Short Rest Studios

Jud Kossum

Short Rest Studios is your guide to discovering the best tabletop roleplaying games, D&D 5e alternatives, and modern GM advice. Don't quest alone! I’m Jud, and I explore new TTRPG systems, game design concepts, and GM tools that get you back to the fun. Whether you're looking to fix sluggish combat, or swap Dungeons & Dragons for fast, rules-light systems, I'm scouting the TTRPG landscape so you can focus on running great sessions. • D&D 5e Alternatives: Draw Steel (MCDM), Nimble, Dragonbane, Cosmere RPG, Pirate Borg, and Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC). • GM Advice & Campaign Prep: Worldbuilding, combat pacing, module design, and adventure prep tools. • Game Design Deep Dives: Designer interviews, mechanical breakdowns, and OSR/indie spotlight reviews. Join the Adventurer's Guild on Patreon: https://patreon.com/shortreststudios Remember: You don't have to quest alone.

  1. 3d ago

    How to Make Your RPG Encounters Feel Alive (The 3-Question Rule)

    Are your tabletop RPG encounters feeling a bit lifeless? Making your game world feel truly immersive and alive doesn’t have to mean writing a 900-page lore bible. In this episode, Jud breaks down how asking yourself just three simple questions can totally transform your encounter design, streamline your prep, and make your players feel the real weight of their choices. We explore how to populate rooms with lived-in details, keep monsters active and unpredictable using random tables, and raise the stakes by showing players what happens when they ignore the main plot to goof off in town. Plus, discover the most powerful fiction-writing rule for getting players truly invested in your world. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Question 1 (What’s in the Room?): How combining mundane items, unusual descriptors, and purposeful clues gives inhabitants a lived-in experience. Question 2 (What Are the Monsters Doing?): Moving away from static waiting enemies and using encounter activity tables to make monsters feel like they have active, chaotic lives. Question 3 (What Happens If the PCs Do Nothing?): Letting villain plots progress, letting other NPCs impact the world, and facing the consequences of goofing off. The Stephen King Rule: How endangering the people, places, and things your players care about creates ultimate immersion. GM Tools and Resources: Leveraging random tables like OSE Encounter Activity tables and exclusive d100 dungeon room descriptors to speed up prep time. 00:00 - Introduction: Fixing Lifeless Encounters with 3 Simple Questions 00:39 - Question 1: What’s in the Room? (Mundane, Unusual, and Clues) 05:20 - Question 2: What Are the Monsters Doing? (Active Encounters and Random Tables) 07:27 - Question 3: What Happens If the PCs Do Nothing? (Consequences and Escalating Villain Plots) 09:37 - The Ultimate Immersion Tip: Endangering What Players Care About 10:32 - Final Verdict and Next Episode Recommendations Get Jud's Nimble Adventure "Riddle of the Veiled Isles" on DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/585446/riddle-of-the-veiled-isles-1st-level-adventure-for-nimble More ways to support Short Rest Studios! Short Rest Studios Merch: https://short-rest-studios.printify.me Short Rest Studios PDFs: https://www.patreon.com/ShortRestStudios/shop Join the Adventurers Guild on Patreon: https://Patreon.com/ShortRestStudios Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/C89CBNZpbe My website: https://shortreststudios.com My DriveThruRPG Affiliate Link: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/?affiliate_id=3260793 Shop D&D, DCC, the gear I use to make these videos, and more in my Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/shortreststudios Get 10% off dice and accessories at https://MistyMountainGaming.com/shortreststudios Get 10% off game tables and furniture at https://legacygametables.com/shortreststudios Get 20% off with Homie and the Dude: https://hatdbuilder.com/?coupon=shortrest

    How to Make Your RPG Encounters Feel Alive (The 3-Question Rule)
  2. Oct 23

    How Nimble TTRPG Replaces 400 D&D Spells (And Creates Better Gameplay)

