PU-34LE "Puzzle"'s page

Congrats on the arrival of the little one and the promotion! That's awesome news. I totally understand the impact that particular combo can have on life and leisure.

No problem, Flash. I've enjoyed this group and the story we're weaving. Happy to wait it out until you're ready to roll once more!

Arriving at the rendezvous point, Puzzle spies the man in the truck beckoning them over. Given their recent meeting with Taza, the android was expecting their contact to be more... professional.

Sense Motive w/Expertise: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + (3) + 1 = 24 Does Phillin's anxiety seem the result of our presence or the job at hand?

"I am Puzzle. There is nothing to be concerned about," the android assures the man. "There is a reason the boss hired us. We are skilled professionals with a reputation for being successful. And we value that reputation."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Whichever way his worries lay...

"I can ride up there with you, if that will help put your mind at ease," Puzzle offers.

Puzzle nods along with Vedrir and Wyrd's suggestions. They listen intently to Taza's reply.

"That is a sound approach," the android approves. "It makes sense for us to establish a successful working relationship and build a mutual understanding before committing to anything more substantial. Your terms are fair. We accept the job."

"There will be opportunity for both parties to collect more data before exploring further contracts once we return," Puzzle looks to each of their companions and back to the lashunta. "Of course, upon successful completion - and better intelligence of the situation - there is the real possibility of the value of our services increasing."

Hey everyone. Great to see some posts here again!

I will post on the morrow. Sorry to delay - things are pretty flat out at present!

Puzzle considers their options. "We could certainly try subterfuge or infiltration," the android agrees.

They gesture with a hand in a circular motion, encompassing the group. "As a team, we are equipped with the necessary skills to do so." Memories of the basement beneath the Club, the shotalashu rider at Horizon House and bypassing the Brass Dragon and Collective blockades in Asana Town come to mind. "The danger is that if we mistime even a single step, it will almost certainly lead to hostilities."

"It is not our ability to handle such an outcome that is cause for concern, but our future plans for the Sun Diver." Puzzle turns to face Lu. "As painful as it may be, the Vestrani are currently the legal owners of the Sun Diver. Should we... liberate... the vessel from their possession, we will not be the rightful owners from a legal standpoint. While this of itself does not concern me, the potential impact to our future operations does."

"Perhaps establishing a more collaborative relationship with the Vestranis will be preferable?"

I've been listening to the Know Direction episodes of the PaizoCon panels (Hi, Kate!) and having an absolutely grand time.

As I listened to the discussion of the various adventures, I was amused by the thought of Fly, Free or Die as a prequel for our current game - how we met, came into possession of the ACN-1, became a crew and subsequent shenanigans.

Given recent events, we also have a possibly delicious side quest to look into in Band on the Run, starring Wyrd.

;)

Sorry about the delay in posting. The past week has been crazy and it took me several days to chip away at a post (needing to rework it a number of times to reflect the posts of you all more timely folks!).

Also, boy, I'm sorry about those poor rolls... yeesh.

"Hello Lu," Puzzle greets her as they move to join her. The android introduces each of their companions in turn. "Please do not get the wrong idea about us - we do not take pleasure from violence. However, we are prepared to and adequately capable of responding with force if the situation demands."

Puzzle listens intently as Lu recounts her tale, and to the thoughts of their crew mates.

Sense Motive w/Expertise: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (5) + 1 = 15 Does Lu seem trustworthy? Telling the (whole) truth?

I think so, too, Puzzle replies to Nomyra telepathically.

"You present a strong argument," the android begins, attempting to smooth any ruffled feathers. "Your expertise and intimate knowledge of the vessel are highly valuable commodities. Not to mention your access to resources and your contacts."

Diolomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Puzzle looks around at their companions. "I believe we are in agreement?"

Puzzle frowns slightly. "I think there is a malfunction in the comms," they respond uncertainly.

The replies from their friends did not make sense. If they did not know better, it had sounded as though they were saying Wyrd had performed a song and was now famous. "Nevermind, I will meet you at the Service Desk."

