PPL ONLINE

PPL ONLINE

Announcements

  • PPLO 2024

    There’s been some questions floating around about PPL Online 2024 and this post will address that. Fair Warning that this will be a long read.

    So, what’s going on with PPLO 2024?

    PPLO started off very strong and very rewarding for the majority of participants (Leaders and Challengers alike), but has slowly been declining in numbers, with a lack of participation from both ends, for multiple reasons. PPLO 2023 really struggled. While fun for challengers, it did not meet the same results or expectations for leaders.

    The feedback from leaders was majority negative, with very real concerns we saw in real time during that weekend. Many leaders sat there for hours doing nothing, and ultimately ended up battling amongst themselves. There just simply was not enough challenger involvement, or schedules didn’t line up for those who wanted to participate. It doesn’t feel great to put so much time and effort into planning the event only for there to be extremely little turnout.

    The classic league format just wasn’t working anymore for Online. Because of this, the sad decision to sunset PPLO (at least for 2024) has been made.

    Wait, really?

    Yes, really. However! All is not lost. After much thinking and discussing, the idea for a series of NEW online events (that would take place in between PPLs, which also includes when PPLO occured) came into thought.

    Instead of squishing it all in one 3 day weekend, the new events would take place over 3-4 weeks, or possibly longer (depending on amount of participation). Every week, participants are assigned a random** opponent and are responsible for doing one mandatory battle per week. Participants will be responsible for setting up a time to battle with their opponents, either through public channels that will be made for this event (similar to PPLO) or DMs.

    There will also be opportunities to battle more than once per week if there is availability between both parties, for those of you that are itching to battle. Although battles will be entirely done through Pokemon Showdown and not the physical game cart, current PPL rules still apply but some rules may be tweaked a bit for the purpose of the event. Battles will be defaulted to Singles but if both battling participants agree to do Doubles, Doubles may be done in place of Singles.

    **Depending on skill level, if there is a very large skill discrepancy, participants may have a smaller pool of opponents to be randomly matched up with so it is fair

    Where are the Gym Leaders and Challengers?

    There are no leaders or challengers for the new events. Every participant will be RANDOMLY assigned two types (dual typing) and a RANDOM Limited List Pokemon (is not contingent on your assigned dual typing) to build their teams with. Participants may use only one or both types assigned (this means ALL Pokemon included in each typing, not just strictly those Pokemon who fit the specific dual typing.) The randomly assigned Limited List Pokemon will be a participant’s Partner Pokemon, and they will not be allowed to use any other Limited List Pokemon (Just like standard PPL Rules. If you do not know what a “Limited List” Pokemon is, please visit our Rules page here https://paxpokemonleague.net/rules/), however, participants ARE NOT required to use it. Teams built are not static, and may be changed at any time during the event (provided it fits the parameters of your dual type restrictions, Partner Pokemon, and PPL rules). There will be also opportunities for participants to change their type(s) and Partner Pokemon to another randomly assigned one if they choose to.

    Rather than a free-for-all, it will be a Team vs Team Area battle, and participants will again be RANDOMLY assigned and split into one of 2 Teams (or 3+ Teams if there is a lot of participants). Winning battles will net you points for your personal player score, along with points for your Team.

    As for the “area” part, each battling pair of participants will be assigned an Area each week. The winner of the battle claims the Area for their Team. Each Area will have different bonus challenges that will be a set of rules or handicaps (for example, not allowed to Terastalize in the battle) where the participant choosing to opt in can earn extra points. The Area challenges will be optional, and Areas may be re-claimed by the opposing Team. Additionally, there will be some “free Areas” every week that have no participants assigned to them. These will be optional battles. Participants are free to fight over these Areas by scheduling additional battles with opposing Team members who agree to fight with them.

    Note that participants are only required to fight the one mandatory battle of their assigned Area per week.

    Interesting.. What about dues and Prizes?

    There will be dues, but this time they will be entirely OPTIONAL. There will be two prize pools for this event, the Participant Swag Bag and the Winner’s Prizes.

    Participant Swag Bag. These are available to all participants. Included in the Participant Swag Bag will be things like a physical badge representing your team (like the leader badges everyone loves), stickers, etc. Opting in to pay dues for the Participant Swag Bag will only be enough to cover the cost of shipping, and materials included for your package specifically. Oh, and as there are no Gym Leaders, there will also be no leader art.

