B'Reh knelt beside the eluran trader, her gaze steady and calm. "Are you hurt at all, Eliza?" Her tone polite but with a touch of formality. She watched carefully as Eliza tended to Vira’s wounds, relieved that the trader seemed unharmed. Once the poultice was applied and the conversation shifted to the journey ahead, b'Reh nodded. "We are heading to Winnowing Reach as well and will accompany you the rest of the way. It’s clear the roads aren’t as safe as they once were." She paused, her expression firm. "However, we’re on an urgent mission to Alderheart. We’ll escort you to Winnowing Reach, but we won’t be able to wait while you finish your business there. We must move on swiftly once we arrive." Her words were courteous, but there was a quiet resolve behind them. The task at hand—delivering their message—was far too important for her to accept any delays.
Brynlee stares down in a bit of shock at the amount of energy pulsating from her crystal. She's never had to use that much power before, but the bandits had made her so annoyed at their lack of remorse and kindness. She couldn't help herself.
Still reeling from the episode, and feeling the energy of the electrical connection with the Bandit leader, Fray, she thinks twice about letting off another charge. She snaps back to reality and joins the others around Eliza.
"Of course you can accompany us on the road. The bandit leader may come back with others. The roads are not as safe as they once were." Brynlee says with a shy smile slipping the crystal back into her pocket.
Vira flexes her muscles after Eliza finishes applying the poultice and bandage, testing the feel of the treatment. "Feels great, thanks," she says, giving Eliza an appreciative smile and nodding along with the others, "And I agree, of course, we should stick together and look out for each other while we can."
Reaching back, Vira pulls one of her hand axes from its place on her belt and offers it to Eliza."Here, take this,"she says, her tone firm but kind. "It’s easy to use, and if you run into trouble again beyond Winnowing Reach, at least this can buy you some time to get away. Better to have something than nothing."
She hands over the weapon with a serious look, her protective instincts kicking in. "Just aim for the legs or arms if you can. No need to fight them all—just slow them down and run."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I think I'm alright, but thank you for asking. Once they knocked me down, I just stayed where I was and luckily you four came along! But my goodness, I've just asked to travel with you and I don't even know your names! You're on an urgent mission? What ever for?" As she speaks, Eliza continues to rearrange the contents of her cart, finally picking up the last of her belongings from the ground and putting them back into place. She gets a somewhat shocked look on her face as Vira attempts to hand over the axe, and holds out a hand to gently stop her. "Oh, thank you dear, but I've got a few weapons of my own already, those bandits just took me by surprise is all. It sounds like you might need that yourself if this mission is as important as you say."
"Let's walk as we talk. It wouldn't do to still be on the road at nightfall!" With some great effort, she picks up the handles of the handcart and begins to slowly move forward, pulling it behind her. She makes decent enough progress, but it's clear that your pace will be slowed with her pulling the cart.
[[ I had assumed a normal pace before despite us not discussing it, but with Eliza pulling her cart, you will be forced to travel at a slow pace to stay with her. Someone else can also offer to pull the cart for her, and a successful athletics check will allow you to keep at a normal pace. Also let me know if your marching order has changed with the addition of Eliza, and please make perception checks for the next portion of your journey. ]]
Vira, seeing Eliza struggle with the handcart, steps forward and flexes her arms with a confident grin. "Let me take that for you," she says, reaching for the handles. "I’ve got plenty of strength to spare, and it'll help us move faster. You focus on keeping an eye out for trouble."
She grips the handles firmly, preparing to pull the cart with ease and speed, her muscles still energized from the battle. "I’ve got more than enough fight left if we run into any more bandits."
