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Garth's Atlantis Connections |
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| Aquaman |
| Queen Berra & King Thar |
| Slizzath |
| Atlan |
| Dolphin & Cerdian |
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Aquaman
Alias: Arthur Curry or Orin |
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Aqualad's first appearance in ADVENTURE COMICS #269 |
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Aqualad joins the Teen Titans with Aquaman's approval
in BRAVE AND THE BOLD #60 [1965]. |
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As the Teen Titans solve their first case, their mentors display their pride
in TEEN TITANS: YEAR ONE (mini-series) #3 [2007]. |
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Adventure Comics #269: Aquaman finds an orphaned boy on a reef. Taking the name Aqualad, the boy works closely with Aquaman, learning to overcome his initial fear of marine life. First appearance of Aqualad.
Adventure Comics #452-455 [1977-1878]: Aqualad has a falling-out with Aquaman. Aqualad barges into a meeting of the Idylist ruling council, demanding information about his parents. The council refuses to give Aqualad any information as they fear he may learn the truth. Soon after, Aqualad finds a banished Idylist hermit who admits to killing King Thar. Upon seeing a picture, Aqualad immediately recognizes Thar as his father. Aqualad breaks through security and accesses the ancient files to learn the truth: His parents were King Thar and Queen Berra, who ruled peacefully until King Thar went mad and became hungry for war. Thar's peace loving people revolted, killing their once-beloved king and banished his now-pregnant wife. The Idylists, ashamed of the sins of this dark day, buried this information. Garth leaves knowing the truth and searches for Aquaman, who he had rebuffed earlier. First appearances (in flashback) of King Thar and Queen Berra.
Aquaman #8-9, 19-20 [1995-1996]: Aqualad is seemingly killed by flesh-eating water in Aquaman #8 [1995]. Garth washes up on a strange shore, still alive in Aquaman #9 [1995]. Garth next appears on the last page of Aquaman #19 [1996] and makes his first full appearance after his mage training in Aquaman #20 [1996], which sports a Garth cover: "Don't Call Him Aqualad Anymore! ". In Aquaman #20, Garth reveals new powers and abilities and hints that he has spent 3-4 years with Atlan, Aquaman's father. The events of Garth's training are detailed in Showcase '96 #1 [1996]. Garth continues as a supporting character in Aquaman from issues Aquaman #21-25 [1996], and even has a confrontation with Aquaman's son, Kordyak, in Aquaman #24-25 [1996]. After Aquaman #25, Garth becomes Tempest in Tempest #1-4 [1996-1997].
Aquaman #36-37 [1997]: Aquaman discovers that Garth and Dolphin are romantically involved. Still rather unstable from his recent changes, Aquaman imagines beating Garth within an inch of his life. Garth later reveals he didn't know Dolphin was romantically involved with his former mentor, and Dolphin felt their relationship died long ago. Aquaman accepts their relationship, with his eventual blessing.
Aquaman #60 [1999]: It's the wedding of Tempest and Dolphin, guest-starring the Titans! But when the celebration is interrupted by a mindless menace, the Titans must team up with best man Aquaman to stop it. Marriage of Garth and Dolphin.
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Queen Berra & King Thar
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Garth discovers the truth behind his parents in
ADVENTURE COMICS #453-455 [1977] |
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Thar and Berra's history is detailed in TEMPEST #1 [1996] |
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The birth of Garth - from TEMPEST #1 [1996] |
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Garth has a tense reunion with his mother,
Berra, in TEMPEST #3 [1997] |
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The infant Garth was found by Aquaman, who took the boy in. Garth became Aqualad, and began an illustrious career as an adventurer working alongside Aquaman and the Teen Titans.
After a falling-out with Aquaman, Aqualad decided to search for the truths behind his own mysterious origins. Barging into a meeting of the Idylist ruling council, Aqualad demanded information on his parents. The council refused, and secretly kept all records sealed.
Aqualad broke through council security and accessed the ancient files to learn his parents were King Thar and Queen Berra, who ruled peacefully until King Thar went mad and was killed by his own guards. Aqualad also believed he was left to die because his purple eyes were a sign of inferiority. Unknown to Aqualad, the ancient files were missing pieces of information which would later inform his true destiny as Tempest.
Truths Revealed
Berra was eventually welcomed back by the Idylists, as they kept themselves hidden from the rest of the sentient ocean-dwellers. Recurring attacks from Slizzath's undead army plagued the pacifist nation.
