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Merchants of the Dark Road

1–4 players · best with 3 · ~60–120 min to play · ages 12+ · 2022

complexity · Heavy

language · Some necessary text - easily memorized or small crib sheet (5 votes)

BGG 7.3/10 (4,063 ratings) · weight 3.3/5 · rank #1,080 View on BGG ↗

Questions here read: Merchants of the Dark Roadbg-300217-en-1e

game helpers

last visited another country
last tried a food they'd never had before
most recently learned a new word
last saw the ocean
most recently planted something
last sent a postcard or a handwritten letter
most recently stayed up to watch a sunrise
last fixed something instead of replacing it
most recently took a photo of an animal
last laughed until they cried
most recently visited a library
last took the long way home on purpose
most recently learned a riddle or a magic trick (and may be asked to perform it)
last jumped into a puddle, a lake, or a pool
most recently gave someone a homemade gift
last saw a rainbow
most recently sang out loud (car singing counts)
last climbed something (a hill, a tree, too many stairs)
most recently helped a stranger
last finished reading a book
most recently danced (kitchen dancing counts)
last built something with their hands
most recently made someone else laugh
last visited Portugal (Azul would approve — someone, somewhere, at some table, has)
most recently tried something for the first time
traveled farthest to reach this table
most recently cooked for someone
most recently got caught in the rain
most recently finished a puzzle (any puzzle)
most recently learned something from a mistake (naming the mistake is the price)
most recently saw a full moon on purpose
most recently made a wish
most recently taught someone something
most recently kept a hard promise
most recently found something that was lost
most recently napped in the afternoon
most recently wrote something by hand
most recently shared food without being asked
most recently stayed calm when it was hard to
most recently went somewhere they'd never been
most recently said sorry first
most recently watched a sunset all the way to the end
most recently laughed at their own joke
most recently watched the rain from somewhere dry
last skipped a stone across water
most recently fed a bird, a duck, or a very patient squirrel
last walked barefoot on grass
most recently looked up at the stars long enough to find one
last built a blanket fort (helping a kid build one counts)
most recently flew a kite, a paper plane, or a frisbee
last caught snow on their tongue
most recently picked fruit straight off a tree or a bush
last went for a swim outdoors
most recently took a walk with no destination
last lit a candle for no reason
most recently watched a thunderstorm on purpose
last hiked to the top of something and sat down
most recently smelled a flower on purpose
last fell asleep outside
most recently jumped in a pile of leaves
last built a snowman, a sandcastle, or a tower of anything
most recently heard an owl, a loon, or a frog and stopped to listen
last went out just to see the leaves change
most recently baked bread from scratch
last ate breakfast for dinner
most recently tried a recipe from a cookbook rather than a screen
last burned the toast and ate it anyway
most recently grew something they later ate
last made soup for someone who was sick
most recently shared a dessert with two forks
last ate something with their hands that probably wanted a fork
most recently brought snacks for the whole table
last made a grilled cheese at midnight
most recently tried a food from a country they've never visited
last packed a lunch for someone else
most recently drank from a garden hose or a mountain stream
last finished the last slice without being asked twice
most recently made pancakes in a shape
last learned a card trick
most recently learned to say thank you in a new language
last memorized a poem, a speech, or an entire song
most recently looked up how something works and then explained it to someone
last read the whole rulebook before playing
most recently taught a kid a game they loved as a kid
last learned to juggle, whistle, or snap with the other hand
most recently asked a question they'd been afraid to ask
last took a class for fun
most recently learned a constellation
last figured out a puzzle without looking at the answer
most recently read a book recommended by someone at this table
last read something aloud to someone
most recently finished a crossword, a sudoku, or a word search
last wrote a thank-you note and actually sent it
most recently held a door for someone carrying too much
last returned a shopping cart from the far end of the lot
most recently let someone go ahead of them in line
last gave directions to someone who was lost
most recently called a grandparent, a parent, or an old friend just to talk
last checked on a neighbor
most recently forgave someone without being asked to
last gave up their seat for someone
most recently left a bigger tip than they had to
last sat with someone who was having a hard day
most recently said "you go first" and meant it
last remembered a friend's birthday without a reminder
most recently donated something they still liked
last picked up litter that wasn't theirs
most recently complimented a stranger
last told someone what they appreciated about them, out loud
most recently walked someone to their car, their bus, or their door
last hummed a tune and got it stuck in someone else's head
most recently played an instrument, badly or well
last sang in the shower loud enough to be heard
most recently doodled in the margins of something
last made up a song about a pet, a meal, or a chore
most recently drew something and kept it
last took a photo of the sky
most recently wrote a haiku, a limerick, or a terrible poem on purpose
last made something out of cardboard
most recently finished a craft they started years ago
last knitted, sewed, or glued something back together
most recently told a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end
