[Game Thread] Lord Windos’ PokeRole Adventure 2: The Wild Lands

[Lord Windos]

Other than relaying this information to Seddi, Sylvia has very little to add. She thinks she’s waaay in over her head… but she’s curious, she might be able to help, and either way Seddi and his partners may be able to assist her… once this is sorted out, of course.

Seddi will turn to Sylvia.  "I'm going to go inform the guy in charge about what we've learned so far.  I'll meet you inside the Center for further investigation of the scene when you've finished your business with Murkrow.  The more info we can get about what happened here, the better."

Sylvia will simply nod to Seddi. She’ll be inside in a moment. First, though, she has an idea…
”Espeon… esp esp, peon. Espeon esp peon esp? Espeon espeon espy peon esp. Espeon? Esp.”
(Murkrow… this may be a weird boon to ask, and I leave it to you to accept or decline. Would you join my team? I can offer some small measure of protection, and strength training beside. What do you think? Your strengths would be greatly appreciated.)

The Mukrow looks momentarily caught off guard by your rather blunt offer, holding a wing up to their beak in a slightly aghast manner. A few seconds later a contemplative look is now adorned as they relaxed and pondered, as darting back and forth and up to the sky as they clanked their beak to themselves.

Translation: "Hmm.... Kitty Weird Mind stranger most nosy, and their Justice Broody Sentinel  little annoying. But Metal Mummy Magi scary stranger still, and morsel made by they most magnificent meal devoured by I. Hmm..."

With a great *Snap!* of their beak the glittery raven's focus was squarely back on you, giving one last intense look of absolute scrutiny, before giving a singular and solemn nod.

"Yes, yes, very well. Join you, make coven and flock with thee, I shall! Protect and feed me well, give gifts of grandeur and glint glitter, and well I shall provide for yee and yonder mates aplenty or one!"

Murkrow obtained as a Team Mate! I'll post in the Meta Thread a bit later what exactly they'll do for your PC, as well as what benefits they can provide to the wider cast if they're properly entreated.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Getting to Dodger was somewhat annoying, as a couple of police officers and nosy detectives intercepted you to none so subtly ask why a 'civilian' like you was getting the idea they could intrude on such a important meeting. A flash of your credentials and an equally none too subtle implication of the dandy man not being pleased with any hold ups got them to pave you a way to him Lickytung split - the joys of being a bigger fish in the governmental chain of command AND power bracket. 

The Quicksilva Speedster is rather grateful for the timely interruption and even more useful intel, giving you a nearly jolly smile and a serious but pleased nod.

"Now that's exactly what we needed - more Strange shenanigans, but in our favor this time 'round! 'Right, that settles it - we're going to put a bollo out on anyone matching this description, and I'll get some of these fine officers here *Waves in their direction* to begin searching the local places of worship and the usual haunts of the 'overly religious, judging by the black bird's testimony. *Tsk* Shame it's Dark Typed, 'for we could've had a Psychic brought in to extract a 'true' depiction of everything, straight from the source - with their permission, of course.

He says that pointedly, though you have a strong feeling it was directed at a few suddenly Mareepish looking officers. 

"*Sighs* Serve and protect, even the mischievous lil' critters, ladies and gents. *Opens his eyes and looks at you* Seddi, mind if you do me a favor and check out the Center for me? I'll join up in a bit, once I get the Pokeball rolling on hunting down our first real lead in this nasty piece of Muking business.'

Seddi nods. "We definitely need some harder evidence besides second hand testimony from a wild pokemon if we're going to get anyone charged with a crime.  Checkin' out the Center's my next stop.  Due to the high possibility of magic being involved though, we might need to call in some equally magical assistance.  I know a guy, but whether he'll help is a different matter.  I've gotten the impression he's a little busy at the current moment."

The 'guy' in question being Bernhard, of course.  Seddi couldn't help but notice that the mage was the only one not actively responding to the group's messages right now.  Makes him wonder what was holding the man's attention if he was ignoring this crisis entirely...

Regardless, there's little time to dwell on it.  He has a ransacked Pokemon Center to investigate next.

[Dragonstrike]

Darren immediately takes advantage of the expedited healing services. As for the note Darren hands it to the police as evidence, he's got a bad feeling about the "fun".

