Editing Astarion/Romance

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'''Astarion''' can be [[romance]]d.

The following sections explain Astarion's romance-specific storyline and unique mechanics.

==Storyline==
Astarion will actively seek to start romantic relations with the player character, although he will conceal his genuine reasons for it. This behaviour stems from the very depths of his [[Astarion#Personality|personality]].  Thus, it is recommended to speak with him during long rests to try to understand what is driving him closer to the player character. Nonetheless, even maintaining a Very Good level of approval, Astarion's true motivations will only become clear in [[Act Two]].

===Act One===
* Early in [[Act One]], after discussing the ceremorphosis process with either [[Gale]] or [[Lae'zel]] (if any of them has been recruited), the player may speak to Astarion (this possibility won't be marked by exclamation sign). He will declare his readiness to end the player character should the latter show any signs of turning into a mind flayer, but offer a choice between assassination weapons he'd possibly use. Agreeing to be killed by Astarion's hand will give approval from him.

* Getting a substantial lead on finding a cure: either the location of the Githyanki Crèche from [[Zorru]], finding out about [[Priestess Gut]] from [[Sazza]], or learning about [[Halsin|Halsin's]] possible whereabouts from [[Nettie]], will trigger another camp scene with Astarion. He remarks that he has grown to like the player, and the player can respond in a flirtatious manner. However, no options within the dialogue bring approval changes. The dialogue lines sound as if Astarion and the player character have been travelling together for a while, so the player may want to wait to trigger this scene till later, but that's down to individual preference.

* After the cutscene of Astarion sneaking away from campsite at night triggers, the player can find an exsanguinated boar near the [[Blighted Village]]. There are several possible points to find the ill-fated animal: on the road leading from the Emerald Grove just before the bridge, to the far right path of the signpost saying 'Moonhaven' (north of the village), or at the entrance of the Sunlit Wetlands (south of the village), just after the point of the dialogue with Auntie Ethel. The following long rest, the player character will be woken up by Astarion trying to drink their blood {{note|If playing as [[The Dark Urge]], this episode will possibly have been pushed off further by triggering this origin's own nighttime plot-crucial cutscenes}}.

: Astarion will approve of the player saying they trust him, and further approve of them letting him drink their blood. While allowing him to feed on the character, the player will have an option to stop him. If the player fails to do this '''twice''' consecutively, the character will die. They can simply be brought back to life using a Revivify scroll or speaking to [[Withers]] in the morning. However, this scenario will lead to losing a fair amount of possible approval points. Note that players do not need to be aware that Astarion is a vampire to sleep with him later on; not triggering this scene won't affect the possible romance.

* A scene can be triggered at camp where Astarion says he has fed on a wandering bear. The following conversation nets no approval changes but the dialogue lines add some touches to help the player better understand Astarion's self image and inner motivation. The parameters for triggering this scene are unclear at the moment (possibly average-good relationship), but the player needs to know he is a vampire.

* During another camp scene that might show up if the player has already found out Astarion's true nature, the latter will confess that the player character is the first "thinking creature" he has ever drunk blood from, and admit that he now wonders how the other companions would taste. Further in the dialogue, the player gains some approval by helping Astarion ''theoretically'' choose his next meal among party members. 

* When the party comes across [[Gandrel]], the Gur monster hunter found up on the hill to the left of the [[Riverside Teahouse]], the player can progress their relationship with Astarion by allowing him to kill the Gur. In order to trigger this dialogue option, the player needs to have already found out that Astarion is a vampire. In conversation with Gandrel, the player should ask him what he is hunting, then choose the line ''"Only a spawn? <…>"'' Subsequently, if the player chooses the first or second of dialogue choices, Astarion will either drop hints about killing the Gur or just ask the player's permission straightaway. Should the player agree, they will gain a fair amount of approval from the spawn, but also engage the party in the fight with the hunter. Note that killing Gandrel is not necessary to progress the romance.

As soon as the player reaches Good approval with Astarion (40+) and speaks with him, certain dialogue options will lead Astarion proposing to spend the next night together, explaining that he wants to return a favor for all good that has been done to him recently.