last performed a magic trick for a child
most recently made a playlist for someone else
last whistled a whole song
most recently built something out of blocks, bricks, or pillows
last folded a paper crane, a paper boat, or a fortune teller
most recently learned a dance move from a kid
last played a board game with a grandparent
most recently lost a game to a kid and loved it
last lost a game gracefully
most recently won a game and said "good game" first
last played a game until the sun came up
most recently explained a rule and got it right
last brought a new game to a table
most recently played hide-and-seek, tag, or catch
last played a game outdoors
most recently flipped a coin to decide something important
last rolled a die for a real-life decision
most recently played a game on a train, a plane, or a boat
last beat a game they'd lost to for years
most recently played a game with someone who'd never played anything like it
last read a game's rules out loud, in a voice
most recently sleeved, sorted, or organized a game
last took a game on vacation and actually played it
most recently finished a video game's story
last played a game they were given as a gift, with the giver
most recently rode a bike
last rode a ferry, a train, or a tram
most recently got lost on purpose
last slept in a tent
most recently saw a mountain up close
last crossed a bridge on foot
most recently stood at the edge of a lake, a river, or a sea
last visited a town with fewer than a thousand people
most recently took the scenic route
last visited a museum
most recently rode in the back of a wagon, a cart, or a hay ride
last saw a waterfall
most recently walked through a market in another country
last traveled somewhere by paper map instead of by phone
most recently saw a city from above
last took a road trip with the windows down
most recently waited for a late train and didn't mind
last visited the place they grew up
most recently stood in two countries, states, or provinces at once
last slept in (and didn't feel guilty)
most recently took a day off for no reason
last read in a hammock, a bath, or a window seat
most recently watched the same movie for the fifth time
last made a cup of tea and actually sat down to drink it
most recently turned their phone off for a whole day
last spent an afternoon doing nothing and enjoyed every minute
most recently watched clouds
last took the stairs instead of the elevator
most recently went to bed early on purpose
last woke up without an alarm
most recently sat by a fire
last took a long bath
most recently wore their favorite socks
last wore something they made or someone made for them
most recently wore a costume (any reason counts)
last wore a hat indoors and got away with it
most recently got a haircut they were nervous about
last danced at a wedding
most recently sang happy birthday loudly in public
last clapped when a plane landed
most recently laughed so hard no sound came out
last told a joke that actually landed
most recently did an impression of someone at this table
last made a toddler laugh
most recently tripped in public and took a bow
last got the giggles at the worst possible time
most recently laughed at a joke they didn't fully get
last pet a dog that wasn't theirs
most recently talked to a cat like it was a person
last saw a deer, a fox, or a wild rabbit
most recently rescued a bug instead of squishing it
last fed a horse, a goat, or a llama
most recently saw a hawk, an eagle, or an owl
last watched fish for longer than they meant to
most recently heard birds before they heard traffic
last saw a whale, a dolphin, or a seal
most recently gave a name to a wild animal they kept seeing
last held a chicken, a rabbit, or a very tolerant cat
most recently saw fireflies
last followed a butterfly
most recently stood up for someone
last admitted they were wrong mid-argument
most recently tried something they were bad at, in public
last asked for help
most recently spoke in front of a room
last did something that scared them a little
most recently finished something hard without being asked to
last changed their mind because of a good argument
most recently went first when nobody wanted to
last kept going when they wanted to quit
most recently apologized to a child
last took the blame for a group
most recently tried a hobby that didn't stick and was glad they tried
last said no to something they didn't want to do
most recently made a new friend as a grown-up
last cried at a movie and blamed allergies
most recently mended a friendship
last introduced two friends who didn't know each other
most recently went to a party alone
last sent a message they'd been meaning to send
most recently listened all the way through without interrupting
last learned a friend's pet's name
most recently hugged someone who needed it
last kept a secret that was hard to keep
most recently baked cookies for a neighbor
last wrote a letter to their future self
most recently looked at old photos with someone who was in them
last drew a map of somewhere from memory
most recently told a kid what they were like at that age
last found a note they'd written years ago
most recently reread a favorite book
last kept a ticket stub, a shell, or a pressed flower
most recently took a photo of a sunset and sent it to someone
last taught a dog a trick (attempts count)
most recently fixed a wobbly table with a folded napkin
last made something out of leftovers
most recently gave a houseplant a name
last rearranged a room for no reason
most recently sharpened a pencil by hand
last found a use for a thing they almost threw away
most recently watered a plant that wasn't theirs
last organized a drawer and felt wonderful about it
most recently made their bed and took a moment to admire it
last repaired a toy
most recently got a band-aid with a good story attached
last helped carry a couch
most recently swept a porch, a step, or a sidewalk
last built a fire on the first try
most recently did the dishes without being asked

