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Lights... Camera... ACTION!!: A Hollywood Quest

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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
  • Threadmarks
    • Magoose said:
    Hi Magoose here one of the guys helping Duke.

    So we have some bad news.

    The quest has been canceled as duke does not want to write it anymore.

    I'm going to ask if I can take over for it, because I like this quest, and it would be a shame to kill it
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    TBF, Mags, you have been doing a lot of the heavylifting for the quest, so this will be in good hands. :)

    To be clear to everyone, this is just me burning out on imagination of the quest, since my muse has been hitting me over the head a lot with so many different ideas that I just can't find myself too interested in this.

    I'll still hang out here, though, since this still does have a sepcial place in my heart.

    I'd like to thank you all for making this a wonderful experience while it lasted.

    I'd also like to thank @Magoose, @Fluffy_serpent, and @Martin Noctis for doing so much to help prepare and write this quest. I couldn't have done it without you all. :D

    I'll see you all around.

    With so many regards, Duke William Of.
     
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    • ORION053 said:
    I argue that we should hunt someone down to help us forge realistic props and train our prop department to do blacksmithing. It may serve us down the line if we want to do any historical films. Plus it would add authenticity to the Conan film
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    As someone with family out in rural Italy I would like to comment on a few things.... Mainly the fact that a smith would be lacking in commission for tools anywhere besides maybe the cities and places closest to it.


    Out in the rural areas a smith is valuable. Perhaps not as much as they once were but when ones livelihood and food relies upon your tools and you cannot afford the mechanized equipment a smith who can repair or replace damaged tools as well as potentially provide things such as certain kind of nails which are hard to find due to most factories not making them in large amounts is invaluable and likely lives very well.


    Not swamped for work but definitely variety of he wishes to take a break from blades.







    Also I am surprised there was no commentary about the roads. Unless you take one of the paved roads or the old roman ones still in use road quality can be varied and even walking can be difficult and depending on the time of year it may be either freezing cold or rather hot and humid.


    Also I am genuinely surprised he was not mugged at least once or scammed. Italy, sadly, has a rather large population of grifters and con men who make their living fleecing tourists and unfortunate visitors.

    Scams are common and, if they knew he was with a big business, there is a decent chance they would have tried to milk him for money.

    That's all for the troubles and I can understand if he did not get to experience the good parts of Italy given the circumstances. The food is amazing as is the music and the people, if you avoid the bad areas and know what to watch for as warning signs, are incredibly friendly.


    Also I am a bit surprised the smith did not offer him a meal to celebrate the deal. It is expected to at least offer and a smith in the rural areas would be rather well off, as I have said, and have enough to show it to a potential business colleague or client.


    Food, Family, and a good conversation over the table are staples of the culture.



    Anyway that is all. Enjoyed greatly reading it
     
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    The case of the case
  • Apocrypha


    • The case of the case​

    Meeting Minutes: Video Game Cartridge Packaging Strategy
    Date    : July 10, 1983
    Attendees:

    • John Reynolds (Marketing Manager)
    • Samantha Turner (Product Design Lead)
    • Greg Porter (Production Supervisor)
    • Evelyn Martinez (Sales Director)
    • Michael Wang (Creative Director)
    Company: LucasArt

    Meeting Objective:
    To discuss and finalize the type of packaging LucasArt will use for its upcoming video game cartridges. Evaluate various packaging formats and propose new ideas to set the company apart from competitors.

    1. Introduction (John Reynolds)
    John opens the meeting by emphasizing the importance of making a decision on game packaging within the next months. LucasArt's first games will began production soon, and packaging will be critical in building the company's brand. Each department is asked to share its thoughts and consider innovative solutions.