Darren does take a picture of the note, for future reference, and shares it + relevant info with the other applicable (read: ones he has the number of) members of the group.

Darren gets a confused sounding text from Seddi back.

Looter clowns advertising what sounds like some kind of cult?  I was expecting people to be taking advantage of the chaos, but that sounds absolutely wild.  And here I was thinking this situation couldn't get much stranger than it already is...

Keep an eye out for further signs of their activity.  I doubt this is going to be the last we hear of this group, whoever they are.

He'd send a text to Seddi as well:

Just cleared the place out and theres interesting news. There's more to this gang then meets the eye. The looks to be leader of these 'Breakneck Boys' and the last few goons escaped with a dark smoke bomb and alluded to a different branch led by his big brother. If you're interested I can give you some more details next time we meet.

And one more message for Akamu!  This portion of the situation is definitely more along the lines of typical behavior Seddi had been expecting.

Sounds like you gave them a good thrashing if they ran for the hills.  Definitely fill me in later.  If they fled instead of standing their ground, they'll be back.

[Mikaruge108]

Looter clowns advertising what sounds like some kind of cult? I was expecting people to be taking advantage of the chaos, but that sounds absolutely wild. And here I was thinking this situation couldn't get much stranger than it already is...

Keep an eye out for further signs of their activity. I doubt this is going to be the last we hear of this group, whoever they are.

Darren takes Seddi's advice and asks around for some more information on the clowns, if he still has a free encounter to do so, otherwise, he'll consult with Aaron on the matter.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Long Original Post

Spoiler

Huh. Words can barely describe how heavily Bernhard sighs figuratively AND literally, one hand on forehead and all, in response to Mr.Gleam going down in cold blood. They KNEW he wouldn't take the news well, hence the hesitation on dropping the details. Little could Bern know he'd take the news THAT badly...
...but maybe, just maybe, things will okay now. Bernhard is very used to + is at his best when working alone (exempt trusted partner Pokemon), plus he feels he'll need any concentration he can bring up to find out more about what is pestering Saph in order to create an as customized cure as possible: So, decision made, we'll leave Mr.Gleam alone, for now that is, and after we've checked whether he's still breathing. Bernhard hasn't got the nerves to micromanage him just now - if he needs his assistance, he can still try to wake him up later!

Very well then also, Myra does stay out. Even receives some careful and reassuring scratches under chin and pets behind her ears, as means to calm her down. Hopefully she appreciates the rare to super-rare displays of affection from her Master and agrees to work with him here. "Be calm, my treasured nine-tailed partner, be calm... I do need your assistance here, as your...own experience of inflicting curses is of great value here." Bernhard will wait for a bit, continuing to calm and quiet her before continuing. "I am aware that whatever is present or wrong here is riling you up greatly, I noticed. Though I am here with you, and nothing shall befall you nor us as long as you are with ME. *motions towards Saph* The source of that...presence you felt earlier lies here. That presence, that vile and dark magic, is plaguing this innocent young girl... And we have been asked to find a cure for it, dear Myra. *lets gaze rest on her for a bit, now noticing that bright and clear Sapphire worn as a pendant - which immediately causes Bernhard to frown* "That crystal... do tell me Myra, do you feel anything...vile coming from it?" Plus, what happens if Bernhard tries to touch it with his Gauntlet hand?

Course of Action:

Take Saph's hand into his once more, into his Gauntlet hand to be specific. Bernhard expects and awaits that faint tingling run up his arm once more, and this time he'll concentrate on it and keep her hand in his regardless of it. The goal is to find out more about it, pick up further details of the powerful dark magic pestering Saph - say, where does it come from/where is the root of it, is it a curse or is it something different, how does it react to being near/being connected to Scimitar Magic. 

To aid with that, Bernhard will also make use of Myra's own spiritual and psychic might, aka create a careful direct connection between her and the dark magic within Saph - if no rebound or resistance is encountered and if it anything done so far hasn't visibly worsened Saph's state, Bernhard will even go so far as to direct a careful non-damaging Extrasensory towards the Dark Magic to see how it reacts and to tickle it to the surface.