    Is Nimble TTRPG’s magic system too simple, or does cutting down D&D 5e’s spell bloat actually create deeper tactical play and better roleplay? In this episode, Jud breaks down how Nimble handles magic compared to D&D 5e and 5.5e. We look at why replacing almost 400 spells with 76 streamlined options (plus mana pools, spell scaling, and spell combos) frees up mental energy for creative gameplay. Plus, we address common criticisms about missing social spells like Charm Person and Zone of Truth, and why leaving them out actually improves story interaction and exploration at your table. What You Will Learn in This Episode: D&D 5e Spell Bloat vs Nimble Simplicity: How Nimble condenses hundreds of redundant spells into a streamlined,versatile system. Mana Pools and Scaling Spells: How spell tiers, upcasting, and resource management work without tracking spell slots. Tactical Spell Combos: How layering elemental conditions like Smoldering creates deeper combat options for spellcasters. Social Spells and Roleplay: Why removing magic shortcuts like Zone of Truth forces players to engage creatively with the narrative. 00:00 - Is Nimble TTRPG Magic Too Simple? 00:44 - D&D 5e Spell Bloat vs Nimble's Streamlined Magic 01:08 - How Mana & Spell Tiers Work in Nimble 02:06 - Why Fewer Spells Mean Better Choices 03:32 - How Upcasting Combines D&D Spells into One 05:14 - Check Out Riddle of the Veiled Isles 05:45 - Tactical Spell Combos in Nimble 06:53 - Why Nimble Removed Social Spells 08:48 - Final Thoughts: Simplicity Creates Depth Get Jud's Nimble Adventure "Riddle of the Veiled Isles" on DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/585446/riddle-of-the-veiled-isles-1st-level-adventure-for-nimble More ways to support Short Rest Studios! Short Rest Studios Merch: https://short-rest-studios.printify.me Short Rest Studios PDFs: https://www.patreon.com/ShortRestStudios/shop Join the Adventurers Guild on Patreon: https://Patreon.com/ShortRestStudios Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/C89CBNZpbe My website: https://shortreststudios.com My DriveThruRPG Affiliate Link: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/?affiliate_id=3260793 Shop D&D, DCC, the gear I use to make these videos, and more in my Amazon storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/shortreststudios Get 10% off dice and accessories at https://MistyMountainGaming.com/shortreststudios Get 10% off game tables and furniture at https://legacygametables.com/shortreststudios Get 20% off with Homie and the Dude: https://hatdbuilder.com/?coupon=shortrest

    How Nimble TTRPG Replaces 400 D&D Spells (And Creates Better Gameplay)
  3. Oct 9

    Why D&D 5e Sucks at Mysteries (And 5 TTRPGs That Fix It)