Seeing Vira step up and take the handles of the cart with ease, b'Reh gave a small nod of approval. Vira’s strength would keep them moving swiftly, something that b'Reh knew was crucial if they were to reach Winnowing Reach before nightfall. Arik had offered to help, but his attempt hadn’t gone as smoothly and Vira seemed to have it all under control for now, so b'Reh turned her attention elsewhere. "I’ll keep an eye out for any more trouble," b'Reh said, moving slightly ahead of the group. She scanned the surrounding landscape as they traveled, her sharp eyes watching for any signs of movement along the road or in the trees. (Perception: 17, incl. 3 from guidance)
When Eliza asked about their mission, b'Reh’s answer remained reserved but polite. "We carry a message for the Tenders. It must reach them swiftly," she explained, her focus more on the task of scanning for threats than on conversation.
As they continue down the road, Vira pulls the cart with ease, her steps steady as she glances over at the others. "You all were amazing back there, you know," she says with genuine admiration. "I’ve never seen magic so...wild, yet controlled, Brynlee. Honestly, you seem so caring that I was worried you might have trouble hurting anyone, even if they deserved it. My apologies."
"Oh, thank you dear!" Eliza says as Vira takes the cart handles from her. The stout strig has no problems getting the cart moving at a more normal speed, and after a few seconds you all are well on your way to Winnowing Reach.
Happy to make conversation as you walk now that she's no longer struggling in front of her cart, Eliza listens intently to Vira's words. "Yes, quite an impressive display! But a message for the Tenders, you say? Are all of you Tenders as well?"
"I have been a Tender for a few years now." Brynlee says acknowledging the conversation. "Being a Tender to me means expelling the darkness and bringing back a natural balance back to the world. Life and Death must work in harmony. But with the evil erupting from the Scorched Grove, the world is imbalanced."
Brynlee thinks back to display of immense power that happen at the ambush site. Never before has she possessed that much power. Simple magic has been within her grasp, but it seems that after her visit from the ancient ones, her power has multiplied. "I appreciate the compliment, Vira. I haven't had to use my power to that extent before. To be honest, it is a bit scary to know that I'm in possession of that much energy. Just as the world needs balance, the individual also needs balance. I have kindness, but also know that those touched by evil do not respond in kind."
B'Reh listened quietly as Brynlee and Eliza exchanged words, her eyes scanning the road ahead for any sign of danger. When Eliza inquired about their connection to the Tenders, B'Reh chose her words carefully, keeping the details of their mission close. "I am not a Tender," she began, her voice calm but measured. "Our task is important, and we must deliver a message without delay. It concerns the well-being of many, and we must reach our destination swiftly." She glanced at Brynlee, acknowledging her fellow companion's deeper connection to the Tenders, but then turned her focus back to Eliza. "We’ll escort you to Winnowing Reach, but after that, we must move on quickly. There is no time to waste."
Her tone conveyed urgency while remaining polite, ensuring their mission’s significance was clear without revealing too much. She then resumed her watchful gaze on the road, prepared for whatever may lie ahead.
"I see. We have Tenders in the Tanglewilds as well, but I've always understood them to be more like guides. I had no idea it was so personal and significant for some!"
Picking up on B'Reh's hesitation to share any details, Eliza offers her a soft smile. "Very well. I realize you've only just met me, and I don't mean to pressure you for details. Just a healthy curiosity about the world and those one meets on the road! If your mission really is so important though, you might consider paying a visit to the Magistrate of Winnowing Reach while you're passing through town. Maps, supplies, letters of introduction, all of those things can be quite useful when trying to accomplish something in Alderheart!"Content to let the matter rest, Eliza walks on in a peaceful silence with you all.
As you continue along the trail towards the Wood, the green grass and thick trees on the left side of the trail gives way to an ashen plain. Smoking stumps, charred patches of grass, and the occasional glowing ember mark a burned scar across the landscape. The Scorched Grove itself is still several hours' journey to the north, but it's clear that even this far south the natural environment has not escaped the recent fires. The area is eerily quiet. The rustling of leaves, the singing of birds, the chirping of insects, all of it vanished as you entered this new terrain.