We'll also spend a Willpoint here to increase the chances of success. (If Fortune Rolls occur, these are revealed as I've spent a Willpoint already to do so at the beginning of Day 2. At the end of this 2nd Encounter of the Day Bern and Zephy wil also receive 1 Willpoint thanks to Zephy's Ever Spirited plotdevice)

Furthermore, in response to Nirix being riled up: Quietly talk to him, cradle his head with his natural hand while the Gauntlet hand remains a hold of Saph's hand. trying to find out more about what it is about Saph's condition that is incensing him that much. "You are able to feel it to, now aren't you...? It is...dark, and powerful too, is it not...? But...is it indeed and truely a curse, or is it something different? How far has it progressed within the poor girl's system? ...And is it not cowardly and wrongful to inflict an innocent young girl with something as evil as this...?" There's not a little bit of anger within Bernhard's voice on the last phrase, as he indeed wonders how someone/something can be as mean to target something like Mr.Gleam's precious daughter aka an innocent young girl. Perhaps whoever inflicted it aims to give as much harm and distress to him as possible, knowing that his daughter is his everything...?

Repeat what's been stated already, this time with Myra staying out. Plus keeping a close eye on Mr.Gleam every now and then.

You have the strong feeling that Zephy would be half-tutting, half ribbing you for causing another poor person to Faint from a poorly worded response (you don't talk about the Incident) , though in this case their was a strong possibility that ANYTHING would be enough to cause Mr. Gleam to shut down. The poor fellow has been under far too much stress for FAR too long, so while not great your bedside report was only the tipping point. 

Acting swift but elegantly, you set the man off to the side after using a toned down version of Icy Wind to regulate his temperature. Being a 'Wind' Spell and a convenient means of self-air conditioning (those mage robes can get stuffy!) , you have enough practice to pull this off without having to come up with a complicated spell or overstress yourself or your Gauntlet....

...Though the layer of frost over his clothing and the slight hiccup you felt while Channeling Zephy's Power indicated that further refinement of the technique for external use may be required. Or waiting until your Partner isn't recovering from one hell of a hangover. Either or!

Thankfully, your trusty kitsune is quick to thaw the attorney out, so besides some wrinkly cloths he's fine enough besides the obvious. She brushes against your metallic hand, a rumbling purr answering your gentle carcasses. Worried as she was about this foul Feeling surrounding this young girl, your reassurances go a long way of settling her down, as her fur smooths out and she separates from your touch to share a controlled look. Fret not, she can't precisely do, but a measured response? Yes, most assuredly indeed.

Nirix, on the other hand, was still in a funk, despite your best efforts. For he couldn't figure out what was wrong with the poor lass, only knowing something gravely was, and it wracked and unnerved him to no end. It was only his good pedigree, good temperament, and your good training that has managed to keep them so 'even' thus far - how much longer that would remain the case before he feels compelled to act out on his Instincts, though...

Myra cocks her head as you bring up Saph's necklace, turning her focus to per at it with half glowing eyes, channeling her own species unique connection to the arcane, accursed, and otherworldly...

...And rears back with astonishment, before looking back at you. For a moment you were worried your worst predictions were right.....but the look of quiet awe she had dispelled such notions. A little clarification later, and you get the gist of what she 'saw' : that Sapphire Pendant was not Cursed, but in fact Blessed. Protection, Warmth, Compassion...Love. All of that radiated outward from it, sinking into Saph and forming a deep and....nurturing connection that was viscously fighting off whatever was plaguing her.

Touching it yourself...yields no overt reaction, even with your Gauntlet. Myra's sharp look at the action, however, told you that your presence had some effect on it, unseen as it was.
- Who...? -- What...? -- Foreign -- Powerful -- Danger...? -- Threat...? --
A Magical Medical Check, with a Spiritual Check facilitated by Myra? Let's break this down into two parts...

M.M.C. 
Roll: SPE + INS / 2 + Knowledge (4) + Medicine (1) + Myra's and Nirix's Aid (1 and + 1 Success) + 1 Will = 9D6 + 2 Dice
(1)(5)(4)(2)(6) (3)(4)(3)(1) + 2 = 5 Successes, Win!