Puzzle considers Lu's words for a moment. Nodding, the android replies, "I believe you are correct. Whether through analysis or intuition, one can place oneself in favourable positions, thus improving the probability of success."

"I have heard it said that the gods play dice with individual's lives. I cannot speak on this with certainty, but I feel that on several occasions in my existence, the timeliness of opportunities available to me converge with the notion of divine intervention." They tilt their head. "Perhaps this moment will prove to be another such instance."

"You have piqued my interest. I will collect my winnings, gather my crew and meet you there to discuss this further."

After cashing in their chips, Puzzle contacts the others over comms. "I had moderate success with my wagers at the tables. I also hit the jackpot in locating Lurian. She might have a job for us - she is awaiting us just down the road. What have you all been up to?"

"Nice to meet you, Lu," the android responds. "I am Puzzle."

Puzzle nods in understanding. "All streaks come to an end - it is inevitable." They tilt their head, adding, "When it comes to gambling, you know that streaks are only illusions? It is merely a clustered distribution of like outcomes, the probability of success for any given trial does not actually change within that period."

"If I did not know better, I might believe myself to be on a hot streak of late - my present financial state notwithstanding. Recent successes have been within the realms of business liquidation, property acquisition and R&D." The corners of the android's mouth lift slightly, amused by their own words.

"And now I find myself at the skimmer table and the clusters of successful outcomes continue - although I am not surprised, as I strategically selected the game that involved a greater level of individual skill over pure chance, allowing me to have more input into the result."

Puzzle bids Kwox farewell, satisfied with the result of their work at the skimmer table so far. The android gives Vola a small wave and a nod as she arrives, and settles in for another game.

The android is surprised when a young woman matching Lurian's description joins them at the table. They know it is improper to comment on other players' wagers - especially strangers' - but determines the risk acceptable in the event it initiates an interaction.

"I am not new to gaming tables," Puzzle reveals, tilting their head as they regard the woman. "However, it seems your success exceeds mine."

Puzzle wagers a modest 100 chips on the next game.

"That was inconclusive," Puzzle observes to their companions as they wrap up their reconnaissance of the casino. "We will need to alter our strategy."

"Perhaps conversation with those "in the trenches" will meet with greater success," the android suggests. "Interacting with them within their role or duty may prove beneficial in fostering positive results."

[B]"My thoughts are at a select gaming table or two, as well as the restaurant and restrooms, for obvious needs."

"My preference is for games involving some measure of skill or research, over those purely of chance. My preferences would be the skimmer tables - not to mention skittermanders renown for being helpful - followed by the enercycles. Nomyra may also have an acceptable chance at the Wall of Many Mountains, but the entry fee is substantial."

"It would be in our interest to purchase Vestrani chips and at least make a token effort of visiting the gaming tables," Puzzle suggests. "We do not want to draw undue attention to ourselves by failing to observe casino ettiquette. Casinos do not become such paragons of excess by catering to siteseers."

"I optimised my expenditure before departing DCI," the android admits, shifting their weight self-consciously. "I have a total of 27 credits currently available."

Not sure what everyone's budget is (and I don't want to spend others' money) - we could potentially pool our credits? For instance, 22cr each would give us 110cr to cover 100 Vestrani chips, which would cover a game with 50 ante at the skimmer table and potentially another, should we lose.

In the event the crew scrounge up enough funds to cover a game, Puzzle volunteers to take a seat at the table.

Sorry to take a while between posts. I've been kept a little busy by RL happenings.

Looking forward to seeing what the casino will hold in store.

"It is okay," Puzzle assures their friends. "It is in the casino's interest to ensure their patrons feel absolutely safe and secure. The duration and magnitude of an individual's expenditure are proportional to their level of comfort."

"Of course, they will be swift to act should their carefully crafted ecosystem be disturbed."

The android moves over to the Guest Services counter as directed. Keeping their knife sheathed at their hip, Puzzle submits their trio of rifles for storage, They hesitate momentarily before complying with the biometric scan.