* Should the player agree, the cutscene itself will trigger on the next long rest, consisting of two parts. In the first one Astarion will ask the player character to confirm their intention. Doing so gains approval and proceeds the cutscene further. Later, if the player chooses dialogue options that express refusal, doubt, or distrust towards Astarion's nature, the latter will become upset and leave (nevertheless, choosing these doesn't bring any disapproval). The player character can gain additional approval by offering him their neck for a bite. The cutscene proceeds into the next morning, when the player character wakes to find Astarion who stands shirtless nearby, basking in the sunshine and flaunting his scarred back. If the player decides to ask him about the scars, they will roll a passive {{Ability check|Arcana|10}} to determine the language the scars are written in: Infernal {{note|[[Tiefling]] characters does not need the check to identify the script and will obtain the corresponding dialogue line automatically}}. If successful, telling Astarion about it won't bring further approval changes, but change slightly the narration in future dialogues with the spawn.

* Through the course of the [[Act One]], a scene can trigger where Astarion is looking into a hand mirror. The player may discuss with him the problem of maintaining a fine appearance. The issue is important for Astarion, because for all his inclination toward self-admiration he hasn't been able to see his own reflection since being turned into a spawn. The player then will have an option to 'be his mirror' and describe his face. If complimented, Astarion will prompt the player to call him beautiful. Whatever option the player chooses next, they will gain some approval.

* Another camp cutscene (that doesn't gain any approval but still helps to understand the spawn's background) may trigger during [[Act One]] {{note|If the player rejected Astarion's offer to sleep with him, this scene may occur anytime until as far as the middle of the [[Act Two]], but strictly before the party meets [[Raphael]] at [[Last Light Inn]].}}. The player will catch Astarion trying to feel his own back with his fingertips. Depending on the player's previous choices, the narration of the scene will differ. Taken by surprise, Astarion will resent at first, but then swallow his pride and take help if offered. The player character then copies the inscription onto the ground, and seeing it perplexes Astarion. Still, realizing that he can indeed get aid should he ask makes the spawn trust the player character more.

* At the camp celebration (either with the goblins or the tieflings), the player can agree to sleep with Astarion afterwards. If this is the first time the player engages in close relations with him, it will first trigger a dialogue with him stating that the party was rewarded insufficiently for their heroics (and explaining what he would like to receive instead). If the player agrees, the cutscene mentioned above will play.
: Otherwise, the spawn might try to entice the player character into another sexual intercourse by paying compliments and finally even confessing his love (though admitting quickly and readily that it's an obvious lie). Whatever the player's decision is, it will neither gain further approval nor break the relationship. There is no additional romantic scene, it's simply implied.

===Act Two===
Heading into Acts Two and Three, it is important to note that Astarion might disapprove of some choices the player might make, but taking these may be for the 'better'. Disapproval of an action will not lock player out of romance scenes, and the spawn may even change his outlook on the player's decisions later on.

* When arriving to Moonrise Towers under a True Soul disguise, the player will have to interact with one of [[General Ketheric Thorm]] closest aidees, [[Z'rell|Disciple Z'rell]]. While prying the depths of the player character's mind in search for proof of their faith, she might be distracted by the option '' "Show her your lusts for Astarion" ''. Choosing this won't progress the romance itself, but earn some approval from the spawn.
* The most substantial scene with Astarion occurs after the player character visits [[Moonrise Towers]] under the guise of a True Soul, with Astarion in the party. On the main floor of [[Moonrise Towers]] resides a vendor by the name [[Araj Oblodra]]. The next long rest after talking to her triggers a cutscene where Astarion explains that he would like to have a real relationship with the player, even though years of abuse have left him in doubt of what that might look like.
:Dialogue choices made by the player here will either progress the romance or end it. Picking options which make Astarion understand that he's been being used by the player character just like by [[Cazador Szarr]] before (for example, manipulating the spawn into having sex with player character simply for the latter's pleasure) will be followed by a cutscene where Astarion breaks the relationship rather decisively.

: A similar scene with the same outcomes will trigger if the player doesn't talk to Araj Oblodra, but has approval with Astarion at least 70 (High Approval) in Act Two and successfully completes [[Kill Raphael's Old Enemy]] quest.

* Once the party completes this quest, [[Raphael]] will manifest at the camp and tell Astarion about the true purpose of his scars. After the devil disappears, the player character continues talking with Astarion about the information revealed. It is important for the player to ponder ahead how they want to proceed with this, as the result will drastically and conclusively change both Astarion's fate and the crux of his relationship with the player character.