    Winner’s Prizes. There will be additional prizes for the winning team and for the individual(s) with the best personal scores, along with other superlatives. These will include things such as a Cool Discord Role!!!, a winning team badge, a certificate, PPLO enamel pin, possibly Pokemon plushes, etc. Even if you do not opt-in for the Participant Swag Bag, if you/your team wins, you are still eligible to receive the Winner’s prizes.

    Finally, as usual, any donations or extra funds received will be put into funding prizes for the winners and PPL-related expenses such as server costs keeping the website running, Discord Nitro boosts so we can keep our customized server URL, etc. Anyone who donates and also opts into the Participant Swag Bag will receive a small gift.

    Is there anything else you can tell me about this new event?

    Above is a vague overview of what was planned. Details are not certain, may change, and will be finalized after feedback is provided and based on interest, so many questions will not be able to be answered at this time.

    IF there is enough interest, details will continue to be refined and finalized for a projected launch of winter 2024, between Unplugged and East. Leading up to the launch, more feedback surveys and discussions may arise for updated rules and structure.

    The new planned events are meant to be less time-restrictive and less burdensome/commitment involved, can be played entirely online without needing to rush to build a team on cart, and is just like a fun thing to do in between the in-person PPLs. The goal for these smaller events would be to take place more than once a year, likely the summer and winter in between the in person PPLs. There can be a lot of potential with this kind of event and each smaller event will have a different overarching theme to keep things new and fresh!

    Please fill out this Google form to answer if you would be interested in participating in something like this (or if you would NOT) along with any other comments and/or suggestions you have to input that could make this event better!
    https://forms.gle/PiEYVu1NGB8hxMkP7


    The future of PPLO depends entirely on participant interest, so your feedback is invaluable. Note that if participation ramps up again and there is a good amount of interest, there is a possibility for PPLO to return in classic league format!

    (Also, Gym Leader applications for PPL West are still ongoing! Apply here! https://paxpokemonleague.net/2024/04/ppl-west-2024-applications-are-now-open-until-june-1st/ )

    -Online Admin doomy


Looking for posts from previous years of PPL Online?
Visit the Archives!

Latest News


  • PPL Online 2023!

    Hey everyone, PPL Online 2023 starts in only two weeks! When and where? Friday July 14th thru Sunday July 16th we will be hosting an online version of our Pokemon League on our Discord server. …

    Click to Read More


Latest Posts

  • Champion: Chieftain Hiccup of Berk, Dragon Master!

    By

    Chieftain Hiccup of Berk, Dragon Master!

    I’m the Chieftan of a little viking island called Berk. It snows nine months of the year and hails the other three. The only perks…are the pets. We have faced fire breathing monstrosities, treacherous seas, and armadas and every time have come out stronger, braver, and more determined. I know that no matter what challenge lies ahead, I know I can face it head on with my friends by my side. We are a team, united by friendship and we will soar to unimaginable heights. For in the end, it’s not the size of the dragon that counts. And with my dragons, there is no obstacle we can’t overcome! Prepare to unleash your inner fire and conquer the skies alongside us. Embrace the adventure that awaits, for here, you’ll discover the true meaning of strength and friendship.

    So come forth, challengers, and let your spirits take flight if you wish to enter the Hall of Fame!

     


  • Leaders: Azshara, Queen Beneath the Tides, Gandalf, the Grey Wanderer, and Karuma, Destruction in Human Form

    By

    Azshara, Queen Beneath the Tides!

    Queen Azshara was cursed to the depths after making a bad deal with an eldritch being. For thousands of years, she plotted against them to gain her freedom, eventually being saved by a band of PAX Pokémon League gym leaders. Seeing them in action inspired her to train to become a leader herself. She now seeks to test the latest challengers of the PAX Pokémon League. Beware, the waters rise!

    Defeat Azshara with the light to claim the Tidestone Badge!

     

    Gandalf, the Grey Wanderer!

    Arriving in Middle-earth in the Third Age, Gandalf is one the five Istari, or wizards. He enjoys long walks in the Shire and chilling with Elves. During his travels through Middle-earth, Gandalf heard about a land inhabited by creatures known as Pokémon and decided to take a break and learn what he could about them. Now he is part of the PAX Pokémon League to blow off some steam before going back to Middle-earth.

