My, what an unusual coin. Did someone really pay with this? It looks so exotic... Maybe it's even worth something! I have an... acquaintance... that really knows his foreign currency. Perhaps we should get him to give it an appraisal?

---

Very interesting... He said that this coin belongs to an ancient tribe from a civilization called the "Tikki". Apparently for the Tikki people, these coins symbolize wealth and prosperity, and are considered sacred. Unfortunately, for us, it's little more than a piece of junk.

The surroundings of Tikki Island have been afflicted by a curse due to the missing sacred coin! We can't leave the Tikki like this... We must get this coin back to them! We'll need to craft the best ships and pack enough supplies to make it through the cursed storm.

---

This should be enough. The exotic planks will make for a very robust mainframe that should endure the worst weather conditions while at sea. We're ready to go save the Tikki tribe!

This is terrible! Most of the bandits that came to steal the Tikki's treasure got stranded on Tikki Island due to the curse, and now they've decided to settle there! They're oppressing the poor Tikki, and making them do their bidding by force! This deed cannot go unpunished. We must save the Tikki tribe!

---

"Live and let live" is what my grandpa used to say. Those bandits will think twice before messing with a pacific civilization such as the Tikkis once again. The grateful Tikki people are chanting your name, and want to reward you with an important part of their culture. We should place it somewhere on our home island, so we always remember this day!

Oh no, this is terrible! The smugglers took this little panda away from his mother, and now he's too sad to eat or drink anything. Perhaps you should try to feed him. He seems to have taken a shining to you.

---

It's working! He seems to be a lot calmer when you're the one feeding him. What a relief... I was worried he might not make it if he kept refusing to eat or drink!

Now the little panda's been nursed back to good health, it's time we return him to his mother. We need to create a cage that resembles the trees on his homeland so he won't get nervous on the trip back - and we'll need a sailor that can get him there safely.

---

This cage will do nicely. It's so big, sturdy and comfortable that I'm thinking of ordering one to live in myself! The ship has departed, and all going well, mother and son will be back together very soon.

I have already arranged the best bakers in our kingdom to help us create the best wedding cake of all time. They're all ready to start, as soon as you provide them with the required ingredients.

---

This is the most magnificent cake I've ever seen. I'm sure the king and his guests will be over the moon. Do you think they'd notice if I had just a small slice now?

Here's what I call the "character sheet". Basically, it defines what your portrayed character will be, who he is, and what he does. In short, it's a player's "identity". In fact, if I could have some time to go through all my existing sheets, I can probably turn it into a game!

---

You know, I think we could have something fun here. In fact, I'm starting to think a lot of people might be interested in this! Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

I finished creating the rules! Boy, that was complicated. Now, I think we should make several copies of the rules at the provision house, and spread them around the island, so we can see what the public opinion is. Oh! We'll need some dice, too!

---

It's catching on! People are talking about it, and they host regular sessions to play! They're even planning complex stories, and deep character bios. I could have never imagined my childhood hobby would have this many people interested!

I can't believe it! It's a resounding success! In fact, people are playing it so much, it's even created a whole new sub-culture! Very interesting. Very interesting indeed. In fact, we're running short on paper and coal for the game - can you provide some more?

---

The first print of the "Settlers and Bandits" rulebook has been distributed, and I'm starting to see small groups playing! "Settlers and Bandits" is the name I came up with for the game. It may not be very original, but I think it's catchy. Don't you agree?

Bart the barterer has arrived on the island. He mentioned he hasn't had much interest from his leaflets, so he's willing to make us a good deal. He's offered me a small (horrible) marble statue, and has asked for a similar statue made of hardwood. Let's use our provision house to produce the goods he's asked for - just make sure you don't clog the production line!

---

Bart is pleased with the deal, but I have to say... This marble statue is UGLY! Perhaps we should demolish it, and recycle the marble? Yes, I think that's a good idea.

Bart's second deal is a first edition of a rare encyclopedia that he thinks may be useful for our specialists. He's willing to offer it to us, in exchange for a hand-crafted replica of an ancient brass sword.

---

It may not exactly be brass, but it seems that it's close enough. Bart likes this sword even more, so everyone is happy!

