Le Shyster

Arrive at the palais of the Duc du Vernize Need to choose starting stats by: - You arrive at the palace. Dressed in your finest. You clothing indicates that you come from... [choice decides your initial ability to tell outlandish stories] Those mingling in the courtyard are staring at you with great interest. You overhear whispers that you look [handsome, beautiful, sparkling and exotic - choice decides your initial charisma with players of certain sexes] You've spent lots of time preparing for this opportunity. Before tonight, you spent twelve long weeks [working disguised as a servant, working on your elocution and wit, researching the noble families in attendance - choice decides initial speechcraft and information] Mingle through the party and talk to the attendees (10 attendees, 5 ladies and 5 gentlemen). Based on your skills, tell them outlandish tales and keep up with them. As the bar of interest fills up, you may be introduced to the king, who is also in attendance. If you can win him over, then you will have pulled off the biggest fleece ever.

{(set: $currentCharacter to "baron") (display: "Adjustment")} Disbelief (print: "<progress value='" + (text: $baronBelief) + "' max='10'></progress>") Belief (print: (text: $baronBelief)) Dislike (print: "<progress value='" + (text: $baronLike) + "' max='10'></progress>") Like (print: (text: $baronLike)) The Baron is round and ruddy, full of cordial and good wishes. He laughs freely. Though some guests are repelled by his lack of formality, most are drawn to his kindness in this nest of wasps. {(if: $guestKnowledge is "researched" or $guestKnowledge is "intimate") [ While the Baron is a jovial man, he is not a great thinker. Taxing his brain will do you no favors. He likes light, happy conversation and stories. ]} {(if: not ((history:) contains "Baron Ruxmer")) [ "Welcome!" the Baron bellows, beckoning you over. "Come and know me better!" ] (else-if: $baronLike >= 8 and $baronBelief >= 7) [ "You are a wonder, my friend," the Baron bellows with a friendly hand shake. "I think you might be my favorite person here!" ] (else-if: $baronLike<= 1) [ "I am sorry," he says solemnly, shaking his great head. "There are very few people I dislike. But I think you might be one of them." ] (if: $baronBelief >= 7 and $baronLike >= 8) [ (set: $numConvinced to it + 1) (set: $numSpokenTo to it + 1) [[You smile with pride at a job well done->Become the Ditmarsch]] ] (else-if: $baronLike <= 1) [ (set: $numSpokenTo to it + 1) [[The Baron gives you a polite head nod and moves away.->Become the Ditmarsch]] ] (else:) [ How will you awe him? [[Converse with the Baron->Converse]] [[Flatter the Baron->Flatter]] [[Impress him with your wit->Wit]] [[Tell a tall tale->Tall Tale]] ]}

{(if: $numConvinced >= 3) [ The Duc du Vernize bows graciously as you approach. "Ah, I have heard many praises spoken of you tonight, my dear Ditmarsch," he says with a broad smile, "Allow me to walk with you into dinner and do me the honor of sitting near me, that we may talk." ] (else:)[ The Duc du Vernize smirks as you approach. "It seems that you have been riling up my guests with your outrageous lies," he says contemptuously, "Allow my guards to show you out. And you may thank your gods that I don't have you whipped." ]}

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{(set: $currentCharacter to "infante") (display: "Adjustment")} Disbelief (print: "<progress value='" + (text: $infanteBelief) + "' max='10'></progress>") Belief (print: (text: $infanteBelief)) Dislike (print: "<progress value='" + (text: $infanteLike) + "' max='10'></progress>") Like (print: (text: $infanteLike)) The Infante is like a tightly wound ball of energy. You've seen him sneer at the flowery language in use by the other guests. He speaks too plainly. He stands alone. When you approached, his eyes became nothing but thin slits of suspicion. {(if: $guestKnowledge is "researched" or $guestKnowledge is "intimate") [ Yet his clothing belies a great emphasis on appearance. He is a vain man, underneath. ]} {(if: not ((history:) contains "Infante Sagreras")) [ "Why do you approach me?" he fairly hisses. "I do not seek to be apart of this rabble of pretensious fools." ] (else-if: $infanteBelief >= 9) [ "Ha!," the Infante booms, laughing. "I did not think to find a like-minded friend here! Soon, I will visit your country of Wonder and we will speak together." ] (else-if: $infanteBelief <= 3) [ "You are a fool," he growls, "and a liar. You are not worthy to be near me." ] (if: $infanteBelief >= 9) [ (set: $numConvinced to it + 1) (set: $numSpokenTo to it + 1) [[You smile with pride at a job well done->Become the Ditmarsch]] ] (else-if: $infanteBelief <= 3) [ (set: $numSpokenTo to it + 1) [[The Infante turns his back on you->Become the Ditmarsch]] ] (else:) [ How will you awe him? [[Converse with the Infante->Converse]] [[Flatter the Infante->Flatter]] [[Impress him with your wit->Wit]] [[Tell a tall tale->Tall Tale]] ] }