Vira is the first to notice the odd clouds hanging over the black and gray landscape, but Brynlee and B'Reh notice them soon after. From her time with the Tenders, Brynlee would recognize the two dark shapes as swarms of emberbats, strange fiery creatures usually seen nearer the Scorched Grove. The clouds drift back and forth over the landscape for several minutes, to the point where one might almost forget they were there, until suddenly, they both change course and begin heading towards the path! Based on their speed, you would guess you have only seconds before they are upon you!
Vira’s eyes narrow as she spots the dark shapes in the sky, her instincts kicking in immediately. "Heads up!" she growls, her voice sharp with urgency. She tightens her grip on the cart handles, then quickly drops them, drawing her weapon with practiced ease.
"Emberbats! Coming fast!" she calls out, her body tense and ready to spring into action. She positions herself in front of the group, her greataxe raised.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
B'Reh’s eyes snapped to the sky when Vira’s warning rang out. The sight of the emberbats closing in sent a surge of adrenaline through her. Quickly, she stepped up beside Vira, her spear firmly in one hand and her amulet—a symbol of the Nightfather, Tyton—in the other. With practiced calm, she muttered a prayer to Tyton under her breath, the cackling energy of her divine power crackling to life around the amulet. The energy pulsed through her fingers, ready to be unleashed at the first sign of an attack.
"We stand ready," she whispered to herself, eyes focused on the approaching swarm, prepared to defend her companions from the fiery creatures.
(Action: readyToll the Dead to be cast on the bats if and when they approach into melee range of someone in her group. WIS DC 13, below in the spoiler are the damage dice if it triggers.)
On a failed save they suffer necrotic damage: either 5 or 8 if already damaged
"Oh Wow! What's that. It's heading this way. Oh... It's heading this way." Aric deminer changes back to warrior monk and he readies himself. He stands next to the new traveler to defined him as best he can.
"That is a swarm of Emberbats. There are coming in fast. Not much to do but prepare yourself." Brynlee says as she takes the crystal out of her pocket again. This time she holds it in the are in front of her and asks for some protection for when the bats get too close.
[[Ready Word of Radiance for when the bats get within melee range. CON 13 save. 5 points of radiant damage if hit ]]
While preparing the spell, Brynlee takes a step toward the Emberbats from the group, turns to face the group and curls into a ball exposing the bats to her quills.
[[Details in Spolier]]
[[Word of Radiance does not have somatic components, so I believe I can curl up while still casting this]]
[[4 points of piercing damage to any melee attack that misses my now 19 AC. On a hit I become prone]]
"Oh goodness!" Hearing the urgency in your voices, Eliza quickly reaches into her cart to grab a well-used shortbow and a few arrows before retreating south from the path to take cover under a tree as you all form a protective line facing the bat swarms.
The emberbat swarms descend upon you quickly, filling the air with high pitched screeches and waves of heat. The first swarm flies right over Brynlee's spiny form as B'Reh looses a pulse of necrotic energy that seems to pass right between the individual bats (16 to save), and settles around Vira, biting at her head and shoulders (17 to hit, 4 piercing damage). The other swarm descends upon Brynlee, trying to find any exposed skin to bite at (13 to hit), but catching themselves on her quills as they do so (taking 4 points of damage). All of you can feel the heat radiating off the many tiny bodies of the emberbats.
[[ At the beginning of the players' turn, everyone make a DC 10 CON saving throw. On a failure, you take 4 points of fire damage. The swarms are currently inhabiting the same spaces as Vira and Brynlee, but can still be attacked by anyone. ]]
Vira is caught off guard by the ferocity of the bat swarm, taking 4 piercing damage and 4 fire damage from the beasts' initial attack. Instinctively she rages, attempting to strike with her spear. (To hit: 6, Damage: 12)
B'Reh knelt beside the eluran trader, her gaze steady and calm. "Are you hurt at all, Eliza?" Her tone polite but with a touch of formality. She watched carefully as Eliza tended to Vira’s wounds, relieved that the trader seemed unharmed. Once the poultice was applied and the conversation shifted to the journey ahead, b'Reh nodded. "We are heading to Winnowing Reach as well and will accompany you the rest of the way. It’s clear the roads aren’t as safe as they once were." She paused, her expression firm. "However, we’re on an urgent mission to Alderheart. We’ll escort you to Winnowing Reach, but we won’t be able to wait while you finish your business there. We must move on swiftly once we arrive." Her words were courteous, but there was a quiet resolve behind them. The task at hand—delivering their message—was far too important for her to accept any delays.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Brynlee stares down in a bit of shock at the amount of energy pulsating from her crystal. She's never had to use that much power before, but the bandits had made her so annoyed at their lack of remorse and kindness. She couldn't help herself.