Years later, Garth was whisked away by Atlan, a powerful Atlantean wizard. He informed Garth of his true destiny as a powerful mage and protector of oceanic life. Atlan trained Garth and taught him how to greatly augment his powers.
Upon his return, Garth learned that his power-mad Uncle Zath had been planning his own return as well. Zath - now transformed into the demon necromancer Slizzath - sought to escape his mystical prison by exploiting Garth's newfound magics. Slizzath created a mystical a doppelganger of Tula, who was created to trap Garth and siphon his new powers.
Garbed in the flag of his people, Garth confronted Slizzath in is new identity as Tempest. Eventually seeing through this ruse, Tempest was able to defeat Slizzath, trapping the necromancer once again.
During this encounter, Garth also experienced a tense reunion with his mother Berra. Garth still dealt with feelings of abandonment, while Berra took tentative steps toward rebuilding their fractured relationship.
Adventure Comics #453-455 [1977-1878]: Aqualad Back-up Story. Aqualad barges into a meeting of the Idylist ruling council, demanding information about his parents. The council refuses to give Aqualad any information as they fear he may learn the truth. Soon after, Aqualad finds a banished Idylist hermit who admits to killing King Thar. Upon seeing a picture, Aqualad immediately recognizes Thar as his father. Aqualad breaks through security and accesses the ancient files to learn the truth: His parents were King Thar and Queen Berra, who ruled peacefully until King Thar went mad and became hungry for war. Thar's peace loving people revolted, killing their once-beloved king and banished his now-pregnant wife. The Idylists, ashamed of the sins of this dark day, buried this information. Garth leaves knowing the truth and searches for Aquaman, who he had rebuffed earlier. First appearances (in flashback) of King Thar and Queen Berra.
Tempest #1-4 [November 1996 to February 1997]: Aqualad emerges from his training with the mage Atlan and assumes the identity of Tempest. Soon after, Garth encounters his uncle, who had transformed himself using dark magic and has become Slizzath. Slizzath creates a mystical a doppelganger of Tula, who is created to dupe Garth. Garth sees through the plan and is able to defeat Slizzath, and once and for all maintain a sense of closure about Tula's death. First appearance of Slizzath in #1. Berra resurfaces alive. Garth's true origins revealed.
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Slizzath
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The history of Slizzath - from TEMPEST #3 [1997] |
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Slizzath awakens in
TEMPEST #3 [1999]. |
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The infant Garth was found by Aquaman, who took the boy in. Garth became Aqualad, and began an illustrious career as an adventurer working alongside Aquaman and the Teen Titans.
Mystic Birthright
Years later, Garth was whisked away by Atlan, a powerful Atlantean wizard. He informed Garth of his true destiny as a powerful mage and protector of oceanic life. Atlan trained Garth and taught him how to greatly augment his powers.
Upon his return, Garth learned that his power-mad Uncle Zath had been planning his own return as well. Zath - now transformed into the demon necromancer Slizzath - sought to escape his mystical prison by exploiting Garth's newfound magics. Slizzath created a mystical a doppelganger of Tula, who was created to trap Garth and siphon his new powers.
Garbed in the flag of his people, Garth confronted Slizzath in is new identity as Tempest. Eventually seeing through this ruse, Tempest was able to defeat Slizzath, trapping the necromancer once again.
Slizzath practices dark magics, able to cast dozens of different spells. Most notably, he practices necromancy - the evocation of the dead – giving himself a virtual army of the undead. He can be captured and contained by equally powerful mystical force.
Tempest #1-4 [November 1996 to February 1997]: Aqualad emerges from his training with the mage Atlan and assumes the identity of Tempest. Soon after, Garth encounters his uncle, who had transformed himself using dark magic and has become Slizzath. Slizzath creates a mystical a doppelganger of Tula, who is created to dupe Garth. Garth sees through the plan and is able to defeat Slizzath, and once and for all maintain a sense of closure about Tula's death. First appearance of Slizzath in #1. Berra resurfaces alive. Garth's true origins revealed.
Titans #15 [2009]: After discovering the dead bodies of Dolphin and Cerdian in the ruins of Atlantis, Tempest ponders his future. Slizzath returns with warnings of the Black Lanterns' arrival. After some soul searching, Tempest assumes his new role as leader of Atlantis. Deaths of Dolphin and Cerdian confirmed.
titanstower.com
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Atlan gives Garth his final test in
SHOWCASE '96 #1 [1996] |
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Garth's training with Atlan is explained in TEMPEST #1 [1996] |
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Atlan's Origins
Atlan the Loner is a 3,000 year old mage distinguished from other Poseidonians by his blond hair, which the superstitious Atlanteans call a curse. A direct descendent of King Orin, Atlan was forced to wander the globe and discovered that the surface world had not been destroyed, as legend had detailed. This led his father, Honsu the Conqueror, to wage war on the surface world. The battles left the Atlanteans defeated and disgraced.
