Links & Resources

Here we present links to other useful tools and resources to use with Battlegrounds: RPG Edition and/or Battlegrounds Gaming Engine.

While we think you might find the information useful, the fact that a product or site is listed here does not necessarily mean that we endorse them or their products.

If you would like to be listed here, or wish to suggest that we list a particular site or product, please visit our Forums and post your suggestion there.

Links that are not hyperlinks are known to be defunct websites, and are recorded here for historical purposes only.


MAPPING SOFTWARE

Dundjinni
Produces beautiful maps (especially battlemaps). Recommended.
Note: This software cannot currently be purchased, due to the DJ Store being offline.
http://www.dundjinni.com/

ProFantasy
The makers of Campaign Cartographer 2, CC3, CC3+, and other mapping programs.
http://www.profantasy.com/

GM Friend
Free. Runs in browser.
http://rhysmakesthings.com/gm_friend

AutoREALM
http://sourceforge.net/projects/autorealm/

RPGMapMaker
Mac-only
http://fmteau.perso.neuf.fr/rpgmapmaker/rpgmapmaker.htm

MapCrafter
Note: The link below is now defunct.
http://www.empowergames.com/

DungeonForge
http://www.dungeonmapping.com/df/public_html/

MapMaker
http://www.demonspawn.net/games/map/default.htm

zMapper
http://www.zuggsoft.com/zmapper/zmapperinfo.htm

Benny’s Dungeon Map Maker
Note: The link below is now defunct.
http://www.sev.org/members/bmazur/dndminis/dmm.html

StoneSword.com
Free mapping software that works right in your browser.
http://www.stonesword.com/

Azgaar’s Fantasy Map Generator
Free and runs in your browser. A downloadable version is also available.
https://azgaar.github.io/Fantasy-Map-Generator/

Dungeon Tile Mapper
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20061121t

Dungeon Crafter 3
http://www.freenew.net/windows/dungeon-crafter-iii-silver-edition-3033/19872.htm

Inkarnate
Browser-based mapping site, currently in beta.
http://inkarnate.com/

Hexmapper
Registration to the Yahoo Group is required to download the program.

http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/Hexmapper_Haven/

HexDraw
http://www.hexdraw.com/

Hexographer
Free and commercial versions available.
http://www.hexographer.com/

Dungeon Demon
Previously commercial, free version now available. Windows-only.
http://www.rustyaxe.com/apps/dd/index.php

Grumble Mapper
Donation-ware. Cross-platform (Adobe AIR).
http://evanjacover.com/grumblemapper

Grid Mapper
Donation-ware. Windows-only.
http://www.superdan.net/gridmapper/

Dungeonographer
From the developer of Hexographer.
Free and commercial versions available.
http://www.dungeonographer.com/

Dungeon Painter
Free; runs in a browser.
http://pyromancers.com/dungeon-painter-online

Ortelius
Professional cartography/mapping software.
Mac OS X only.
http://www.mapdiva.com/ortelius/

BG MapEditor
Free; WIP
http://109.123.73.99/hosting/bgmapeditor/#avertissements

Ye Olde Map Maker
http://yeoldemapmaker.com/

Explorations
http://www.explore-rpg.com/

Lior’s Map Creator
Free, Windows-only
http://liors.net/software/map_creator/help/index.html

Worldspinner
Currently in beta. May require a subscription.
http://worldspinner.com/

Fantasy Map Builder
Currently in beta. Browser-based, with Fog of War feature.
http://www.fantasymapbuilder.com/

Map Maker
Free. Browser-based.
http://mapmaker.dwarvenforge.com/

Dungeon Painter Studio
Currently on Steam Greenlight.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=772020449

MapForge
Commercial app for Windows and Mac that also offers free use level (limited to low-resolution output).
MapForge Software


FREE ART

RPGMapShare.com
A highly recommended repository of maps and artwork for RPGs. Be sure to set the Usage Rights for any artwork that you upload here, or it will be promptly deleted.
http://rpgmapshare.com/

Dundjinni Forums
Sadly, this invaluable resource is no longer around. All the artwork posted on these forums was free to download for personal use, and much of it could even be used commercially. It might be worth checking the Wayback Machine.
http://www.dundjinni.com/forums/default.asp


ROLEPLAYING AIDS

CSUAC
The current home of the CSUAC art archives (a treasure-trove of free artwork originally compiled from the Dundjinni forums, but perfect for use with MapForge and/or BRPG).
https://www.vintyri.org/CSUAC/
The Dundjinni version of the CSUAC is now available here.