Victory! The winner carries the box back to the shelf. It's the law.
Well played — the winner picks what's next.
The winner takes a bow. Everyone else takes a rematch.
Crown them! A hat, a mug, anything crown-shaped will do.
The winner's chair is the good chair now.
History will remember this. Or at least this table will.
The winner may gloat for exactly ten seconds. Time it.
Champions shuffle first next game. Them's the rules.
Someone write this down — dynasties start somewhere.
The winner earns the best snack. No appeals.
A toast! Raise whatever's closest.
The losers demand a rematch. The winner graciously accepts.
The winner explains their strategy. Everyone pretends to listen.
Flowers for the champion! Imaginary flowers are fine.
The box lid shall bear their name in spirit.
GG — shake hands, stack pieces, plan revenge.
The winner takes a victory lap around the table. Walking pace is fine.
A round of applause — the kind you'd give a very good dog.
The winner gets to pick the snack, the music, and the next seat.
Everyone say the winner's name like a sports announcer.
The champion picks one piece to keep as a trophy until next game.
The winner's first move next game is automatically a good one. That's just science.
The losers each say one nice thing about the winner's play. Keep it short.
The winner gives a one-word acceptance speech. One word.
High-fives all around, winner last.
The winner gets first pick of the leftovers.
The runner-up gets to gloat about second place. That counts too.
The winner holds the box lid like a shield for the photo.
To the champion: may your dice stay this lucky and your friends this forgiving.
The winner names their most valuable piece. Everyone nods solemnly.
Slow clap. Build it. Let it peak.
The winner picks the seating for the rematch. Choose wisely.
The champion gets the good pillow, the good mug, and the good spot on the couch.
The table chants the winner's name exactly three times. No more.
The winner's victory dance is mandatory. Duration: until someone laughs.
The winner gets to make one small, harmless house rule for next game.
Everyone else shakes the winner's hand like it's a treaty.
The winner chooses what the table eats next. Power.
The winner is excused from cleanup. Tonight only.
The champion reads the final score out loud, dramatically.
The winner may humbly decline the applause. The applause will continue anyway.
The losers form a tunnel. The winner walks through it. Yes, really.
The winner gets one "I told you so," to be used before next game ends.
Raise your cups, your dice, your leftover cards — to the winner.
The winner picks the next game. The losers pick the snacks. Balance.
The champion's hat for the next round: whatever's closest. Wear it with pride.
The winner explains their winning move in one sentence. The table pretends to take notes.
A moment of silence for everyone else's plans.
The winner shuffles next game and everyone trusts them completely. Ish.
The table votes on the winner's new title. "The duke" is always available.
The winner gets to call "next game" whenever they like.
Somebody take a photo. The winner poses. The losers photobomb.
The winner gets the last word tonight. Use it well.
The champion's pieces go back in the box first, with ceremony.
The winner says "good game" to each player individually. Eye contact.
The losers each offer one excuse. The winner accepts them all.
The winner draws a tiny crown on a napkin and wears it. Fold it. Tuck it. Crown.
Everyone do the winner's signature move. If they don't have one, they do now.
The winner gets first dibs on the comfy chair for the rest of the night.
Tonight's champion is tomorrow's rematch target. Sleep well.
The winner gives the runner-up a pat on the back. A sincere one.
To the winner: the dice liked you. We still do too.
The table agrees: that was a good game. The winner agrees loudest.
The winner's cup gets refilled first. Lemonade counts. Tea counts. Water counts.
The champion gets a standing ovation. The standing part is the point.
The winner picks one player to give a compliment to. The compliment is owed.
The winner starts next game. The losers start the trash talk.
Three cheers, and the third one's the loud one.
The winner gets to keep the scorepad as a souvenir.
The champion blows on the dice for luck. They need it less, but still.
The winner picks who tells the story of this game later.
Everyone bows to the winner. The winner bows back. Nobody knows when to stop.
The winner gets to rename one piece for the rest of the night.
A gentle drumroll on the table — and the winner takes a bow.
The winner reads the first rule of the next game. In a voice.
