Are racial stat bonuses every level or just once at creation?

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Me and a few of my group members came to a disagreement about when racial stat bonuses apply.



I believe that your racial ability score increases are only applied once at character creation. However, they argue that you continue to add those bonuses at every ability score increase as you level up. For instance, humans would get plus 1 to everything at ability score increases or half orcs would get a plus 2 to strength and a plus 1 to constitution at ability score increases.



I honestly think that isn't correct because it seems highly unbalanced. How does it actually work?



Please give answers with corresponding text from the PHB so I can see if it covers this question already.










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  • 2




    Have they considered what happens with negative racial bonuses? After 15 levels, you'll be into negative scores!
    – Nelson
    Oct 2 at 7:34














up vote
19
down vote

favorite












Me and a few of my group members came to a disagreement about when racial stat bonuses apply.



I believe that your racial ability score increases are only applied once at character creation. However, they argue that you continue to add those bonuses at every ability score increase as you level up. For instance, humans would get plus 1 to everything at ability score increases or half orcs would get a plus 2 to strength and a plus 1 to constitution at ability score increases.



I honestly think that isn't correct because it seems highly unbalanced. How does it actually work?



Please give answers with corresponding text from the PHB so I can see if it covers this question already.










share|improve this question









New contributor




A.Joker is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.















  • 2




    Have they considered what happens with negative racial bonuses? After 15 levels, you'll be into negative scores!
    – Nelson
    Oct 2 at 7:34












up vote
19
down vote

favorite









up vote
19
down vote

favorite











Me and a few of my group members came to a disagreement about when racial stat bonuses apply.



I believe that your racial ability score increases are only applied once at character creation. However, they argue that you continue to add those bonuses at every ability score increase as you level up. For instance, humans would get plus 1 to everything at ability score increases or half orcs would get a plus 2 to strength and a plus 1 to constitution at ability score increases.



I honestly think that isn't correct because it seems highly unbalanced. How does it actually work?



Please give answers with corresponding text from the PHB so I can see if it covers this question already.










share|improve this question









New contributor




A.Joker is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











Me and a few of my group members came to a disagreement about when racial stat bonuses apply.



I believe that your racial ability score increases are only applied once at character creation. However, they argue that you continue to add those bonuses at every ability score increase as you level up. For instance, humans would get plus 1 to everything at ability score increases or half orcs would get a plus 2 to strength and a plus 1 to constitution at ability score increases.



I honestly think that isn't correct because it seems highly unbalanced. How does it actually work?



Please give answers with corresponding text from the PHB so I can see if it covers this question already.







dnd-5e character-creation races character-advancement ability-scores






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edited Oct 1 at 4:37









SevenSidedDie♦

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asked Oct 1 at 4:06









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Check out our Code of Conduct.







  • 2




    Have they considered what happens with negative racial bonuses? After 15 levels, you'll be into negative scores!
    – Nelson
    Oct 2 at 7:34












  • 2




    Have they considered what happens with negative racial bonuses? After 15 levels, you'll be into negative scores!
    – Nelson
    Oct 2 at 7:34







2




2




Have they considered what happens with negative racial bonuses? After 15 levels, you'll be into negative scores!
– Nelson
Oct 2 at 7:34




Have they considered what happens with negative racial bonuses? After 15 levels, you'll be into negative scores!
– Nelson
Oct 2 at 7:34










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
45
down vote



accepted










Racial ability score adjustments are only added once at character creation.



The Player's Handbook is explicit about how ability scores improve. The ability score improvement class feature says:




When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1...
[PHB, page 114]




There is no mention of adding any benefits from your race. Additionally, there is nothing in the racial descriptions that indicates you should add their racial bonuses when you increase ability scores.






share|improve this answer
















  • 3




    Reference PHB p15 under "Beyond 1st Level" in the second paragraph and I believe this answer will be complete.
    – Slagmoth
    Oct 1 at 12:46


















up vote
16
down vote













You only apply the Ability Score Increase racial trait once



While it isn't explicitly stated that the racial trait isn't added throughout a characters levelling, if a specific feature intended you to improve every level it would be mention such as in the case of the Tough feat (emphasis mine):




Your hit point maximum increases by an amount equal to twice your level when you gain this feat. Whenever you gain a level thereafter, your hit point maximum increases by an additional 2 hit points.




All of the general rules for increasing features at level up appear in the section of the Basic Rules or Player's Handbook called Beyond 1st Level. This section discusses how class features, new hit dice, and proficiency bonus increases are awarded as you level up. Nowhere in this section are racial traits mentioned.






share|improve this answer





























    up vote
    1
    down vote













    Further Evidence that the Ability Score Increase Racial Traits are a One-Time Bonus



    PHB 11 (empahasis mine)




    Your race also increases one or more of your ability scores, which you determine in step 3. Note these increases and remember to apply them later.