    Get past Gandalf to win the Istari Badge!

     

    Karuma, Destruction in Human Form!

    Karuma was just a regular student of the Uva Academy who excelled in history. After being asked to research further into the Paldean folklore of the four treasures by Ms. Raifort, Karuma willingly took that offer as he was interested in it as well. After the field research was complete, Karuma came back to the academy; but no one realized at this time his change. After his return, Karuma constantly looked sleep deprived, his battle style became very aggressive, and he started to claim he can weaken the powers of other Pokémon using dark forces. No one noticed, but the folklore was real and Karuma was taken over by the treasures. And the curse of Paldea is now spreading outside of the region, as Karuma was recruited as a member of the PAX Pokémon League for his curse-derived battle skills.

    Purify the curse of Paldea to earn the Calamity Badge!

     


  • Leaders: Itsy, the Crafty Crafter, Loopy, Iono’s Streaming Rival, and Percy Pascal, the Playful Paradise Partier!

    By

    Itsy, the Crafty Crafter!

    Itsy spent years crafting adorable Pokémon plushies until she discovered that there are Pokémon who enjoy crafting as much as her! Now she travels the regions searching for and training Pokémon that love to craft as much as she does.

    Variety is the spice of life, and crafts. Bring your creativity to earn the Artisanal Badge!

     

    Loopy, Iono’s Streaming Rival!

    Loopy has been a rival streamer and trainer to Paldea’s Iono for many years, but has never fully been able to grab the spotlight from her. Perhaps it is Iono’s catchy on stream graphics, or her catchphrases, or her stellar ensemble… or perhaps it’s because Loopy specializes in Water type Pokémon and cannot beat Iono in a battle, losing him followers. Whatever the reason, Loopy has never given up on his dream to become a top Pokémon battler and streamer, creating his own “Loopy Sphere” channel and highlighting his fierce battles as he rises to the top of the PAX Pokémon League, away from the electrifying shadow of Iono.

    You’re caught in my Whirlpool! Navigate Loopy’s water Pokémon to earn the Salt Water Badge!

     

    Percy Pascal, the Playful Paradise Partier!

    You’ve been invited to a beach party in Paldea by Percy Pascal! Come play with Percy and all his precious Pokéfriends. There might even be a battle or two! 🙂

    Party with Percy to earn the Beach Party Badge!

     


  • Leaders: Hyde, the Graveyard Shift Worker, and The Narrator, the No Nonsense Expert!

    By

    Hyde, the Graveyard Shift Worker!

    Someone has to work the graveyard shift, and Hyde is that someone. Working all night at the local haunt has familiarized them with all the spooks and even given them an edge when training them.

    Use your own ghosts or something darker to earn Hyde’s Midnight Badge!

     

    The Narrator, the No Nonsense Expert!

    The Narrator is the guide to this wonderful picture show. Some say he is a criminologist who retells tales lost in time, space, and meaning. But don’t judge this book by its cover, for this menagerie of mischievous miscreants are not just pretty faces.

    Halt these spirits with Ghost and Dark moves to earn the Horror Badge!

     


  • Leaders: Jass, the Explorer, and Liam, the Pace Master!

    By

    Jass, the Explorer!

    After a terrible disaster struck Jass, she went on a spiritual journey, finding new friends along the way. She has now traveled the world and made many friends. See if you can discover yourself in a battle you won’t forget!

    Explore the world in one battle to earn the Exploration Badge!

     

    Liam, the Pace Master!

    Liam was a racer who came from a family filled with athletics elites. He followed in their footsteps and became one of the fastest humans known to all people. After so many victories he decided to throw in the towel and try a new hobby, battling. After watching many battles he decided to start the gym challenge, and after seeing how much fun leaders could have he decided to apply to be a Gym Leader himself. Now he owns the Lightspeed Gym and is awaiting new challengers to keep up with his speed.

    Outpace Liam’s speed of light strategies to earn the Speedster Badge!

     


  • Leaders: Murray, Assistant to the Paldea Region Assistant Manager, and Yoshi, Team Star Normal Squad!

    By

     Murray, Assistant to the Paldea Region Assistant Manager!