    2. Cardboard Console Box Packaging

    • Evelyn Martinez:
      • Pros: Simple, cost-effective, and standard in the console gaming industry (NES, Atari). This would allow us to price competitively, aligning with industry standards. The box is lightweight, which reduces shipping costs.
      • Cons: It lacks durability. Console cardboard boxes can wear out quickly and may be easily damaged in stores or during shipping.
    • Samantha Turner:
      • Pros: Allows for vibrant, colorful designs, and enough room for a manual or small inserts. We can make the art stand out and use it to market the game's themes.
      • Cons: It doesn't protect the cartridge well over time. Once the box is opened, it's hard to keep it in good condition,pretty boring and don't let us stand out being a standard .

    3. Standard Cardboard Big Boxes

    • Samantha Turner:
      • Overview: This has been the traditional choice for video game packaging willing to afford it, especially for PC games and older consoles. A large cardboard box can hold the game cartridge, manual, and other extras like posters or small collectibles.
      • Pros:
        • Cost-effective, especially for a starting branche like us.
        • Lots of room for artwork, which can help with marketing.
        • Ability to include bonus content to add value to the purchase.
      • Cons:
        • Not very durable. Tough way more solid than the cheap console cardboard box cardboard can wear down quickly, especially if the customer is young and/or unproperly handling the game.
        • Does not provide strong protection for the cartridge during shipping or storage,especialy aginst humidity.
    • Michael Wang:
      • Creative Potential: The big boxes have a lot of surface area, so we can do interesting artwork and branding. We could even experiment with limited-edition covers or colorful designs to grab attention on retail shelves.
    • Evelyn Martinez:
      • Retail Insight: Stores like bigger boxes because they take up more space on the shelves, which can make them more visible. But they also take up more storage space, which could limit how many units retailers want to stock.
    • Greg Porter:
      • Production Feasibility: These are fairly easy to produce and ship in bulk. However, given the size, we'd have to be cautious about keeping shipping costs under control, especially for long-distance distribution.

    4. Clamshell Cases

    • Greg Porter:
      • Overview: Hard plastic cases, similar to those used by other companies like Commodore, provide more protection for cartridges.
      • Pros:
        • Durable, offering better protection for the game during shipping and handling.
        • Easy to manufacture at scale once initial molds are created.
        • Fits easily on retail shelves and stacks well for distribution.
      • Cons:
        • Can be relatively expensive to produce.
        • Less room for extras like manuals or collectible items without making the case bulkier.
    • Samantha Turner:
      • Design Insight: Plastic clamshell cases limit us creatively. They're functional, but not very exciting. Our competitors are already using these, so it won't help LucasArt stand out in a meaningful way.

    5. New Idea: Steel-Style Packaging

    • Samantha Turner:
      • Proposal: We developed a new idea,what if we push the boundaries and create something brand-new for our game packaging? we are thinking to call those "SteelBox" packaging—where the cartridge is stored in a sleek, metal case. It's never been done before, but it would instantly set us apart from other companies.
      • Pros:
        • Premium feel. The metallic case would give our games a high-end look and feel, helping establish LucasArt as a company that delivers quality.
        • Durable and long-lasting. The case will protect the cartridge far better than cardboard or plastic and could double as a collector's item.
        • Metal allows you to make relief designs much more easily and solidly than other materials
      • Cons:
        • High cost. Metal is more expensive than plastic or cardboard, and we'd have to invest in new production processes.
        • Might price out some customers. We'd need to find a way to justify the cost with extra content or premium marketing.
    • Michael Wang:
      • Creative Potential: This could be groundbreaking. We could emboss the SteelBox with iconic artwork, making the packaging itself a collector's item. We could also introduce limited-edition designs or collaborate with artists to make the boxes unique. It could create a buzz and make our games something people want to display, not just play.
    • Greg Porter:
      • Production Challenges: Manufacturing metal cases would require specialized tools and materials that we don't currently have. We'd likely need to work with new suppliers, which could delay production or drive up costs. However, if we scale, it could become a signature packaging style for LucasArt.
    • Evelyn Martinez:
      • Retail Insight: Some retailers may be hesitant to carry a more expensive product, but the unique look could justify premium shelf placement. We could also market it as a limited edition to test its viability.