===Act Three===
* Early in [[Act Three]] the party may visit the [[Circus of the Last Days]] in [[Rivington]]. One of performers there is a dryad by the name of [[Zethino]], who will offer to conduct a love test for the player character for a fee. The player may ask Astarion to take part in it. Zethino will transport both the player character and Astarion to a woodsy area and ask questions about the spawn. The player may choose whatever answers they wish, but some of them are considered 'correct' ones, while others are not. Choosing two or more incorrect answers will result in Astarion being upset. Note that some answers bring a minor disapproval from Astarion, but for the purposes of the dryad's test are still considered correct. The list of correct answers (both that gains approval and disapproval) can be found at [[Astarion/Approval|Approval]] section in correspondent [[Act Three]] subdivisions. 

* Later in [[Act Three]], the player will meet Astarion's 'siblings' (other [[Cazador|Cazador's]] spawn) twice. First, the party will encounter two of them in [[Fraygo's Flophouse]], a hostel in the [[Wyrm's Crossing]]. The player may choose to interact with them to find out some additional info about Cazador's plans {{note|As other spawn, unlike Astarion, are not protected from sunlight by a tadpole, approaching them with certain daylight-issuing weapons equipped (for, example, the [[Blood of Lathander]]), will result in them gaining [[Sunlight Hypersensitivity]] condition and teleporting away, before the party can interrogate them. This doesn't have any impact on quest progression}}.
: Regardless of whether the player manages to speak with these spawn or not, after a couple of long rests in the area a scene will trigger where four other spawn assault the party at camp, either to convince Astarion to return to their master or to kidnap him should he refuse. If the player chooses to take Astarion's side, his siblings will attack the party, but teleport away as soon as they are reduced to 1 HP. In the dialogue with the spawn and another one that follows the fight, the player is free to choose any lines they want, but certain choices will result in Astarion disapproving of the player character and even breaking the relationship if they were partnered. 

* Once the player confronts and defeats [[Cazador Szarr]] in his [[Cazador's Dungeon|dungeon]], the player must make a decision before concluding Astarion's quest. Astarion will seek the player's help to ascend. As a companion, he is not able to ascend on his own.

There are four potential outcomes: 
* '''Convince Astarion not to ascend''' (requires a {{Ability check|Persuasion|18}}, or {{Ability check|Persuasion|15}}, if the player previously used discussion lines and passed {{Ability check|Insight|20}} to see what really drives him); Astarion remains in the party. 
* '''Refuse to help Astarion''' (or '''fail any''' of the Persuasion checks described above), resulting in Astarion leaving the party permanently.
* '''Start the ritual, but interrupt it in the middle''', which will result in Astarion attacking the party. 
* '''Help him to complete the Rite''' and become the Vampire Ascendant. 
{{hatnote|Companion quest article: [[The Pale Elf#Outcomes|The Pale Elf]]}}

If Astarion is allowed to ascend, his dynamic with a romanced player character will change significantly, reflecting on the fact that he is following in Cazador's footsteps.
The player will have several occasions to comment on his changed behaviour.

===Romance conclusion===
If the player long-rests after the [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Rite_of_Profane_Ascension Rite of Profane Ascension] concludes, an additional scene with Astarion will be triggered. The scene will vary depending on the outcome of the rite – ascended or not. Both options have additional content, along with the potential for a love confession and a subsequent romance scene.

* If Astarion ascends, the player has the option to become a vampire spawn. Dialogue selection will determine whether the suggestion to become a vampire comes from Astarion or the player. During this conversation, multiple dialogue options can lead to Astarion telling the player he loves them (4 variations). Note, that as with other scenes, Astarion’s tone and response will generally match the tone of the dialogue option selected by the player. 
** Astarion will not continue the relationship with a player who does not want to become a spawn, but he will remain in the party. If the player does not long-rest and instead goes straight to the end-game fight, the relationship continues with Astarion and a mortal player.
** If the player initially consents to becoming his vampire spawn, the player can then consent to sleeping with him again or not - neither option impacts Astarion's decision to turn the player into a spawn (this offer can come from Astarion or the player depending on dialogue selection). During the romance scene, Astarion bites the player. 
*** Immediately following the romance scene, another scene occurs where he turns the player into his spawn. He will ask the player to kneel, you can consent to kneeling, refuse to consent and say no, or kick him in the crotch. Note: If the player assaults Astarion by kicking him, he will permanently leave the party. If the player says no to kneeling a second time, the relationship will end. If the player continues to consent to becoming his vampire spawn, Astarion will bite the player a second time; the player can ask for a gentle (on the hand) or rough (hand around the neck) option. 
*** Either way, Astarion will thank the player for giving him everything and bite the player a third and final time. After awakening, the player will have received the [[Vampire Bite|Bite]] ability which provides the [[Happy (Condition)|Happy]] condition. The location of the romance scene depends on the location of the player’s camp (e.g., if the player’s camp is in [[Elfsong Tavern]], the romance and turning scene takes place in a private room there).

