FantasySciFiHorrorAnimeSuperheroVillainsHistoricalCyberpunkSteampunkMechaFurryChibiRealismCartoonGothicMythologyPiratesKnightsSamuraiNinjasAliensZombiesRobotsWarriorsWitchesElvesDwarvesOrcsDragonsMermaidsFairiesVampiresWerewolvesGoblinsGiantsDemonsAngelsGodsMonsters

African American Female The Boys Homelander Style Hero With Red Boots

Female. Ginger hair. Green eyes. Pale skin. Face freckles. 25. Slim build. Black boots. Wasteland fur trimmed clothes. Fallout 4 back ground. Full body. 10mm handgun. Machete Across back Realistic

Female. Ginger hair. Green eyes. Pale skin. Face freckles. 25. Slim build. Black boots. Wasteland fur trimmed clothes. F...

Female. Ginger hair. Green eyes. Pale skin. Face freckles. 25. Slim build. Black boots. Wasteland fur trimmed clothes. Fallout 4 back ground. Full body. 10mm handgun. Machete across back. Realistic

Female. Ginger hair. Green eyes. Pale skin. Face freckles. 25. Slim build. Black boots. Wasteland fur trimmed clothes. F...

Female. Ginger hair. Green eyes. Pale skin. Face freckles. 25. Slim build. Black boots. Wasteland fur trimmed clothes. Fallout 4 back ground. Full body. 10mm handgun. Machete Across back. Realistic. Sketch

Female. Ginger hair. Green eyes. Pale skin. Face freckles. 25. Slim build. Black boots. Wasteland fur trimmed clothes. F...

Female. Ginger hair. Green eyes. Pale skin. Face freckles. 25. Slim build. Black boots. Wasteland clothes. Fallout back ground. Full body

Female. Ginger hair. Green eyes. Pale skin. Face freckles. 25. Slim build. Black boots. Wasteland clothes. Fallout back ...

he has brown messy hair caramel brown eyes toned physique that’s covered by his clothes he where’s brown steel toe boots black jeans, black leather belt black dress up shirt with a red tie that is loose a red cloak with the sleeves, rolled up to his elbows fingerless black gloves and a brown cat boy hat and he carries a large two-handed sword made mostly of a dark substance that resembles solidified lava, with claws running up its length, talons for a handguard, and a red jewel on its pommel that he carries on his back.

he has brown messy hair caramel brown eyes toned physique that’s covered by his clothes he where’s brown steel toe boots...

Female. Ginger hair. Green eyes. Pale skin. Face freckles. 25. Slim build. Black boots. Wasteland clothes fur trimmed. Fallout 4 back ground. Full body. 10mm handgun. Machete. Realistic

Female. Ginger hair. Green eyes. Pale skin. Face freckles. 25. Slim build. Black boots. Wasteland clothes fur trimmed. F...

An African American woman with glasses and shoulder length hair wearing a rose gold leather jacket and black leather pants playing a Les Paul style electric guitar

An African American woman with glasses and shoulder length hair wearing a rose gold leather jacket and black leather pa...

Outfit for Bev Thornsky, the Halfling Rogue Here’s an outfit description for Bev Thornsky that blends her cottagecore farming background with her secretive, rogue lifestyle. Top: Bev wears a classic, sage green, knee-length farm dress made of soft cotton. The dress features puffed sleeves and a fitted bodice, emphasizing her slightly curvy figure. A delicate white lace trim edges the neckline and sleeves, adding a hint of femininity to her rustic look. Vest: Over her dress, Bev sports a rich burgundy velvet vest that is both stylish and functional. The vest is cinched at the waist with a simple leather belt, accentuating her shape yet allowing ease of movement. It features a few concealed pockets perfect for stashing small stolen items, and the front is adorned with antique brass buttons that shine warmly in the sunlight. Accessories: A broad-brimmed straw hat, adorned with whimsical wildflowers and moments of friendly gossip charm hangs from one side, provides her with some shade while out on the farm. Often, she uses it to block the eyes of onlookers when she’s up to something sneaky. Around her neck, she wears a simple silver pendant shaped like a key, symbolizing her hidden ties to the smuggling ring. Bottom: Bev's outfit is completed with high-waisted, knee-length navy blue culottes, which are practical for her farmhouse chores but stylish enough for visiting the market. The bottom movement allows swift escapes, if necessary, while maintaining an eye-catching, put-together look. Footwear: She wears brown leather ankle boots, fitted but worn from everyday use. The boots have adaptable laces that keep them snugly fit, avoiding typical halfling tripping hazards. Perfect for sneaking around and making quick deliveries, these boots are both sturdy and chic. Additional Details: Bev's short black hair frames her face delicately with the occasional twist secured by a decorative pin. She wears minimal but tasteful makeup to bring out her sparkling eyes, perhaps featuring a touch of vibrant red lipstick that reflects both her grit as a mob wife and the nostalgia of planter’s balls. Perhaps she has a woven wicker bag slung over her shoulder, filled with farm-fresh produce alongside carefully hidden goods for her “clients.”