    Running a mystery or whodunit in Dungeons and Dragons 5e is doable, but its high powered spell shortcuts like Zone of Truth and combat forward rules make it tricky. D&D simply was not built for investigative gameplay. Just in time for spooky season, Jud counts down 5 tabletop RPGs that get mystery right, from Scooby-Doo style adventures to cosmic horror and sci-fi noir. In this episode, we break down five incredible TTRPG systems that handle clues, tension, and investigation far better than D&D: The Mystery Business: An all-ages, d100 ruleset inspired by classic mystery cartoons like Scooby-Doo. It features zero combat mechanics, focusing entirely on finding clues, managing fear, and setting silly traps. Call of Cthulhu: Chaosium's premier horror RPG built on Basic Role Playing (BRP). Characters focus on investigative skills like spot hidden and anthropology rather than massive hit point pools. Brindlewood Bay: A Powered by the Apocalypse game combining Murder, She Wrote with Lovecraftian horror.Players investigate murder cases without a set killer, building the narrative dynamically. Blade Runner The Role Playing Game: Free League's Year Zero Engine system capturing sci-fi noir, corporate intrigue, and shift-based investigation time limits. Gumshoe System: Pelgrane Press's definitive mystery framework (Night's Black Agents, Trail of Cthulhu). It eliminates failed rolls for clues entirely, keeping the focus on interpreting information. Plus, check out the spotlight on LORE, an indie sci-fantasy TTRPG live on Kickstarter featuring robust class advancement, dynamic encounters, and deep crafting systems. 00:00 - Why D&D 5e Struggles with Mystery Games 00:43 - 5. The Mystery Business (Scooby-Doo Inspired RPG) 02:32 - 4. Call of Cthulhu (Investigative Horror) 04:22 - Featured Indie TTRPG: LORE Kickstarter 05:07 - 3. Brindlewood Bay (Cozy Horror & PBTAMystery) 06:59 - 2. Blade Runner: The Role Playing Game 08:49 - 1. Gumshoe System (No-Roll Investigation) 10:22 - Final Thoughts and More Horror TTRPGs Check out LORE on Kickstarter: [INSERT KICKSTARTER LINK HERE] Get Jud's Nimble Adventure "Riddle of the Veiled Isles" on DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/585446/riddle-of-the-veiled-isles-1st-level-adventure-for-nimble More ways to support Short Rest Studios! Short Rest Studios Merch: https://short-rest-studios.printify.me Short Rest Studios PDFs: https://www.patreon.com/ShortRestStudios/shop Join the Adventurers Guild on Patreon: https://Patreon.com/ShortRestStudios Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/C89CBNZpbe My website: https://shortreststudios.com My DriveThruRPG Affiliate Link: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/?affiliate_id=3260793 Shop D&D, DCC, the gear I use to make these videos, and more in my Amazon storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/shortreststudios Get 10% off dice and accessories at https://MistyMountainGaming.com/shortreststudios Get 10% off game tables and furniture at https://legacygametables.com/shortreststudios Get 20% off with Homie and the Dude: https://hatdbuilder.com/?coupon=shortrest

    Why D&D 5e Sucks at Mysteries (And 5 TTRPGs That Fix It)
  4. Sep 25

    Adventure Design & Campaign Prep: 4 Features Every TTRPG Module Needs

    Running published TTRPG modules often means wrestling with dense walls of text, confusing page layouts, and endless prepping. Jud breaks down four essential features that every published tabletop RPG adventure from one-shots to full campaigns needs to have for seamless table play. Using examples from his level 1 Nimble adventure, Riddle of the Veiled Isles, Jud highlights how smart formatting and layout choices empower game masters to run smoother, faster sessions with far less preparation time. Four Essential Features for Published TTRPG Adventures: Scannable Page Layouts: Ditch prose-heavy walls of text for bullet points, bold keywords, inline stat blocks, and color-coded information to help GMs find key information instantly during play. Purposeful Random Encounters: Travel tables should never feel like filler content. Encounters must offer world flavor, story clues, or unique mechanical situations rather than generic monster attacks. Cohesive Thematic Challenges: Encounter design and monster choices need to match the setting and overall story narrative rather than just filling a challenge rating gap. Active Game Master Support: Modules should include built-in GM notes to help with pacing, session length adjustments, and handling potential party wipes or TPK situations gracefully. 00:00 - The Problem with Published TTRPG Adventures 00:52 - 4 Non-Negotiable Features Every Module Needs 01:06 - 1. Scannable Layouts and Color Coding 04:43 - 2. Meaningful Random Encounters 06:30 - 3. Challenges and Encounters That Make Sense 08:22 - 4. Active Game Master Support and TPK Prep 09:47 - Final Thoughts and Community Feedback Get Jud's Nimble Adventure "Riddle of the Veiled Isles" on DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/585446/riddle-of-the-veiled-isles-1st-level-adventure-for-nimble More ways to support Short Rest Studios! Short Rest Studios Merch: https://short-rest-studios.printify.me Short Rest Studios PDFs: https://www.patreon.com/ShortRestStudios/shop Join the Adventurers Guild on Patreon: https://Patreon.com/ShortRestStudios Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/C89CBNZpbe My website: https://shortreststudios.com My DriveThruRPG Affiliate Link: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/?affiliate_id=3260793 Shop D&D, DCC, the gear I use to make these videos, and more in my Amazon storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/shortreststudios Get 10% off dice and accessories at https://MistyMountainGaming.com/shortreststudios Get 10% off game tables and furniture at https://legacygametables.com/shortreststudios Get 20% off with Homie and the Dude: https://hatdbuilder.com/?coupon=shortrest