    Larry is away on business, and his assistant has come down with the flu. Due to bureaucratic policies, the next person in line is Murray. Technically he’s qualified for the role, but this is beyond his job description. Help Murray meet his challenger quota and earn a Pre-Approved Substitute Badge.

    Make Murray work overtime to acquire the Pre-Approved Substitute Badge!

     

    Yoshi, Team Star Normal Squad!

    Yoshi is a loner that calls himself a member of Team Star. According to him, he is in Normal squad, which nobody has ever heard of. Even the actual Team Star doesn’t recognize him. He once was a Gym Leader, but decided to go out for a trip. He saw Team Star, and that sparked an idea that he wanted to be like them. He built his secret base with cardboard on the side of a cliff, and waits for challengers to challenge him.

    Challenge Yoshi to make him Hasta la Vistar and earn the Normal Squad Badge!

     


  • Leaders: Josh, the Tempered Blade and Orithyus, the North Wind!

    By

    Josh, the Tempered Blade!

    “Those who forget the mistakes of history are doomed to repeat them.” In a world where most conflict is solved through Pokémon battles, it is so easy to forget mankind once specialised in developing bigger and bigger weapons for victory over our own kind. Josh is a trainer who respects both the art of weapon crafting, and the lessons to be remembered from our history. Specialising in Pokémon whose natural evolutions have taken them down paths once dominated by man, Josh brings this natural collaboration of man and Pokémon to bear against those who would challenge him.

    Prevail in single combat to earn the Armory Badge!

     

    Orithyus, the North Wind!

    After getting lost in the snowy woods as a child, Orithyus was found by a friendly Snover, who led him back to his cabin. The next morning, Snover was waiting for him, and the two became inseparable partners. Ori has spent years mastering control over the cold, ice, and snow, and he now sends challengers home shivering.

    Thaw out the frost to take home the Iceberg Badge!

     


  • Leaders: Kenny and Doomy, the Time Traveling Duo, and Wolf, the Leader of the Pack!

    By

    Kenny and Doomy, the Time Traveling Duo!

    Kenny, from a wild and primitive Paldea. Doomy, from a futuristic timeline. While on their Treasure Hunt in each of their respective realities, a mysterious portal opens before them to a place called “Area Zero”. Now spending all their time there, they wait for unsuspecting challengers to battle their cool and different Pokémon!

    Find the balance between past and future to win the Paradox Badge!

     

    Wolf, the Leader of the Pack!

    As a child, Wolf and his brother Arven were each gifted a Maschiff upon enrolling in Naranja academy. Together, the four of them spent endless hours scavenging Paldea. It wasn’t until a devastating event lead to Arven’s Mabosstiff sustaining a severe injury, till Wolf realized just how much he truly valued his partner. From then on, Wolf and his Mabosstiff spent years searching for a remedy for his brother’s beloved partner. By the time Wolf found the needed remedy, he had already created a pack of Pokémon that aided him in his hunt for the Herba Mystica. Seasoned from his past, and forged with his brother’s tenacity, Wolf and his pack rise to the challenge to show trainers what being a team should truly embody.

    Learn to run with the pack and seize the Allegiance Badge!

     


  • PPLO 2024

    There’s been some questions floating around about PPL Online 2024 and this post will address that. Fair Warning that this will be a long read. So, what’s going on with PPLO 2024? PPLO started off very strong and very rewarding for the majority of participants (Leaders and Challengers alike), but…

    Click to Read More


  • PPL Online 2023!

    Hey everyone, PPL Online 2023 starts in only two weeks! When and where? Friday July 14th thru Sunday July 16th we will be hosting an online version of our Pokemon League on our Discord server. …

    Click to Read More


Looking for posts from previous years of PPL Online?
Visit the Archives!

Latest Posts

  • Champion: Chieftain Hiccup of Berk, Dragon Master!

    By

    Chieftain Hiccup of Berk, Dragon Master!

    I’m the Chieftan of a little viking island called Berk. It snows nine months of the year and hails the other three. The only perks…are the pets. We have faced fire breathing monstrosities, treacherous seas, and armadas and every time have come out stronger, braver, and more determined. I know that no matter what challenge lies ahead, I know I can face it head on with my friends by my side. We are a team, united by friendship and we will soar to unimaginable heights. For in the end, it’s not the size of the dragon that counts. And with my dragons, there is no obstacle we can’t overcome! Prepare to unleash your inner fire and conquer the skies alongside us. Embrace the adventure that awaits, for here, you’ll discover the true meaning of strength and friendship.