Outfit for Bev Thornsky, the Halfling Rogue Here’s an outfit description for Bev Thornsky that blends her cottagecore fa...

**Character Appearance: Bev Thornsky** Bev Thornsky stands at an unassuming 3 feet tall, showcasing the traditional stature of a halfling. Despite her nearly 100 years, she carries herself with a sprightly confidence that belies her age. Her once golden blonde hair, now touched with soft streaks of silver, is gathered into two braided pigtails that bounce lightly down to her shoulders, giving her an impression of vibrancy like a youthful matron. Dotting her warm, weathered face are the traces of laughter lines around her bright, hazel eyes, which twinkle with both mischief and a maternal warmth. Her cheeks are slightly rounded, and often dusted with flour—a remnant of her baking hobby and a hint of the savory pastries she adores whipping up in her spacious but lonely kitchen. Bev's attire reflects her dual life as a loving mother and a cunning rogue. She wears a tailored, deep burgundy vest that fastens at her waist with silver clasps, adorned with intricate, embroidered floral patterns that speak to her affection for beauty. Beneath, she sports a flowing white blouse with puffed sleeves, the top button oftentimes undone for a casual, approachable look. Her trousers are practical yet surprisingly stylish—dark brown, fitted linen that allows for ease of movement as she darts around town on her clandestine deliveries. A well-worn but chic pair of black leather boots peep out from her hems, scuffed evidence of her adventurous nights and stealthy escapades. On her right wrist, she wears a charm bracelet nearly jingling with small tokens, including a miniature rolling pin, a captured feather from a recent endeavor, and a tiny, engraved heart—reminders of her family and every small heist that brings her a thrill. Nestled into her vest pocket is her lockpicking set, expertly crafted and a holdover from her heists. A small satchel often hangs at her side, with her beloved baker's tools, some treats for her sons, and a few less-than-legal contraband tucked carefully within—safe from prying eyes yet ready for business whenever the moment calls for it. The air around Bev often carries the rich scent of freshly baked goods mixed with a hint of mischief, embodying the duality of a nurturing mother and a shrewd rogue who knows how to attract attention for the right purposes... or slip silently away into the night. She has black hair in a stylish bob ### Outfit for Bev Thornsky, the Halfling Rogue **General Aesthetic**: Bev Thornsky is a mix of homely warmth and cunning trickery, reflecting her dual life as a doting mother and a resourceful rogue. Her attire should be practical yet stylish enough to fit her colorful personality. #### Clothing Components: 1. **Dress**: - An ankle-length, dark green farmer's dress with a full skirt, which allows her to easily move and hide items among its folds. The fabric is durable, made for a lady who’s spent years on the farm, and has pockets secretly stitched into the sides. 2. **Vest**: - A vibrant, embroidered waistcoat in deep red or royal purple, adorned with intricate patterns featuring motifs of wheat or hearth symbols. It fits snugly, enhancing her motherly figure while providing ample room for concealed pouches. The vest has matching red buttons made from polished wood that gleam against the fabric. 3. **Apron**: - A practical, apron-tied waist with pockets that she uses for baking; the pockets now also hide a few smaller, delicate smuggled items – a loaf of bread next to a wrapped piece of contraband. The apron has faded red and white checkered patterns, hinting at her culinary roots. 4. **Accessories**: - A light kerchief tied around her neck, pretty yet practical for wiping her hands or threats (it’s colorful patterned—the hallmark of a sly rogue). - Leather gloves that filter into a set of charms along the wrist, whispering tales of previous heists and escape routes from watchful eyes. 5. **Footwear**: - Sturdy, soft leather boots that reach mid-calf, perfect for padding along cobbled streets, with inner soles that muffle her steps. They are practical for running and durable for farming duties, so one never suspects her. 6. **Hat**: - A charming, wide-brimmed sun hat with decorative ribbons that match the colors of her vest. It not only offers protection from the sun while working outdoors but also gives her the ability to swoop it down and disguise herself when delivering goods. 7. **Jewelry**: - A simple but distinctive brooch shaped like a loaf of bread, a sweet nod to her baking hobby, nestled on her vest. - A few intricate rings, each representing a son’s birth month, evoking her love for her family. They perhaps hold subtle magical properties to assist her thieving endeavors, boosting her luck once a day. #### Overall Vibe: Bev’s attire should evoke a sense of charm, warmth, and mischief, showcasing her roots as a mother and baker while also allowing her the stealth and grace of a rogue. Her outfit represents her internal struggle—somewhat traditional yet outwardly rebellious—celebrating her smuggler lifestyle balanced with nostalgic loyalty to her past as a homely, law-abiding farmer’s wife.