Saph's/??? Will/Resistance: Will (*3) + (5) [Negated due to ???] + 3 (Foulness) = 6D6 Dice
(6)(1)(5) (4)(4)(3) 4 Successes

It took a long time and a decent chunk of your focus to find anything in your sympathetic 'scan' of the ill girl, your brow furrowed in frustration. As to be expected, trying to Channel foreign Magic through a non-consenting person was hard enough as is, but the girl's current condition only made it that much more difficult as you tried to parse readings from her and what came through her ever growing connection to the dead and dreaded. You also swore several times that something else was furtively lurking around the fringes of your scan. Such things were not good signs - either whatever foul Magicks infecting Saph were adapting to your presence and trying to conceal itself, or such a thing was a natural property to it. 

It was when your Frustration over not finding anything substantial, your seeming Inability to properly diagnose what was wrong with Saph, and your strong, strong feelings that you just wanted to save this poor girl and banish the wretched magic cursing her that you felt something else brush against your sense that caused you to freeze, that tingling to return now with a vengeance, Myra to sit up and let out a sharp 'Yip!', and Nirix' eyes to widen. 
- Help...? -- Save...? -- ...Yes -- Goodness... -- Caring... - Right -
- Now -
- See -

Your vision, your Magical Insight, brightened. So suddenly, abruptly, it was as if something that was obscuring it, something you didn't even realize was there, just....faded away.

With it, came Clarity: you could now see what was wrong with Saph. A dark, pitch black, sepulchral mass of vile pervaded her entire body, fine threads and great withering tendrils snaking their way through her, pulsating as it siphoned energy and tightened, literally strangling the life and Vitality out of her. At the root of it all, from which it all branched and stemmed from, was a gangrenous clump, centered right over her heart. Centered, but not penetrating, as something else was seemingly fighting against it tooth and nail to keep it out.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, you were dealing with a Curse, and one of the most abhorrent, insidious, and nasty one you've ever seen at that. You know several Evokers specializing in Curses would be amazed and impressed at the sheer 'artistry' and effectiveness of it, and Morgana herself no doubt finding it intriguing enough to warrant a glance, but you? How did you feel seeing it?

Knowing what you were dealing with somewhat, establishing a Spiritual Connection via/with Myra to get a more direct look at the Curse would be relatively trivial. What wouldn't be, however, was the dangers involved in doing so, for such a thing usually requires a direct link or peerlessly keen mystical Insight (Human, Mon, both, etc..) that opens the user up to whatever Magics they're trying to get a closer bead on. Which, when dealing with a Curse, and a horrible one such as this, was very, very risky indeed. Still, the information you could gain from doing so could GREATLY aid you in deciphering what kind of Curse it was, it's precise effects, and how it was interacting with Saph, all of which would make finding and creating a Cure less onerous and more safe for you and her.

The choice is yours: Brave the risks and Do the Spiritual Connection, or Be Cautious and Proceed to the Next Step, whatever it may be....

.....Bernhard has seen enough. Quite literally so, and what they have seen left the mage perplexed, wondering and shocked.

All sort of thoughts run through their mind as Bernhard exchanges meaningful glances with both Myra and Nirix, then returning their gaze to muster comatose Saph again; now with quite the worried and awestruck expression(!). He lowkey expected it to be a...curse that pesters her, but little could he know that it's one of SUCH vileness and severity. Consider Bernhard quite upriled, but also quite fascinated - for he has never before first-handedly managed to get a direct glance at a curse cast with such finesse and - yes indeed - artistry, as bad and wrongful as it may sound... Makes them wonder only more why Saph of all people has been chosen as the target of it. For Bernhard would glaldy pester his enemies with such a curse, but not an innocent young girl that deserves much much better... Heaven forbid.

With calm words and gentle reassurance both his magically-bound partners are calmed down from what they've witnessed and experienced, before Bernhard motions for both to retreat (not into their Balls as they may stay out in this exceptional case, but step back and get ready to head downstairs) and Bernhard himself takes one of Saphs hand into his natural one to give it a firm and asseverating hold for a few seconds; his gaze awestruck, cautious yet confident as he gives her a low bow. "I thank thee for your insight, greatly so. I shall make use of anything you have shown me, and do anything I can to purify you of the nastiness infecting and plaguing you.". These words are both directed at Saph (regardless whether she can hear or not) as well as that Blessed Saphire that is her pendant. That Protection, this Warmth, Compassion and -yes, truly- Love that he could only imagine Myra felt - it was enough to give Bernhard a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, depite all stoicness and self-restraint.