Since Bart is going to be staying with us for a few days, I think it would be a nice gesture of goodwill to offer him something to eat. Why don't we treat him to some really fancy food? Perhaps this way he'll give us a discount next time...

---

I feel a little jealous that Bart had the chance to eat such a succulent dinner. Ah... I'm hungry now...

Bart seems to have taken a liking to us, so he offers us a new deal. He wants a table made of exotic wood and sturdy steel, and will exchange it for a really big granite doorstop. What do you think?

---

Well, this is a sturdy doorstop. In fact, maybe a little too sturdy... I'm pretty sure we can make cheaper, reliable doorstops out of our own wood. I suggest we re-use the granite from this, and put it to work as something a bit more useful.

Bart is pleased with the business he's done with us, but he now has a personal request. He tries to collect coins from everywhere he goes, so he would be really happy to trade some refined weaponry for some of our coins, and a golden statue. Otherwise it wouldn't be bartering, would it?

---

Bart seems to be really happy with the coins we gave him. I don't really get it. We only use one kind of coin as a currency after all, but he seems to firmly believe that every single one is different. Collectors are interesting people, indeed.

If we are to hire The Annoholics to come to our island, we will need to prepare a contract for them, and ready an upfront payment. Please provide some paper and coins so our messengers can deliver the contract.

---

They accepted our offer! W-what? You thought I was trying to scam them by adding some shady clauses in ridiculously small print? No, no! Only bad people do that! The fine print was only to cover our backs in case something happens, that's all! I swear!

Now that we have a contract with them, we'll need to prepare a proper stage so that they can play for us. Please contact our specialist at the provision house, and bring the stage over to the mayor's house when it's ready.

---

The stage has passed all of the safety inspections and is safely stored inside the mayor's house for when the Annoholics are ready to perform. Great work!

Oh, what a tragedy! It seems that on their trip here, the band hit a patch of rough weather, and their instruments got broken. They won't be able to play like that! The only option we have right now is to create new instruments for them to use. Check the provision house and bring them over!

---

These instruments are a fine piece of work! The band is impressed and can't wait to try them out! They will need some rehearsal time to get used to them, though.

All the preparations are set - now we just have to spread word around and attract some fans to our island. Let's leave this island for a while and tell our friends about it!

---

I've started to see some new faces around town - some wearing Annoholics clothing - so our efforts seem to have paid off! It's almost time for the concert! I can't wait!

What a mysterious compass this is. It clearly does not point north, but that begs the question - where IS it pointing? One of our researchers thinks he may have an idea about how to solve this mystery, but he needs to have some specific documentation to help him figure it out.

---

The researcher has found a similarity in the design of the compass and an old pirate legend from the past. He's very grateful to us for letting him study such an interesting artifact.

Our research indicates that the curious compass is attuned to a certain specific metal. This metal was used by pirates, in years gone by, to stash their treasure so they could easily find it again later. It seems we may have found some treasure! Let's follow the compass towards other islands, and see how it behaves then.

---

Nothing around here, apparently... It's strange. Although the compass has very slightly shifted directions, it seems to always be pointing... East?

No matter how often we check it, it seems that the only constant is that it's always pointing east. Perhaps we should try looking there?

---

While fighting the bandits, we managed to find the chest the compass was pointing to! It seems heavy, and we don't have a key to open it, but at least we can take it home and decide what to do with it there.

The chest is ours - but without a key, it's little more than a really heavy box. Fortunately, we have a locksmith waiting in our provision house that assures me that with enough materials, he can find a key that'll open the chest for us. He promised not to look inside if he manages to get it open.

---

The locksmith arrived in a bit of a hurry. The chest is open! Let's go check it out!

We all need to calm down... After all, it may not be anything. But what if it is? It could be a prank... But what if it isn't? My lord, the uncertainty is killing me. We have to fortify the island. Let's put up barricades EVERYWHERE!

---

The barricades are finished, and have been set up. We've even made some makeshift watchtowers to keep an eye on things. But still... It's not enough!

Ahhh, I'm still not feeling any calmer... What should I do! What can we do? I'm not used to this kind of pressure! ...I know! We need to have more soldiers! A lot more soldiers! We need to prepare for the worst!

---

Phew! We now have enough troops to defend ourselves. I feel a little better now...