**Character Appearance: Bev Thornsky** Bev Thornsky stands at an unassuming 3 feet tall, showcasing the traditional sta...

**Character Concept: Santa’s Shadow, Ms. Christine “Mrs. Claus” Klaux** **Level:** 3 **Class:** Cleric (Light Domain) **Race:** Half-Elf **Background:** Guild Artisan (Toy Maker) **Alignment:** Lawful Good --- **Backstory:** In the frosty realm of the North Pole, legend tells of Christine Klaux, affectionately known to all as Mrs. Claus. Once just a humble toy maker, Christine became instrumental in Santa's success, designing and crafting toys that have delighted children for generations. Adored by the elves and revered by the community, she holds a soft yet commanding presence. However, in the wake of Kringle's shocking murder, tension hangs heavy in the air. With the Gingerbread Fortress in a state of unease and smiles transformed into frowns, Christine uses her devotion to light and hope to rally those around her. The warmth she brings as the embodiment of festive spirit has transformed into a burning desire for justice. --- **Appearance:** Christine stands with a slightly towering stature for an elf, draped in a vibrant red robe adorned with white fur trimmings. Bright silver hair cascades around her shoulders, complemented by her twinkling green eyes filled with determination and sorrow. She sports Christmas-themed jewelry, giving off a soft shimmer in the dim candlelight of her workshop. However, don’t let the cozy aesthetic fool you—she is ready to take the fight to anyone who threatens the joyous holiday spirit. --- **Personality Traits:** - **Compassionate Mentor:** Known for her nurturing personality, Christine seeks to uplift and inspire her fellow holiday denizens. - **Determined Leader:** Her quick wit and sharp reasoning sharpen her role as an impromptu investigator, determined to uncover Kringle's killer—not just for justice, but for the sanctity of Christmas. --- **Abilities:** - **Channel Divinity (Radiance of the Dawn):** Christine calls upon divine light to purify those around her, dealing radiant damage to enemies while healing allies. Perfect for offsetting the darkness brought on by the mayor's unfortunate death. - **Healing Spells:** Featuring the ability to heal and support her companions, Ms. Klaux can mend the bruised morale of the elves and provide powerful support in confrontation. - **Light Cantrips & Spells:** With spells like *Dancing Lights* and *Cure Wounds,* she carefully balances illuminating the shadows of her surroundings while also ensuring everyone's spirits are high during this tumultuous time. --- **Equipment:** - **Candy Cane Staff:** A beautifully crafted staff resembling a grand candy cane, capable of channeling her cleric spells and feeling whimsically powerful in her hands. - **Elven Letters of Recommendation:** As part of her background, she carries warm letters from various elves and residents of the tavern outlining her noble character and skill as a toymaker, which may help persuade others of her good intentions within the Polar Circle. --- **Motivation:** Mrs. Claus steps away from the toy room and enters the investigation with purpose. Sieze investigates and discovers the enemy on Christmas Eve. She is not merely acting with vengeance; each suspect she interviews brings mixed feelings of glee and dread in relation to Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick. Above all, she hopes to preserve the legacy of joy in honoring Santa’s lifelong work. --- **Hook for Players:** As the players come into the North Pole, they find the elves and citizens rallying around Ms. Klaux, urging her to pressure Clay the Chipmunk, an informant who fingers stray tree ornaments—a distinct but known gang of sour holiday sprites. With Christine in league with the party, this business-deciding house throws a twist of joy amidst the investigation! Will they restore hope before the season splinters, or will Christmas hold a dark new tradition? --- Mrs. Claus is ready to leap into action! Her strong ingenuity and fierce passion for justice could lead to a gripping tale that bends the line between Santa’s magic and the harsh realities of their world. Happy gaming! **Character Concept: Christine Klaus - Elven Cleric of the Light** **Background:** Christine Klaus, once a vibrant and joyous soul, served faithfully as the heart of holiday cheer alongside her beloved husband, Kristopher Kringle. Known to the denizens of the North as **The Light of Yuletide**, she brought warmth and hope to all who encountered her. The sudden and brutal murder