{(set: $currentCharacter to "daimyo") (display: "Adjustment")} Disbelief (print: "<progress value='" + (text: $daimyoBelief) + "' max='10'></progress>") Belief (print: (text: $daimyoBelief)) Dislike (print: "<progress value='" + (text: $daimyoLike) + "' max='10'></progress>") Like (print: (text: $daimyoLike)) The Daimyo is a serene looking middle-aged man. His countenance is thoughtful and his movements and speech are measured. { (if: not ((history:) contains "Daimyo Takeda")) [ "I don't believe I have met you before," he says as he assesses you. ] (else-if: $daimyoBelief >= 9) [ "You are a remarkable individual," the Daimyo says with a small smile and a bow. "I have not heard of the country of Wonder, my dear Ditsmarsch, but for such a place to produce someone like you, it must be truly great." ] (if: $daimyoBelief >= 9) [ (set: $numConvinced to it + 1) (set: $numSpokenTo to it + 1) [[You smile with pride at a job well done->Become the Ditmarsch]] ] (else:) [ How will you awe him? [[Converse with the Daimyo->Converse]] [[Flatter the Daimyo->Flatter]] [[Impress him with your wit->Wit]] [[Tell a tall tale->Tall Tale]] ] }

Each NPC has a like metric that changes based on your conversation Puzzles: You need to find out more information about each NPC and use your knowledge of them to figure out what story to tell and how to tell it.

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You've arrived at the palace of the popular Duc du Vernize. You're nervous. Of course you are. But you've been training for this your entire life. You [[spent a an excessive amount->Last project]] on the finest attire money can buy. Elegant, sumptuous fabrics, approriate for the delightfully warm summer evening but dazzling to the eye in the candelight. [[Enter the fray->The garden entrance]]

{(set: $back to (history:)'s last)} The people of Hezia would not likely forget the great Land Ship, nor it's auspicious launch on the Sea of Grass, nor how much they paid you to make land travel by ship a reality. Nor, indeed, would they forget how you disappeared during the festivities. Yours is the blessed work of the Impossible. And you are damn good at it. In fact, some say, you are the best. (link-goto: "Return", $back)

There are few who would have forgotten the Primate of Ostiginiel. Infinitely charasmatic, it is said that the Primate made you feel as though you were the only person in the world, regardless of sex or station. The skill to captivate you audience will come in handy in your task. (link: "Yes, I should remind the people of the Primate of Ostiginiel")[(set: $charisma to 7, $speechcraft to 5, $psychology to 5, $genderBoost to "both")(goto: "Preparation")] [[No, I should give off a different feel->The garden entrance]]

His Excellency was a master storyteller. The tales he wove of his homeland and his riches, while surely greatly exaggerated, took on the tone of truth with all who heard him. He was, it is said, particularly effective with ladies. That level of speechcraft would surely aid you as you spin tales of your own. (link: "Yes, I should remind the people of the Emir of Robet")[(set: $speechcraft to 7, $charisma to 5, $psychology to 4, $genderBoost to "female")(goto: "Preparation")] [[No, I should give off a different feel->The garden entrance]]

The Heavenly Empress Consort dazzled on her tour of the Western Isles. She had an uncanny accuracy in reading people. Her insults, delivered with the utmost politeness, were absolutely devastating. There were people who still did not dare show their faces. By the same token, her compliments and conversation hit the target every time, delighting those around her. It was said she could get a man to do whatever she asked. Being able to read... and manipulate others would surely serve you well tonight. (link: "Yes, I should remind the people of the Heavenly Empress Consort")[(set: $speechcraft to 6, $charisma to 5, $psychology to 7, $genderBoost to "male")(goto: "Preparation")] [[No, I should give off a different feel->The garden entrance]]

