Aluradux's eyes mist over as she bows her head and clutches the locket that she always seems to have around her neck. Her mind seems to be somewhere far away as she opens it and stares wistfully inside. She jerks back to the present as Popper nudges her and he passes a bowl of vegetables to her. She closes the locket and smiles at the youngster, her melancholy forgotten, as she takes the bowl from him and helps herself to some of the delicious fare.
"Aluradux Hass, prior to your engagement in the consumption of assorted organic matter, my analytical programming detected an increase in your heart rate and respiratory function," notes Sev, having approached the lashunta. "However, my audio receptors did not register any audible cry of alarm or other indicator of distress."
"Therefore, luradux Hass, I must inquire: Are you currently functioning at standard efficiency? Or have you just recently identified a a potential life partner?" No malice or other emotion is evident in the android's words. Yet, perhaps, there is within them a seeming touch of innocence, if not any clear notion of concern.
Observing how the juvenile stage organics appreciate the ysoki's efforts of continuously tossing objects into the air and catching of them so as to keep at least one in the air while handling the others, Sev concludes that they may appreciate the experience themselves.
The android abruptly takes ahold of one of the residents and tosses them into the air.
Athletics to Toss:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23
"Second target acquired," Sev notes flatly as he draws his blade out of the corpse of the first."Strike to carotid artery. 64% chance of successful termination from initial strike."
The android then calculates an approach and striking position, which he executes.
Acrobatics to Trick:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19 Melee attack (survival knife) w/flank v blue:1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 2 = 29 Damage (S):1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 Trick Damage:3d8 ⇒ (8, 3, 1) = 12
At the end of the parade route, Yichen descends from their hovering perch over the float with a wide smile spread across their face. "That was amazing! Like, really really amazing! You've made this a celebration worth remembering for sure! I've got some nice overhead pics I'll send you later, but right now I want you to have this as thanks."
"Yichen, my audio receptors registered you saying that you found the float to be 'really really amazing', repeating the word, 'really' in duplicate," notes Sev flatly. "However, while my analytical programming detected an increase in your heart rate and respiratory function, it has not detected any form of fluency disorder evident within the remainder of your speech nor has my internal chronometer registered any recent temporal distortion or similar anomalies."
"Therefore, Yichen, I must inquire: Are you currently functioning at standard efficiency? Or, as in the alternative as Aluradux Hass--a Starfinder that I like--has suggested, are you attracted to the float and see it as a potential life partner?"
GM Hawthwile wrote:
"Granny was the glue that held us together. Since she passed away, we've been lost. This is the first time we've all been together since the funeral. I thought Reunion would bring us together, but it's pulling us apart instead. They're all so determined to make today perfect in honor of Granny - to do everything exactly they way she would've done. So here I am, in an apron, with no idea what to do!"
"Have you considered obtaining funds for a resurrection spell?" suggests Sev, his delivery as emotional as it is helpful. "Or, in the alternative, you could seek a replacement. I am aware of the existence of several forms of adhesive."
"Well the holoprojector is destroyed. Hmm..." Aluradux's face grows pensive for a moment the suddlenly brightens. "I have it! I'll ride with the float and provide holograms of famous androids myself. This'll be great. I can have the hologram interact with people in real time instead of a programmed routine. I can even have Mr. Fancypants give me some data during the parade when I want to change to a different personality. I have plenty of spell energy left. I should be able to do that at least five times today."
"Accordingly, I will deactivate the existing programmed routine to avoid undesired redundancy," concludes Sev.
Computers:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
The android flips a switch in a highly-skilled manner.
Sev nimbly dashes around the holo-jester and the float to sneak up on the projector and shatter it with his thunderstrike pistol.
Acrobatics to Trick:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26 Ranged attack (thunderstrike sonic pistol):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 Damage (So):1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Trick damage:3d8 ⇒ (1, 3, 3) = 7
"Hey you stupid jester. Hasn't anyone told you? Clowns aren't funny!" She points to Sev. "Sev here doesn't even have a sense of humor and he's ten times funnier than you!"
"I am curious as to the form of metric that you are utilizing," Sev responds. "As for this threat, it may be neutralized by destroying the projector."