    6. Combining Big Box and SteelBox

    • Michael Wang:
      • Suggestion: What if we take the best of both worlds? We can create a big cardboard box for the outer packaging—giving us space for vivid artwork and extra content—and inside that box, we can place the cartridge in the new SteelBox. The outer box would create an impactful visual, and the inner steel case would add the premium feel we're looking for.
    • Samantha Turner:
      • Design Concept: The big box can feature bold, colorful artwork, possibly with a window showing the SteelBox inside. The SteelBox itself could be simple yet elegant, with embossed or printed logos, offering collectors something valuable to keep. We could even release different designs for different games to encourage people to collect them.
    • Greg Porter:
      • Feasibility: This combination would allow us to balance costs. The cardboard box would be cheaper to produce, and the smaller SteelBox could be a simple but effective insert. It reduces the reliance on all-metal packaging while still giving us the premium look.
    • Evelyn Martinez:
      • Sales Potential: The dual packaging could appeal to both ends of the market. The outer box gives it a traditional, retail-friendly look, while the SteelBox inside offers a collector's item for those willing to spend a bit more. It also provides flexibility in how we market different versions of the game.
    • John Reynolds:
      • Marketing Value: This could be the perfect combination to help launch LucasArt in a crowded market. The outer box grabs attention on the shelf, while the SteelBox inside adds long-term value. It also positions us as innovators with a fresh, premium take on game packaging.

    7. Conclusion

    The team unanimously agrees to prototype a hybrid packaging strategy: a big cardboard box with a SteelBox-style inner case for the cartridge. This combination will provide both cost-effectiveness and a premium, standout product. The decision helps LucasArt differentiate itself in a competitive market and create a lasting impression on early customers.

    8. Next Steps

    • Samantha Turner: Begin drafting designs for the hybrid big box and SteelBox.
    • Greg Porter: Source materials for both cardboard and metal production.
    • John Reynolds: Prepare a marketing strategy to announce this unique packaging.
    Meeting Adjourned at 4:30 PM

    I don't know why but this idea refused to leave me untile i wrote it down,once again i would be happy to hear any constructive critisism or modification suggestion if i missed something or got it wrong.
     
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  • Apocrypha
    • Gentlemen, we are several hours away from finishing the first great epic of the Lucusfilm arc in finishing the original trilogy.

    It's been an honor working with you guys on omakes and here's to hoping for a great madness of a roll
     
    Kaiser Chris said:
    Video Game Pitch: Immunity
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    Totally missed this one.

    +15 to SP, because I'm working on the turn.

    Speaking of turn.

    calling the vote.
    Adhoc vote count started by Magoose on Sep 26, 2024 at 1:37 PM, finished with 33 posts and 16 votes.
    • [X] Plan Film of the Century
      -[X]I am afraid this will have to be shot on location: You keep on looking at the ideas and stories, and one dreadful thought comes to you. You would have to shoot on location. Time to prepare for that… eventuality.
      --[X]Write in where you will shoot on location: South Italy
      -[X]The Table Read: You have the cast, now the table read. Because what can go wrong here? DC: 40
      -[X]A Storm of Steel: So wait, how did they forge this armor and stuff? And why does it look so cool DC: 30
      -[X]Star Wars Return of the Jedi: Here it is, the metaphorical change that reshape Hollywood… Again. Really it's starting to become a trend at this point. DC: ???
      -[X]The Upgrades to Lucasfilms: Alright Mike, we're about to get a lot of Star Wars money, so we might as well make a list. DC: 0
      -[X]Disneyland: Mary and her friends are going to Disneyland, with Carrie and company. You are going to have to go. Maybe you can figure out what is going on. DC: ???
      -[X]The Life and Times of Joe O'Brian: Dad has been thinking alot lately, and he wishes to ask a favor. "Bruce, can you you're old man out with something… Sid hasn't returned my calls. I'm sure he isn't trying to fuck me, but I want to make sure. Meet me at the Whale. And uh… Bring Mike. I want to watch Sid squirm." DC: ???/???
      -[X]Mary Voice Acting 101: Mary wants to try to voice act for Aunt Cat… So you might as well give her pointers and see what she can do. DC: ???
      -[X]The Art of the Siblings: So Mary has proclaimed it was a silly time. And that meant you had to grab your costume. DC: 0
      -[X]The Family Time: You need a night out with the family dammit! No more drama, no more work, just you and Carrie and the Kids!
      -[X]A Well-Known Fan: So some really famous person is a fan of yours. Maybe you'll learn who they actually are. DC???
      -[X]A Charitable Heart: You want to invest your newfound wealth. Maybe even save some lives while you are at it. (Linetail what you wish to invest in below this action, and the amount of money you want to donate in)
      --[X] FEAST. $150 Million
      -[X] Date Night: Have a nice date night with Carrie and treat your wife special.
    Click to expand...
     