Still reeling from the episode, and feeling the energy of the electrical connection with the Bandit leader, Fray, she thinks twice about letting off another charge. She snaps back to reality and joins the others around Eliza.
"Of course you can accompany us on the road. The bandit leader may come back with others. The roads are not as safe as they once were." Brynlee says with a shy smile slipping the crystal back into her pocket.
Vira flexes her muscles after Eliza finishes applying the poultice and bandage, testing the feel of the treatment. "Feels great, thanks," she says, giving Eliza an appreciative smile and nodding along with the others, "And I agree, of course, we should stick together and look out for each other while we can."
Reaching back, Vira pulls one of her hand axes from its place on her belt and offers it to Eliza. "Here, take this," she says, her tone firm but kind. "It’s easy to use, and if you run into trouble again beyond Winnowing Reach, at least this can buy you some time to get away. Better to have something than nothing."
She hands over the weapon with a serious look, her protective instincts kicking in. "Just aim for the legs or arms if you can. No need to fight them all—just slow them down and run."
"Yeah. Yes, yes. We should. We will accompany you. Glad to. Happy to." Aric smiles
D&D since 1984
"I think I'm alright, but thank you for asking. Once they knocked me down, I just stayed where I was and luckily you four came along! But my goodness, I've just asked to travel with you and I don't even know your names! You're on an urgent mission? What ever for?" As she speaks, Eliza continues to rearrange the contents of her cart, finally picking up the last of her belongings from the ground and putting them back into place. She gets a somewhat shocked look on her face as Vira attempts to hand over the axe, and holds out a hand to gently stop her. "Oh, thank you dear, but I've got a few weapons of my own already, those bandits just took me by surprise is all. It sounds like you might need that yourself if this mission is as important as you say."
"Let's walk as we talk. It wouldn't do to still be on the road at nightfall!" With some great effort, she picks up the handles of the handcart and begins to slowly move forward, pulling it behind her. She makes decent enough progress, but it's clear that your pace will be slowed with her pulling the cart.
[[ I had assumed a normal pace before despite us not discussing it, but with Eliza pulling her cart, you will be forced to travel at a slow pace to stay with her. Someone else can also offer to pull the cart for her, and a successful athletics check will allow you to keep at a normal pace. Also let me know if your marching order has changed with the addition of Eliza, and please make perception checks for the next portion of your journey. ]]
Eliza Perception: 13
DM - A Humblewood Adventure
Vira, seeing Eliza struggle with the handcart, steps forward and flexes her arms with a confident grin. "Let me take that for you," she says, reaching for the handles. "I’ve got plenty of strength to spare, and it'll help us move faster. You focus on keeping an eye out for trouble."
She grips the handles firmly, preparing to pull the cart with ease and speed, her muscles still energized from the battle. "I’ve got more than enough fight left if we run into any more bandits."