CrystalBall3
Mac-only.
http://www.crystalballsoft.com/crystalball.html

PCGen
RPG character generator & maintenance program
Java-based (multi-platform).
http://pcgen.sourceforge.net/01_overview.php

RPG Patsy
A replacement for your pencil and paper character sheet
Java-based (multi-platform).
http://www.rpgpatsy.com/

Roleplaying Tips
A weekly newsletter/e-zine.
http://www.roleplayingtips.com/index.php

DA: The Roleplayer’s Digital Assistant
A game-independent software toolset (Windows-only).
http://www.mjhkstudios.com/DA/Frameset.htm

Map Mage
Lots of different software tools (some free, most for sale, Windows-only).
http://www.mapmage.com/

Turn Watcher
An initiative tracker for GMs (Windows and Linux only)
http://www.turnwatcher.com/

On-Screen DM Screen
A handy online reference tool for d20 System.
http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/resources/systems/pennpaper/dnd35/soveliorsage/toolsScreen.html

Arr-Kelaan Software’s RPG Tools
Lots of different software tools (free, for Windows 95 only).
http://www.rmcomics.com/ak/tools.htm

Treasure Tables
Advice, tips, ideas, and resources for GMs.
http://www.treasuretables.org/


MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS

The RPG SoundMixer
A tool specifically designed to create music and effect backgrounds for “Pen&Paper” RPG sessions.
http://www.rpgsoundmixer.com/

SoundDogs
The largest sound effects library on the internet.
http://sounddogs.com/

FindSounds
http://www.findsounds.com/

SoundBible
http://soundbible.com/

FreeSFX
http://www.freesfx.co.uk/

Tabletop Audio
http://tabletopaudio.com/


VOICE CHAT APPLICATIONS
Using these can significantly speed up play of online game sessions, but all users will probably need to have a broadband internet connection. Most of these are available in both Windows and Mac versions.

Skype
Also supports video conferencing (which is not free)
http://www.skype.com/

Ventrilo
Great push-to-talk feature
http://www.ventrilo.com/

Gizmo
http://www.filehippo.com/download_gizmoproject/

Ineen
http://www.ineen.com/

TeamSpeak
(Note: the unofficial and unrelated “TeamSpeex” Mac client is still in beta)
http://www.goteamspeak.com/

Dolby Axon
Supports surround sound (but not in the free client, which is good for up to 5 users)
https://axon.dolby.com/

Discord
Free, supports browsers, Friends list, multiple channels, direct messaging
https://discordapp.com/


VIRTUAL TABLETOP (VT) PROGRAMS FOR RPGs

Below are links to every virtual tabletop program I could find, both free and commercial, so you can judge for yourself which tool best fits your needs. Note that if there is no hyperlink, it’s on purpose. The site is known to no longer exist, and I’ve simply posted the last known link that used to work, in case someone wants to track it down on Wayback Machine.

Commercial Programs:

Battlegrounds: RPG Edition
That’s what the rest of this site is about. I’m just including BRPG to make the list complete.
http://www.battlegroundsgames.com/nutshell.html

Fantasy Grounds
Windows-only. Many people like the look and feel of this app, and the 3D dice rolling.
http://www.fantasygrounds.com/

D20Pro
Java-based, 2-week free trial license.
http://www.d20pro.com/

ScreenMonkey
Only the GM must pay. Players play free, using their web browser. The GM app is Windows-only. A Lite version is available for free.
http://www.nbos.com/products/screenmonkey

iTabletop Pandoren (v2)
Browser-based (requires MS Silverlight, Adobe Flash, and 1 GB RAM) Windows or Mac OS X. Features built-in voice chat, and streaming video/webcam support.
http://www.itabletop.com/

EpicTable
Windows-only.
http://www.epictable.com/

RPG Table
Mac OS X-only (v10.5.8 or greater). No online play in v1.0.
http://www.codechemistry.com/