    Adventure Design & Campaign Prep: 4 Features Every TTRPG Module Needs
  5. Sep 11

    Cosmere RPG vs D&D 5e: 4 Mechanics Fixed (And Why I'm Passing)

    Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere RPG raised over 15 million dollars on Kickstarter in 2024, making it one of the biggest tabletop RPG launches in history. But how does the Cosmere RPG stack up against Dungeons and Dragons 5e? In this episode, Jud breaks down four major mechanics where the Cosmere RPG improves on 5e design, including tactical turn options, narrative stakes, social systems, and character customization. Plus, stick around to the end to hear why Jud is ultimately passing on the game in favor of rules-light and OSR systems like Nimble and Shadowdark. Four Key Areas Where Cosmere RPG Beats D&D 5e: Dynamic Combat Without Initiative: The Cosmere RPG replaces traditional initiative with Fast and Slow turn options, giving players tactical flexibility and agency without clogging up combat order. The Plot Die: A six-sided die mechanism similar to Hope and Fear in Daggerheart that introduces opportunities and complications to critical narrative rolls, moving beyond 5e's simple pass or fail outcomes. Codified Social Conversations: Structured rules for dialogue and social influence that give non-combat encounters tactical depth and mechanical weight. Deep Class Customization: A flexible path system using talent trees instead of rigid classes, allowing players to mix and match abilities for complete character control. 00:00 - Cosmere RPG vs D&D 5e 00:40 - 1. Tactical Combat (Fast and Slow Turns) 02:30 - 2. The Plot Die (Narrative Stakes) 05:25 - Sneak Peek: Riddle of the Veiled Isles 06:14 - 3. Social Conversations Rules 08:12 - 4. Deep Character Customization (Talent Trees) 10:45 - Why Jud Is Passing on the Cosmere RPG 12:30 - Final Thoughts and Community Discussion Get Jud's Nimble Adventure "Riddle of the Veiled Isles" on DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/585446/riddle-of-the-veiled-isles-1st-level-adventure-for-nimble More ways to support Short Rest Studios! Short Rest Studios Merch: https://short-rest-studios.printify.me Short Rest Studios PDFs: https://www.patreon.com/ShortRestStudios/shop Join the Adventurers Guild on Patreon: https://Patreon.com/ShortRestStudios Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/C89CBNZpbe My website: https://shortreststudios.com My DriveThruRPG Affiliate Link: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/?affiliate_id=3260793 Shop D&D, DCC, the gear I use to make these videos, and more in my Amazon storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/shortreststudios Get 10% off dice and accessories at https://MistyMountainGaming.com/shortreststudios Get 10% off game tables and furniture at https://legacygametables.com/shortreststudios Get 20% off with Homie and the Dude: https://hatdbuilder.com/?coupon=shortrest TimestampsFeatured Links and Support

    Cosmere RPG vs D&D 5e: 4 Mechanics Fixed (And Why I'm Passing)
  6. Sep 4

    TTRPG Gaming Table Review: Starmork X-Tend (Affordable Setup)