Ok, ok - I think the nerves are starting to go away now... However, not being fully aware of our surroundings is making me a bit twitchy. Let's craft some spyglasses at our provision house, so we can keep an eye on things.

---

The watchtowers have been equipped with a spyglass each. Now at least we'll be able to see if anything's coming!

What's that? A single boat!? Could it be a spy? I'll have him arrested immediately! My lord, our personnel are starting to grow restless and hungry. Do you think it would be possible to provide some food, so they can keep doing the great work they're doing in keeping us safe?

---

Our guards appreciate that you care about them as much as they care about our island. Meanwhile, we checked with our newest prisoner. He's very confused and doesn't know why we arrested him. I say he must know something... His timing is too perfect! We'll keep him locked away until we understand what's happening.

A huge fleet has been sighted! One of the ships sent an emissary, who said that the boy we arrested some time ago is in fact the son of a count from another kingdom! I'm afraid I let my paranoia get the better of me, and now we're paying the price. I'm so sorry my lord! But can we perhaps offer a tribute to appease the situation? The alternative is a full-scale invasion!

---

It's a good thing we managed to talk it out... The little rascal we imprisoned is apparently the count's favorite son, and he fabricated that letter we received as a prank! Everything has been cleared up as a misunderstanding. That boy is in big trouble now. His "prank" nearly caused a war! Teenagers... I don't understand them.

The count offers their apologies for the misunderstanding, and proposes an alliance as compensation. However, they have a strict policy of only letting people join their alliance if they can earn their general's approval. Take him on an adventure to the far east with you, and let him see what we're made of!

---

When we returned from the adventure, the count asked how we'd got on. Their general only nodded silently. Apparently this is a big deal, since the general hardly ever shows any kind of emotion or approval at all! The count enjoyed his stay on our island as a guest while you were away, and promises to return... as a friend this time.

Our scholars are trying to isolate what kind of material the idol is made of. They've asked if they can borrow some materials fresh from our stores so they can compare consistency, weight, and a lot other words that I don't know what they mean.

---

The scholars have come back with the results of their research, and the results are... inconclusive. They don't seem to be able to figure out what it's made of!

As it turns out, the idol isn't made of any material we've seen before. We could always ask the scholars living on our allies' islands, and see if they have any idea what it might be? Oh, but don't forget to take them some presents! We don't want to come across as greedy, do we?

---

One of our allies recognized the idol. The idol represents a deity that some ancient civilization worshipped. Rumor has it, this civilization was so wealthy, they made everything out of pure gold!

If what our allies said is true, and this idol is actually made of pure gold, it must be covered by a huge amount of dirt and rust... Fortunately, my grandma knows how to make a special liquid that'll remove any rust from gold in the space of just a few hours. Or so she says! We should be able to replicate it in our provision house.

---

Well, our scholars are convinced that if the idol had been made of gold, they would have known. So their best guess is that this civilization did not actually have stuff made of pure gold - they simply made it look like it instead! A fake!

Let's try to look on the bright side. Regardless of what the idol's made of, I'm sure that if it contains even a small amount of gold, we can probably sell it for a profit. It is still a very pretty decoration.

---

Our tradesmen definitely have some interest in the idol. However, due to its special nature, we can't just offer it to anyone. Fortunately, I got contacted by a potential buyer that's offering a nice price for it!

If we're going to search for this beast, we must be very thorough. Gather your explorers for a scouting party, and send them out to search for it. If they happen to bring some treasure in the process, then all the better!

---

The explorers have not been able to find anything. Neither the beast itself, nor any evidence of its existence. Perhaps it's a docile beast? No, what am I saying... This claw is not from a docile creature!

We searched the whole island, but we found nothing. Maybe we should search below the surface of the island, too? Maybe the geologists will find something underground...

---

The geologists have returned. One of them is as white as a sheet, and stammers that he saw a huge gray monster underground. Upon hearing its massive roar, he ran away as fast as he could. This doesn't look good, my lord. We have to do something to protect our people!

Having heard the most recent testimony from our geologists, it's safe to say we cannot afford to take any risks. We need to prepare for the worst! If what they said is true, we'll need a really sturdy, and really BIG cage to put the beast in. Let's go to the provision house, and get to work!