Then, with a wave, Bernhard motions for his fellowship of Pokemon to step by his side. "Come", he'll tell them, "For we've got work to do."

Decision made, we will not establishing a Spiritual Connection. Too risky it feels after what Bernhard has seen, too much is at stake for him to dare opening himself up to that curse to find out more about it. Shall he by all means fail to create a decent cure aka tonic of purification without the details he'll get from the Spiritual Connection, he's got a Plan B as a secret and potential ace up his robe's sleeve already. Bernhard does know better than to blatantly risk the curse spreading over to him or any of his trusted Pokemon, least suffering a similar fate like poor Saph here.

...Speaking about her, before we'll leave, Bernhard will check on her father once more. He's likely still out and fainted, and the mage won't try again to channeling more of Zephy's powers after having seen what happened when he did so shortly before. Makes Bernhard wonder again what the heck his trusted mythical partnermon has been up to last night if it was causing such strange and unpleasant side effects, oh dear...

We'll leave a written note for him instead, which reads the following:

.....I have managed to find out what is pestering your precious Saph, what is causing her comatose state and what is causing you so much distress that it made you loose your consciousness as I was sharing the news with you. If I may be so bold, I have already headed downstairs and will make careful and mindful use of your kitchen to create a matching customized medicine to purify and hopefully cure her.

...And thus Bernhard finds himself in that kitchen or any other place that would be suited to create the Alpha Form of the medicine/purification/tonic for Saph, both Nirix and Myra being by exception allowed to be out and by his side. Especially so Nirix, who is once more adressed and updated on Saph's state. "A vile and horrendous Curse it is that is plaguing the young maiden... A curse that deserves and requires the most precious and blessed ingredients if we wish to purify and cleanse her of it. Like I have said, I will remember your aid and sacrifice by allowing me to make use of your very horn, Nirix, know that your effort and trust in me shall not and never be in vain." He bows to what is his precious and magical unicorn of a partner, not being above such acts of respect to his own and chosen Pokemon.


We'll use the following Ingredients and go the following course of Actions in creating the Alpha Form:

- Distilled water as the base, which Nirix is asked to immerse the tip of her horn into. Such water which a supposedly unicorn's horn has been immersed into has been sold at horrendous prices at pharmacies during ancient times, advertised as magical cure for everything
- We'll further cleanse and 'bless' this water by reciting a short prayer over it and casting a strong Safeguard by Myra over it
- All 3 units of Veil Color we have harvested from Nirix during the show earlier this morning, to further amplify the purification effect. This Ingredient also grants +1 Success to any Arts and Crafts Rolls made with it
- 2 units of Soulaby Flowers, because I feel their properties concerning Will, Growth, and Insightfulness could further aid the desire and sheer will to withstand the effects of the curse

The valuable horn of Nirix will be not be harvested nor added yet, instead we'll add it in the pase of chanting the Incantation and channeling SPE into the Alpha Form.

This also brings up an important question: If I harvest Nirix's horn here, it will regrow after a while, right? If it's made of enamel or keratin (compare the 'horn' of a narwhal, used as false evidence of unicorns in ancient times), it should do so after some day or a while, me feels, otherise he won't be able to use his signature Psycho Cut anymore. If he only won't be able to do so until the horn has regrown, or he'll only be able to cast weaker Psycho Cuts until then, that's totally fine to me though.

[Pokekitty2]

Spoiler

The Mukrow looks momentarily caught off guard by your rather blunt offer, holding a wing up to their beak in a slightly aghast manner. A few seconds later a contemplative look is now adorned as they relaxed and pondered, as darting back and forth and up to the sky as they clanked their beak to themselves.

Translation: "Hmm.... Kitty Weird Mind stranger most nosy, and their Justice Broody Sentinel  little annoying. But Metal Mummy Magi scary stranger still, and morsel made by they most magnificent meal devoured by I. Hmm..."

With a great *Snap!* of their beak the glittery raven's focus was squarely back on you, giving one last intense look of absolute scrutiny, before giving a singular and solemn nod.

"Yes, yes, very well. Join you, make coven and flock with thee, I shall! Protect and feed me well, give gifts of grandeur and glint glitter, and well I shall provide for yee and yonder mates aplenty or one!"

Murkrow obtained as a Team Mate! I'll post in the Meta Thread a bit later what exactly they'll do for your PC, as well as what benefits they can provide to the wider cast if they're properly entreated.