They wonder if this will alert their pursuers as to their location. They determine there is little to be done about it on this ocassion. "Thank you, Jannik," they say, simply.

Just a quick post to help formulate a plan.

Puzzle has 3 rifles and a knife. Might be able to wear the knife openly and allowed entry? Possibly same for anyone else's pistol?

My thoughts for if we want to try and sneak a weapon in - Puzzle can use Bluff to create a diversion. Either to cover for someone else or themself as a weapon is concealed somehow or a checked weapon might not get lost in the fracas and not get checked in afterall?

Thanks for clarifying GM Flash!

"Try to keep your distance and draw it out of the darkness!" Puzzle calls to their companions.

Levelling their rifle, the android carefully lines up the sparkling palm within the darkness and fires two quick shots.

Pulsecaster rifle 1: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 4 = 22
Electricity (NL): 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Concealment 1, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 60

Pulsecaster rifle 2: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 4 = 8
Electricity (NL): 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Concealment 2, high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 91

Something that just came mind - is the Xenowarden nearby?

Emerging from the darkness, Puzzle descends to land on the grassy lawn of the garden. Spying Vedrir and Nomyra outside the area of darkness, the android nods, pleased.

The moment of satisfaction is short-lived as the shimmering form of the palm within the darkness lurches forward, a vine lashing out to strike his companion. That was information they had not been equipped with. They should have considered it a possibility.

Just confirming the area of darkness and zero-g remained in place?

"You did very well, Vedrir - Nomyra is now free from the darkness and zero-g," Puzzle calls in encouragement.
Inspiring Boost: Vedrir you gain +14 SP

"Keeping at range does not appear to be the solution I had expected. But perhaps if we can keep it at distance and on the move... Nomyra, do you have a ranged option?"

Puzzle then dashes back and away from his other companions (as shown on map).

Their optical sensors able to partially pierce the plant's darkness, Puzzle sees the difficulty the void palm is presenting.

"It may mitigate the risk to keep our distance," the android suggests, firing a round at the palm.

Concealment (high is good): 1d100 ⇒ 87
Pulsecaster rifle: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Electricity (NL): 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

"Nomyra, I can use my jump jets to propel you and get myself back out, if you wish."

Readied action: if Nomyra agrees, Puzzle will activate jump jets to move as marked on map, grabbing (or bumping into, if an extra action would be required) Nomyra to drag/knock her into motion.

Not sure what this looks like mechanics-wise as zero-g experience is limited. Likely rolls on collision to avoid being off-kilter?

"Just like the other times," Puzzle calls. "Nothing you have not seen before, Nomyra."
Inspiring Boost: Nomyra +14 SP

Enjoy the vacation, Flash!

Just realised I hadn't updated my rolls since levelling.

Puzzle moves closer to better support their companions, if required, before discharging the pulsecaster rifle once more.

Pulsecaster rifle: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Electricity (NL): 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Puzzle nods at Kit's suggestion. "A sound strategy. We just need to subdue it long enough for Xenowarden Ferran to take care of." The android readies their pulsecaster rifle as the group follow the khizar's directions.

Approaching the clearing where the void palm inhabits, Puzzle looks around for any signs of other trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Vedrir's all 'bout dem upgrades!

Puzzle looks over the scene below as they approach their destination in the Verdeon bubble. "It is amazing the shiny veneers that accompany underlying crime and corruption," the android observes.

Puzzle is transfixed when the Floating Gardens come into view. Entranced by the orbits and rotations of the platforms, they follow the paths of gardens, trying to analyse their motions.

The android listens as Vedrir explains the khizar's plight. "That would be devastating to the harmony of the Gardens," Puzzle says. "It would be a waste of such meticulous planning and loving care." It is unclear whether they are referring to the botanical varieties contained within the gardens or the feat of design and engineering keeping them aloft.

Puzzle turns to Vedrir. "It sounds like a curiosity, even if it is valuable. I Have little experience with such things. What do you think?