3DVT
In beta.
No system requirements publicly available.
http://myvirtualtable.com/

3D Virtual Tabletop
Free for solo play, subscription-based for online play.
iOS and Android
http://www.3dvtt.com/

Roll20
Browser-based.
Free, or monthly subscription for extra features.
http://roll20.net/

Tabletop Connect
Windows and Mac OS X.
http://www.tabletopconnect.com/

Psi-DiCE VTT – Dice Roller 1.0
Windows, Mac and Linux.
VTT is currrently in development, but Dice Roller 1.0 has been released.
https://www.psifire.com/products.html

Beyond Tabletop
Browser-based (web app), one time fee (no subscriptions)
http://www.beyondtabletop.com/

Battlemat Miniatures Battle System
Windows, Mac, Linux
http://store.steampowered.com/sub/54333/

Revolution: Virtual Playspace
Windows, Mac, Linux
http://www.revolutionvirtualplayspace.com/

Skirmish! VT
Windows only, was seeking funding on Kickstarter
http://www.skirmish-vt.com/

Infinitas DM
Android and iOS
http://www.infinitasdm.com/

GM Forge
Local app for GM (Windows only); players join for free using a browser.
https://www.gmforge.io/
Also on Steam.

Role Gate
Play asynchronously on mobile or browser. Patreon-supported.
https://rolegate.com

Astral
Browser-based app. Free or subscription-based (monthly or yearly). Formerly known as PowerVTT.
https://www.astraltabletop.com/

Arkenforge
Windows and macOS
https://arkenforge.com/

Foundry VTT
Windows and macOS; the GM pays, the players just use a browser
https://foundryvtt.com/

Free Programs:

OpenRPG
Once had the biggest user base of any VTT app.
http://www.rpgobjects.com/index.php?c=orpg

OpenRPG+
This site hosts the development version of OpenRPG.

http://rpg.wikia.com/wiki/Installing_OpenRPG

MapTool
Java-based. Developers are actively enhancing this program regularly.
http://www.rptools.net/index.php?page=maptool

VTable (formerly known as Gametable)
Java-based.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/gametableproj/

Interactive Dungeon
Windows-only
http://www.big12inch.com/id/

Dave’s Flash Mapper
Possibly still in development.
http://www.csgmedia.com/files/david/fm/

RPG Manager
Windows-only. v2.0 is in development, and screenshots for it are now available.
http://www.rpgmanager.net/Home.htm

Playing Fields
Java-based.
http://gdiac.cis.cornell.edu/Projects/2006sp/PlayingFields/index.html

Dices
Windows-only.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/dices/files/dices/

Dungeon Helper
Windows-only.
http://dh.abomb.info/index.php

Avalomhilly
Windows-only.
http://www.avalomhilly.20m.com/

TTopRPG 2.0
Windows-only.
http://www.gamemodel.com/TTopRPG/index.htm

Rolistik
Windows & Mac OS X. In French.
http://rolistik.free.fr/

Virtual Tabletop
Windows-only. Note that the link below is a download link, not a website.
http://64digits.com/users/brighteyes/Virtual_Tabletop_v0.6_.zip

Virtual Game Table (VGT)
Windows-only.
http://www.siliconstorm.net/vgt/vgt.html

Irony Games’ MapMagical Encounter Editor
Java-based, runs in a web browser.
http://pages.infinit.net/pdclarke/mmee/index.html

Map Maker (beta)
MS Silverlight app, runs in a web browser.
http://dnd.gudjonhrafn.com/mm/

Qex
Windows-only.
http://qex.skyfire.ca/

Masterplan
Windows-only. No online component
http://www.habitualindolence.net/masterplan/

Taulukko
Donation-ware.
http://www.taulukko.com.br/

Infrno
Unclear whether this is free for good, or free while-in-beta.
Windows & Mac OS; has video-conferencing feature. Closing down in June 2018

http://infrno.net/base/welcome

RPGrounds
Unclear whether this will free when released, or just while-in-beta.
Will supposedly be a 3D VTT.
http://www.rpgrounds.com/

Live-Tabletop
Not even alpha yet.
Will support RPGs and boardgames
http://code.google.com/p/live-tabletop/