of her husband, now revealed to have been Kristopher himself, has plunged her into despair. Fueled by a desire for justice, Christine is determined to uncover the truth behind the heinous crime and avenge her beloved’s death. **Race:** Elf (High Elf) **Class:** Cleric (Domain of Light) **Level:** 3 **Appearance:** Christine has long, cascading hair that shimmers like freshly fallen snow, adorned with small, twinkling ornaments that reflect her original festive spirit. Her serene, elven features are now marred by the veil of sorrow, yet her bright blue eyes emanate a fierce determination. She wears elegant robes of white and gold, symbolizing both her clerical authority and her love for her husband, with a silver chain bearing a pendant of the ancient elven sun in the center of her chest. **Personality Traits:** - **Compassionate but Steely:** Despite her grief, Christine is warm-hearted and empathetic, understanding the difficulties of others, yet unwavering when it comes to justice for Kris. - **Tenacious Seeker of Truth:** With a sharp mind honed by years of service in the North Pole, she is determined to uncover the truth and rest in vengeance for Kristopher’s tragic demise. **Ideals:** - **Justice:** There must be accountability for the action taken, and the light will reveal the darkness that cloaked the truth. - **Hope:** Even in darkness, there is always hope, and this light will guide her through the storm of grief. **Bonds:** - **Kris**: A love that persists even in his death; she carries his spirit with her and vows to keep the holiday spirit alive by exposing his murderer. - **NPPD**: She holds a cordial relationship with officers but knows her clerical powers update bent on risking accusations by dealing beyond the jurisdiction. **Flaws:** - **Fragile Dignity:** In her pursuit for justice, Christine struggles to keep her feelings in check and sometimes lashes out in pain or sorrow. - **Avoidance of Cheer:** Conflict arises when she is surrounded by joy and laughter, pushing her deeper into emotional struggle. **Backstory Detail for One-Shot Setup:** Christine Klaus will serve as both a quest giver and a guide for the adventurers as they delve into the mystery surrounding Kringle’s death. Her connections in the North can provide valuable insight into townsfolk rumors, while she uses her clerical abilities to protect and heal the party. She carries a lantern that casts a dim glow to help illumine hidden secrets, always reminding them to look for the light in times of despair. **Motivations for the Party:** As they rally around Christine to comfort a grieving widow, they must navigate through tense relationships with the NPPD, ruffled pixies, disgruntled elves, and a potential sinister cabal that aims to colder, deeper shadows over the North Pole. Christine’s resolve to seek vengeance makes her a driving force for both unity and exploration, ensuring that no stone remains unturned in revealing the perpetrator's identity before Christmas morning. This investigation casts both a somber and festive air, balancing holiday icons with homicide mysteries, allowing participants to exercise puzzle-solving skills while evoking deeper character involvement for Christine Klaus’s gravitas and internal conflict. **Character Appearance: Christine Klaus** ### General Description: Christine Klaus, a graceful elf standing at about 5'6", radiates an aura of serene yet somber determination. Her figure is lithe and elegant, reflecting her noble heritage, but her posture carries the weight of deep grief and anger over her husband's murder. ### Facial Features: Christine has sharp, delicate features typical of her elven ancestry. She possesses piercing blue eyes, reminiscent of a winter sky, yet they hold a profound sadness. Long, silvery-white hair cascades down to her shoulders, often worn loosely tied back with a bright red ribbon—a subtle tribute to the Christmas spirit intertwined with her mourning. Noble and sophisticated, she has a fair complexion with faint sparkles akin to snowflakes dusting across her cheekbones, signifying her connection to light and purity. ### Clothing: A flowing robe of deep crimson adorned with gold accents drapes elegantly over her frame, enhanced further by ethereal, shimmering patterns resembling frosty trails. The fabric looks both warm and light, embroidered subtly with symbols of her faith—radiating suns and intricate snowflakes. A silver belt cinches her waist, holding various small pouches filled with herbs and holy symbols used in her clerical meditations and