Over the next several centuries, Atlan himself became a powerful sorcerer and intellect, albeit an arrogant one. In search of power, Atlan insulted or disgraced a number of demons and gods and has felt their ire.
At some point in the past latter half of the century, Atlan visited the Atlantean Queen, Atlanna, whose husband Trevis, was unable to sire a child by her. Atlan appeared to Atlanna in a dreamlike vision and made love to her. Magically impregnated by Atlan's seed, Atlanna gave birth to a blond haired child that was condemned to death to bearing the unholy sign of Kordax. The infant survived and returned to Atlantis years later as Aquaman.
Mystic Birthright
As time passed, Atlan became aware of Aqualad's awesome magical potential. When Aquaman and Aqualad tried to stave off an alien invasion, Atlan seized the opportunity to secretly whisk Aqualad away.
In an other-worldy dimension, Atlan helped Garth fulfill his destiny as a powerful mage. Garth resisted at first, but was able to find truth in the teachings of the arrogant mage. Under Atlan's tutelage, Garth discovered new limits to his powers, including the ability to control the temperature of water and fire mystical power blasts from his eyes. As time flowed differently in Atlan's dimension, Garth trained for several years while only a few months passed for Aquaman.
Once Garth passed his final test, Atlan returned the former Aqualad to his own time and place. Garbed in the flag of his people, Garth embraced his new identity as Tempest.
Atlan possesses precognitive skills, telepathy and is a master wizard, able to cast dozens of different spells. He is also immortal and impervious to harm. He can be captured and contained by equally powerful mystical force.
Atlantis Chronicles #5: First appearance of Atlan.
Showcase '96 #1 [1996]: Aqualad, Garth, dead to the real world, has lived for months in the Grotto with Atlan, Aquaman's father. During this time, Atlan has trained Garth to use the natural sorcery he was born with, including powers of ice and fire. Leads into Tempest mini series #1.
Tempest #1-4 [November 1996 to February 1997]: Aqualad emerges from his training with the mage Atlan and assumes the identity of Tempest. Soon after, Garth encounters his uncle, who had transformed himself using dark magic and has become Slizzath. Slizzath creates a mystical a doppelganger of Tula, who is created to dupe Garth. Garth sees through the plan and is able to defeat Slizzath, and once and for all maintain a sense of closure about Tula's death. First appearance of Slizzath in #1. Berra resurfaces alive. Garth's true origins revealed. Atlan assists Garth.
, DC Secret Files, supplemented by titanstower.com
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Dolphin
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Tempest learns Dolphin is pregnant in AQUAMAN #55 [1999] |
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After wedding Garth, Dolphin visits
Tula's grave in AQUAMAN #60 [1999]. |
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Garth and Dolphin celebrate the birth of Cerdian in AQUAMAN #63 [2000] |
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Dolphin gives Tempest an ultimatum in TITANS #47 [2003] |
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Tempest buries Dolphin
and Cerdian in
TITANS #15 [2010]. |
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Secret Origin of Dolphin
Dolphin was apparently once a surface child, stolen away by aquatic aliens and mutated to undersea life. She was freed by Kordax, a blond-haired green-skinned former Atlantean. When two US Navy men investigated the sunken wreckage of the ship USS Arabesque, they discovered a beautiful young woman living within, obviously able to survive underwater without drowning. Brought aboard their ship, the young woman was found to have gill-like slits in her neck and slight webbing between her fingers and toes. One of the men named the mysterious woman ‘Dolphin.' Dolphin couldn't survive away from the water for long and returned to the seas.
Later, Dolphin joined heroes Immortal Man, Animal Man, Congo Bill, Rick Flag, and Cave Carlson to thwart a scheme of the evil immortal, Vandal Savage. Immortal Man suggested the team remain together and they became known as the Forgotten Heroes. Dolphin remained with the team until its eventual breakup.
Dolphin & Aquaman
After that, Dolphin continued to roam the seas, and occasionally aided other heroes in moments of crisis. Dolphin then came into conflict with the evil Charybdis. She and Aquaman were able to defeat the villain, although it cost Aquaman his hand. Soon after this, Aquaman and Dolphin entered into a romantic relationship.
