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Skyhold is a fortress in the Frostback Mountains and serves as the headquarters for the restored Inquisition.

Background[]

Known as Tarasyl'an Te'las ("the place where the sky is held up/back") in ancient elvish,[1] Skyhold is a fortress located in a stretch of the Frostback Mountains near the Dales, on the border between Orlais and Ferelden, controlling a mountain pass from the kingdom to the empire.[2][3][4]

The mountain peak it was built on was repeatedly visited by the elves during the height of their civilization, but was later leveled by early Fereldans to provide the foundation of the fortress. Ownership of Skyhold has since changed hands many times. During the late Divine Age, it was occupied by a Fereldan enchanter who unsuccessfully sought to learn why the site had been so important to the elves.[1] At one point, even dwarves took residence there.[5] The last known owners of Skyhold lived certainly after the Third Blight with Mason Gatsi suspecting that they had also an extensive trade network.[6]

When Skyhold was rediscovered by the Inquisition, it had fallen into considerable disrepair in the years after its unknown last inhabitants had abandoned it. However, by this time, the magic of the original elven site had permeated the stones of the keep, protecting it from evil.[7]

A living tree was once a symbol of peace between two forgotten factions. Before the first stones of Skyhold's foundations were laid, the tree was cut down, slabbed, and polished to serve as a massive war table.[8]

There is now a clearly marked mountain route to Skyhold; the climb is said to take a week.[9] Once in the valley that Skyhold overlooks, people and pack animals can be brought up via a cable lift. There is only one approach to Skyhold.[10]


This section contains spoilers for:
Trespasser.


Skyhold used to be Solas' stronghold.[11]

The Archivist in the Sundered Hall of the Shattered Library stores the following memory: "After he held back the sky to imprison the gods, the Dread Wolf disappeared". Thus Skyhold is the place where the Veil was created, as evident from its ancient name.


Involvement[]


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Inquisition.


Guided by Solas, the Inquisition moves their base of operations here from the village of Haven to serve as a proper main base of operations, after being forced out by Corypheus' forces, the Red Templars or the Venatori, depending on the Inquisitor's decision.


Along with the Inquisitor, companions and advisors reside here. Leliana will make a place for herself in the fortress' rookery. Sera, Iron Bull and Cole can be found in the Skyhold tavern Herald's Rest, Cassandra is usually training by the armory, Cullen can be found in a tower adjoining the gatehouse and Blackwall at the stables. Dorian can be found in the library and Solas in the atrium beneath it, and Varric and Vivienne can be seen in the Throne Room. Finally Josephine has made a place for herself in her office next to the Throne Room. The fortress will serve as a hub for romantic encounters and catching up with companions.

The Inquisitor's central command is the war table, which will determine where to focus the Inquisition's attention. From here operational areas can be unlocked and agents can be dispatched on missions. From the Skyhold throne the Inquisitor will hold court and Sit in Judgment over a variety of characters, passing sentences from execution and tranquillity, to making them court jester, or even recruiting them to the Inquisition.


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights.


BioWare canon
The plot follows BioWare's own canon, meaning it may not follow some of the player's choices in the games.

Callback
Following the disbanding or re-structuring of the Inquisition, Skyhold poses a problem. It was judged too symbolic to be razed and too fortified to be completely abandoned. It was eventually decided that the fortress would be preserved, but defanged. Skyhold is left in the hands of a small group of caretakers, led by a brother of the Chantry with an unremarkable name.

After the caretaker reports his intention to restore the fresco, Skyhold goes silent and a supply caravan disappears. Donal Sutherland and his company are sent to investigate. He suspects that they were chosen because they are small enough to disappear, that they are being used to give officials license to permanently erase the Inquisition's legacy.

Once in Skyhold, Sutherland discovers that the caretakers have been killed by a demon of Regret, formed out of the plaster of Solas' frescos. With the help of his company, as well as that of various former members of the Inquisition, the demon is sent back to the Fade. Divine Victoria later says this of Skyhold: "Know that Skyhold remains, its fires bright. Forever it is where you are from, not where you are bound. Attempt no travel there. Let the past guide you to a new direction."