rituals. ### Accessories: Around her neck, she wears a pendant shaped like a sun partially obscured by a snowflake, a significant premonition of justice through light. Previously, she'd worn this as a sign of affection for her husband, yet it now serves as a reminder of her vow to uncover the truth. Her fingers are adorned with multiple rings, each engraved with different blessings or benevolent wards intended to aid her on her quest for justice. ### Equipment: Christine carries an ornate wooden staff topped with a glowing crystal, reflecting her cleric status and connection to the light, as well as her ongoing grief since Kristopher's death. The staff boasts carvings of elven symbols of guidance and protection, intertwined with vines and small, elfin decorations that unveil a hint of joy from their former Christmas day celebrations. ### Overall Presence: Though a palpable sorrow surrounds her, her presence isn’t wholly marked by despair. Instead, there’s an underlying intensity and fierceness as she vows to bring justice for Kristopher. She moves with purpose, her determination evident as she channels her grief into the light, empowering her spellcasting to pursue those responsible for her husband’s untimely demise. As she walks through the enchanted forests surrounding Santa's work, a subtle glow emanates from her being—symbolizing her commitment to uncovering the truth and restoring hope to a community in mourning. ### Roleplay Cheat Sheet for "Murder at the North Pole" #### Setting Overview - **Location**: North Pole, specifically Santa’s residence at 1 Santa Clause Lane. - **Atmosphere**: Tense, somber, and chaotic. It's Christmas Eve and the spirit of the season is tarnished by the crime. - **Urgency**: Holiday cheer dampened—time is of the essence as fear spreads among the residents of the North Pole, especially with impending festivities. --- ### Character Overview: Christine Klaus - **Race**: Elf - **Class**: Cleric (3rd Level) of the Light Domain - **Background**: Mourning her husband, Kristopher Kringle, she seeks justice through her faith. - **Alignment**: Lawful Good, driven by a strong moral compass and a desire for truth. **Appearance:** - Graceful frame, with long silvery hair and twinkling evergreen eyes. - Wears a white cleric’s robe adorned with golden snowflakes; a symbol of light hangs around her neck. **Character Traits:** - **Compassionate Leader**: Cares deeply for the elves and the Christmas spirit. - **Determined**: Driven by the loss of her husband; nothing will impede her pursuit of justice. **Personality Edges:** - *Stern but Fair*: In her quest for justice, she tries to maintain empathy toward all, even potential suspects. - *Haunted*: The loss of her husband weighs heavily on her mind; can lose herself in spirals of grief or revelations. **Catchphrases:** - "May the light reveal what the darkness hides." - "The spirit of Christmas is worth fighting for, and I won’t let its memory perish." --- ### Abilities & Skills - **Cantrips (Choose 2)**: Light, Sacred Flame - **Spells (Prepared ones)**: Healing Word, Guiding Bolt, Lesser Restoration - Ability to heal and bring hope to those affected by grief or turmoil. - **Skills**: - *Insight*: To detect lies, glean truths, and understand motives. - *Investigation*: To search for clues amidst the chaos of the murder scene. - *Persuasion*: To influence or rally others towards helping in her quest for justice. --- ### Roleplay Prompts #### Opening Scene - After the news breaks, Christine opens her home to distraught elves asking everyone casually what to do. - Show emotional turmoil by recalling loving memories with Kristopher before brewing determination to uncover the truth. #### Interactions with NPCs - Approach suspects (which could involve regular village folk or even characters representing local toy-making elves). - **Dialogue Suggestions:** - "You seem shaken. Did you have something to do with this?" - "How do you think Kristopher would feel about the way our celebrations have been disrupted?" #### Investigative Scenes - Conduct searches in key locations (empty toy factory, workshop, or the Great Hall). - Emphasize using `Guiding Bolt` in the workshop: “Let this light guide me to what remains unsaid, what hides in the shadows.” #### Emotional Depth - Convey to those interplaying with you about physical evidence, or unresolved emotions linked to the past. - Developed sympathy around certain villagers supporting a certain heist. Balance their travails with your knowledge of duty and law. #### Closing Arguments (Conclusion) - Prepare