To the champion: take the win, leave the gloating. (Ten seconds of gloating allowed.)
The winner chooses: rematch now, or rematch after snacks.
Someone make a trophy out of whatever's on the table. Present it with gravity.
The winner gets to pick the lighting. Mood lighting is allowed.
The losers practice their surprised faces for next time.
The winner picks the next game's first player. It's probably them.
The table promises to remember this exactly as it happened, plus a little.
The winner's move of the night gets replayed in slow motion. With narration.
The champion earns the right to be smug for one turn next game. One.
Everyone points at the winner and says "you." That's the whole ceremony.
The winner gets the good dice next time. There's always a good dice.
The winner leads the walk to the kitchen. The table follows at a respectful distance.
The losers are the winner's fan club now. Membership is automatic.
The winner takes the box home in spirit. The box stays here in practice.
To the winner: well played, well earned, well, well, well.
The winner picks the snack of the rematch. The snack will be judged.
The champion gets to pick the playlist for cleanup.
The winner gives a thumbs up. Everyone gives one back. The room is now very positive.
The winner chooses a victory word. Everyone says it once. Then never again.
The winner gets to be "the house" next game. Rules permitting.
The losers do a dramatic reading of their final scores.
The winner picks one opponent to teach them something next game. Mercy is a strategy.
A slow, respectful nod from every seat at the table.
The winner is now "the defending champion." It sounds better, doesn't it.
The champion gets the window seat, the aisle seat, and the seat of honor. All three.
The winner's score is written down with a little star next to it.
The table does the wave. A small wave. A table-sized wave.
The winner says something gracious. The table says "aww."
The winner picks who gets the crumbs. Democracy takes the night off.
The champion gets to say "next" like a referee.
To the winner: your opponents were worthy, your luck was ridiculous.
The winner writes their name on an index card. The card goes in the box. Legend.
The runner-up gets a consolation handshake from the winner. Firm but friendly.
The winner gets first pick of the rematch's color, side, and faction.
Everyone say "GG" in the voice of their favorite movie character.
The winner does a single, dignified fist pump.
The winner gets to choose: applause, a bow, or both. Both is correct.
The winner names the evening. "The night of the great comeback" is taken.
A toast to the champion, and a bigger toast to the rematch.
The losers get to pick the winner's nickname. The winner has no veto.
The winner tells everyone one thing they'd do differently. Humility looks good on a champion.
The champion gets the first piece of whatever's sweet.
The winner picks the game's "play of the game." It can be their own. It usually is.
Two winners tonight? The tie stands — and the rematch decides it.
The table counts to three and says "congratulations" in unison. Or close enough.
The winner's chair faces the door now, like a boss.
The winner has earned a nap. Not now. Later. But earned.
One cheer for the winner. Two for the table. Three for the game.
The champion gets to pick the next game's house rule on turn order.
The winner gives a short thank-you to the dice, the cards, and whoever made the snacks.
The losers promise revenge. The winner promises to enjoy it.
The winner gets exactly one minute to tell the story. Time it.
Raise the winner's scorecard like a tiny trophy.
The winner wears the box lid as a hat for one photo. One.
The winner picks the order we clean up in. Democracy will resume later.
Everyone hum a triumphant tune. Nobody agrees on which one. Perfect.
The winner may retire undefeated. The winner will not retire undefeated.
The champion is presented with the scoring pen. It's theirs now.
The winner's seat gets a cushion. If there's a cushion.
To the winner: the rulebook has no page for this, but the table does.
The winner chooses the last game of the night. The table starts negotiating.
The winner gets to pretend it was all skill. For the rest of the evening.
Everyone at the table names one move the winner made that was sneaky. Out loud.
A firm, ceremonial stacking of the winner's pieces.
The winner is now the person to beat. Congratulations, and good luck.
The winner writes the date on the box insert. Future tables will wonder why.
The champion picks a victory song. Thirty seconds. Then cleanup.
The winner gets to sit out the first round of dishes.
The runner-up gives the toast. The winner just smiles.