    The rules state your race will increase your ability scores that are determined in step 3. It says nothing about increasing them with the standard occasional level increase of +2.



    Later in step 3... PHB 13




    Now take your six numbers and write each number beside one of your character’s six abilities to assign scores to Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Afterward, make any changes to your ability scores as a result of your race choice.




    After you assign your ability scores, you adjust them based on your racial traits. Again, no indication of changing them at any other time.



    PHB 15 (Beyond 1st Level)




    When your character gains a level, his or her class often grants additional features, as detailed in the class description. Some of these features allow you to increase your ability scores, either increasing two scores by 1 each or increasing one score by 2. You can’t increase an ability score above 20. In addition, every character’s proficiency bonus increases at certain levels.




    Only class is referenced as granting additional features with leveling up. There is no reference to racial traits in connection with going up a level. Aside from Dwarven Toughness I can't think of any racial trait that increases with level, though I may be overlooking something esoteric.



    PHB 20 (emphasis in original text)




    Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.



    Dwarven Toughness. Your hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 every time you gain a level.




    These Hill Dwarf traits provide the clearest insight into the RAW. The first trait, Ability Score Increase states your wisdom score increases by 1. This means it increase one time at creation, by 1 point. The second trait, Dwarven Toughness, is clearly intended to provide an increase with every level and this is clearly stated. Your hit point maximum increases by 1 every time you gain a level. Every racial ability increase is stated the same as this one, and makes no mention of any increase with level.



    As stated in a previous answer, the PHB makes no reference to racial ability score increases in any of the Ability Score Improvement descriptions for any of the classes (PHB 67, Druid, for example)



    The complete omission of the racial ability score improvement trait at all points in the PHB that discuss Ability Score Improvement with level make it quite clear that racial traits do not provide ongoing improvements to ability scores. They are a one time bonus at character creation.






    share|improve this answer
















    • 1




      Tieflings gain more spells at certain levels, and Dragonborn breath weapon damage increases at certain levels. But both of these increase at specific levels, rather than every time the character gains a level.
      – Neil
      Oct 2 at 17:38










    • Thanks, I had a feeling I was missing something.
      – lightcat
      Oct 2 at 18:15










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    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

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    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes








    up vote
    45
    down vote



    accepted










    Racial ability score adjustments are only added once at character creation.



    The Player's Handbook is explicit about how ability scores improve. The ability score improvement class feature says:




    When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1...
    [PHB, page 114]




    There is no mention of adding any benefits from your race. Additionally, there is nothing in the racial descriptions that indicates you should add their racial bonuses when you increase ability scores.






    share|improve this answer
















    • 3




      Reference PHB p15 under "Beyond 1st Level" in the second paragraph and I believe this answer will be complete.
      – Slagmoth
      Oct 1 at 12:46















    up vote
    45
    down vote



    accepted










    Racial ability score adjustments are only added once at character creation.



    The Player's Handbook is explicit about how ability scores improve. The ability score improvement class feature says:




    When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1...
    [PHB, page 114]




    There is no mention of adding any benefits from your race. Additionally, there is nothing in the racial descriptions that indicates you should add their racial bonuses when you increase ability scores.






    share|improve this answer
















    • 3




      Reference PHB p15 under "Beyond 1st Level" in the second paragraph and I believe this answer will be complete.
      – Slagmoth
      Oct 1 at 12:46













    up vote
    45
    down vote



    accepted







    up vote
    45
    down vote



    accepted






    Racial ability score adjustments are only added once at character creation.



    The Player's Handbook is explicit about how ability scores improve. The ability score improvement class feature says:




    When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1...
    [PHB, page 114]




    There is no mention of adding any benefits from your race. Additionally, there is nothing in the racial descriptions that indicates you should add their racial bonuses when you increase ability scores.






    share|improve this answer












    Racial ability score adjustments are only added once at character creation.