moral choice melting the importance of justice versus vengeance for anyone involved in the schemes. - “We mandate change at this time; while mourning, remember the warmth that he instilled in all of us. Let us endure.” --- ### Conclusion By tuning into your character’s mixed emotional resonance of mourning and solace, and demonstrating how she translates her loss into an impetus for justice you ensure a dramatically engaging narrative. Christine will embody the determination needed to navigate through this sensitive atmosphere effectively, leading your party toward uncovering the hidden truth. ### Character Personality: Christine Kringle (Mrs. Claus) **Name:** Christine "Christy" Kringle **Class:** Cleric of the Light (3rd Level) **Race:** Elf **Background:** Noble (Santa’s helper, matriarch of the North Pole) --- **Personality Traits:** 1. **Determined Defender:** Christine possesses a fierce loyalty to her community and the man she loved. The shocking crime against her husband ignites a passionate fire in her spirit; she is unwavering in her commitment to unearth the truth, no matter how dark it may be. Her resolve can be intimidating, turning her gentle nature into a force of justice when provoked. 2. **Empathetic Mourner:** Grieving their loss, Christine has a soft and nurturing aura. She deeply understands the pain of those around her and often converses with the tagged dead. Throughout the investigation, she is attuned to whomever bears sorrow—an intuitive nature that compels her to comfort others, thereby seeking solace herself. 3. **Brightly Balanced:** As a cleric of the Light, Christine possesses an inherent optimism and faith in the goodness of others, though her heartache challenges this perspective. She engages everyone through kindness but firmly believes that light can cast out darkness—both literally and metaphorically. The corruption of Santa’s murder brings out her most ferocious lado, giving her purpose and focus. 4. **Cunning and Resilient:** Beneath the gentile elfin charm lies keen intellect and strategic prowess. Christine isn’t afraid to think outside the box—whether scouring for evidence or manipulating potential suspects. She smartly intertwines communal affairs with her efforts, eavesdropping on gossip at holiday events to gain crucial insights. --- **Ideals:** - **Justice Over Grief:** She seeks not only personal justice for her husband but for those who continue the Christmas cheer that Santa represented. Her hope is for the Merry people to unite against anything that threatens the joy of the season. - **Community Solidarity:** Christine deeply believes in communal strength, aspiring to inspire the North Pole denizens to band together in uplifting one another. She sides against anyone thinking of widespread panic, pushing forth a collective resolve even as she grieves. --- **Bonds:** - **Beloved Husband:** The memories of Kristopher perpetrate every action and thought. She carries small tokens that remind her of their love and memories of laughter. These tokens could minorly increase her clerical powers—the absence of her partner magnifies her mission. - **Santa’s Team:** She views the elves, reindeer, and other magical creatures as extended family. Every loss is their loss. She champions her kin, leveraging her cleric’s connections among them to seek marshaled support while promising retribution for Santa’s unjust demise. --- **Flaws:** - **Single-minded Justice:** While her dogged pursuit of truth is noble, it has begun to blind her to surrounding threats. Christine struggles between the hiatus of grace and spirals into vengeful actions at times, potentially alienating those whom she would normally rely on. - **Insecurities of Worth:** Despite being a prominent figure, she often questions whether she truly deserves posthumous respect as Krampus lingers as she faces backlash for being "just Mrs. Claus.” She preys against notion roles that might poorly bind her spirit and ambition. --- **Roleplaying Tips:** - Bring warmth but an underlying edge in scenes, intertwining love with justice as you navigate dialogues. - Frequently express an internally bleeding heart mingling nostalgia with fieriness when recounting memories or responding to insults about her husband. - Strategically engage other party members and NPCs, discerning valuable alliances or testing loyalties based on their knowledge or connection to Santa as the investigation unfolds.

**Character Concept: Santa’s Shadow, Ms. Christine “Mrs. Claus” Klaux** **Level:** 3 **Class:** Cleric (Light Domain) ...