The winner leads the table in a round of "for they're a jolly good fellow." Key optional.
The winner's name goes on the fridge. With a magnet. With dignity.
The winner nominates the next host. The next host was already the next host.
To the champion: the winning move was good. The losing moves were generous.
The table gives the winner a round of applause and the winner gives it right back.
The winner chooses who sits where at the rematch. Chaos is allowed.
A toast to the game. A toast to the table. A toast to the one who won.
The winner picks one opponent and declares them "the real threat." Diplomacy.
The champion gets to say the final score in a whisper, then a shout.
The winner takes a photo with the board. The losers lean in.
The losers each name the moment they knew. The winner pretends to be surprised.
The winner is excused from rule explanations next game. They've earned the rest.
The winner hands out the pieces for the rematch, as a gesture of peace.
The champion gets to put the lid on the box. It's the final move.
Everyone at the table says one thing they learned. The winner goes last.
The winner gets the first cookie, the last cookie, and the right to share either.
A salute to the champion. Any kind of salute. Jazz hands count.
The winner walks to the kitchen and back. That's the victory parade.
The winner gets to name the rematch's stakes. Bragging rights is the default.
The losers hold up imaginary scorecards for the winner's victory pose. All tens.
The winner shakes everyone's hand and says one word of thanks each. Be creative.
The table decides the winner's strategy was "wisdom," not "luck." Out loud.
The winner is offered the floor for a speech and wisely declines. Or doesn't.
The champion gets to choose the next game night's theme. "Pirates" is always right.
To the winner: the table lost, but the table also won. It's a feeling.
The winner picks a piece from the box as a lucky charm for next time.
The winner leads the stretch break. Everyone stretches.
The winner hums their own entrance music. The table joins in.
The winner gets to invent a handshake. The table must learn it.
The champion is hereby allowed one humblebrag. Make it count.
The winner chooses the game-night name for the group chat. The powers are vast.
The winner picks one player to go first in the rematch. Kindness is remembered.
A slow, appreciative "ooooh" from the table. Then snacks.
The winner gets to retire one joke for the night. Use this wisely.
The winner calls the next game's start time. Everyone pretends they'll be on time.
The champion signs the score sheet. Autographs available later.
The winner tells the table their best single decision. The table disagrees, lovingly.
The losers form a very small, very respectful parade.
The winner names the snack that won the game. The snack takes a bow.
Everyone gives the winner a nickname, and the winner chooses one to keep.
The winner picks the rematch's music. No vetoes. A small amount of grumbling.
The champion's move of the night becomes a verb.
The winner gets to answer the next rules question first. The sage allows it.
The winner chooses who shuffles next, and it's never themselves. Tradition.
To the champion: enjoy the view. It's crowded at the top of this table.
The winner says "thank you" and everyone says "no, thank you." Repeat twice.
The winner hands the runner-up a "nearly" award: a single card, chosen with care.
The winner picks the seat for next game and then gives it away. Grace.
The table decides on a gesture for "well played." It is now a tradition.
The winner gets to open the next box. The smell of new cardboard is the prize.
The champion picks who gets to explain the rules next time. Choose kindly.
The winner names a rule they wish existed. The table considers it seriously for ten seconds.
The losers give the winner a "hip hip," and the winner supplies the "hooray."
The winner gets their own row on the score sheet next time, labeled "champion."
The winner picks one opponent to bring dessert next time. The opponent agrees happily.
A toast, a bow, a handshake — in that order, winner's choice of speed.
The winner's cup gets topped up by someone else. Service with a smile.
The winner tells the table what they'd name their strategy. The table renames it.
The champion gets to retire a losing strategy from the table for the night.
Everyone do a tiny victory dance on the winner's behalf. Tiny.
The winner picks the light snack, the heavy snack, and the suspicious snack.
The winner shares one tip with the newest player at the table. That's the tax.
To the winner: your victory will be remembered, possibly exaggerated.