In the time that followed, Aquaman went through a series of physical and emotional changes, as his appearance became more amphibian and his moods more erratic.His relationship with Dolphin began to dissolve and the couple drifted apart. Aquaman's life was further complicated by the return of his estranged wife, Mera.
Dolphin & Tempest
With Aquaman growing increasingly distant, Dolphin began to develop feelings for Garth, who had recently returned as the more-confident Tempest. Romance blossomed, but Garth and Dolphin initially concealed their relationship from Aquaman, unsure of what his reaction would be.
Dolphin broke things off with Aquaman, who eventually gave the union his blessing. It proved fortuitous, as Dolphin realized she was pregnant and Garth was the father. The couple was quickly married and Dolphin soon bore a son. Dolphin and Tempest's first child was named Cerdian by Aquaman as a gesture to the surface-country Cerdia, which had recently fallen under Atlantean control.
As Garth's obligations to the Titans increased, he seemed to have trouble balancing his family life with his dedication to the team. Dolphin rectified the situation by moving into the Titans Tower with Cerdian. But soon after, the Titans Tower was destroyed by enemy forces. To put a further strain on the situation, Tempest was almost killed by an addictive drug from a Chemical World. After these events, Dolphin insisted Garth retire from the Titans, and Garth reluctantly complied.
Watery Graves
Garth moved his family to New Atlantis, where he was greeted with suspicion from the new rulers and placed under house arrest. Leaving his wife and small child behind, Tempest used his wizardry to escape Atlantis and sought Aquaman for help. Eventually, the sorcerers' rule was overturned and Atlantis was restored. Before its citizens could celebrate, Atlantis was attacked by the Spectre, who was driven mad when he lost his human host. As Spectre razed Atlantis to the ground, Tempest and several Atlantean mystics unsuccessfully tried to combat him. With Atlantis destroyed, only Tempests' tattered costumed was found.
Tempest later returned and began to search for his lost wife and and child. Tragically, he soon discovered the corpses of Dolphin and Cerdian in the ruins of Atlantis.
Dolphin is an Olympic level swimmer with enhanced strength and durability. She can also communicate with dolphins.
Showcase #79: First appearance of Dolphin.
Aquaman #36-37 [1997]: Aquaman discovers that Garth and Dolphin are romantically involved. Still rather unstable from his recent changes, Aquaman imagines beating Garth within an inch of his life. Garth later reveals he didn't know Dolphin was romantically involved with his former mentor, and Dolphin felt their relationship died long ago. Aquaman accepts their relationship, with his eventual blessing.
Aquaman #55-56 [1999]: Dolphin announces she is pregnant. Garth is initially shaken, and seeks counsel from the shark-woman, Letifos; When Garth sees Garth with Letifos, she jumps to the wrong conclusion and is heartbroken. All is made well when Garth returns to Dolphin to propose marriage. She accepts.
Aquaman #60 [1999]: It's the wedding of Tempest and Dolphin, guest-starring the Titans! But when the celebration is interrupted by a mindless menace, the Titans must team up with best man Aquaman to stop it. Marriage of Garth and Dolphin.
Aquaman #63 [2000]: Sometime in the future, a girl named Donna writes the Atlantis Chronicles, and contacts Tempest to clarify some of the history she's recording. Tempest starts relating the war with Cerdia. Meanwhile, in the present, Dolphin gives birth to Tempest's son. The 'Cerdian War' arc concludes with issue #68. Birth of Cerdian, Garth's son. Garth names his son Cerdian in Aquaman #70.
Titans #29-30 [2001]: Dolphin and Cerdian move into Titans Tower.
Titans #47 [2003]: Dolphin insists Garth quit the Titans.
Infinite Crisis #2-3 and Aquaman #37:[2006]: Tempest and a group of mystics fight to defend Atlantis, which is being attacked by the Spectre, who has been driven mad upon losing his human host. The Spectre razes Atlantis to the ground, killing many of its inhabitants. Deaths of Dolphin and Cerdian, although this is not confirmed until Titans #15 (2009).
Aquaman #38:[2006]: Aquaman and Aquagirl mourn the destruction of Atlantis, and the deaths of Kordyak and Vulko. Tempest, Dolphin and Cerdian remain missing in the wake of the attack.
Titans #15 [2009]: After discovering the dead bodies of Dolphin and Cerdian in the ruins of Atlantis, Tempest ponders his future. Slizzath returns with warnings of the Black Lanterns' arrival. After some soul searching, Tempest assumes his new role as leader of Atlantis. Deaths of Dolphin and Cerdian confirmed.