You've been escorted to the enormous formal gardens. As you pass by varied huddles of nobility, you nod graciously. You overhear their whispers. "That ensemble! I've not seen the like since..." [[the visit from the Primate of Ostiginiel->Ostiginiel]] [[the arrival of the His Excellency, the Emir of Robet->Robet]] [[the tour of the Heavenly Empress Consort all the way from Pugon->Pugon]]

You've been preparing for this event for the better part of half a year. A long time, perhaps, but this is important. If you can convince 5 nobles this night that you are, in fact, the Ditmarsch of Wonder, then you will have become the [[greatest Mendax of all time->Mendax]]. Even Behlue the Insincere confined his tale-telling to the commoners. After all, the nobility were sensitive souls, and tended to reward liars with death threats. But you strive to be better than the great Behlue, to go beyond the common realm of lies. You seek to raise your art. So you've spent the last six months [[working disguised as servants in the great houses->Disguised as a servant]] [[practicing your elocution and wit->Elocution]] [[Researching all of the important families in attendance->Research]]

{(set: $back to (history:)'s last)} The Mendax is a title of great honor, at least among a select group. It is the right of the supreme spinner-of-yarns, the top teller-of-tales, the most prized purveyor-of-perfidy. And all without being suspected. You make your living from your lies. More dangerous than common thievery but requiring even greater skill. (link-goto: "Return", $back)

You spent your time in the homes of the premier guests, disguised as a servant. You got to overhear all of the juciest gossip, made several friends (and lovers) among the servants, and have an intimate knowledge of the guests, their likes and dislikes, their insecurities, their weak points. (link: "Yes, I spent my time disguised as a servant")[(set: $psychology to it + 2, $servantFriends to "true", $guestKnowledge to "intimate")(goto: "Party Time")] [[No, this isn't how I spent my time->Preparation]]

You've put all of your effort into making sure that you sound every bit the noble. You've also been practice telling more and more outlandish tales as you've traveled the isles. They haven't all worked out, you've been waved away, cursed, and even chased off. But the more you practice, the better you got. You can tell a lie without a giveaway and you can make a whopper sound like gods' truth. (link: "Elocution and Wit were definitely the way to go.")[(set: $charisma to it + 1, $speechcraft to it + 2)(goto: "Party Time")] [[No, that's not how I spent my time->Preparation]]

You spent your time doing intensive research on the most important guests. A strange move, some might say, but to your analytical mind, it has given you the ammunition you need to engage your guests You know their family history (*all* of it, even the shady sides that they want to keep hidden). You also know about their reputation among their equals and their servants, the last grand evenings they attended, their favorite topics of conversation. They don't stand a chance. (link: "Yes, I spent my time researching the guests")[(set: $psychology to it + 3, $guestKnowledge to "researched")(goto: "Party Time")] [[No, this isn't how I spent my time->Preparation]]

{(display: "PeopleVariables") (display: "Calculate")} The time is finally here. You passed the first test by even gaining entrance to this feast of luminaries. But now, you'll turn on the charm, you'll put all of your hardwork to use. This night... [[You'll become the Ditmarsch of Wonder->Become the Ditmarsch]]

(print: "Speechcraft: " + (text: $speechcraft)) (print: "Charisma: " + (text: $charisma)) (print: "Psychology: " + (text: $psychology))

Bring up Topic of conversation, if you know servants or you researched, increase chances of this working and them liking you Flatter, if charisma is high, then boost; if speechcraft is high, boost; Increase like Tell a tall tale, if charisma is high, big boost; if believability is high, big boost, move belief meter Ask them to recognize your title as the Ditmarsch of Wonder, function of like and belief

You dive deep on an array of topics: politics, foreign affairs, noblesse oblige. Your conversation is serious and enlightened. You debate with vigor, but you are also gracious and polite. It's a wonder you don't go into Parliament. (display: "Conversation Boost") (link-goto: "Return", (history:)'s last)

Your witty repartee is cutting, accurate, and dazzling. Your observations about commoners and the other noble guests in attendance hit the mark exactly. Your intelligence is on full display. (display: "Wit Boost") (link-goto: "Return", (history:)'s last)