The winner pulls the next game off the shelf with their eyes closed. Fate does the rest.
The winner chooses the walk-out music for the losers. Be merciful.
The champion names the table's mascot for the evening. The mascot is probably the dog.
The winner gets to tap the box twice for luck before it goes away.
The table gives the winner's chair a gentle scoot toward the snacks.
The winner picks which rule gets explained very slowly next time, for their amusement.
The losers write "rematch" on a sticky note. The winner keeps it.
The winner leads the table in one deep breath. Victory is calming.
The champion gets to pick "heads" or "tails" for the rest of the night.
The winner gives the table one piece of gaming advice, and the table writes it down.
A toast to the winner, a nod to the runner-up, and a wink to whoever came last.
The winner picks someone to start the rematch — and it's not themselves. Nobility.
The winner's pieces get put away last, like a bow at the end of a show.
Everyone thank the winner for the lesson. Mean it, mostly.
The winner chooses a snack for the rematch that nobody has tried. Adventure.
The winner hums while cleaning up. That's the victory song now.
The champion picks one word to describe tonight. The table writes it on the box.
The winner gets a round of gentle applause from the cat, the dog, or the plant.
The winner picks the seat with the best view of the snacks. Strategic.
The winner gets to pretend to be humble for an entire minute. Time it.
Everyone bow slightly. The winner bows slightly back. Elegance.
The winner chooses the first sentence of the rematch: "this time…"
The champion gets to sit back and do nothing for one whole setup.
The winner names one opponent "most improved." The opponent glows.
A round of applause sized to the margin: a squeaker gets the golf clap, a rout gets the standing kind.
The winner says "next time" with a wink, and the table pretends to be scared.
The winner gets one do-over for the entire night, any game. They'll never use it.
The champion may be serenaded. The serenade may be short.
The winner selects the color everyone must play in the rematch. Chaos.
The winner puts a pinky finger in the air. The table copies. A new tradition.
The winner chooses who gets the last laugh. It is, obviously, them.
A tiny trophy made of dice. Stack three. Present it with both hands.
The winner gets to announce the next game in an announcer voice.
The winner's name is whispered reverently by the table. Then shouted.
The champion takes a bow; the table takes a picture; the dog takes a nap.
The winner leads the table in a slow "well… played." Every syllable.
The winner chooses the name of the rematch. "The reckoning" is available.
The winner earns the right to hum smugly during setup. Once.
Everyone give the winner a quiet, genuine "nice." Then move on. Nothing more needed.
The winner picks the first player in the rematch by pointing dramatically.
The winner may retire to the couch as a legend, or stay as a target. Their call.
Here's to the table — the one who won just finished it for us.
The winner closes the game with the last piece, and the table says "and scene."
The winner gets to make the "shh" gesture exactly once during the rematch.
The champion may now refer to themselves in the third person. Until cleanup.
The table gives the winner a standing ovation, and the winner gives the table the rematch.
The winner picks the last game's most dramatic moment, and the table reenacts it.
The winner gets the honor of saying "good game, everyone" — and meaning everyone.
The winner picks the last toast of the night. This one will do.

About this game

How do I play? → · Rulebook pages open one at a time from any ruling's citation — we don't hand out whole files. ·

🔧 BGG — every figure this page shows, and where it came from

the word this page prints: Heavy
community weight: 3.28 of 5
votes behind it: 208 weight votes
community rating: 7.33 of 10
ratings behind it: 4,063 ratings
rank on BGG — the boardgame subtype: #1,080
players: 1–4
best with: 3 players
how that best-with count was read: BGG's own poll summary
recommended counts — read out of BGG's poll-summary sentence: 1–4
language dependence — the level BGG's poll names, ties read upward: 2 of 5 — Some necessary text - easily memorized or small crib sheet
votes in that poll: 5 votes
minimum age — the figure BGG reports, which a printed box can disagree with: 12+
play time — the min and max BGG reports: 60–120 min
play time — the headline figure BGG reports: 120 min
year published: 2022
captured: Aug 24, 2026
source: BoardGameGeek XML API

sharpsignal gateway up checked 9s ago

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