Fabletop (formerly known as Tabletop Quest)
Browser-based. Open beta.
Unclear whether this will free when released, or just while-in-beta.
http://fabletop.com/

MyRPG
Browser-based.
Unclear whether this will free when released, or just while-in-beta.
http://myrpg.ca/

Mote
Java-based. Based on the MapTool codebase.
https://front.idleideas.biz/

Rolisteam
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux. Based on Rolistik (see above), with some improvements.
http://www.rolisteam.org/

Skwyre
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android (iOS eventually), commercial app, but free while in beta
http://www.nbos.com/products/skwyre

DM Tools & Virtual Table
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.konrad.dungeonanddragons.dmtools

Dodontof
Strictly for Japanese users, Browser-based, requires Flash Player.
http://www.dodontof.com/


Discontinued, Abandoned, or Unsupported Programs:

WebRPG
http://www.webrpg.com/gamesystem/
Note: The link above seems to be dead, which to me indicates that this is a discontinued product, but I’ve found a mirror site here, in case you still want to check this out.

KloogeWerks
Java-based. Steep learning curve, but powerful.
http://www.kloogeinc.com/

Tabletop Mapper
Windows-only.
http://www.tabletopmapper.hpg.ig.com.br/

Interactive Adventures
Wizard of the Coast pulled the plug on this when they revoked their D&D license, so these are no longer available as of November 30, 2006.
http://www.codemonkeypublishing.com/

GhostOrb
There was never an official announcement that this was cancelled, but the website homepage hadn’t been updated since December 2005, and now the site is gone entirely.
http://www.ghostorb.com/

Vellum
An abandoned project that looked promising.
http://vellum.berlios.de/

Battle Aide
Free. Windows-only.
http://www.drakevision.com/projects/battle_aide/index.html

DNDMapper
Theoretically in development, but no updates since December 2005.
http://www.eeconsulting.net/tmp/

Online RPG Battle Tool
Presumed to be an abandoned project. Probably Windows-only.
http://home.comcast.net/~r.soult/

V-FORT
Windows-only. The site is no longer available.
http://v-fort.org/

BattlePawn
The site is no longer available.
http://www.battlepawn.com/

RolePlayingMaster
Windows-only.
http://www.enworld.org/RolePlayingMaster/

YumiChat
Windows-only server, Windows and Mac clients.
http://www.rabidcomics.com/yumichat/index.html

TRIS
Text-based only.
Note: This site seems to no longer be available.
http://trisrpg.bronzeforge.com/index.htm

AjaxVTT
Linux-only. Not for the technically-challenged.
http://linux.softpedia.com/get/GAMES-ENTERTAINMENT/RPG/AjaxVTT-18260.shtml#

Tabletop Mapper
Windows-only.
Note: This site is no longer available.

http://www.tabletopmapper.hpg.ig.com.br

GlitterComm
Windows-only.
http://glittercomm.com

RPGWorkbench
Runs in a web browser.
http://rpgworkbench.blogspot.com/2007/08/content.html

Virtual Battlemat
Runs in a web browser.
Note: This site is no longer available.
http://virtualbattlemat.com/

BYOND Tabletop Gaming
Presumably still in development, but no updates since August 2005.
http://shadowdarke.byondhome.com/tt/intro.html

D&D Game Table
Windows and Mac OS X. Cancelled. Again.
http://community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/26286405/The_Dungeons__Dragons_Virtual_Table

Scene Grinder
Runs in browser. Subscription-based.
http://www.scenegrinder.com/

weRole
Subscription-based. Features built-in webcam and voice chat.
http://www.werole.com/

Online Pen & Paper World
Windows-only.
http://www.opnpw.com/

Tri Axe Dungeons & Dragons Chat
Windows-only.
http://www.triaxe.co.uk/

D20Map
Windows-only.
http://bd20map.runboard.com/

RPGui
Windows-only. The site is no longer available.
http://www.togamario.com/

Battle Map v2.0
Flash-based, runs in your browser.
http://www.incend.net/treasure_trove/index.htm