    Turn 106 Results (May- June 1983)
  • Threadmarks
    • Turn 106 Results (May- June 1983)

    -[X]I am afraid this will have to be shot on location: You keep on looking at the ideas and stories, and one dreadful thought comes to you. You would have to shoot on location. Time to prepare for that… eventuality.
    --[X]Write in where you will shoot on location: South Italy Rolled: D100 => 94

    The Italian Government almost didn't give you what you wanted. Hell, you thought that you were going to have to bite the bullet and try to film in LA…

    But then an unexpected note from an unknown source appeared on your desk that just said "Wait."

    You didn't know who it was from and it was unmarked, though considering just where you were going… you strongly suspected it was the Pope… or maybe one of your Italian fans who loved Star Wars and Conan.

    Two days later, everything was prepared, and they even donated several master shipbuilders who built those boats you needed for the film… for the simple price of serving as part of the crew as extras.

    Reward: You are now filming in southern Italy, and the Italian government sent their experts to build several ships, and even have hundreds of extras ready to fill out scenes.

    There is also a rumor that there is an entire battalion of Italian soldiers that are… well-ordered to be extras as well.

    You think you have friends in high places… or rather, fans.
    ------------------------------------

    -[X]The Table Read: You have the cast, now the table read. Because what can go wrong here? DC: 40 Rolled:D100 => 44

    It was a jambore of fun and excitement. It was like having friends come back and meeting new people for the first time.

    Everyone enjoyed reading the script, first with a sense of just… well table reading, getting comfortable.

    And then the drama started. Operatic even, as you all decided to have fun. To get as dramatic as possible, as grand as possible.

    To show that this story was going to heights…

    And then Michelle, bless her, decided to bring it all down near the end, because you had been reading the script for over 8 hours, and she wanted to go back to her hotel.

    Reward: You had a highly successful table read. SP for all actors and chemistry increased.
    --------------------------------

    -[X]A Storm of Steel: So wait, how did they forge this armor and stuff? And why does it look so cool DC: 30 Rolled:D100 => 93

    Holy shit.

    The blacksmiths really outdid themselves.

    They looked so awesome and functional… and really you think that the Loin cloth and animal skin was a bit much. That was just you though.

    Reward: Increase the quality of the film. Unknown effect on choreography and effects rolls
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -[X]Star Wars Return of the Jedi: Here it is, the metaphorical change that reshape Hollywood… Again. Really it's starting to become a trend at this point. DC: ??? Rolled:

    Welp… Star Wars Broke the world again.

    And you were laughing. It was finally over. Now onto the challenge of Conan.

    (Continued in: Star Wars Return of the Jedi)
    ------------------------------------------

    -[X]The Upgrades to Lucasfilms: Alright Mike, we're about to get a lot of Star Wars money, so we might as well make a list. DC: 0 Rolled:D100 => 4

    Mike was drowning in Money, so we might as well use it and splurge a little.

    (Continued in: Lucasfilms upgrades 3)
    ---------------------------------------

    -[X]Disneyland: Mary and her friends are going to Disneyland, with Carrie and company. You are going to have to go. Maybe you can figure out what is going on. DC: ??? Rolled:D100 => 13

    You honestly didn't know how Mary, and her friends could stomach the long lines… but the problem was twofold.