* If playing as [[Karlach]] origin, there is no romance scene, as Astarion is not able to turn her into a spawn. If he attempted and failed to turn her, Astarion blames Karlach for it and become derisive towards her. {{note|During their next conversation, depending on dialogue selections, Astarion may call Karlach '' "pathetic" '', ''"broken"'', and ''"doomed"''}}.

* If Astarion was convinced not to go through with the Rite and remain a vampire spawn, he will tell the player he would like to show them something outside the camp, and take them to see his grave in the [[Lower City]] [[Graveyard]] {{note|The player cannot find this tombstone by visiting the graveyard outside of this cutscene, but judging by other cutscene landmarks it seems to be located under the willow tree, next to Karlach's parents' graves. The name on the stone is written in Thorass alphabet and might be read as <br>'' 'Astarion Ancunin' '' <br> (which is the only possibility to find out his last name). However, the dates below do not match other dating found throughout the game and in FR lore <br>{{FRWiki|Thorass_alphabet|long}} }}. After the initial discussion, Astarion will chisel the current year as a new 'birth' date on the tombstone and confess he wants the player character to remain his partner. There is no option to end the relationship during this interaction. After the initial discussion, the player can consent to sleeping with Astarion or not; again, neither option impacts the further relationship. If the player agrees, Astarion will confess his love and the scene will proceed into romance. The scene always occurs outdoors, next to his grave.
** The next morning, the player may discuss with Astarion what has happened in the dungeons in retrospective, and he will sincerely thank them again for leading him away from the edge of irrevocable losing his true self.

===Epilogue party===
Astarion's behaviour and reactions at the Epilogue party, again, differ heavily depending on the outcome of his personal quest and slightly - on the player's decision to remain partnered with him or to break up, in each case.

* '''Astarion the Vampire Ascendant''' has spent time passed spinning assiduously his web of power in the city of Baldur's Gate.

:* Partnered: If the player chose to become a vampire spawn and remained by Astarion's side, the latter will express ultimate arrogance and sense of superiority over all former companions, player character included. Astarion will also ask the spawn player character to mingle with former companions - but not as much as to have fun and catch up with them, but rather to pick any information that could possibly be useful in the future.

:* Broken-up: Depending on dialogue selection, Astarion discusses his current plans with the player and tells the player he misses them. The player has the option for a positive or negative response to his comments, positive dialogue selections lead to Astarion opening up more to the player.

* '''Astarion the Vampire Spawn''' has become a wandering adventurer.
:* Partnered: Astarion simply prompts the player to mingle with other companions, reasoning that they both have ahead a great deal of time to spend together. He confirms he'll always be there for the player.
:* Broken-up: Astarion will update the player on his activities which will vary depending on whether he is leading the spawn in the Underdark, seeking a new way to stay in the sun, or simply adventuring. He also may confirm that he misses the player character.