Diavida VTT
Runs in a web browser.
http://diavida.com/

GRiP
No longer developed.
Update: The site is no longer available.
http://www.rpgrealms.com/grip

tabledice
Runs in a web browser (Firefox or Chrome).
http://tabledice.com/

RPG Tonight
Runs in your browser.
http://www.rpgtonight.com

ViewingDale
Windows-only. Great zoom feature. No longer sold.
http://www.viewing.ltd.uk/cgi-bin/viewingdale.pl?category=main&sx=1280

SyncRPG
Based on a MapTool fork.
https://www.syncrpg.com/

Epical Online – 3D RPG Virtual Tabletop
Runs in your browser.
http://www.epicalonline.com

https://www.facebook.com/EpicalOnline/info?tab=page_info

SimpleBM (short for Battle Map)
Browser-based.
http://sbm.elagplus.com/

You might wonder why a commercial VTT site such as this one has links to every “competing” VTT (both commercial and free). Many people have said (or at least thought) that I am nuts for doing this, but I want you to make an informed decision before purchasing my products (or choosing another VT), and while I believe Battlegrounds holds up very well when evaluated against other VTs, I also realize that no one program is going to appeal to everyone. Fortunately, gamers have lots of options when it comes to choosing which VTT is right for them.


VIRTUAL TABLETOP PROGRAMS FOR WARGAMES, BOARDGAMES & CARD GAMES

Battlegrounds: RPG Edition (BRPG) and Battlegrounds Gaming Engine (BGE)
That’s what the rest of this site is about. I’m just including the Battlegrounds software here to make the list complete.
http://www.battlegroundsgames.com/nutshell.html

Vassal
Free. Cross-platform (Java-based).
The most popular VTT for wargaming, with a huge library of game modules available.
http://www.vassalengine.org/community/index.php

CyberBoard
PBEM-only. Windows-only.
http://cyberboard.brainiac.com/

ZunTzu
Free. Windows-only. Built-in voice chat.
http://www.zuntzu.com/

Aide de Camp 2 (aka ADC2)
Commercial app. Windows-only.
http://www.hpssims.com/pages/products/adc2/ADC2-Main.html

ACTS
Free. PBEM.
http://acts.warhorsesim.com/

OCTGN
Free. Windows-only.
http://www.octgn.net/

Taebl
MS Silverlight-based.
http://taebl.com/

Ditzie
Still in beta.
http://ditzie.com/

FlexibleRules
Windows-only.
http://diuf.unifr.ch/pai/flexiblerules/index.php

Sleep Is Death (Geisterfahrer)
Cross-platform
http://sleepisdeath.net/

Wildcard (alpha)
Mac OS X only.
http://www.blacktree.com/

Board Games Online (beta)
Windows-only.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/boardgames/

ScanPlay
Free. Windows and Linux only.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/scanplay/

Thoth Engine
Windows-only.
http://digilander.libero.it/zak965/thoth/

Virtual Card Table
Free. Windows-only.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/vcardtable/

Protohut
Free. Browser-based.
http://protohut.com/

HexWar
Subscription-based, cross-platform.
http://www.hexwar.com/

Virtual Board
Free. Work in progress. Intended for TCGs. Java-based.
http://www.imcsoftwarefactory.com/VirtualBoard/

NanDECK
Free. Windows and Linux. Virtual table is for local use only.
http://www.nand.it/nandeck/

Magic Set Editor
Free. Windows or Linux. Intended for designing cards.
http://magicseteditor.sourceforge.net/

Apprentice
Free. Windows 95 or 98. For playing card games online.
http://www.magic-league.com/guide/apprentice.php

Zillions of Games
Commercial. Windows-only.
http://www.zillions-of-games.com/

Axiom Development Kit
A plug-in for Zillions of Games to allow rules enforcement, AI, etc.
http://www.zillions-of-games.com/cgi-bin/zilligames/submissions.cgi?do=show;id=1452

LackeyCCG
Free. Windows, Mac, or Linux. Play any CCG online.
http://www.lackeyccg.com/index.html

3DVT
No system requirements publicly available.
http://myvirtualtable.com/

Virtual Deck
Free. Java-based but Windows-only.
http://www.rlsoftwares.com/baralhovirtual/index.php