You try flattery. Beauty, wit, intelligence, no topic is off limits. Your praise is worthy of odes and sonnets. (if: $psychology <= 5 and $guestKnowledge is "none")[ (set: _flatterMiss to (random: 1,10)) (if: _flatterMiss <= 5) [ (display: "Flattery Sink") Unfortunately, this time, you miss the mark. ] (else:) [ (display: "Flattery Boost") You have truly mastered the fine art of flattering with ease, grace, and delicacy. ] ] (else-if: $psychology <= 5 and $guestResearch is "researched")[ (set: _flatterMiss to (random: 3,10)) (if: _flatterMiss <= 5) [ (display: "Flattery Sink") Unfortunately, this time, you miss the mark. ] (else:) [ (display: "Flattery Boost") You have truly mastered the fine art of flattering with ease, grace, and delicacy. ] ] (else:) [ (display: "Flattery Boost") You have truly mastered the fine art of flattering with ease, grace, and delicacy. ] (link-goto: "Return", (history:)'s last)

(set: $array to (a: 'You weave a tale about the animals of your homeland. "I saw two roasted fowls flying," you say with flair, "They flew quickly and had their breasts turned to heaven and their backs to hell."', 'You weave a tale about the animals of your homeland. You describe a certain frog, dressed in the finest silk, who sat on the ice at Whitsuntide and ate a ploughshare."', 'You speak about the people of your homeland. "Three fellows who wanted to catch a hare, went on crutches and stilts; one of them was deaf, the second blind, the third dumb, and the fourth could not stir a step," you say, "Do you want to know how it was done? First, the blind man saw the hare running across the field, the dumb one called to the lame one, and the lame one seized it by the neck."', 'You regale your partner with tales of your accomplishments. "There were certain men who wished to sail on dry land," you begin solemnly, "and they set their sails in the wind, and sailed away over great fields. Then they sailed over a high mountain, and there they were miserably drowned."' ) ) You try telling a tall tale about your homeland. You weave a tale. (click-replace: "You weave a tale.")[(print: (shuffled: ...$array)'s 1st)] (display: "Tall Tale Boost") (link-goto: "Return", (history:)'s last)

{(set: $daimyoLike to 6, $daimyoBelief to 6, $daimyoType to "measured", $infanteLike to 6, $infanteBelief to 5, $infanteType to "suspicious", $baronLike to 7, $baronBelief to 6, $baronType to "jovial", $marquessLike to 5, $marquessBelief to 5, $marquessType to "demure", $begumLike to 5, $begumBelief to 6, $begumType to "passionate", )}

{ (set: $psychology to 3, $speechcraft to 5, $charisma to 4, $genderBoost to "none", $servantFriends to "false", $guestKnowledge to "none", $numConvinced to 0, $numSpokenTo to 0, $currentCharacter to "none", )}

{ (if: $genderBoost is not "male" or $genderBoost is not "both" )[ (set: $daimyoBelief to it - 2) (set: $infanteLike to it - 2) ] (else:) [ (set: $daimyoBelief to it + 1) (set: $infanteLike to it + 2) ] (if: $psychology <= 5 )[ (set: $daimyoBelief to it - 2) (set: $infanteBelief to it - 2) ] (else-if: $psychology >= 7) [ (set: $daimyoBelief to it + 2) (set: $infanteBelief to it + 2) ] (if: $speechcraft <= 5 )[ (set: $daimyoLike to it - 3) (set: $infanteLike to it + 2) ] (else-if: $speechcraft >= 7) [ (set: $daimyoLike to it + 2) (set: $infanteLike to it - 2) ] (if: $charisma <= 5 )[ (set: $daimyoLike to it - 2) (set: $daimyoBelief to it - 2) (set: $infanteLike to it - 2) ] (else-if: $charisma >= 7) [ (set: $daimyoLike to it + 1) (set: $daimyoBelief to it + 1) (set: $infanteLike to it + 2) ] }