==Romance mechanics==
This section contains information regarding the unique in-game mechanics and interactions for Astarion's romance.
===Relationship stages===
Like the other major romance options in the game, Astarion's relationship progression can be divided into specific stages: friendly, flirting, partnered, and ex-partnered:

* '''Friendly:''' The friendly stage begins at medium approval, and is the default stage for non-romanced companions.
* '''Flirting:''' Once the player sleeps with Astarion during Act 1, they will enter the flirting stage.
* '''Partnered:''' In Act 2 with high enough approval, the player will be able to partner with Astarion during the long rest. The point of proceeding into this stage can be reached in either of two ways:
:* After speaking with [[Araj Oblodra]] at [[Moonrise Towers]].
:* Having Astarion at Very High approval (70+) and progressing Astarion's companion quest by killing [[Yurgir]].
:This stage comes with unique party/camp interactions. If the player is partnered stage with any other companion, they will trigger a dialogue afterwards where they will be offered to make an ultimate choice. However, the unique confession cutscene offers an option to return to '''Friendly''' stage without losing any approval.
* '''Ex-Partnered:''' Once partnered with Astarion, the player can break up with him anytime by selecting the appropriate dialogue option. This way, the player will return to the friendly stage with Astarion for greetings/interactions. However, Astarion can also break up with the player of his own accord if the player makes certain choices, such as coercing him into sex (after making him bite Araj Oblodra), saying it is okay for him to be thrown on the pyre by the Gur, telling his siblings can take him when they come to the camp, or refusing to become his spawn if he has become the Vampire Ascendant. In these cases, Astarion will start using negative, but unique greetings.

===Unique dialogue===
====Greetings====
Players who romance Astarion will hear unique greetings dependent on the stage of the romance and approval/game progression:
<div style="column-count:2">
* '''Flirting:''' 
:* "It's always a pleasure to see you sauntering over."
:* "Yes, darling?"
:* "Hello, beautiful."
:* "I did miss that face, you know."
:* "Hello, my sweet."
<div style="padding-top: 0.6em">
* '''Partnered (following Act 2 romance progression scene):'''</div>
:* "Gods, you're beautiful."
:* "Is there something you want to talk about, my dear?"
:* (Addressing the Dark Urge) "Precious little Bhaal-babe!"
<br><br></div>
* '''Partnered (following Act 3 romance progression scene):'''
<div style="column-count:2">
'''As a Vampire Ascendant''' 
:* "Ask me anything, and it will be yours." 
:* "Little love, whatever could be the matter?"
:* "My consort, we are so close to our triumph, I can almost taste it." 
:* "Look at you, precious thing, you always stare so eagerly."
<div style="padding-top: 0.6em">
'''If remained a Vampire Spawn'''</div>
:* "Ah, you’re so adorable when you’re thinking what to say."
:* "Yes, love?" 
:* "I hope there’s nothing troubling you, my dear?"
<br></div>
<!--If broken up with (ex-partnered), Astarion's greetings return to his regular, friendly greetings.-->
====Party/camp interactions====
While in the partnered stage (following his relationship progression scene in Act 2), Astarion will have the following unique dialogue options that are always available when interacting with him both in camp and while he's in the player's party, which can be instigated by selecting "Can we talk about the two of us?":
* The player can inquire about Astarion's feelings regarding the relationship (''"What are we to you?"''). His response will vary depending on recent major events in his questline:
:* "I don't know. But isn't it nice - not to know? You're not a victim. Not a target. Not just one night it's better to forget. But then… ''Whatever in the world'' could you be?" (before resolving personal quest){{Note|In the period after having ascended and before next long rest Astarion greets the player character and answers to the question about relations with previous 'Partnered' phrases, but at the same time already gains new 'Ascendant' reactions when asked to kiss}}
:* "Nothing special, of course. You're only the first person I truly care for." (if remained a spawn)
:''(All next lines belong to the Vampire Ascendant)''
:* "We are sovereigns. My sole endeavour is to make this world yours and mine alone."
:* "My pretty consort, I don't like to see doubt cast upon your face. Fear not: ''you are mine''."
:* "Seven thousand souls have given me the power to carve out my own future, and I want you to be part of it."
:* "''Aeterna amantes.'' Lover forever, until the world fall down."
* The player can ask for a kiss (''"Could I kiss you?''). Again, Astarion's responses vary depending on his current questline stage. Unlike most other companions, Astarion always has something to say after the kiss.
<div style="column-count:3">
As an Ascendant:
* "But of course. You deserve a treat."
* "Oh, I can refuse you nothing."
* "How could I say no? You're my favourite, after all."
* "Anything for you, my darling."
<div style="padding-top: 0.6em">
As a spawn (before and after the ritual):</div>
* "How could I say no?"
* "Can't get enough? I'm not surprised."
* "There's nothing I'd like more."
<br><br>
<div style="padding-top: 0.6em">
Afterwards: {{Note|Astarion's 'after-kiss' phrases remain the same regardless of current questline outcome, which might somewhat discord with what he's actually doing}}</div>
* "Delicious…"
* "I do rather like that, you know."
* "You are perfect, every time."
<br><br>
</div>
* The player can break up with Astarion (''"Whatever is between us, we need to end it"'').
If the player breaks up with Astarion, or if Astarion breaks up with the player for whatever reason, these options will no longer be accessible when speaking with Astarion.

