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README.md

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+# Common
+
+Common is an unofficial open source implementation of common utility classes
+and routines found in World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King circa 2010.
+These utility classes and routines were not part of the standard libraries
+used for the game, and are assumed to be specific to World of Warcraft, unlike
+Storm, Tempest, and so on.
+
+This project attempts to provide a version of these common utility classes and
+routines compatible with the final release build of World of Warcraft: Wrath
+of the Lich King in 2010: 3.3.5a (12340).
+
+In the spirit of documenting what is presumed to have existed at the time,
+this project makes every attempt to maintain the canonical names, layouts, and
+side effects of the original implementation of these common utility classes
+and routines. At the same time, it attempts to ensure portability and
+compatibility with modern 64-bit systems.
+
+## FAQ
+
+**Why?**
+
+It's fascinating to explore the development practices used to build a modern
+major video game.
+
+**Why 3.3.5a?**
+
+The game and its libraries have become significantly more complex in the
+intervening 10+ years. By picking 3.3.5a, it's possible to imagine this
+implementation will eventually be complete.
+
+**Will this let me cheat in the game?**
+
+No. Common is a library of utility classes and routines, none of which are
+particularly relevant to the anti-cheat measures found in the game.
+
+**Can I use this in my own development projects?**
+
+It's probably a bad idea. The original utility classes and routines remain
+closed source, and this  project is in no way official.
+
+## Legal
+
+This project is released into the public domain.
+
+World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King ©2008 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
+All rights reserved. Wrath of the Lich King is a trademark, and World of
+Warcraft, Warcraft and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered
+trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.