The android attempts to tumble past the holographic foe.
Acrobatics:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
"Hey kids!" the jester jests. "Why shouldn't you eat a clown? Because they taste funny! Haha!"
Sev's programming goes into overdrive, analyzing the median age of those beings present, concluding that none present would be considered a juvenile representation of their species, let alone a child or 'kid'. The android intends to correct the apparent hardlight harlequin when his programming slows to conduct a comprehensive list of reasons why consumption of a circus performer would be inadvisable, being with a compilation of practical and nutritional explanations, then continuing on to those based upon a general consensus of social taboos regarding cannibalism.
Sev pauses and cocks his head for a moment, before noting flatly, "Perhaps, the warning not to ingest was, in fact, in jest."
GM Hawthwile wrote:
The jester giggles and bounces to Rodkin. "Do you know why the clown was sad?" it asks gleefully.
"It's because she broke her funny bone! Haha!"
When the jester speaks again, Sev is able to now respond more quickly.
"If by 'funny bone', you are referring to the ulnar nerve, then you should be aware that it cannot be 'broken' in the conventional sense. While I would postulate that a diagnosis of nerve damage may cause momentary distress, given the current state of medical knowledge and biotechnical expertise, I think it improbable that treatment would prevent such from leading to any extended period of sadness or depression," Sev explains. "Unless, of course, you intended the reference to be a form of social commentary regarding the unfortunate inaccessibility to health care that plagues those who obtain low-wage, itinerant employment within the entertainment industry. If so, then your choice in word play could, indeed, be considered scathingly clever."
The android pauses to consider the hologram in a new.... light.
Engineering or Computers (same mod) to ID:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 First want to know, can this thing be disabled with a skill check. Next, want to know immunities and, then, resistances.
If he believes he can disable the hologram, then he will move into a position according, either: 1) adjacent (if necessary) or 2) an attack position. Each option is now indicated on the map with a blue box.
Otherwise, he will trick attack, moving to an attack position (blue box 2) and firing with a weapon unless he thinks the jester immune or resistant.
Raw check or attack roll:1d20 ⇒ 10 Add +11 modifier if a Computers or Engineering check. Add +8 modifier if Ranged attack roll
Damage if attack roll:
Acrobatics to Trick:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34 Ranged damage (thunderstrike sonic pistol) So; deafen [DC 17:1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Unless he thinks it immune or resistant to sonic, then Ranged damage (azimuth laser pistol) F; burn 1d4:1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Unless he thinks it immune or resistant to both sonic and fire, then Ranged damage (tactical semi-auto pistol) P; analog v KAC:1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
"The design of the vehicle designated as the 'Jeweled Flower', is quite inefficient, although not as much so as the vehicle next to it," declares Sev as he looks from the Jeweled Flower to the hovering castle. "The castle structure provides few aerodynamic benefits and the flags and streamers have a 97% probability of producing increased drag."
"I suggest, Yuchen, that the vehicle frame incorporate a more streamlined design, which would not only result in higher efficiency, but also reduce the requisite amount of materials and labor necessary to effectuate the project's timely completion," suggests the android.
Sev concludes that there is a high-probability that the AbadarCorp toys contain a significant amount of amosite. He attempts to use them to battle the uncontained flames before him.
Athletics:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
The box of comic strips is coated in the foam and ceases to burn - but the rush of air seems to have fueled the flames as a crate of electronic toys that didn't quite meet AbadarCorp standards and a rather unremarkable box of salt lamps too close to Rodkin's feet for comfort spontaneously combust!
AbadarCorp has standards?
As the android's optic sensors observe the blanket being immolated and noting that the defective toys should almost certainly be destroyed anyways, Sev activates the subroutines associated with constructing firebreaks and gets to work.
Attempt around flames indicated with blue dot.
"Just like you predicted Sev. Do you have second sight or something?"
"If you are making inquiry as to the existence of any build-in redundancy within my optic sensors, the answer is: no such redundancy exists." The android approaches the largest collection of flames and continues to engage his fire suppression subroutines.