    So come forth, challengers, and let your spirits take flight if you wish to enter the Hall of Fame!

     


  • Leaders: Azshara, Queen Beneath the Tides, Gandalf, the Grey Wanderer, and Karuma, Destruction in Human Form

    By

    Azshara, Queen Beneath the Tides!

    Queen Azshara was cursed to the depths after making a bad deal with an eldritch being. For thousands of years, she plotted against them to gain her freedom, eventually being saved by a band of PAX Pokémon League gym leaders. Seeing them in action inspired her to train to become a leader herself. She now seeks to test the latest challengers of the PAX Pokémon League. Beware, the waters rise!

    Defeat Azshara with the light to claim the Tidestone Badge!

     

    Gandalf, the Grey Wanderer!

    Arriving in Middle-earth in the Third Age, Gandalf is one the five Istari, or wizards. He enjoys long walks in the Shire and chilling with Elves. During his travels through Middle-earth, Gandalf heard about a land inhabited by creatures known as Pokémon and decided to take a break and learn what he could about them. Now he is part of the PAX Pokémon League to blow off some steam before going back to Middle-earth.

    Get past Gandalf to win the Istari Badge!

     

    Karuma, Destruction in Human Form!

    Karuma was just a regular student of the Uva Academy who excelled in history. After being asked to research further into the Paldean folklore of the four treasures by Ms. Raifort, Karuma willingly took that offer as he was interested in it as well. After the field research was complete, Karuma came back to the academy; but no one realized at this time his change. After his return, Karuma constantly looked sleep deprived, his battle style became very aggressive, and he started to claim he can weaken the powers of other Pokémon using dark forces. No one noticed, but the folklore was real and Karuma was taken over by the treasures. And the curse of Paldea is now spreading outside of the region, as Karuma was recruited as a member of the PAX Pokémon League for his curse-derived battle skills.

    Purify the curse of Paldea to earn the Calamity Badge!

     


  • Leaders: Itsy, the Crafty Crafter, Loopy, Iono’s Streaming Rival, and Percy Pascal, the Playful Paradise Partier!

    By

    Itsy, the Crafty Crafter!

    Itsy spent years crafting adorable Pokémon plushies until she discovered that there are Pokémon who enjoy crafting as much as her! Now she travels the regions searching for and training Pokémon that love to craft as much as she does.

    Variety is the spice of life, and crafts. Bring your creativity to earn the Artisanal Badge!

     

    Loopy, Iono’s Streaming Rival!

    Loopy has been a rival streamer and trainer to Paldea’s Iono for many years, but has never fully been able to grab the spotlight from her. Perhaps it is Iono’s catchy on stream graphics, or her catchphrases, or her stellar ensemble… or perhaps it’s because Loopy specializes in Water type Pokémon and cannot beat Iono in a battle, losing him followers. Whatever the reason, Loopy has never given up on his dream to become a top Pokémon battler and streamer, creating his own “Loopy Sphere” channel and highlighting his fierce battles as he rises to the top of the PAX Pokémon League, away from the electrifying shadow of Iono.

    You’re caught in my Whirlpool! Navigate Loopy’s water Pokémon to earn the Salt Water Badge!

     

    Percy Pascal, the Playful Paradise Partier!

    You’ve been invited to a beach party in Paldea by Percy Pascal! Come play with Percy and all his precious Pokéfriends. There might even be a battle or two! 🙂

    Party with Percy to earn the Beach Party Badge!

     


  • Leaders: Hyde, the Graveyard Shift Worker, and The Narrator, the No Nonsense Expert!

    By

    Hyde, the Graveyard Shift Worker!

    Someone has to work the graveyard shift, and Hyde is that someone. Working all night at the local haunt has familiarized them with all the spooks and even given them an edge when training them.

    Use your own ghosts or something darker to earn Hyde’s Midnight Badge!

     

    The Narrator, the No Nonsense Expert!

    The Narrator is the guide to this wonderful picture show. Some say he is a criminologist who retells tales lost in time, space, and meaning. But don’t judge this book by its cover, for this menagerie of mischievous miscreants are not just pretty faces.