---

Yes, this looks good. It can probably hold a bear. Or two. Or Fifty! It's very sturdy!

With the cage finished, all we need to do now is send a squad of the bravest soldiers to take care of the beast. I've already contacted the barracks, and they are willing to provide the bravest men they can out of their next batch of recruits.

---

The men braved the cave, but upon reaching the place the geologist described, they only found an odd formation of rocks. As for the roar? Apparently one of the caves below caved in, which may have sounded like a roar to him. The poor guy was in the right place, at the wrong time.

Although we don't know who this person is, we should try and send him some sort of reply. He definitely got the wrong person! We should train a messenger pigeon at our provision house to send our message back to where it came from!

---

The pigeon has flown the nest. Now let's hope it uses its training to take the letter to the right man.

We have received a response from the man. His name is Jonas, and he never really expected anyone would ever get this letter! He confesses that Miranda is not the name of a woman, but the name of his cat, who has been with him his whole life. We have to go rescue him!

---

Our generals report that they found Jonas on the adventure. He's not looking good.

We brought the man back, but he's in really bad shape... He suffers from scurvy and severe dehydration. My grandma had a recipe for a vitamin-filled brew that should help him to get back into shape. Let's go to the provision house and prepare it!

---

Jonas is starting to look better. What did I tell you? My grandma knows a lot about medicines and remedies! A special vitamin boost is exactly what this man needed!

The first mystery we must solve is Does this vigilante operate only on our island, or is he some sort of traveling hero? Let's pay a visit to some other places. Have our generals yell "The Custodian is coming!" and see if our enemies react.

---

Strange. Nobody reacted when the generals yelled the name. In fact, I could have sworn that some of them even laughed. This can only mean one thing "The Custodian" is one of our very own settlers.

I'm a bit worried that this vigilante might not fight crime "by-the-book" so to speak... So, I've come up with a cunning plan. We'll fake a robbery in one of our houses, and make a huuuuge racket while doing so. That will certainly attract The Custodian's attention - and perhaps then, we can have a proper chat. Let's prepare some flimsy props in our provision house to make this more realistic.

---

Oh wow, that definitely looked ugly. I think our actor may have broken a couple of ribs! Now with the incident clarified, perhaps the Custodian will listen to us. I never expected a lady to be so... brutal.

There are two ways of dealing with this Either she passes the tests and becomes an official member of the guard, or she will be treated like the criminals she's trying to stop. Having seen her two options, she's agreed to apply to join the guard, as long as she can keep her cool costume. The first test is a written morality test. Please provide the necessary materials to do this.

---

Well look at those results! She passed with flying colors! At least now that we've spoken to her about what she's been doing, she understands that criminals, although they are criminals, are people too.

The second test is a physical test. Our guards must be in peak physical condition to be able to perform with the excellence required by the King. We will construct a difficult obstacle course, which you'll need to provide materials for. Don't worry, though - once the test is done, we can re-use most of the materials used.

---

It took a bit of effort, but she managed to pass the test. Granted, this is not a test that an unprepared person should be able to easily pass, so given the short length of time she took, this makes it all the more impressive.

She's more than fit for the guard - in fact, our generals are so impressed by her performance, they think she could become a general herself! They would like to perform a special leadership test, where she will join our generals in leading the troops on an adventure.

---

The generals are praising her left and right. They say that she even devised a cunning strategy to win a battle without suffering any losses of our troops! They say she would make a fine general, and want to offer her a place in their ranks.

Of course, von Peahead has no evidence whatsoever. He only suspects Softnoggin because he was the last person he showed the cat to before its disappearance. They have promised to withdraw their troops, for now, in exchange for my assurance I'll investigate the matter. Can I count on your support? We’ll use flour to dust for foot and fingerprints!

---

I found prints! But they're not what I expected…

The most recent prints are from cat paws... It must have escaped on its own! All this madness over a runaway cat! I doubt that von Peahead will be satisfied unless we find and return his precious pet though. Where should we start looking? I wouldn't be surprised if it had made a beeline for the fish market.

---

The fishmongers reported spotting an ivory cat sneaking about the area. Looks like we're in the right place.