Outside the Freemarkets, Sev spots a pair of skittermanders testing fireworks.
"Analysis: Probability for the ignition of flammable materials within area has increased by 245 percent."
Once inside the storage unit, the android scans the area for the desired apparel.
Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
**"Kinnik likes his friends but he like likes Celeed. It means that he is attracted to Celeed and sees him as a potential life partner. It's not quite love, not yet anyway, but close. Do you understand?**
Sev looks blankly at the lashunta for a moment, before give a short response with no expression. "Yes," he replies aloud.
A few moments later, he adds, "I like you Aluradux Hass. However, our relationship, at least at the present time, does not warrant the addition of any further likes."
As Kinnik speaks, Sev cocks his head for a moment as if momentarily uncertain about something. The android has no reaction to the discussion of music-related keepsakes.
However, when the shirren finishes speaking, the android interjects.
"Kinnik, my audio receptors registered you saying that you 'like like like' Celeed, repeating the word, 'like', in triplicate," Sev notes flatly. "However, while my analytical programming detected an increase in your heart rate and respiratory function, it has not detected any form of fluency disorder evident within the remainder of your speech nor has my internal chronometer registered any recent temporal distortion or similar anomalies."
"Therefore, Kinnik, I must inquire: Are you currently functioning at standard efficiency?"
Aluradux giggles. "Oh my goodness Sev. You're just going to be the life of the party, aren't you?"
Sev pauses for a moment, then scans his fellow agents with his optic sensors. "At present, each member of our 'party' appears to be functioning at full capacity. Indicators suggest that none are deceased. This unit's condition, therefore, is not unique as each presently has 'life'."
The android cocks its head for a moment, then asks, "Are you anticipating some imminent alteration of that condition?"
He sees you approaching, and calls out to you. "Hey! you aren't by chance the friends Camillia said would be coming are you? I coud use a hand!" As he finishes calling to you, he loses his battle of balance, and the bags he is carrying falling to the ground, pulling him with them.
"It would appear, in fact, that you could utilize multiple hands, as well as adjoining appendages in order to maintain your present load," Sev observes. "I believe that a variety of augmentations are presently available and offered for sale by a variety of suppliers."
"I would also suggest that you recalibrate your organic equivalent of an internal gyroscope," the android suggests further after the shirren has fallen to the ground. "In many mammalian species, such a mechanism is located within the inner ear. However, as your species is more insectoid in nature, a different location is more probable."
He coldly continues scanning and espousing his conclusions as the other Starfinders render assistance. "The absence of halteres extruding from your exoskeleton would suggest that such a mechanism within shirren would be among the sensory cells found in the pedicel of your antennae, which detect motion in the flagellum. Most likely, it consists of scolopidia arrayed in a bowl shape, each of which contains a mechanosensory chordotonal neuron."
"Query: I trust that you have found this advice to be helpful?"
"Negative," a blue-skinned android flatly responds. "This unit presently has no future intentions of engaging in any celebratory acts. Further, my internal chronometer is quite efficient and allows for the calculation of the passage of time without the need for periodic re-calibration in accordance with a specifically-designated time increment displayed upon any religiously or secularly devised calendar."
"There appears to be a malfunction within my circuitry. Commencing manual re-configuration." Sev states flatly as be cuts into his forearm and begins altering his circuits.
Sev affirms, "My colleague, Oda Umox, is highly displeased with your choice of vocation and present course of action." Sev notes flatly to the adolescent quorlu. "I suggest that you depart."
"With some additional power diverted to the engines, I believe that I can obtain sufficient speed and maneuverability to initiate a fly-by attack." suggests Sev.
His flat delivery makes it difficult to ascertain whether the android's belief is based upon a reasonable analysis of his own capacity and probabilities or else a well-hidden sense of cocky overconfidence.
"May I suggest that efforts be made to restore the forward shields and that the forward weapons array be manned to full capacity?" queries Sev as he flies the Drake straight towards the enemy vessel.
Seeing the creature before him drop, Sev mobesy on the nearest foe.
His positronic brain analyzes this creature, too, searchi for a vulnerability.
Life Science, Alien Archive, to identify:1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 4 = 29