    One Mary somehow disappeared with Cat for a few hours.

    Two… you didn't even know about it until… after you spent an hour in line.

    Failure: You didn't learn what Mary and Cat were doing. Because you were too busy in line.
    ------------------------------

    -[X]The Life and Times of Joe O'Brian: Dad has been thinking alot lately, and he wishes to ask a favor. "Bruce, can you you're old man out with something… Sid hasn't returned my calls. I'm sure he isn't trying to fuck me, but I want to make sure. Meet me at the Whale. And uh… Bring Mike. I want to watch Sid squirm." DC: ???/??? Rolled:D100 => 7

    Dad only sent a note canceling the meeting.

    "Don't worry Bruce… as much as I wanted to do it, we're going to have to delay it for a time. He returned my calls."

    Failure: Seems Dad has it handled. You think.
    ------------------------------

    -[X]Mary Voice Acting 101: Mary wants to try to voice act for Aunt Cat… So you might as well give her pointers and see what she can do. DC: ??? Rolled:D100 => 36

    Mary SP:D100 => 98

    Mary according to Cat, was a born natural for voice acting, and she blew everyone away.

    Now if only you knew what project she was doing!?

    Reward: Mary is a gifted natural at voice acting. You just wonder just what she will do with that new information.
    -----------------------------------------------------------

    -[X]The Art of the Siblings: So Mary has proclaimed it was a silly time. And that meant you had to grab your costume. DC: 0 Rolled:D100 => 8
    -[X]The Family Time: You need a night out with the family dammit! No more drama, no more work, just you and Carrie and the Kids! Rolled:D100 => 25

    All you wanted to do was have a little bit more time.

    But at least you managed to get that bit of time before Star Wars happened.

    (Continued in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
    ---------------------------------------------------

    -[X]A Well-Known Fan: So some really famous person is a fan of yours. Maybe you'll learn who they actually are. DC??? Rolled:D100 => 91

    The Well known Fan:D20 => 20

    You looked at the letter and honestly couldn't help but feel…

    A bit intimidated.

    As an Irishman, that was because you were looking at Garret FitzGerald, Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland.

    And a man who had one thing to say to you. "Mister O'Brian. I come asking a favor of you… I want you to help me bring peace to Ireland."

    Reward:Garret FitzGerald is a very big fan, so big in fact with such a belief in your star power, reputation, and notoriety, he believes that you are the only man who can bring peace to the Troubles.

    New Actions Available.
    --------------------------------

    -[X]A Charitable Heart: You want to invest your newfound wealth. Maybe even save some lives while you are at it. (Linetail what you wish to invest in below this action, and the amount of money you want to donate in)
    --[X] FEAST. $150 Million Rolled:D100 => 72+50=122

    You honestly think that there isn't much you can do.
    ------------------------------

    I think that the record-low homelessness and crime rates in LA can be directly attributed to the Philanthophic actions of Bruce O'Brian, and his organization, FEAST. In fact in every major city in the US, where they have a branch, Crime rates are down by 50% in some cases. Malnutrition among all populations, down by 80%...

    Delinquency, Crime… violent crime… I think it's all connected, to one man's drive to see the goodness of people.

    I think he has a messiah complex with the amount of money he spends on it, thinking he can change the world.

    And I think it is.
    --------------------------
    You sighed. You had to do more.

    Reward: Unknown Effect. Positive effect in the US.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    -[X] Date Night: Have a nice date night with Carrie and treat your wife special. Rolled:D100 + 30 => 103

    The restaurant was something else, and you smiled as you only looked deeply into your wife's eyes, and she could only smile back, and lean forward. "What's on your mind?" you asked.

    "Oh, just the things I want."

    "Oh, and what things do you want?"

    "A night without worrying about the kids." That could be arranged. "A happy dinner."

    You smiled, that's why you rented the restaurant.

    "To be told I'm the most beautiful woman in the world?" she purred that last word.