Athletics: 23, Perception: 21
Aric will offer to pull her cart, but does not do very well (Athletics - 8)
D&D since 1984
Seeing Vira step up and take the handles of the cart with ease, b'Reh gave a small nod of approval. Vira’s strength would keep them moving swiftly, something that b'Reh knew was crucial if they were to reach Winnowing Reach before nightfall. Arik had offered to help, but his attempt hadn’t gone as smoothly and Vira seemed to have it all under control for now, so b'Reh turned her attention elsewhere. "I’ll keep an eye out for any more trouble," b'Reh said, moving slightly ahead of the group. She scanned the surrounding landscape as they traveled, her sharp eyes watching for any signs of movement along the road or in the trees. (Perception: 17, incl. 3 from guidance)
When Eliza asked about their mission, b'Reh’s answer remained reserved but polite. "We carry a message for the Tenders. It must reach them swiftly," she explained, her focus more on the task of scanning for threats than on conversation.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Brynlee picks up the rear of the group keeping an eye out behind to make sure they aren't followed without being aware.
Perception: 19
As they continue down the road, Vira pulls the cart with ease, her steps steady as she glances over at the others. "You all were amazing back there, you know," she says with genuine admiration. "I’ve never seen magic so...wild, yet controlled, Brynlee. Honestly, you seem so caring that I was worried you might have trouble hurting anyone, even if they deserved it. My apologies."
"Oh, thank you dear!" Eliza says as Vira takes the cart handles from her. The stout strig has no problems getting the cart moving at a more normal speed, and after a few seconds you all are well on your way to Winnowing Reach.
Happy to make conversation as you walk now that she's no longer struggling in front of her cart, Eliza listens intently to Vira's words. "Yes, quite an impressive display! But a message for the Tenders, you say? Are all of you Tenders as well?"
DM - A Humblewood Adventure
"I have been a Tender for a few years now." Brynlee says acknowledging the conversation. "Being a Tender to me means expelling the darkness and bringing back a natural balance back to the world. Life and Death must work in harmony. But with the evil erupting from the Scorched Grove, the world is imbalanced."
Brynlee thinks back to display of immense power that happen at the ambush site. Never before has she possessed that much power. Simple magic has been within her grasp, but it seems that after her visit from the ancient ones, her power has multiplied. "I appreciate the compliment, Vira. I haven't had to use my power to that extent before. To be honest, it is a bit scary to know that I'm in possession of that much energy. Just as the world needs balance, the individual also needs balance. I have kindness, but also know that those touched by evil do not respond in kind."
B'Reh listened quietly as Brynlee and Eliza exchanged words, her eyes scanning the road ahead for any sign of danger. When Eliza inquired about their connection to the Tenders, B'Reh chose her words carefully, keeping the details of their mission close. "I am not a Tender," she began, her voice calm but measured. "Our task is important, and we must deliver a message without delay. It concerns the well-being of many, and we must reach our destination swiftly." She glanced at Brynlee, acknowledging her fellow companion's deeper connection to the Tenders, but then turned her focus back to Eliza. "We’ll escort you to Winnowing Reach, but after that, we must move on quickly. There is no time to waste."
Her tone conveyed urgency while remaining polite, ensuring their mission’s significance was clear without revealing too much. She then resumed her watchful gaze on the road, prepared for whatever may lie ahead.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
"I see. We have Tenders in the Tanglewilds as well, but I've always understood them to be more like guides. I had no idea it was so personal and significant for some!"
Picking up on B'Reh's hesitation to share any details, Eliza offers her a soft smile. "Very well. I realize you've only just met me, and I don't mean to pressure you for details. Just a healthy curiosity about the world and those one meets on the road! If your mission really is so important though, you might consider paying a visit to the Magistrate of Winnowing Reach while you're passing through town. Maps, supplies, letters of introduction, all of those things can be quite useful when trying to accomplish something in Alderheart!" Content to let the matter rest, Eliza walks on in a peaceful silence with you all.
As you continue along the trail towards the Wood, the green grass and thick trees on the left side of the trail gives way to an ashen plain. Smoking stumps, charred patches of grass, and the occasional glowing ember mark a burned scar across the landscape. The Scorched Grove itself is still several hours' journey to the north, but it's clear that even this far south the natural environment has not escaped the recent fires. The area is eerily quiet. The rustling of leaves, the singing of birds, the chirping of insects, all of it vanished as you entered this new terrain.