Areas[]

Skyhold Rookery

The Skyhold Rookery

War Room
Throne Room
Inquisitor's Quarters (contains Wardrobe)
Undercroft Undercroft
Atrium
Atrium Library
Rookery
Vault (the lower level requires the Elite Clientele perk)
Vault Library
Wine Cellar
Kitchens
Stables
Herald's Rest Herald's Rest Tavern
Dungeon (outside the Main Hall and to the left of the stairs)
Armory
Courtyard (upgraded with an "Infirmary" or "Sparring Ring")
Garden (upgraded to "Chantry Garden" or "Herb Garden")
Main Watchtower (upgraded to "Mage Tower" or "Templar Tower")
Battlements

Characters[]

Dwarvenstatueskyhold

Dwarven statues

Adan (conditional)
Blackwall (conditional)
Bianca Davri (conditional)
Cassandra Pentaghast
Cabot the bartender
Cole (conditional)
Cullen Rutherford
Overseer Crassius Servis (conditional)
Dagna the arcanist (conditional)
Ser Delrin Barris (conditional)
Knight-Captain Denam (conditional)
Horsemaster Dennet (conditional)
Donal Sutherland (conditional)
Dorian Pavus (conditional)
Elan Ve'mal
Quartermaster Eustace Morris
Evariste "Fairbanks" Lemarque (conditional)
Flissa (conditional)
Grand Duchess Florianne de Chalons (conditional)
Stonemason Gatsi Sturhald
Magister Gereon Alexius (conditional)
Mother Giselle
Gregory Dedrick (conditional)
Harritt the blacksmith
Hawke
Creature Researcher Helisma Derington
Iron Bull (conditional)
Josephine Montilyet
Krem (conditional)
Leliana
Magister Livius Erimond
Lysette (conditional)
Marcelline
Minstrel Maryden
Mattrin (conditional)
Ser Michel de Chevin (conditional)
Minaeve (conditional)
Mira (conditional)
Chieftain Movran the Under (conditional)
Mistress Poulin
Raleigh Samson (conditional)
Rat (conditional)
Ser Ruth (conditional)
Seggrit (conditional)
Sera (conditional)
Shayd (conditional)
Solas
Surgeon
Tanner (conditional)
Threnn (conditional)
Trifles Minutiae
Varric Tethras
Vivienne (conditional)
Voth (conditional)

Merchants[]

Bonny Sims
Farris the Representative (conditional)
Invisible Merchant (conditional)
Mounts Merchant
Skyhold Merchant (conditional)

Specialists[]

Breaker Thram (conditional)
Lord Chancer de Lion (conditional)
Heir (conditional)
Commander Helaine (conditional)
Kihm (conditional)
Ser (conditional)
Three-Eyes (conditional)
Viuus Anaxas (conditional)
Your Trainer (conditional)

Quests[]

In Your Heart Shall Burn In Your Heart Shall Burn
From the Ashes From the Ashes
Before the Dawn Before the Dawn
A Better Courtyard A Better Courtyard
A Greener Garden A Greener Garden
A Superior Tower A Superior Tower
Advanced Crafting Advanced Crafting
Fragment of Inadequate Chain Mail Fragment of Inadequate Chain Mail
Inquisition Trappings Inquisition Trappings
Promoting Barris Promoting Barris
Rune Crafting Rune Crafting
Scattered in Skyhold Scattered in Skyhold
Sit in Judgment Sit in Judgment
Welcome to Skyhold Welcome to Skyhold

Collections[]

Bottles on the Wall[]

As the Inquisitor discovers bottles during the their travels across Thedas, all of the bottles discovered will be available for viewing on shelves located in the Skyhold wine cellar.

Mosaics[]

As the Inquisitor discovers new mosaic pieces found thorough out Thedas, upon returning to Skyhold, the mosaic pieces can be found assembled on the walls within the keep. Three mosaics can be viewed near Gatsi, the dwarf assisting with researching the pieces; while the other two can be viewed upstairs near Vivienne's balcony.

Skyhold Customizations[]

Skyhold can be customized and upgraded by the player. Customization options include: banners, beds, drapes, heraldry, decor, thrones, and windows.

There are several options to choose from, mostly related to particular nations (Orlais, Ferelden etc.) or factions (Andrastian Chantry, Dalish etc.).