    The Player's Handbook is explicit about how ability scores improve. The ability score improvement class feature says:




    When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1...
    [PHB, page 114]




    There is no mention of adding any benefits from your race. Additionally, there is nothing in the racial descriptions that indicates you should add their racial bonuses when you increase ability scores.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Oct 1 at 4:17









    indigochild

    5,40511745




    5,40511745







    • 3




      Reference PHB p15 under "Beyond 1st Level" in the second paragraph and I believe this answer will be complete.
      – Slagmoth
      Oct 1 at 12:46













    • 3




      Reference PHB p15 under "Beyond 1st Level" in the second paragraph and I believe this answer will be complete.
      – Slagmoth
      Oct 1 at 12:46








    3




    3




    Reference PHB p15 under "Beyond 1st Level" in the second paragraph and I believe this answer will be complete.
    – Slagmoth
    Oct 1 at 12:46





    Reference PHB p15 under "Beyond 1st Level" in the second paragraph and I believe this answer will be complete.
    – Slagmoth
    Oct 1 at 12:46













    up vote
    16
    down vote













    You only apply the Ability Score Increase racial trait once



    While it isn't explicitly stated that the racial trait isn't added throughout a characters levelling, if a specific feature intended you to improve every level it would be mention such as in the case of the Tough feat (emphasis mine):




    Your hit point maximum increases by an amount equal to twice your level when you gain this feat. Whenever you gain a level thereafter, your hit point maximum increases by an additional 2 hit points.




    All of the general rules for increasing features at level up appear in the section of the Basic Rules or Player's Handbook called Beyond 1st Level. This section discusses how class features, new hit dice, and proficiency bonus increases are awarded as you level up. Nowhere in this section are racial traits mentioned.






    share|improve this answer


























      up vote
      16
      down vote













      You only apply the Ability Score Increase racial trait once



      While it isn't explicitly stated that the racial trait isn't added throughout a characters levelling, if a specific feature intended you to improve every level it would be mention such as in the case of the Tough feat (emphasis mine):




      Your hit point maximum increases by an amount equal to twice your level when you gain this feat. Whenever you gain a level thereafter, your hit point maximum increases by an additional 2 hit points.




      All of the general rules for increasing features at level up appear in the section of the Basic Rules or Player's Handbook called Beyond 1st Level. This section discusses how class features, new hit dice, and proficiency bonus increases are awarded as you level up. Nowhere in this section are racial traits mentioned.






      share|improve this answer
























        up vote
        16
        down vote










        up vote
        16
        down vote









        You only apply the Ability Score Increase racial trait once



        While it isn't explicitly stated that the racial trait isn't added throughout a characters levelling, if a specific feature intended you to improve every level it would be mention such as in the case of the Tough feat (emphasis mine):




        Your hit point maximum increases by an amount equal to twice your level when you gain this feat. Whenever you gain a level thereafter, your hit point maximum increases by an additional 2 hit points.




        All of the general rules for increasing features at level up appear in the section of the Basic Rules or Player's Handbook called Beyond 1st Level. This section discusses how class features, new hit dice, and proficiency bonus increases are awarded as you level up. Nowhere in this section are racial traits mentioned.






        share|improve this answer














        You only apply the Ability Score Increase racial trait once



        While it isn't explicitly stated that the racial trait isn't added throughout a characters levelling, if a specific feature intended you to improve every level it would be mention such as in the case of the Tough feat (emphasis mine):




        Your hit point maximum increases by an amount equal to twice your level when you gain this feat. Whenever you gain a level thereafter, your hit point maximum increases by an additional 2 hit points.




        All of the general rules for increasing features at level up appear in the section of the Basic Rules or Player's Handbook called Beyond 1st Level. This section discusses how class features, new hit dice, and proficiency bonus increases are awarded as you level up. Nowhere in this section are racial traits mentioned.







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited Oct 1 at 12:51

























        answered Oct 1 at 4:32









        David Coffron

        28k295191




        28k295191




















            up vote
            1
            down vote













            Further Evidence that the Ability Score Increase Racial Traits are a One-Time Bonus



            PHB 11 (empahasis mine)




            Your race also increases one or more of your ability scores, which you determine in step 3. Note these increases and remember to apply them later.




            The rules state your race will increase your ability scores that are determined in step 3. It says nothing about increasing them with the standard occasional level increase of +2.



            Later in step 3... PHB 13




            Now take your six numbers and write each number beside one of your character’s six abilities to assign scores to Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Afterward, make any changes to your ability scores as a result of your race choice.




            After you assign your ability scores, you adjust them based on your racial traits. Again, no indication of changing them at any other time.



            PHB 15 (Beyond 1st Level)




            When your character gains a level, his or her class often grants additional features, as detailed in the class description. Some of these features allow you to increase your ability scores, either increasing two scores by 1 each or increasing one score by 2. You can’t increase an ability score above 20. In addition, every character’s proficiency bonus increases at certain levels.




            Only class is referenced as granting additional features with leveling up. There is no reference to racial traits in connection with going up a level. Aside from Dwarven Toughness I can't think of any racial trait that increases with level, though I may be overlooking something esoteric.