Vira is the first to notice the odd clouds hanging over the black and gray landscape, but Brynlee and B'Reh notice them soon after. From her time with the Tenders, Brynlee would recognize the two dark shapes as swarms of emberbats, strange fiery creatures usually seen nearer the Scorched Grove. The clouds drift back and forth over the landscape for several minutes, to the point where one might almost forget they were there, until suddenly, they both change course and begin heading towards the path! Based on their speed, you would guess you have only seconds before they are upon you!
[[ What do you do? ]]
DM - A Humblewood Adventure
Vira’s eyes narrow as she spots the dark shapes in the sky, her instincts kicking in immediately. "Heads up!" she growls, her voice sharp with urgency. She tightens her grip on the cart handles, then quickly drops them, drawing her weapon with practiced ease.
"Emberbats! Coming fast!" she calls out, her body tense and ready to spring into action. She positions herself in front of the group, her greataxe raised.
B'Reh’s eyes snapped to the sky when Vira’s warning rang out. The sight of the emberbats closing in sent a surge of adrenaline through her. Quickly, she stepped up beside Vira, her spear firmly in one hand and her amulet—a symbol of the Nightfather, Tyton—in the other. With practiced calm, she muttered a prayer to Tyton under her breath, the cackling energy of her divine power crackling to life around the amulet. The energy pulsed through her fingers, ready to be unleashed at the first sign of an attack.
"We stand ready," she whispered to herself, eyes focused on the approaching swarm, prepared to defend her companions from the fiery creatures.
(Action: ready Toll the Dead to be cast on the bats if and when they approach into melee range of someone in her group. WIS DC 13, below in the spoiler are the damage dice if it triggers.)
On a failed save they suffer necrotic damage: either 5 or 8 if already damaged
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
"Oh Wow! What's that. It's heading this way. Oh... It's heading this way." Aric deminer changes back to warrior monk and he readies himself. He stands next to the new traveler to defined him as best he can.
D&D since 1984
"That is a swarm of Emberbats. There are coming in fast. Not much to do but prepare yourself." Brynlee says as she takes the crystal out of her pocket again. This time she holds it in the are in front of her and asks for some protection for when the bats get too close.
[[Ready Word of Radiance for when the bats get within melee range. CON 13 save. 5 points of radiant damage if hit ]]
While preparing the spell, Brynlee takes a step toward the Emberbats from the group, turns to face the group and curls into a ball exposing the bats to her quills.
[[Details in Spolier]]
[[Word of Radiance does not have somatic components, so I believe I can curl up while still casting this]]
[[4 points of piercing damage to any melee attack that misses my now 19 AC. On a hit I become prone]]
"Oh goodness!" Hearing the urgency in your voices, Eliza quickly reaches into her cart to grab a well-used shortbow and a few arrows before retreating south from the path to take cover under a tree as you all form a protective line facing the bat swarms.
Combat: Round 1
[[ Initiative: Bats - 18, Players - 17, Eliza - 11 ]]
The emberbat swarms descend upon you quickly, filling the air with high pitched screeches and waves of heat. The first swarm flies right over Brynlee's spiny form as B'Reh looses a pulse of necrotic energy that seems to pass right between the individual bats (16 to save), and settles around Vira, biting at her head and shoulders (17 to hit, 4 piercing damage). The other swarm descends upon Brynlee, trying to find any exposed skin to bite at (13 to hit), but catching themselves on her quills as they do so (taking 4 points of damage). All of you can feel the heat radiating off the many tiny bodies of the emberbats.
[[ At the beginning of the players' turn, everyone make a DC 10 CON saving throw. On a failure, you take 4 points of fire damage. The swarms are currently inhabiting the same spaces as Vira and Brynlee, but can still be attacked by anyone. ]]
DM - A Humblewood Adventure
Vira is caught off guard by the ferocity of the bat swarm, taking 4 piercing damage and 4 fire damage from the beasts' initial attack. Instinctively she rages, attempting to strike with her spear. (To hit: 6, Damage: 12)