Most of these options need to be unlocked by buying them in shops, completing quests or through exploration. The throne can be further upgraded with accessories as well.

For all customization items available to Skyhold, see Skyhold Customization Items.

Songs[]

All of the following songs can be heard in the Herald's Rest Tavern:

Song icon The Bull's Chargers' Song
Song icon "Empress of Fire"
Song icon "Enchanters"
Song icon "I Am The One"
Song icon "Maker"
Song icon "Nightingale's Eyes"
Song icon "Oh, Grey Warden"
Song icon "Once We Were"
Song icon "Rise"
Song icon "Samson's Tale"
Song icon "Sera Was Never"

Renovations[]

At the time of its rediscovery by the Inquisition, Skyhold has deteriorated considerably. The Inquisition brings on a number of workers to help restore the fortress to its former glory. The renovation process spans three stages.

  • Stage 1 - When the Inquisition first arrives at Skyhold. Much of the fortress is inaccessible due to rubble, structural collapses, sealed or bricked-up doorways, and clutter blocking doors. Only the Throne Room, War Room, Undercroft, Atrium, Atrium Library, Rookery, Courtyard, Armory, Training Grounds, and portions of the Battlements are open. The Inquisitor can customize Skyhold's furnishings in the Undercroft.
  • Stage 2 - After leaving and returning to Skyhold for the first time or by choosing the [Special] dialogue option, "Tell me more of yourself," when speaking with Solas which requires some level of friendship as well as the Inquisitor having expended the entirety of the, "Tell me about yourself," tree. Renovation work is well underway, scaffolding has been set up throughout the fortress, and the collapsed bridge dividing the Courtyard has been repaired. In addition to the areas in Stage 1, the Stables, Tavern, Quartermaster's Building, Dungeon, Inquisitor's Quarters, Kitchen, Vault, Vault Library, Garden, Guard Tower, and the rest of the Battlements are now open. The Inquisitor can find a list of three upgrades to Skyhold in the Inquisitor's Quarters and can make Judgments in the Throne Room. Cullen will have moved from his courtyard open-air desk to his permanent office in one of the towers of the main gate unless the Inquisitor has not spoken to him since arriving in Skyhold. He will then remain in the courtyard until the Inquisitor speaks to him.
  • Stage 3 - After completing a main story quest. The renovation of Skyhold is complete. Scaffolding and most remaining rubble or clutter has been removed, and the Throne Room has been furnished with banquet tables and chairs. All areas of Skyhold are open that do not require perks or plot actions to open unless those conditions have been met.

Upgrades[]

In addition to the furnishing customization options there are three possible major upgrades to Skyhold available. These upgrades can be unlocked by meeting the necessary quotas at the Requisition table. All upgrades reward +1 power.

For all major upgrades available to Skyhold, see Major Upgrades.

Unique Acquisitions[]

Agents[]

  • Several of the agents the Inquisitor recruits can be found and talked to around Skyhold.

Florianne the Jester[]

  • If the Inquisitor conscripts Florianne as a Court Jester post conclusion of the main quest Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts, Florianne will occasionally show up in the throne room.

Frescos[]

  • Located in the rotunda below the library and rookery, Solas paints an elven fresco depicting the Inquisition's history, with each panel representing a different stage in the storyline.

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Inquisition.


1) The explosion at the Conclave. A blast on the hill. It explodes outwards and jets up into the sky. In the sky in the sphere is the Fade; the Black City in the center; and the formation of the Inquisition. A pack of wolves howling defiantly against the world, beneath the blade and all-seeing eye of the Inquisition’s symbol.

2) Siding with the Templars. Next to the turrets of Therinfal Redoubt, Envy lurks. Grasping hands and the flaming sword of the Templar sigil.

3) Siding with the mages. A figure in Tevinter gear and iconography - serpents - Alexius. In the distance are the two versions of Redcliffe Castle, including the red and black iteration from the nightmare future scenario.

4) The attack on Haven. Corypheus, orb in hand, presides over the burning and sacking of the village in the mountains.

5) The Siege of Adamant Fortress. Adamant Fortress is in the distance. To the right is the black rocky crags of the Fade. The Black City rests at the center of the sphere; Nightmare’s multiple eyes stare balefully. Appears if done before Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts.