Whee!
*ahem*
Alright, sweet.

Sylvia gives her best impression of a smile. “Espeon. Esp - espeon esp esp peon… espeon esp, esp espeon.” (Welcome aboard. Now - my next order of business might trouble you… I’d like it if you accompanied me, but you’re welcome to hang back as well.) Sylvia will release Sir - perhaps the Murkrow would be more comfortable with avian companionship.

Whether the Murkrow decides to hang back or not, Sylvia will weave her way through the crowd to Seddi and Dodger, and if both are still there she’ll sit down and give them an expecting look. Otherwise it’s following Seddi into the center.

[Iron]

Seeing how adamant the tortoise is, Vernon won't press the issue. "You can dig, can't you? Then I suppose you'll be fine. Say goodbye, Turtwig!" He will keep the turtle's existence a secret from the public, for its sake. He does get some pics, though.

Vernon retreats back to the entrance. If no one has found his note, he will briefly use his unrevealed slot 1 Pokemon to rise quickly out of the pit, whereupon he will pack up and finish his tasks. If that goes well, he'll look for an authority who can issue more work, but he'd like to stay in touch with the rest of the group in case anyone needs backup.

[Lord Windos]

Seeing how adamant the tortoise is, Vernon won't press the issue. "You can dig, can't you? Then I suppose you'll be fine. Say goodbye, Turtwig!" He will keep the turtle's existence a secret from the public, for its sake. He does get some pics, though.

Vernon retreats back to the entrance. If no one has found his note, he will briefly use his unrevealed slot 1 Pokemon to rise quickly out of the pit, whereupon he will pack up and finish his tasks. If that goes well, he'll look for an authority who can issue more work, but he'd like to stay in touch with the rest of the group in case anyone needs backup.

As you all were saying farewell and turned to go, you heard a faint *Rumbling* from behind you. Then, suddenly, *Bop!* Two objects landed on your head! Scrambling, you manage to catch the offending objects, and discover them to be 2 Ground Gems, faintly glowing a brownish orange light! Turning, you see the rocky reptile give you an apologetic but friendly smile, giving you one last ^w^ before returning to their mound and burrowing in once more…

No help had arrived by the time you left, so option 2 it is! As you exist the hole and quickly back away you felt the sand vibrate before *BAM!* The Hole collapsed, sand being pulled in until nothing remained of its presence! Well, save for the treasures you took, of course. Alls well that ends well?

[Lord Windos]

Looter clowns advertising what sounds like some kind of cult?  I was expecting people to be taking advantage of the chaos, but that sounds absolutely wild.  And here I was thinking this situation couldn't get much stranger than it already is...

Keep an eye out for further signs of their activity.  I doubt this is going to be the last we hear of this group, whoever they are.

Darren takes Seddi's advice and asks around for some more information on the clowns, if he still has a free encounter to do so, otherwise, he'll consult with Aaron on the matter.

The cops were rather reluctant to tell you about all of that, but a pointed stare from your mentor got them to reveal that WN was a Celebration Most Strange and Occultic, and that it randomly occurs every year. For the average person any news of its ‘arrival’ is seen as an omen of things to come, good, bad, and very, very Strange, but for the more adventurous, magically inclined, or fae and chaotic of minds it promises to be a most wonderful occasion indeed…

Later on, Aaron gives you a level stare as you bring up your poor showing with the clowns, before motioning to you silently. Looks like he wants to hear you own take on what went wrong…

[Lord Windos]

@PhantomUnderYourDesk

To answer your question in brief about Nirix, yes the horn will grow back quickly enough for it not to be a problem . The wonders of modern healthcare! Still hurts like heck, though, and the significance of harvesting the horn is heavy for you and your steed not matter WHAT.

Papa Gleam is still Fainted, though their express does seem a bit more at ease now, strangely enough…

I did some Rolls on the already, and I don’t want to keep you waiting any longer (or run out of time to write!) , so I will say that the creation of The Alpha Curse Cure was a Success. It did not come without cost, however - you Gauntlet took 10 Stress Damage for reasons that will be touched on later, and it drained a whomping 3 Will from you in the process in addition to tiring you and your Mons out greatly. Still, a Success is a Success; what comes next is undecided yet…