Sources for this entry: DC Who's Who Series, DC Who's Who Binder Series, DC Universe Role-Playing Games: Sourcebooks and Manuals [ West End Games], DC Secret Files, supplemented by titanstower.com
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Cerdian
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Garth and Dolphin celebrate the birth of Cerdian in AQUAMAN #63 [2000] |
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Cerdian is named in AQUAMAN #70 [2001] |
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Dolphin and Cerdian move into Titans Tower in TITANS #29 [2001] |
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A New Family
Tempest soon found new love with Dolphin, who was awkwardly still seeing Aquaman at the time. Dolphin broke things off with Aquaman, who eventually gave the union his blessing. It proved fortuitous, as Dolphin realized she was pregnant and Garth was the father. The couple was quickly married and Dolphin soon bore a son.
Dolphin and Tempest's first child was named Cerdian by Aquaman as a gesture to the surface-country Cerdia, which had recently fallen under Atlantean control. A unique blend of his parents, Cerdian's black hair was accented with a streak of white. And like his father, Cerdian's eyes were purple, a sure sign of powerful potential.
As Garth's obligations to the Titans increased, he seemed to have trouble balancing his family life with his dedication to the team. Dolphin rectified the situation by moving into the Titans Tower with Cerdian. But soon after, the Titans Tower was destroyed by enemy forces. To put a further strain on the situation, Tempest was almost killed by an addictive drug from a Chemical World. After these events, Dolphin insisted Garth retire from the Titans, and Garth reluctantly complied.
Watery Graves
Garth moved his family to New Atlantis, where he was greeted with suspicion from the new rulers and placed under house arrest. Leaving his wife and small child behind, Tempest used his wizardry to escape Atlantis and sought Aquaman for help. Eventually, the sorcerers' rule was overturned and Atlantis was restored. Before its citizens could celebrate, Atlantis was attacked by the Spectre, who was driven mad when he lost his human host. As Spectre razed Atlantis to the ground, Tempest and several Atlantean mystics unsuccessfully tried to combat him. With Atlantis destroyed, only Tempests' tattered costumed was found.
Tempest later returned and began to search for his lost wife and and child. Tragically, he soon discovered the corpses of Dolphin and Cerdian in the ruins of Atlantis.
Aquaman #63 [2000]: Sometime in the future, a girl named Donna writes the Atlantis Chronicles, and contacts Tempest to clarify some of the history she's recording. Tempest starts relating the war with Cerdia. Meanwhile, in the present, Dolphin gives birth to Tempest's son. The 'Cerdian War' arc concludes with issue #68. Birth of Cerdian, Garth's son.
Aquaman #70 [2001]: Garth names his son Cerdian.
Titans #29-30 [2001]: Dolphin and Cerdian move into Titans Tower.
Titans #47 [2003]: Dolphin insists Garth quit the Titans.
Infinite Crisis #2-3 and Aquaman #37:[2006]: Tempest and a group of mystics fight to defend Atlantis, which is being attacked by the Spectre, who has been driven mad upon losing his human host. The Spectre razes Atlantis to the ground, killing many of its inhabitants. Deaths of Dolphin and Cerdian, although this is not confirmed until Titans #15 (2009).
Aquaman #38:[2006]: Aquaman and Aquagirl mourn the destruction of Atlantis, and the deaths of Kordyak and Vulko. Tempest, Dolphin and Cerdian remain missing in the wake of the attack.
Titans #15 [2009]: After discovering the dead bodies of Dolphin and Cerdian in the ruins of Atlantis, Tempest ponders his future. Slizzath returns with warnings of the Black Lanterns' arrival. After some soul searching, Tempest assumes his new role as leader of Atlantis. Deaths of Dolphin and Cerdian confirmed.
DC Secret Files, supplemented by titanstower.com
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Atlantis
Long ago the city of Poseidonis constructed a dome to protect them from their barbaric neighbors. When a meteor submerged the city, the dome protected the inhabitants. The city's engineers stabilized the crystal dome to resist the inward force of the surrounding water. Later, when they were granted the ability to breathe water, the citizens elected to flood the city. Beneath Atlantis is a subterranean city unto itself, interbuilding support and most vehicular traffic. Above ground is a series of monorail and people movers. The Palace is connected by these tunnels to distant points of the city, but its security is paramount.
DC Universe Role-Playing Games: Sourcebooks and Manuals [ West End Games], supplemented by titanstower.com
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