6) The Siege of Adamant Fortress. Adamant Fortress is in the distance. To the right is the black rocky crags of the Fade. The Black City rests at the center of the sphere; Nightmare’s multiple eyes stare balefully. Appears if done after Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts.

7) The assassination of Empress Celene. An assassin lurks in the window of the Winter Palace, dagger in hand. The figure in blue is wearing Celene’s iconic blue dress with gold collar. The palace is dark due to what has occurred. Appears if done before Here Lies the Abyss.

8) The assassination attempt on Empress Celene. The assassination plot, represented by an assassin with dagger in hand, has been brought to light. The figure in blue is wearing Celene’s iconic blue dress with gold collar. The lighted palace and full ballroom show that the plot has failed. Appears if done after Here Lies the Abyss.

9) The Temple of Mythal. In the halls of Mythal’s temple, a figure dressed like Abelas guards the blue ripples of the Well of Sorrows. The arch could feasibly represent Mythal’s last Eluvian.

10) Unfinished panel meant to commemorate the final battle against Corypheus.[10] A wolf stands over the body of a dragon, slain by the sword.



This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights.


BioWare canon
The plot follows BioWare's own canon, meaning it may not follow some of the player's choices in the games.

Several years after the end of the War against the Elder One, an attempt to restore the frescos resulted in a demon of Regret forming out of the plaster. The frecos were destroyed.[10]


Garden[]

  • After arriving at Skyhold, it becomes possible to obtain seeds when harvesting herbs in the wild. The chance to obtain seeds is random for each harvest and may take several attempts. Only one seed is required for each type of herb and all but two herbs are available to harvest (the exceptions being Crystal Grace and Deathroot).
  • The garden comes with two herb planters by default and another four can be added if the Herb Garden upgrade is selected. Each planter can hold only one type of herb, though multiple herbs of the same type can be grown in multiple planters.
  • The planted herbs grow after leaving and then returning to Skyhold. It takes two "returns" for a newly planted seed to be harvestable. One "return" is required between each harvest for the plant to reproduce.

Haven survivors[]

  • All of the townsfolk that the Inquisitor saved in the attack on Haven can be seen hanging around Skyhold—they can typically be found about the grounds out front or in the gardens.

Josephine's Vault[]

Prisoners[]

  • If the Inquisitor elects to imprison wrongdoers who come before them while Sitting in Judgment, a few can later be found in Skyhold's prisons and conversed with.
See also: Skyhold prisoner dialogue

Undercroft[]

The Undercroft serves as a place for the Inquisitor to craft and modify armors and weapons, and to make various customizations to Skyhold. Potions can also be crafted and equipped here.

Codex entries[]