            PHB 20 (emphasis in original text)




            Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.



            Dwarven Toughness. Your hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 every time you gain a level.




            These Hill Dwarf traits provide the clearest insight into the RAW. The first trait, Ability Score Increase states your wisdom score increases by 1. This means it increase one time at creation, by 1 point. The second trait, Dwarven Toughness, is clearly intended to provide an increase with every level and this is clearly stated. Your hit point maximum increases by 1 every time you gain a level. Every racial ability increase is stated the same as this one, and makes no mention of any increase with level.



            As stated in a previous answer, the PHB makes no reference to racial ability score increases in any of the Ability Score Improvement descriptions for any of the classes (PHB 67, Druid, for example)



            The complete omission of the racial ability score improvement trait at all points in the PHB that discuss Ability Score Improvement with level make it quite clear that racial traits do not provide ongoing improvements to ability scores. They are a one time bonus at character creation.






            share|improve this answer
















            • 1




              Tieflings gain more spells at certain levels, and Dragonborn breath weapon damage increases at certain levels. But both of these increase at specific levels, rather than every time the character gains a level.
              – Neil
              Oct 2 at 17:38










            • Thanks, I had a feeling I was missing something.
              – lightcat
              Oct 2 at 18:15














            up vote
            1
            down vote













            Further Evidence that the Ability Score Increase Racial Traits are a One-Time Bonus



            PHB 11 (empahasis mine)




            Your race also increases one or more of your ability scores, which you determine in step 3. Note these increases and remember to apply them later.




            The rules state your race will increase your ability scores that are determined in step 3. It says nothing about increasing them with the standard occasional level increase of +2.



            Later in step 3... PHB 13




            Now take your six numbers and write each number beside one of your character’s six abilities to assign scores to Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Afterward, make any changes to your ability scores as a result of your race choice.




            After you assign your ability scores, you adjust them based on your racial traits. Again, no indication of changing them at any other time.



            PHB 15 (Beyond 1st Level)




            When your character gains a level, his or her class often grants additional features, as detailed in the class description. Some of these features allow you to increase your ability scores, either increasing two scores by 1 each or increasing one score by 2. You can’t increase an ability score above 20. In addition, every character’s proficiency bonus increases at certain levels.




            Only class is referenced as granting additional features with leveling up. There is no reference to racial traits in connection with going up a level. Aside from Dwarven Toughness I can't think of any racial trait that increases with level, though I may be overlooking something esoteric.



            PHB 20 (emphasis in original text)




            Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.



            Dwarven Toughness. Your hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 every time you gain a level.




            These Hill Dwarf traits provide the clearest insight into the RAW. The first trait, Ability Score Increase states your wisdom score increases by 1. This means it increase one time at creation, by 1 point. The second trait, Dwarven Toughness, is clearly intended to provide an increase with every level and this is clearly stated. Your hit point maximum increases by 1 every time you gain a level. Every racial ability increase is stated the same as this one, and makes no mention of any increase with level.



            As stated in a previous answer, the PHB makes no reference to racial ability score increases in any of the Ability Score Improvement descriptions for any of the classes (PHB 67, Druid, for example)



            The complete omission of the racial ability score improvement trait at all points in the PHB that discuss Ability Score Improvement with level make it quite clear that racial traits do not provide ongoing improvements to ability scores. They are a one time bonus at character creation.






            share|improve this answer
















            • 1




              Tieflings gain more spells at certain levels, and Dragonborn breath weapon damage increases at certain levels. But both of these increase at specific levels, rather than every time the character gains a level.
              – Neil
              Oct 2 at 17:38










            • Thanks, I had a feeling I was missing something.
              – lightcat
              Oct 2 at 18:15












            up vote
            1
            down vote










            up vote
            1
            down vote









            Further Evidence that the Ability Score Increase Racial Traits are a One-Time Bonus



            PHB 11 (empahasis mine)




            Your race also increases one or more of your ability scores, which you determine in step 3. Note these increases and remember to apply them later.




            The rules state your race will increase your ability scores that are determined in step 3. It says nothing about increasing them with the standard occasional level increase of +2.



            Later in step 3... PHB 13




            Now take your six numbers and write each number beside one of your character’s six abilities to assign scores to Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Afterward, make any changes to your ability scores as a result of your race choice.




            After you assign your ability scores, you adjust them based on your racial traits. Again, no indication of changing them at any other time.



            PHB 15 (Beyond 1st Level)




            When your character gains a level, his or her class often grants additional features, as detailed in the class description. Some of these features allow you to increase your ability scores, either increasing two scores by 1 each or increasing one score by 2. You can’t increase an ability score above 20. In addition, every character’s proficiency bonus increases at certain levels.