    Is the Starmork X-Tend the ultimate affordable game table, or should you be cautious about backing it on Kickstarter? Jud gets his hands on a prototype of this expandable board game and TTRPG table to deliver an honest hands-on review. The Starmork X-Tend offers a unique expandable design that transforms from a base five-foot length up to over eight feet long across multiple configuration modes. In this episode, we break down the build quality, assembly process, magnetic accessory ecosystem, and overall comfort for both RPG sessions and dining use. Plus, Jud directly addresses past scam rumors surrounding Starmork, comparing their delivery record to notorious crowdfunding failures like Toyzzo and sharing official responses from the company. What You Will Learn in This Review: Kickstarter Pricing and Packages: Overview of early bird tiers, table sizes, leaf expansion options, and topper sets under 1000 dollars. Build Quality and Assembly: Analyzing the aluminum frame, solid wood legs, magnetic rail system, and veneer topper panels. Gaming vs Dining Mode: How well the play surface, felt playmats, and magnetic accessories perform during real tabletop sessions. Comfort and Legroom Issues: Honest feedback regarding under-table clearance and Starmork's planned production design updates. Addressing the Scam Rumors: The truth behind the Toyzzo comparisons, crowdfunding fulfillment records, and company transparency. 00:00 - Introduction: Is the Starmork X-Tend the Ultimate Game Table? 00:40 - Kickstarter Pricing, Sizes, and Expansion Modes 02:04 - Unboxing, Assembly, and Prototype Build Quality 03:48 - Materials, Frame Construction, and Play Surface 05:00 - Gaming Mode vs Dining Mode Aesthetic 06:19 - Table Expansion Mechanism and Magnetic Accessories 07:41 - Comfort, Under-Table Clearance, and Legroom 08:38 - Addressing past Scam Rumors and Toyzzo Comparisons 11:04 - Final Verdict and Next Episode Recommendations Check out the Starmork X-Tend on Kickstarter: [INSERT KICKSTARTER LINK HERE] Get Jud's Nimble Adventure "Riddle of the Veiled Isles" on DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethedrurpg.com/en/product/585446/riddle-of-the-veiled-isles-1st-level-adventure-for-nimble More ways to support Short Rest Studios! Short Rest Studios Merch: https://short-rest-studios.printify.me Short Rest Studios PDFs: https://www.patreon.com/ShortRestStudios/shop Join the Adventurers Guild on Patreon: https://Patreon.com/ShortRestStudios Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/C89CBNZpbe My website: https://shortreststudios.com My DriveThruRPG Affiliate Link: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/?affiliate_id=3260793 Shop D&D, DCC, the gear I use to make these videos, and more in my Amazon storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/shortreststudios Get 10% off dice and accessories at https://MistyMountainGaming.com/shortreststudios Get 10% off game tables and furniture at https://legacygametables.com/shortreststudios Get 20% off with Homie and the Dude: https://hatdbuilder.com/?coupon=shortrest

    TTRPG Gaming Table Review: Starmork X-Tend (Affordable Setup)
  7. Aug 28

    TTRPG Creator Tips: Is YouTube Harming Small Tabletop Channels?

    YouTube just rolled out massive changes that double the requirements to join the Partner Program, making it twice as hard for small creators to earn ad revenue. In this episode, Jud looks behind the curtain at how much money small TTRPG channels actually make, why he is quitting shorts to focus entirely on long-form content, and how creators can survive by diversifying their income. What You Will Learn in This Episode: YouTube Partner Program Changes: Breaking down the doubled watch time and short view requirements starting next year. The Reality of Creator Earnings: A transparent look at what small TTRPG channels make from ad revenue versus other income sources. Shifting Channel Strategy: Why Short Rest Studios is dropping shorts and refocusing on high-value long-form TTRPG reviews and system breakdowns. Upcoming Projects: Sneak peeks at new published adventures like The Shrouded Isles and writing a fantasy novel. 00:00 - Are YouTube's New Rules Trying to Kill Small Channels? 01:00 - YouTube Partner Program Requirements Are Doubling 02:40 - Behind the Curtain: What Small TTRPG Channels Actually Earn 05:10 - Why Short Rest Studios Is Stopping Shorts 07:05 - Future Channel Content: Nimble Magic, Cosmere RPG, and Game Tables 09:30 - Writing My First Published Adventure: The Shrouded Isles 11:15 - How to Support Independent TTRPG Creators and the Channel Get Jud's Nimble Adventure "Riddle of the Veiled Isles" on DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/585446/riddle-of-the-veiled-isles-1st-level-adventure-for-nimble More ways to support Short Rest Studios! Short Rest Studios Merch: https://short-rest-studios.printify.me Short Rest Studios PDFs: https://www.patreon.com/ShortRestStudios/shop Join the Adventurers Guild on Patreon: https://Patreon.com/ShortRestStudios Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/C89CBNZpbe My website: https://shortreststudios.com My DriveThruRPG Affiliate Link: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/?affiliate_id=3260793 Shop D&D, DCC, the gear I use to make these videos, and more in my Amazon storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/shortreststudios Get 10% off dice and accessories at https://MistyMountainGaming.com/shortreststudios Get 10% off game tables and furniture at https://legacygametables.com/shortreststudios Get 20% off with Homie and the Dude: https://hatdbuilder.com/?coupon=shortrest