We must defuse this situation. But how can we make them listen to us? These blockheads won’t even accept a flying ship as a sign of importance! The only language they understand is their own - showy displays of wealth and power. Let's pitch my tent on their battlefield. Add some showy decorations, and bring your personal guard too - that should draw their attention.

---

Here they come. Let’s see what they have to say for themselves.

Now that we know the cat is around here somewhere, we just need some bait. Do you have any suggestions?

---

You’ve got the little guy! Nice catch!

As you already know, we will need a lot of wood to have enough building materials. You should always have some in stock so you don't run short.

---

Having a little stock is never a bad thing. Don't forget to check your storehouses regularly to see if anything is missing.

Ah, plank production is already working effectively as far as I can see. You should also raise your stock of planks a bit.

---

You are developing quickly. This should be enough for wood production to get started. Let's get on with the next resource.

Did I mention that it is possible to have several deposits at the same time? Just send your geologist out more often. An additional stone deposit always comes in handy.

---

Of course this is true for every deposit, not just stone. Always remember that deposits become depleted after a certain time, so it's good to have another one as a replacement.

If you have a little time, I would like to share two things with you First, you can track quests by clicking the small box next to the quests in the quest book, and secondly, you can pin the building menu if you want to prevent it from closing, when you are building streets, for example. Take a look.

---

Pretty useful features, am I right? Keeping the quests in sight is particularly handy. But I have kept you from your business long enough. Don't let me delay you any further.

With the added resources from Theodor, we should have enough of nearly everything except stone. Produce some, because we'll be needing a lot of it during our upcoming challenges.

---

Very good. This amount of stone should be sufficient for the upcoming buildings. However, you should always continue producing stone.

Remember buffs? Producing buffs takes some time, but you usually need them on short notice. That's why I recommend you always have some in stock.

---

That is correct. You can do a lot with this. Don't forget that you need resources to create buffs, such as fish in this case. Do you have enough left?

Since we have produced enough buffs, it's time to reproduce the fish, because when the basic resource of the buffs is exhausted, no more buffs can be produced.

---

Your fishermen were really hard working. Seems like they are really satisfied under your leadership. Now the first part of your economy is finished, we can go a step further.

I see that a lot of other settlers have settled very close to you. Maybe you should become friends with some of them? Having allies is never a bad thing…

---

Very good - strong allies will definitely prove useful. Social skills are very important. You should never underestimate that.

I've just returned from visiting one of your neighbors. A really nice island with interesting building structures. Why don't you visit your neighbor's islands yourself?

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And did you like the islands? Of course you should always go your own way, but considering suggestions doesn't hurt.

I know Lord Sardin is a bit severe and has you really busy, but despite all that, don't forget your economy, especially your tool production. Is it going well?

---

I see you have everything under control. I just wanted to be sure, but it looks like I worry too much.

So, do you get on with Sardin? He might seem a bit rude but he is a brilliant tactician. But let's get back on topic; the king attaches great importance to neighborly help at the moment. I think it would be good to join forces with one of your neighbors and help them.

---

The king has noted your efforts appreciatively. I congratulate you. You are really doing excellently. Keep it up!

Please excuse the interruption, but I have a small favor to ask of you. A farmer from a neighboring country has made a bet that his farm has more wheat and water, and I want to prove him wrong. So, we'll be needing more wheat fields!

---

That's really generous of you. With so many wheat fields, we should definitely win the bet.

We have a lot to harvest on our farm. If you were willing to support us with food, we could multiply our yield. And that would be fantastic, wouldn't it? If you're feeling extra kind, you could give some food to the workers at your small wells as well!

---

Super! Thank you very much. You will not regret this, believe me. I will begin to help with the harvest immediately.

Please excuse me. I know you are very busy, but I won't disturb you for long. I just wanted to say that as soon as we begin producing bread, we'll be needing a lot of wheat. Maybe it would be best to build farms now so you don't have to deal with it later on?

---

Thank you for following my advice. I'm looking forward to the bread production already. Please contact me if you need my help with it.

I see you have built multiple farms. That's good, because soon we'll be needing horses, and they consume a lot of wheat. It would be best to anticipate and start production now.

---

So, the advice from the farmer was good after all. With this production we are well prepared for the horse breeding that will soon be upon us.

A former comrade from the military academy has asked me to help him. He has received orders to defend a village and doesn't have enough bows. I really want to help him. First of all, we'll need a large amount of wood.