Codex entry: A Fine Time to Close a Border Codex entry: A Fine Time to Close a Border
Codex entry: Antiva Codex entry: Antiva
Codex entry: Calpernia Codex entry: Calpernia (conditional)
Codex entry: The Champion of Kirkwall Codex entry: The Champion of Kirkwall
Codex entry: The City-State of Kirkwall Codex entry: The City-State of Kirkwall
Codex entry: Cole Codex entry: Cole
Codex entry: Corypheus Codex entry: Corypheus
Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 2 Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 2
Codex entry: The Folly of General Not-Sheritan Codex entry: The Folly of General Not-Sheritan (part 4 & 5)
Codex entry: Hard in Hightown: Chapter Five Codex entry: Hard in Hightown: Chapter Five
Codex entry: Hard in Hightown: Chapter Six Codex entry: Hard in Hightown: Chapter Six
Codex entry: How to Act Fereldan Codex entry: How to Act Fereldan
Codex entry: Nevarra Codex entry: Nevarra
Codex entry: Notorious Raider Trash Codex entry: Notorious Raider Trash
Codex entry: On Skyhold Codex entry: On Skyhold
Codex entry: The Orlesian Civil War Codex entry: The Orlesian Civil War
Codex entry: The Pentaghasts Codex entry: The Pentaghasts
Codex entry: The Perils of Bard Life Codex entry: The Perils of Bard Life
Codex entry: The Pyramids of Par Vollen Codex entry: The Pyramids of Par Vollen
Codex entry: Reports to Calpernia Codex entry: Reports to Calpernia
Codex entry: The Rite of Tranquility Codex entry: The Rite of Tranquility
Codex entry: The Rotunda and the Fresco Codex entry: The Rotunda and the Fresco
Codex entry: Samson Codex entry: Samson (conditional)
Codex entry: The Seekers of Truth Codex entry: The Seekers of Truth
Codex entry: Skyhold Garden Codex entry: Skyhold Garden
Codex entry: Spirit of Wisdom Codex entry: Spirit of Wisdom
Codex entry: The Veil Codex entry: The Veil
Codex entry: War Hounds (restorable) Codex entry: War Hounds (restorable)
Codex entry: Way of the Artificer Codex entry: Way of the Artificer (conditional)
Codex entry: Way of the Assassin Codex entry: Way of the Assassin (conditional)
Codex entry: Way of the Champion Codex entry: Way of the Champion (conditional)
Codex entry: Way of the Knight-Enchanter Codex entry: Way of the Knight-Enchanter (conditional)
Codex entry: Way of the Necromancer Codex entry: Way of the Necromancer (conditional)
Codex entry: Way of the Reaver Codex entry: Way of the Reaver (conditional)
Codex entry: Way of the Rift Mage Codex entry: Way of the Rift Mage (conditional)
Codex entry: Way of the Tempest Codex entry: Way of the Tempest (conditional)
Codex entry: Way of the Templar Codex entry: Way of the Templar (conditional)
Codex entry: What is Green? Codex entry: What is Green?
Codex entry: The Women of All War Codex entry: The Women of All War

Codex updates[]

Codex entry: Cullen Codex entry: Cullen
Codex entry: The Randy Dowager Quarterly Codex entry: The Randy Dowager Quarterly (Summer)
Codex entry: Sera Codex entry: Sera

Herald's Rest Tavern[]

Codex entry: Ben-Hassrath Reeducators Codex entry: Ben-Hassrath Reeducators
Codex entry: "Empress of Fire" Codex entry: "Empress of Fire"
Codex entry: "Enchanters" Codex entry: "Enchanters"
Codex entry: "I Am The One" Codex entry: "I Am The One"
Codex entry: "Maker" Codex entry: "Maker"
Codex entry: "Nightingale's Eyes" Codex entry: "Nightingale's Eyes"
Codex entry: "Oh, Grey Warden" Codex entry: "Oh, Grey Warden"
Codex entry: "Once We Were" Codex entry: "Once We Were"
Codex entry: Qunari: Ben-Hassrath Codex entry: Qunari: Ben-Hassrath
Codex entry: Qunari Dreadnoughts Codex entry: Qunari Dreadnoughts
Codex entry: Qunari Tamassrans Codex entry: Qunari Tamassrans
Codex entry: "Rise" Codex entry: "Rise"
Codex entry: "Samson's Tale" Codex entry: "Samson's Tale"
Codex entry: Seheron Codex entry: Seheron
Codex entry: "Sera Was Never" Codex entry: "Sera Was Never"
Codex entry: Take Back the Sky: A Tavern Cheer Codex entry: Take Back the Sky: A Tavern Cheer
Codex entry: Tal-Vashoth Codex entry: Tal-Vashoth
Codex entry: Vashoth: The Grey Ones Codex entry: Vashoth: The Grey Ones

Note texts[]