    Halt these spirits with Ghost and Dark moves to earn the Horror Badge!

     


  • Leaders: Jass, the Explorer, and Liam, the Pace Master!

    By

    Jass, the Explorer!

    After a terrible disaster struck Jass, she went on a spiritual journey, finding new friends along the way. She has now traveled the world and made many friends. See if you can discover yourself in a battle you won’t forget!

    Explore the world in one battle to earn the Exploration Badge!

     

    Liam, the Pace Master!

    Liam was a racer who came from a family filled with athletics elites. He followed in their footsteps and became one of the fastest humans known to all people. After so many victories he decided to throw in the towel and try a new hobby, battling. After watching many battles he decided to start the gym challenge, and after seeing how much fun leaders could have he decided to apply to be a Gym Leader himself. Now he owns the Lightspeed Gym and is awaiting new challengers to keep up with his speed.

    Outpace Liam’s speed of light strategies to earn the Speedster Badge!

     


  • Leaders: Murray, Assistant to the Paldea Region Assistant Manager, and Yoshi, Team Star Normal Squad!

    By

     Murray, Assistant to the Paldea Region Assistant Manager!

    Larry is away on business, and his assistant has come down with the flu. Due to bureaucratic policies, the next person in line is Murray. Technically he’s qualified for the role, but this is beyond his job description. Help Murray meet his challenger quota and earn a Pre-Approved Substitute Badge.

    Make Murray work overtime to acquire the Pre-Approved Substitute Badge!

     

    Yoshi, Team Star Normal Squad!

    Yoshi is a loner that calls himself a member of Team Star. According to him, he is in Normal squad, which nobody has ever heard of. Even the actual Team Star doesn’t recognize him. He once was a Gym Leader, but decided to go out for a trip. He saw Team Star, and that sparked an idea that he wanted to be like them. He built his secret base with cardboard on the side of a cliff, and waits for challengers to challenge him.

    Challenge Yoshi to make him Hasta la Vistar and earn the Normal Squad Badge!

     


  • Leaders: Josh, the Tempered Blade and Orithyus, the North Wind!

    By

    Josh, the Tempered Blade!

    “Those who forget the mistakes of history are doomed to repeat them.” In a world where most conflict is solved through Pokémon battles, it is so easy to forget mankind once specialised in developing bigger and bigger weapons for victory over our own kind. Josh is a trainer who respects both the art of weapon crafting, and the lessons to be remembered from our history. Specialising in Pokémon whose natural evolutions have taken them down paths once dominated by man, Josh brings this natural collaboration of man and Pokémon to bear against those who would challenge him.

    Prevail in single combat to earn the Armory Badge!

     

    Orithyus, the North Wind!

    After getting lost in the snowy woods as a child, Orithyus was found by a friendly Snover, who led him back to his cabin. The next morning, Snover was waiting for him, and the two became inseparable partners. Ori has spent years mastering control over the cold, ice, and snow, and he now sends challengers home shivering.

    Thaw out the frost to take home the Iceberg Badge!

     


  • Leaders: Kenny and Doomy, the Time Traveling Duo, and Wolf, the Leader of the Pack!

    By

    Kenny and Doomy, the Time Traveling Duo!

    Kenny, from a wild and primitive Paldea. Doomy, from a futuristic timeline. While on their Treasure Hunt in each of their respective realities, a mysterious portal opens before them to a place called “Area Zero”. Now spending all their time there, they wait for unsuspecting challengers to battle their cool and different Pokémon!

    Find the balance between past and future to win the Paradox Badge!

     

    Wolf, the Leader of the Pack!

    As a child, Wolf and his brother Arven were each gifted a Maschiff upon enrolling in Naranja academy. Together, the four of them spent endless hours scavenging Paldea. It wasn’t until a devastating event lead to Arven’s Mabosstiff sustaining a severe injury, till Wolf realized just how much he truly valued his partner. From then on, Wolf and his Mabosstiff spent years searching for a remedy for his brother’s beloved partner. By the time Wolf found the needed remedy, he had already created a pack of Pokémon that aided him in his hunt for the Herba Mystica. Seasoned from his past, and forged with his brother’s tenacity, Wolf and his pack rise to the challenge to show trainers what being a team should truly embody.

    Learn to run with the pack and seize the Allegiance Badge!

     


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