---

Hmm… I just told him we would help him, and straight away he asked for more bows. He's always been like that - you give him your pinky and he takes off the whole hand.

Greetings. I have a small problem. The consumption of hardwood planks has increased a lot lately, especially since your orders for building new residences. I would be very grateful if you could raise stocks a little bit.

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Thank you. Now I can continue working without problems. I have a feeling that a lot of new construction orders are about to come in.

We agreed on 100 bows. I wonder what he wants to do with them. You could almost win a war with that many. Whatever, it's worth it, believe me.

---

Why did I insist on helping him? I made a bet with another former student that the time will come when he would need my help. Back then, he had rich parents and bragged about it, but I knew it was nothing but hot air.

How do you like the new resources? You can make a lot out of them. Remember that marble deposits deplete quite fast. When you have several, the stonecutter will always choose the nearest one.

---

Of course that also applies to stone deposits. You should always have multiple deposits on your island.

Something terrible has happened. One of the children has gone into a mine and the mine collapsed after them. Can you help us find the kid? It was an iron mine.

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Thank you for your help, but please hurry. We don't have much time. Maybe the child is trapped and cannot breath.

As soon as you build a mine on the deposit, we can start searching. Your mine workers can help search while they are digging.

---

Thank goodness, we found the child. That was close. I will go immediately and tell everybody to stay away from the mines.

Finally we can train cavalry ourselves. How is water production going? We need water for brew as well as the horses, but I don't think there's any chance we will run short of it.

---

I see that water production seems to be quite effective. Don't neglect it, or the cavalry training will cease.

Nice to see you again. As expected, my relatives liked the bread very much, but there is still some left. Maybe you should process the bread into gift baskets?

---

Exactly these ones I meant. As you probably know already, you can allocate the baskets to your production buildings, and these will produce more effectively for a certain time.

Do not get distracted by this... What was his name? Klaus? The little fat man, you know who I mean. Do not get too distracted by him. We need hard wood for longbows. Maybe you could increase the production outcome for a short time.

---

It's much better that way. Don't forget to keep an eye on your weapon production, as you need your army when expanding your land. And even if you have enough units, weapons are a fantastic good to trade with.

Lord Sardin has come to me with an unusual request. I think he was a bit too embarrassed to tell you directly. He says he needs coal for the training of his units, but he didn't want to tell me exactly how he was going to use it. Just send your explorer to find a coal deposit.

---

Maybe you're wonder why you were supposed to search for a coal deposit. Well, Henry told me he is now able to build coal mines, and they are way more effective than the coking plant. This is a good time to try out the new mines.

Now the only thing left to do is commission the construction of the mine. Meanwhile, I will try to find out why exactly Lord Sardin wants coal. I'd really like to know.

---

I just returned from the barracks. The troops had all painted their faces black. Looked really frightening. I think it's camouflage training. Very strange.

One of our geologists just came and told me he thinks we have gold on our island, although he wasn't sure. He needs more time to find out. Send your geologist out to find a gold deposit. Maybe we'll get lucky.

---

I don't believe it - we really do have gold on this island. That is fantastic! Before we begin to bank it, we should check whether we have multiple deposits and how rich they are. Coin production is quite expensive.

Hmm… constructing coin production should be handled very carefully, but I have to admit I don't have enough experience to give out advice. What do you think about trading a little with coins to get a feeling for their value?

---

So, what do you think? Did you get an impression? With coins, you can do a lot of different things, not just trade but also hire new specialists. For the moment though, it's a little early to you build your own means of production.

You can produce coins yourself, trade them, buy them from the merchant or find them on your adventures. Sometimes, even your explorer will take some coins back. Try out all the possible ways and when you are feeling confident, we'll start organizing your own coin production.

---

You've really managed to gather quite a solid amount of capital. Did you have any difficulties? Sleep on it, it and if you still want coin production, we'll start work on it. Meanwhile, you should be able to evaluate it yourself.

Greetings. I see that you are going to begin your own steel production. A good decision - Steel is a fantastic material. Just remember that it will require more coal, so you had better raise your stocks.

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Very good. Now we will be able to work, and steel production can begin. I will return to my work and make sure production goes smoothly.