Puzzle inclines their head in apology to Pahdric. "Of course, I had not meant to pry - merely establish which room or table we would be more likely to locate her."

"One can never have too much data," Puzzle agrees with their companions. "But opportunities can be missed through delay."

"The bigger the pot or degree of risk, the quicker she will draw the attention if the Vestrani. If it has already been some weeks..." the android trails off, spreading their hands, palm up.

Puzzle checks over the tranferred comms details and nods to Pahdric.

"We could certainly look into it," Puzzle begins. "It will be quite the experience to have the Sun Divers' best pilot take us out for a tour," they add pointedly.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19 Trying to gain a bit of bonus tier reward.

"Do you know her vice of preference?"

That is so true!

Reading over that, I now think we're going about this the wrong way - we've already moved in and taken over turf, set up a chopshop and rec club, now we need to establish a "protection scheme" for local businesses and get some of thevlocal law enforcement on our payroll.

Puzzle, too, has a pretty good idea of what trouble she was in for - they had seen it all too often during their period of indenturement within the casino on Verces.

For some reason, the thought brings Mamma Throsh to mind.

Sense Motive w/Expertise: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + (1) + 1 = 21

"You accept passengers aboard your ships?" Puzzle asks. "That would be quite the sight to behold! And inside the sun! I can only imagine the reward tier for these."

Does Puzzle know anything of the gaming complex or Verdeon?
Culture: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

"You seem worried for Lurian," the android does their best to empathise. "Is there reason she would be unsafe? Has anyone gone to check on her?"

Welcome back Flash. As Kate has already said, it's great to have you back.

Take as much time as you need.

I can't remember if Puzzle had learned Auran last time we encountered Sky - I seem to recall that communicating was problematic? I'll have to check.

Puzzle now has access to all elemental languages, so hopefully that will pay dividends down the track.

"Into the sun?" Puzzle echoes Nomyra. "I cannot say the prospect excites me as mcuh as it does you, Nib. The thought brings to mind images of the fate of the portal."

Puzzle nods as their companions share their thoughts. "Ah, yes, Sky. I would very much like a chance to meet such an intriguing being again."

"Why is it that we need to go into the sun?"

Take care Flash. Hope all is on the mend.

No rush here.

The advanced medkit is a nice upgrade.

Looking forward to seeing what everyone rolls out with when we kick off the next book.

I thought I had finalised my purchases, then second guessed myself and took a different route. Then, decided to change back again. Let's see how/if it pays off.

Thank for the chronicle, Flash.

Puzzle's pretty much set. That was a difficult round of shopping - so many nice things, so little credits (relatively speaking).

I took the opposite approach and didn't upgrade armour, rolling the dice that something serviceable will turn up. Although Puzzle and Nomyra are practically polar opposites in terms of their risk of getting up close and personal and being punched in the face.

The major purchase was a new long arm for that bit of extra bite. Oh, and also tossed some credits in for a medkit - figured it was time to stop sponging from Vedrir.

Taking a quick look, it seems about 9000 for Puzzle too. Thanks, Flash.

I have been looking at shopping items and am hard pressed to afford an on level piece of weapon or armour.

I was beginning to wonder if I'd missed something. Being my first AP, I was thinking that I'd been spoiled by SFS payouts.

Thanks for the clarification. Will finish the level/purchases soon.

Thanks GM Flash!

I can't remember, is that amount in lieu of any gear/items collected throughout the book?

ie. I picked up some graphite carbon skin from one of our foes. Has that now gone *poof* and I need to purchase some new armour using those creds?

Puzzle is just about levelled. Just need to finalise the feat and update the offensive stats and botting on profile.

To me it feels a bit like 2 separate stories as opposed to one longer one. Maybe I'm just missing the overall connection and it will become more clear in the next book(s).

I've been wondering about that as well... just thinking back over how the various elements of the story link together.

There has been the repeated links to the fire plane throughout the adventure - starting with the appearance of the ship through the portal, the types of creatures we've encountered and prevalence of Ignan language.