    TTRPG Creator Tips: Is YouTube Harming Small Tabletop Channels?
  8. Aug 7

    Dragonbane RPG Review: How It Fixes Bloated D&D 5e Combat

    Fast, brutal, and fun: if that does not describe your party's last Dungeons and Dragons combat encounter, it might be time to bring Dragonbane to your table. In this episode, Jud breaks down five ways Dragonbane cuts through the bloat of D&D combat, offering a streamlined,OSR-inspired experience. We examine everything from brutally tight action economies and skill-based d20 roll-under mechanics to tactical card-based initiative and limited hit points. Plus, we dive into the brilliant (and potentially controversial) mechanic where monsters do not roll to attack, using unique d6 attack tables instead. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Action Economy: How Dragonbane restricts characters to a single action and movement per turn, forcing meaningful tactical choices. The d20 Roll-Under System: Why a skill-based roll-under mechanic eliminates asking your GM about Armor Class and speeds up table play. Card-Based Initiative: Replacing traditional d20 rolls with a quick, tactile card draw system that keeps turn order visible on the table. Bounded Hit Points: How grounding character survivability avoids the super-heroic demigod status of high-level D&D. Automated Monster Attacks: Exploring why monsters skip attack rolls entirely and use thematic d6 tables to keep combat moving at a relentless pace. 00:00 - Fast, Brutal, and Fun: Why Dragonbane Fixes D&D Combat 00:34 - 1. A Brutally Tight Action Economy 01:34 - 2. The Skill-Based d20 Roll-Under System 03:48 - 3. Fast and Tactile Card-Based Initiative 05:49 - 4. Bounded Hit Points and Lethal Combat 07:06 - 5. Why Dragonbane Monsters Do Not Roll to Attack 09:32 - Final Thoughts on Dragonbane vs D&D Combat Get Jud's Nimble Adventure "Riddle of the Veiled Isles" on DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/585446/riddle-of-the-veiled-isles-1st-level-adventure-for-nimble More ways to support Short Rest Studios! Short Rest Studios Merch: https://short-rest-studios.printify.me Short Rest Studios PDFs: https://www.patreon.com/ShortRestStudios/shop Join the Adventurers Guild on Patreon: https://Patreon.com/ShortRestStudios Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/C89CBNZpbe My website: https://shortreststudios.com My DriveThruRPG Affiliate Link: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/?affiliate_id=3260793 Shop D&D, DCC, the gear I use to make these videos, and more in my Amazon storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/shortreststudios Get 10% off dice and accessories at https://MistyMountainGaming.com/shortreststudios Get 10% off game tables and furniture at https://legacygametables.com/shortreststudios Get 20% off with Homie and the Dude: https://hatdbuilder.com/?coupon=shortrest

    Dragonbane RPG Review: How It Fixes Bloated D&D 5e Combat

About

Short Rest Studios is your guide to discovering the best tabletop roleplaying games, D&D 5e alternatives, and modern GM advice. Don't quest alone! I’m Jud, and I explore new TTRPG systems, game design concepts, and GM tools that get you back to the fun. Whether you're looking to fix sluggish combat, or swap Dungeons & Dragons for fast, rules-light systems, I'm scouting the TTRPG landscape so you can focus on running great sessions. • D&D 5e Alternatives: Draw Steel (MCDM), Nimble, Dragonbane, Cosmere RPG, Pirate Borg, and Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC). • GM Advice & Campaign Prep: Worldbuilding, combat pacing, module design, and adventure prep tools. • Game Design Deep Dives: Designer interviews, mechanical breakdowns, and OSR/indie spotlight reviews. Join the Adventurer's Guild on Patreon: https://patreon.com/shortreststudios Remember: You don't have to quest alone.

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