You'll need to use all of your skills. (display: "Variables") Charm each guest to make them like you. When they like you, they're more likely to believe your yarns. When you've spoken with, then you can finally face the Duc himself, the most skeptical man in the Western Isles. Choose your target. Who will you enchant? {(if: $daimyoBelief >= 9 or $daimyoBelief <= 1) [ (text-style: "strike")[Speak with Daimyo Takeda] ] (else:)[ [[Speak with Daimyo Takeda->Daimyo Takeda]] ]} {(if: $infanteBelief >= 9 or $infanteBelief <= 1) [ (text-style: "strike")[Speak with Infante Sagreras] ] (else:) [ [[Speak with Infante Sagreras->Infante Sagreras]] ]} {(if: $baronBelief >= 7 or $baronBelief <= 1) [ (text-style: "strike")[Speak with Baron Ruxmer] ] (else:) [ [[Speak with Baron Ruxmer->Baron Ruxmer]] ]} (if: $numSpokenTo >= 3)[[[Speak with the Duc du Vernize->Duc du Vernize]]]

{(if: $currentCharacter is "daimyo")[ (if: $daimyoLike >= 7 and $daimyoBelief <= 8 and $daimyoBelief >=5)[ (set: $daimyoBelief to it + 2) (print: "The Daimyo is concentrating intently. He seems to believe you.") ] (else-if: $daimyoLike >= 6 and $daimyoBelief <= 9)[ (set: $daimyoBelief to it + 1) (print: "The Daimyo nods his head. He seems to believe you.") ] (else-if: $daimyoBelief <= 3 and $daimyoLike <= 7)[ (set: $daimyoBelief to it - 1) (print: "Unfortunately, your tale is too outlandish. The Daimyo raises his eyebrows but says nothing.") ] (else:) [ (print: "Unfortunately, your tale does nothing. You detect a surpressed yawn.") ] ] (if: $currentCharacter is "infante")[ (if: $infanteLike >= 7 and $infanteBelief >=6)[ (set: $infanteBelief to it + 1) (print: "The Infante nods his head. He seems to believe you.") ] (else-if: $infanteBelief <= 3 and $infanteLike <= 7)[ (set: $infanteBelief to it - 2) (print: "Unfortunately, your tale is too outlandish. The Infante laughs loudly and ridicules you.") ] (else-if: $infanteBelief <= 5 and $infanteLike <= 6 and $infanteBelief >= 1)[ (set: $infanteBelief to it - 1) (print: "Unfortunately, your tale is too outlandish. The Infante scoffs.") ] (else:) [ (print: "Unfortunately, your tale does nothing. You detect a surpressed yawn.") ] ] (if: $currentCharacter is "baron")[ (if: $baronLike >= 7 and $baronBelief >=6)[ (set: $baronBelief to it + 1) (print: "The Baron finds your tale charming.") ] (else-if: $baronLike <= 5 and $baronBelief <= 5)[ (set: $baronBelief to it - 2) (print: "Unfortunately, your tale is too outlandish, even for the Baron.") ] (else:) [ (print: "Unfortunately, your tale does nothing. You detect a surpressed yawn.") ] ]}

{ (if: $currentCharacter is "daimyo")[ (if: $daimyoLike <= 9 and $psychology >= 5)[ (set: $daimyoLike to it + 1) ] (else-if: $daimyoLike <= 8 and $charisma >= 6) [ (set: $daimyoLike to it + 2) ] ] (if: $currentCharacter is "infante")[ (if: $infanteLike <= 8 and $psychology >= 6)[ (set: $infanteLike to it + 2) (set: $infanteBelief to it + 1) ] (else-if: $infanteLike <= 8 and $charisma >= 6) [ (set: $infanteLike to it + 2) ] ] (if: $currentCharacter is "baron")[ (if: $baronLike <= 8 and $psychology >= 6)[ (set: $baronLike to it + 1) ] (else-if: $baronLike <= 8 and $charism >= 6) [ (set: $baronLike to it + 1) ] ] }