Anywhere Board Games
Free. Intended for use in conjunction with mobile devices.
http://anywhereboardgames.com/

Fortune Engine
Programmed ruleset built in. Claims to be both a VTT and a video game.
http://www.funhavergames.com/fortune-engine/

GameGenesis
Not yet released. Will presumably be browser-based, and provide the ability to program game rules.
http://gamegenesis.net/

TripleA
Free. Downloadable open source Java-based app.
http://triplea.sourceforge.net/mywiki

iWarSim (aka Heaven)
Free. Windows and Mac.
http://gold.natsu.gs/WG/

Cockatrice
For playing card games. Free, open source. Windows and Mac.
http://cockatrice.de/index.php?a=project

The WarGame Processor
Commercial ($25). Windows only.
http://wargamesbymail.com/

Above the Fields
Free. Windows only.
http://www.abovethefields.com/wargame/download.htm

Tabloro
Free. Browser-based.
http://www.tabloro.com/

Card Forest
Free. Browser-based.
http://www.cardforest.com/

Tabletopia
Commercial. Browser-based. Native apps being developed for Windows, Mac, and tablets.
http://tabletopia.com/

Tabletop Simulator
Commercial. Windows, Mac, Linux. Also available on Steam.
http://berserk-games.com/tabletop-simulator/

Tabletop Zen
Currently in beta, runs in browser
http://tabletopzen.com/

The Virtual Wargames Room
Expected to be commercial, if it is ever released. Windows-only.
http://www.thevirtualwargamesroom.com/

Universal Battle
Free, with option to unlock advanced features with a subscription. Windows-only.
http://www.universalbattle.com/guide.php

Gamegineer
Free. Java-based (requires Java 6 or greater), so ostensibly supports Windows, Mac, and Linux.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/gamegineer/

The VTT list was last updated on April 28, 2022.

It’s taken a lot of Google searches over many months to come up with this comprehensive list of virtual tabletop software. I compiled it so that anyone interested in VTTs could use it to easily compare the various products, and it is now the most comprehensive VTT list on the internet. I also hoped that by providing such a useful collection of links, that it would draw people to this site and they might have a look around while they’re here.

However, more and more I am seeing my list reposted on various forums. I would rather people not do that, of course, but if you do, at least give credit where credit is due, and don’t try to pass of the information as your own. Thanks.


Comparing and Choosing Virtual Tabletop Software:

Guide to Choosing a Virtual Tabletop
With so many VTTs to choose from, it can be difficult to find the one that is right for you and your gaming group. This guide should help. To comment on the guide, please post here (forum registration not required).
(5-page PDF, 80 KB)
Link

VTT Comparison Chart
This chart was originally hosted at the Four Ugly Monsters site. Now that FUM no longer exists, I have offered to host the VTT comparison chart here. VTT developers are encouraged to periodically email me updated information about their VTT for inclusion in this chart.
Link


Sites that cater to Virtual Tabletop Software users:

RPG Virtual Tabletop
A good source of information about many VTTs, and content for VTTs such as tokens, maps, and adventures.
http://rpgvirtualtabletop.wikidot.com/

Four Ugly Monsters
Note: This site ceased to exist as of the end of September 2010. It was a great VTT-agnostic site, and will be sorely missed.
http://www.fouruglymonsters.com/

FUMcon (formerly known as iCon)
A virtual tabletop game convention, held once a year
Note: This site ceased to exist as of the end of September 2010
http://www.fouruglymonsters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=119&Itemid=91


BOARDGAMING & WARGAMING SITES

bgg-wargame-tower

BoardGameGeek
The ultimate source of boardgame and wargame information.
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/

Boardgaming.com
A less-intimidating (than BGG) boardgame site.
http://boardgaming.com/

Fortress Ameritrash
A haven for lovers of Ameritrash games.
http://fortressat.com/

ConSimWorld
A haven for wargamers.
http://www.consimworld.com/

Board Game Designers Forum
The place to go if you are interested in designing your own boardgame, card game, wargame, etc.
http://www.bgdf.com/


BRPG_Banner2

BRPG_Banner_Ad

Want to link to this site? Here are two banner ads you can use.
The URL you should link to is http://www.battlegroundsgames.com/


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