            Only class is referenced as granting additional features with leveling up. There is no reference to racial traits in connection with going up a level. Aside from Dwarven Toughness I can't think of any racial trait that increases with level, though I may be overlooking something esoteric.



            PHB 20 (emphasis in original text)




            Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.



            Dwarven Toughness. Your hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 every time you gain a level.




            These Hill Dwarf traits provide the clearest insight into the RAW. The first trait, Ability Score Increase states your wisdom score increases by 1. This means it increase one time at creation, by 1 point. The second trait, Dwarven Toughness, is clearly intended to provide an increase with every level and this is clearly stated. Your hit point maximum increases by 1 every time you gain a level. Every racial ability increase is stated the same as this one, and makes no mention of any increase with level.



            As stated in a previous answer, the PHB makes no reference to racial ability score increases in any of the Ability Score Improvement descriptions for any of the classes (PHB 67, Druid, for example)



            The complete omission of the racial ability score improvement trait at all points in the PHB that discuss Ability Score Improvement with level make it quite clear that racial traits do not provide ongoing improvements to ability scores. They are a one time bonus at character creation.






            share|improve this answer












            Further Evidence that the Ability Score Increase Racial Traits are a One-Time Bonus



            PHB 11 (empahasis mine)




            Your race also increases one or more of your ability scores, which you determine in step 3. Note these increases and remember to apply them later.




            The rules state your race will increase your ability scores that are determined in step 3. It says nothing about increasing them with the standard occasional level increase of +2.



            Later in step 3... PHB 13




            Now take your six numbers and write each number beside one of your character’s six abilities to assign scores to Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Afterward, make any changes to your ability scores as a result of your race choice.




            After you assign your ability scores, you adjust them based on your racial traits. Again, no indication of changing them at any other time.



            PHB 15 (Beyond 1st Level)




            When your character gains a level, his or her class often grants additional features, as detailed in the class description. Some of these features allow you to increase your ability scores, either increasing two scores by 1 each or increasing one score by 2. You can’t increase an ability score above 20. In addition, every character’s proficiency bonus increases at certain levels.




            Only class is referenced as granting additional features with leveling up. There is no reference to racial traits in connection with going up a level. Aside from Dwarven Toughness I can't think of any racial trait that increases with level, though I may be overlooking something esoteric.



            PHB 20 (emphasis in original text)




            Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.



            Dwarven Toughness. Your hit point maximum increases by 1, and it increases by 1 every time you gain a level.




            These Hill Dwarf traits provide the clearest insight into the RAW. The first trait, Ability Score Increase states your wisdom score increases by 1. This means it increase one time at creation, by 1 point. The second trait, Dwarven Toughness, is clearly intended to provide an increase with every level and this is clearly stated. Your hit point maximum increases by 1 every time you gain a level. Every racial ability increase is stated the same as this one, and makes no mention of any increase with level.



            As stated in a previous answer, the PHB makes no reference to racial ability score increases in any of the Ability Score Improvement descriptions for any of the classes (PHB 67, Druid, for example)



            The complete omission of the racial ability score improvement trait at all points in the PHB that discuss Ability Score Improvement with level make it quite clear that racial traits do not provide ongoing improvements to ability scores. They are a one time bonus at character creation.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Oct 2 at 7:13









            lightcat

            877113




            877113







            • 1




              Tieflings gain more spells at certain levels, and Dragonborn breath weapon damage increases at certain levels. But both of these increase at specific levels, rather than every time the character gains a level.
              – Neil
              Oct 2 at 17:38










            • Thanks, I had a feeling I was missing something.
              – lightcat
              Oct 2 at 18:15












            • 1




              Tieflings gain more spells at certain levels, and Dragonborn breath weapon damage increases at certain levels. But both of these increase at specific levels, rather than every time the character gains a level.
              – Neil
              Oct 2 at 17:38










            • Thanks, I had a feeling I was missing something.
              – lightcat
              Oct 2 at 18:15







            1




            1




            Tieflings gain more spells at certain levels, and Dragonborn breath weapon damage increases at certain levels. But both of these increase at specific levels, rather than every time the character gains a level.
            – Neil
            Oct 2 at 17:38




            Tieflings gain more spells at certain levels, and Dragonborn breath weapon damage increases at certain levels. But both of these increase at specific levels, rather than every time the character gains a level.
            – Neil
            Oct 2 at 17:38












            Thanks, I had a feeling I was missing something.
            – lightcat
            Oct 2 at 18:15




            Thanks, I had a feeling I was missing something.
            – lightcat
            Oct 2 at 18:15










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