@GM Flash: speaking of which - did Puzzle glean anything from their cram session with the Ignan tomes?

And I think the answer is yes, but it's good to check...did we just level up ? ;)

Oooh, great question! *awaits reply with bated breath*

Thanks GM Flash!

Still having a great time and absolutely on board for Book 3.

That was a pretty heavy slog through the Brass Dragon HQ - especially that last encounter. I wasn't sure that we were all going to make it. Bummed that Jalusann got away!

By the way, Dennis, I loved it when Kit picked up her weapon and then threw it away! I was like, "Why the he'll didn't I think of that?!"

Farol, Ha! Our own planet and mining facility! Love it.

Player: Supersuperlative
Character: Unnamed
SFS: 274536-704
Faction: SS (Ehu Hadif)
No day job

Puzzle joins in the toast, raising their glass in acknowledgement. "Kampai!" they offer in response before partaking in a modest sup of the celebratory beverage.

"I am intrigued by your offer," Puzzle replies to Nib. "There is still much that does not make sense, so much to discover about what is happening."

Puzzle listens intently to the ongoing convwrsations. "Let us savour this moment," the android says, taking another sip of the drink. "It seems we will be very busy for some time to come."

While they wait for DCI to finish the data retrieval, Puzzle takes advantage of the lull in events to scour through the metallic Ignan tomes, looking for hints and tidbits that might shed some light on recent events.

--------

"Yes, we came back. I said that I backed our crew to come out on top. The calculations were in our favour," Puzzle states matter-of-factly.

Puzzle recounts their journey through the Brass Dragon base in (perhaps, too fine) detail. "As Nomyra has said, Jalusann is yet unaccounted for. I would consider it highly probable that she has - or will - make contact with this "S" and her mysterious employer, That is unless they happen to be the one and same."

Earlier...

Puzzle scans the found tomes and data with great interest. "So Jalusann and the Dragons are not the tip of the spear, after all. I wonder who this "S" is and the ones linked to the missing log file?"

"We also have this," the android holds the datapad retrieved from the locker. (At least I don't think I saw anything a check or anything pertaining to what we uncovered there?)

They swipe an index finger across the screen and try to access the device.

Computers: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Puzzle will reveal anything they are able to find if successful, otherwise will pass it to Kit if not.

Now...

"It has been a long day and you are right, we could all use some rest. We can meet tomorrow."

And maybe together we can puzzle out what to do next."

"Ah! I believe that was what they refer to as a pun?" they ask with a small smile of satisfaction, as if decrypting some great mystery.

Puzzle grabs the datapad from the locker and holds it aloft for the others to see. "Maybe we will find something on here."

The android crosses back to join their companions. "That is a sound idea," they reply to Kit, drawing a healing serum. "Hold onto that for an emergency, I have a handful left." (Still have 5)

Puzzle offers serums to any who are in need before imbibing one themself.

Healing Serum: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Puzzle joins Kit, running an eye over the computer and idol. "An interesting set up," the android observes, pjtting their head together with the resourceful goblin to crack the computer.

Computers skill +9 = auto succeed Aid Another.

"Think you could bypass this once you are done? the android asks, offering the datapad.

Happy to take 10 min rest here to be safe. Definitely check over the other area on the way out. Also, Vedrir, I've started tracking Treat Deadly Wounds in my header

Puzzle shrugs, their search not having turned up any trace of Jalusann. "I do not like this..." The android continues a wary scan. "She may have left. Or not. Let us keep moving."

Puzzle makes their way toward the bed and locker, carefully checking for signs of traps before getting top close.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

If all seems clear, they will search the bed and attempt to open the locker.

"Vanished? Puzzle asks, looking around warily.

The android retrieves the fire extinguisher from their backpack and circuits the room, discharging the foaming agent in rapid flicks all around the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Not sure how (or if) this works mechanically according to the item description, but basically hoping to catch some sign of Jalusann with the spray if she is still in the area.