    "You are the most beautiful woman in the world. And I never need to say that to you." You replied.

    Carrie then leaned back. "Oh, never need to say? Why would you?" She was teasing you now.

    "If I had to choose between what I have now, and you, I'd choose you in a heartbeat." You replied.

    Carrie was redder than a tomato and she finally said the words you were waiting. "I love you."

    "I know."

    Reward: You treat Carrie like the princess she is.

    AN: Enjoy.
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • Profilozof said:
    WE ARE GETTING INVOLVED IN TROUBLES?!
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    We are one of the most notorious irishman/irish Americans in the world. I think that using our reputation to help promote peace is going to be a helluva feather in our cap. :V

    Also, you may have noticed that Star Wars has no roll next to it.

    That is intentional.
     
    Magoose said:
    -[X]A Well-Known Fan: So some really famous person is a fan of yours. Maybe you'll learn who they actually are. DC??? Rolled:D100 => 91

    The Well known Fan:D20 => 20

    You looked at the letter and honestly couldn't help but feel…

    A bit intimidated.

    As an Irishman, that was because you were looking at Charles James Haughey, Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland.

    And a man who had one thing to say to you. "Mister O'Brian. I come asking a favor of you… I want you to help me bring peace to Ireland."

    Reward: Charles Haughey is a very big fan, so big in fact with such a belief in your star power, reputation, and notoriety, he believes that you are the only man who can bring peace to the Troubles.

    New Actions Available.
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    Let's GOOOO. Maybe we can force the Good Friday Agreement a decade earlier and bring peace to Ireland.
     
    Magoose said:
    And a man who had one thing to say to you. "Mister O'Brian. I come asking a favor of you… I want you to help me bring peace to Ireland."

    Reward: Charles Haughey is a very big fan, so big in fact with such a belief in your star power, reputation, and notoriety, he believes that you are the only man who can bring peace to the Troubles.
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    Magoose said:
    I think he has a messiah complex with the amount of money he spends on it, thinking he can change the world.

    And I think it is.
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    Virgin Global Cooperation Fans vs. Chad Great Man Theory Enjoyers
     
    Star Trek staring at Star Wars, experience only fear and awe.
    In this reality it is clear, only Star Wars can persist. Come the time of future sitcoms, full of nerds - there shall be only one clear winner for the King of Sci-Fi. Star Wars.

    In other news, we've got friends in High Places. Italian Government suddenly going yessir, and the Irish leader coming to us. Well, well, well. The history books should fear us! So should the students as they are forced to learn about us.
     
    ...Damn, and so far all we've done for Ireland is buy Outfield and Ardmore before improving on them and making sure to expand the workforce there.

    We should try and buy more!

    Still, The Troubles... man, this is going to be a tough one alright.
     
    Magoose said:
    It's less that, more the fact that Bruce is so rich he is helping the virgins become Chads :V

    Being rich is a super power after all. the only one mankind seems to have unlocked. :V
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    Bruce is on a one-man mission to make Batman the most realistic part of DC, lol.

    Magoose said:
    Reward: Charles Haughey is a very big fan, so big in fact with such a belief in your star power, reputation, and notoriety, he believes that you are the only man who can bring peace to the Troubles.
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    Wouldn't it be Garret FitzGerald since he was the current Taoisech of the time and did produce the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985 with Thatcher? Or did the butterflies help Haughey remain in power?
     
    Kaiser Chris said:
    Bruce is on a one-man mission to make Batman the most realistic part of DC, lol.
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    Yep.
    Kaiser Chris said:
    Wouldn't it be Garret FitzGerald since he was the current Taoisech of the time and did produce the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985 with Thatcher? Or did the butterflies help Haughey remain in power?
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    I may have put the wrong person there because I looked at the wrong date.

    But still, I'll fix it...

    and also we're in 1983.
    *name* said:
    ah yes, a lack of numbers, star wars really did break he world
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    I didn't put the roll there, because it didn't matter.

    You will see what happened.
     
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