===Romancing other characters===
This section contains information regarding how the player's relationship with Astarion impacts other romance options/scenes and vice versa.
The player can be in the flirting stage with other companions while in the flirting stage with Astarion (which typically encompasses all Act One romance scenes and minor flirting scenes during Act Two prior to the companion's major romance progression/partnering scene).

Astarion considers the player to be in a relationship (partnered) with him after his relationship progression event in Act Two (as described earlier) occurs, if the correct options are selected during the following long-rest cutscene. If the player has entered the partnered stage with another companion prior to triggering this scene and wishes to pursue a romance with the spawn, they will need to interact with Astarion in camp (before resolving the episode that lead to romance progression) to trigger the dialogue where they will have to choose between the pretendents. Otherwise, any of partnered companion might prompt the dialogue with the player character to make the ultimate choice. While Astarion, unlike most other companions, is not a monogamous type, the player can only be in the partnered stage with one origin companion.
* '''Romancing [[Halsin]]''': The player is able to romance both Astarion and Halsin at the same time in [[Act Three]]. Upon attaining high enough approval with Halsin, the druid may approach the player character and express his love interest while acknowledging their existing relationship with Astarion. He will suggest to share the player character with Astarion, but only if the latter agrees.
: When approached by the player with Halsin's suggestion, Astarion won't object their wish. However, he will ask about the reason that caused the player to accept Halsin's proposal, and give various reaction (from flattered to mordant) depending on chosen answer. The player's relationship with Halsin does not affect their relationship with Astarion. Following this interaction, only Halsin will bring up the other during unique party/camp dialogue options (specifically when the player asks him about their relationship).

* '''Romancing [[Sorn Orlith]]/[[Nym Orlith]]''': When approached in [[Sharess' Caress]] in [[Act Three]] while the player is in a relationship with Astarion, the Drow twins Sorn and Nym will offer the player the option to be with both of them at once, but only if both the player and Astarion participate. The results of this interaction depend on whether or not Astarion's [[the Pale Elf|companion quest]]  has yet been completed or not:
:* Before the completion of Astarion's companion quest, Astarion will express hesitation at the proposition and will tell the player he's not ready for that again. Should the player assure the spawn that they would never ask that of him again, they will be awarded with his approval (if it hasn't been maxed out already).
:* After the completion of Astarion's companion quest, he will be glad to participate in the orgy proposed by the twins. However, the narration within the cutscene itself that describe his actions and reactions will differ depending on the outcome of the quest.
:* If the player is romancing both Halsin and Astarion and both are in the party when the twins are approached, Halsin will enthusiastically volunteer for the task and can take part in the orgy either with just the player character and the twins (if Astarion does not want to participate) or with the player character, Astarion, and the twins (if Astarion does want to participate). Regardless of options chosen, this will not affect the player's relationship with Astarion moving forward.
* '''Romancing [[Mizora]]''': Astarion will not end the relationship after sleeping with Mizora. Depending on chosen lines, Astarion might express mild jealousy about the player not inviting him to participate, slight envy towards their newfound experience (confessing that he hadn't ever a chance to gain one such himself), or give some advice on outliving an awry tryst.
* '''Romancing [[The Emperor]]''': Romancing the Emperor does not impact the relationship with Astarion.
* '''Romancing [[Haarlep]]''': Relationship with Astarion does not affect the possibility of agreeing to  '' 'play a game' '' with Haarlep, nor does sleeping with the incubus have any impact on further romance with the vampire. However, the decision to pledge their body to Haarlep itself will gain minor disapproval from Astarion. Afterwards, when the player character first feels the physical repercussions of the vow they made, Astarion will notice it and say that he feels sorry for them, explaining that he himself knows all too well what it is like - to lose control over one's own body due to someone else's whims.

== Footnotes ==

{{notelist}}