{ (if: $currentCharacter is "daimyo")[ (if: $daimyoLike <= 8 and $psychology >= 7 and $speechcraft >= 6)[ (set: $daimyoLike to it + 2) (print: "The Daimyo chuckles a little.") ] (else-if: $daimyoLike <= 9 and $charisma >= 5 and $psychology >= 5) [ (set: $daimyoLike to it + 1) (print: "The Daimyo smiles in approval.") ] ] (if: $currentCharacter is "infante")[ (if: $psychology >= 6 and $charisma >= 6) [ (print: "Your attempt at wit does nothing. The Infante scowls, but he must acknowledge your skill.") ] (else-if: $infanteLike >= 1 and $psychology >= 5 and $speechcraft >= 6) [ (set: $infanteLike to it - 1) (print: "Others are laughing but the Infante is not.") ] (else-if: $infanteLike >= 1)[ (set: $infanteLike to it - 1) (print: "The Infante hates all of this flowery language. He seethes.") ] ] (if: $currentCharacter is "baron")[ (if: $psychology >= 6) [ (print: "Your attempt at wit does nothing. The Baron is silent.") ] (else-if: $baronLike >= 1 and $psychology >= 5) [ (set: $baronLike to it - 1) (print: "Others are laughing but the Baron is not.") ] (else-if: $baronLike >= 2)[ (set: $baronLike to it - 2) (print: "The baron's brow furrows. He doesn't like laughing at the expense of others.") ] ] }

{ (if: $currentCharacter is "daimyo")[ (if: $daimyoLike <= 8 and $psychology >= 5 and $speechcraft >= 5)[ (set: $daimyoLike to it + 2) (print: "The Daimyo attends to the conversation. He seems impressed.") ] (else-if: $daimyoLike <= 8 and $charisma >= 6 and $speechcraft >= 6) [ (set: $daimyoLike to it + 2) (set: $daimyoBelief to it + 1) (print: "The Daimyo attends to the conversation. He seems impressed and more willing to believe you.") ] ] (if: $currentCharacter is "infante")[ (if: $speechcraft >= 5 and $psychology >= 6) [ (set: $infanteLike to it + 2) (set: $infanteBelief to it + 2) (print: "The Infante loves your plain-spokeness. He is an animated and passionate conversational partner. He seems more willing to believe you.") ] (else-if: $infanteLike <= 9 and $psychology >= 7 and $speechcraft >= 7)[ (set: $infanteLike to it + 1) (print: "Though, he pooh-poohed some of your rhetorical devices, the Infante seems to have enjoyed the conversation.") ] (else-if: $infanteLike <= 9 and $charisma >= 6) [ (set: $infanteLike to it + 1) (set: $infanteBelief to it + 1) (print: "Though, he pooh-poohed some of your rhetorical devices, the Infante seems to have enjoyed the conversation. He seems more willing to believe you.") ] (else:) [ (print: "The Infante attends to your words, but his face is a mask of impassiveness.") ] ] (if: $currentCharacter is "baron")[ (if: $psychology >= 7 and $speechcraft >= 7)[ (set: $baronLike to it + 1) (print: "It's unclear if the Baron understood your conversation, but he likes you so he smiles anyway.") ] (else-if: $baronLike <= 9 and $charisma >= 7 and $speechcraft >= 7) [ (set: $baronLike to it + 1) (print: "It's unclear if the Baron understood your conversation, but you spoke so beautifully, he smiles anyway.") ] (else:) [ (print: "Your comments go over the Baron's head. He doesn't hold it against you, but his eyes have a glassy look.") ] ] }

(if: $currentCharacter is "daimyo")[ (set: $daimyoLike to it - 1) ] (if: $currentCharacter is "infante")[ (if: $infanteLike <= 5 and $psychology <= 4)[ (set: $infanteLike to it - 2) (print: "You seem to have actually insulted the Infante.") ] ]

{ (if: $daimyoBelief < 0)[ (set: $daimyoBelief to 0) ] (if: $daimyoLike < 0)[ (set: $daimyoLike to 0) ] (if: $daimyoBelief > 10)[ (set: $daimyoBelief to 10) ] (if: $daimyoLike > 10)[ (set: $daimyoLike to 10) ] (if: $infanteBelief < 0)[ (set: $infanteBelief to 0) ] (if: $infanteLike < 0)[ (set: $infanteLike to 0) ] (if: $infanteBelief > 10)[ (set: $infanteBelief to 10) ] (if: $infanteLike > 10)[ (set: $infanteLike to 10) ] (if: $baronBelief < 0)[ (set: $baronBelief to 0) ] (if: $baronLike < 0)[ (set: $ibaronLike to 0) ] (if: $baronBelief > 10)[ (set: $baronBelief to 10) ] (if: $baronLike > 10)[ (set: $baronLike to 10) ] }