Another Note from the Skyhold Kitchens Another Note from the Skyhold Kitchens
Bellanaris Din'an Heem Bellanaris Din'an Heem
Bride of the Maker Bride of the Maker
Construction Report: Brickmarks Construction Report: Brickmarks
Construction Report: Death on the Wall Construction Report: Death on the Wall
Construction Report: Mixed Elements Construction Report: Mixed Elements
Construction Report: Request to Fight Construction Report: Request to Fight
Construction Report: Scaffolding Construction Report: Scaffolding
Construction Report: Surfacing Construction Report: Surfacing
A Crumpled Letter A Crumpled Letter
A Crumpled Report A Crumpled Report
Fallen Chandelier Fallen Chandelier
A Letter (Cullen) A Letter (Cullen)
A Letter Home A Letter Home
Letter to an Inquisition Agent Letter to an Inquisition Agent
Mabari Avvar Pillars Mabari Avvar Pillars
A Message from Blackwall (deeply sorry) A Message from Blackwall (deeply sorry)
A Message from Blackwall (honor to serve) A Message from Blackwall (honor to serve)
News from Thedas News from Thedas
Note Found in Skyhold's Rookery Note Found in Skyhold's Rookery
A Note from the Skyhold Kitchens A Note from the Skyhold Kitchens
Note from the Skyhold Kitchens, Again Note from the Skyhold Kitchens, Again
Official-Looking Letter Official-Looking Letter
On the Condition of Your Charges On the Condition of Your Charges
Pamphlet: Lift Your Voices! Pamphlet: Lift Your Voices!
Prison Structural Evaluation Prison Structural Evaluation
Proper Andraste x 2 Proper Andraste x 2
Request for Resources on the Fade Request for Resources on the Fade
The Stable Boy's Letters (Aila) The Stable Boy's Letters (Aila)
The Stable Boy's Letters (Desmond) The Stable Boy's Letters (Desmond)
Two Early Fereldan Ossuary Carvings Two Early Fereldan Ossuary Carvings
The Undercroft The Undercroft
The View of the Troops The View of the Troops
Vivienne's Alchemy Notes Vivienne's Alchemy Notes
Yet Another Note from the Kitchens Yet Another Note from the Kitchens

Herald's Rest Tavern[]

Herald's Rest (plaque) Herald's Rest (plaque)
Sera's Cabinet of Wonder Whose It Was Sera's Cabinet of Wonder Whose It Was
Tavern Notices Tavern Notices

Notes[]

  • After reaching level 10, the Inquisitor can complete the war table mission Specializations for the Inquisitor to summon specialization trainers to Skyhold. The trainers will gather in certain places depending upon the Inquisitor's class:
    • If the Inquisitor is a rogue, the trainers will congregate in the lower courtyard near the stables.
    • If the Inquisitor is a mage, the trainers will congregate at the front gate near the infirmary tents.
    • If the Inquisitor is a warrior, the trainers will congregate at the top of the battlements near Cullen's office.
  • If you get the "Elite Clientele" Inquisition perk, a new vault opens up in Skyhold where you keep your gold, hat and pies. It is located on the same level as the wine cellar and the kitchen. Lord Trifles Minutiae will also take up residence here if the Quizquisition has not yet been completed.
  • Falling damage is turned off in Skyhold. You can jump off of the parapets into the garden several stories below and take no damage.
  • pcPC If the door to the hallway to the war room is opened after Josephine converses with either of her assistants, the assistant will go into the hallway, turn left and walk through the wall.
  • The guard in the jail will continue to report that there is no one to watch over, even if there are prisoners in one or more cells.

Trivia[]

The Lord of the Pies

"The Lord of the Pies"

  • There is a pie in a top hat under Skyhold that can be discovered through a glitch: Sometimes all the furnishings in the main hall disappear. If you then walk into Solas' rotunda, there will be no floor, and you will drop into the area that holds the lordly pork pie. If you wait for a minute or so, it will also start playing music.
  • In the basement of Skyhold there is a large, open book with a sideways sigil of the gate; this is a reference to the Necronomicon, a fictional grimoire invented by H.P. Lovecraft.
  • A Red Templar standard can be found in the abandoned stairwell leading to the Inquisitor's quarters.
  • Skyhold is described in the files as "Well hidden Mansion Base".[12]

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Codex entry: On Skyhold
  2. Dialogue with the Skyhold Quartermaster explaining Threnn's absence if she was rescued from Haven
  3. Dialogue with Horsemaster Dennet explaining Skyhold's location
  4. In-Game World Map
  5. As evidenced by the dwarven statues in the basement.
  6. Note: Fallen Chandelier
  7. Dialogue with Morrigan on Skyhold's history and power.
  8. The Art of Dragon Age: Inquisition
  9. According to Donal Sutherland in Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights, Callback
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights, Callback
  11. According to Solas in Trespasser (with low approval).
  12. da3/Layouts/InquisitorBase2/MainBase/Description_Win32
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