodder, the toughness / damage resistance tree to increase your durability.  Best to avoid the combat maneuvers tree, as these are opposed and partially based on base attack bonus, which will always lag behind fighters and most monsters.  Map out what feats you want to choose, and don't forget that when you go back to thief at level 31, you will receive bonus combat feats at 31, 36, 41, and 46 (so perhaps pick up spell focus, spell penetration, and perfect caster at 24, 27, and 30).  We'll also receive new thief talents at 34, 40, and 46, and we qualify for the better ones so don't forget to add those.\\
  
  
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     - Sphere of the Cosmos from the barrow downs     - Sphere of the Cosmos from the barrow downs
  
-That just about does it.  If you've gone all the way through this thief tutorial, congrats, it is one of the more complicated classes to play.  You should try out your own build, maybe try going with damage resistance first, or a two-handed weapon build for extra crit & cleave damage.  However you build your character, you should be able to go pretty much anywhere with your shadowdancer abilities, and they will keep fairly good pace against anything except a pure spellcaster.\\+That just about does it.  If you've gone all the way through this thief tutorial, congrats, it is one of the more complicated classes to play.  You should try out your own build, maybe try going with damage resistance first, or a two-handed weapon build for extra crit & cleave damage, or a dual wielding build for lots of attacks and weapon specials.  However you build your character, you should be able to go pretty much anywhere with your shadowdancer abilities, and they will keep fairly good pace against anything except a pure spellcaster.\\
  
 Happy Mudding!\\ Happy Mudding!\\
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 ==== Oracle ==== ==== Oracle ====
 1. Feats: Start with Hardened Minions and the spell power feats, then build to perfect caster. \\ 1. Feats: Start with Hardened Minions and the spell power feats, then build to perfect caster. \\
-2. Great Spells: Monster Summoning (fodder), Restoration (recharge stamina), searing light (reliable damage), freedom of movement (breaks stun), spiritual ally (summons a large creature you can command), Serenity (area attack), word of power/recall (teleportation), rebirth (after you die, choose whether to stay dead or return with a full heal), entropic storm (large untyped damage over time to the entire room) \\+2. Great Spells: Monster Summoning (fodder), Restoration (recharge stamina), wave of pain (reliable damage), freedom of movement (breaks stun), spiritual ally (summons a large creature you can command), Serenity (area attack), word of power/recall (teleportation), rebirth (after you die, choose whether to stay dead or return with a full heal), entropic storm (large untyped damage over time to the entire room) \\
  
 ==== Cleric ==== ==== Cleric ====
cyric_s_newbie_tutorial.1699521905.txt.gz · Last modified: 2023/11/09 09:25 by cyric

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