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GEK
PuzzleType: TRA_NPC_
Alien: Hello new friend! The Gek first encounter tradition is to give units!
The small creature is busy adding up trade profits when I appear. Their eyes open wide in anticipation of our first contact, and they rubs their fingers together greedily.
The lifeform pecks emphatically at the monetary figures on their pad, then bounces up and down. I can't help but notice that they smell amazing.
{Give units}
The lifeform is clearly thrilled. They give me something in exchange.
---TECHFRAG_S---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Apologise for being unable to help}
The lifeform looks disappointed. They take pity on my confusion, and give me some units.
---MONEY---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Pat the lifeform on the head}
There is a long silence. The trader emits a foul-smelling gas.
---STD_DEC_TRA---
{Ask for help}
Alien: Friend despair! Gek Trader replace bad scent! Watch! Gek swallow oxide elements, and joyful scent appears!
The air around the beaked lifeform smells foul. It seeps into my exosuit and makes me gag. Noticing my expression, the trader pecks at an element they carry. They break the substance into pieces, then swallow each whole.
There is a deep gurgle, and the Gek emits a gas packet that smells delightful. The creature wipes their empty hands, and beams at me with pleasure.
{Thank with common isotope}
The trader nods a brief thank you. They pay for my contribution, but would perhaps have preferred something else.
---MONEY---
{Thank with common oxide}
The overjoyed trader pecks happily at my gift. They thank me with their own generous offering.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Thank with common silicate}
The trader nods a brief thank you. They pay for my contribution, but would perhaps have preferred something else.
---MONEY---
{Ask for help}
Alien: Welcome friend. Gek trader desire common oxides and common silicates. Gek trader DEEPLY desire isotopes! Teach new friend language!
The lifeform's eyes widen in surprise when I go to talk to it. They lean back, and watch for sudden movements. They have very clearly never seen anything quite like me before.
I mime that I cannot speak their language and, increasingly reassured, the beaked trader indicates that they are willing to help - in exchange for particular elements.
{Give silicate}
The grateful trader clicks their beak. They teach me some of the dialect of their people.
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
{Give oxide}
The grateful trader clicks their beak. They teach me some of the dialect of their people.
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
{Give isotope}
The grateful trader clicks their beak with delight. My offering is clearly what it most desired. They teach much of the dialect of their people.
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
{Ask for help}
Alien: Despair! Gek Trader stranded. Suit power low. Give Isotope?
The trader eyes the facility exit door sadly, as if they have been stuck in here for a while. They reach down with their beak and dejectedly pecks at their suit's power cells and life support system.
Their suit looks run down. The lack of charge means that it's ill-equipped for the hostile conditions that rage outside.
{Give Isotope element}
The relieved trader emits a gas packet. They recharge their suit power cells, and reward me.
---TECH_ALL---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Give Silicate element}
The lifeform is confused.
{Ask for help}
Alien: Stupid friend cannot understand! Give oxide, idiot friend! Fair trade for gift of memory-smell!
The trader emits a strong, flowery scent, which quickly enters my exosuit system. I feel overcome with nostalgia for a perfect place I have never visited. I want to sing.
Flushed with joy, I try to signal my thanks to the trader for this olfactory gift, but they make it clear that they expect something in return.
{Give units}
The trader takes my units, and turns away from me. The air suddenly tastes sour. My senses are being punished.
{Give rare oxide}
The trader snorts in satisfaction, and suddenly I feel as though I am lounging beside a crystal ocean. A fair trade.
---TECHFRAG_M---
{Refuse}
The trader hisses in annoyance. The air suddenly tastes sour. My senses are being punished.
---STD_DEC_TRA---
{Ask for help}
Alien: Friend... Installation hydration system stalled... Gek temperature high... Help friend... thirst... high... drink... fluid...
The trader seems ill. Their skin is flaking their eyes lack a certain lustre. Their voice croaks and scratches as they slowly gabble at me.
A strange dry, flat stench fills every corner of the facility. I inspect my exosuit for things I could offer this lifeform...
{Give food from exosuit's nutrient system}
The disappointed trader waves me away.
---STD_DEC_TRA---
{Give water from exosuit's hydration system}
The trader greedily gulps from my hydration system.
Their gratitude seems immense.
---STD_INC_TRA---
---TECH_ALL---
{Ask for help}
Alien: Friend! The planetary technology SalesGek greets you! A multi-tool technology blueprint for a fair price!
The trader looks weak, but they have a cunning air about them. They spin a datapad towards me, and I see that they're selling Multi-Tool components. The prices, however, are eye-watering.
They eye me with a wary interest, waiting to see if I'll bite...
{Pay requested amount}
The delighted trader provides a blueprint. They emit an amazing scent.
---TECH_WEAPON---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Pressure lifeform into accepting less}
The angry trader grudgingly relents. They emit a foul scent.
---TECH_WEAPON---
---STD_DEC_TRA---
{Ask for help}
Alien: Friend! Please avoid crime report and reward! Trader share loot, destroy evidence!
I have caught the trader red-handed. Products and elements are pouring out of the facility's storage vaults, and into their own inventory. Above the gentle buzz of embezzlement that now surrounds us, I can hear the lifeform's terrified gulps.
They look me straight in the eyes, and makes a proposition.
{Demand all stolen goods}
I threaten the trader and take all their purloined trade goods! They report the crime, and blame me...
---P_GRAVBALL---
---SUBST_FUEL---
---STD_DEC_TRA---
{Demand a share}
The trader splits their ill-gotten gains with me. No-one will ever know...
---PROD_COMMOD---
---SUBST_FUEL---
{Report crime}
I report the crime, and assume that the trader will be duly punished. I receive a reward.
---TECH_ALL---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Ask for help}
Alien: The Gek Trade Federation offer help!
The trader has been expecting me. They point to their chest, opens their arms wide, and beam pleasantly. They then point to me, and mime concern for my safety.
Pecking at my exosuit, they indicate they might make my journey more bearable.
{Request help with the Sentinels}
The trader offers me a new multi-tool.
---WEAPON---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Request help with planetary conditions}
The trader gives me an exosuit technology blueprint.
---TECH_SUIT---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Ask for help}
Alien: Despair! I am trapped and bankrupt! Low units!
The lifeform sits in a foul-smelling funk of their own creation. The trading screen behind them is empty, their equipment old and uncared for. Their suit barely looks airtight.
The demoralised lifeform looks up at me with hope in their eyes.
{Give units}
The grateful lifeform gives me the last of their belongings.
---TECHFRAG_S---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Shake hands}
The lifeform sits in total dejection.
{Refuse to help}
The lifeform sits in total dejection.
---STD_DEC_TRA---
{Ask for help}
Alien: Friend! I am a Gek Trade Federation accredited engineer! I give help!
The lifeform clucks and gabbles as they study my equipment. They gently peck at areas of my exosuit that show wear and tear, then runs their gloved fingers over my multi-tool to look for irregularities and imperfections.
Suddenly staring up at me, they squawk an offer and spin a tablet that shows the cost of their services.
{Pay for multi-tool inspection}
The lifeform presents me with a new technology
---STD_INC_TRA---
---TECH_WEAPON---
{Pay for exosuit inspection}
The lifeform mutters and clucks.
They give me a new exosuit technology blueprint.
---TECH_SUIT---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Ask for help}
Alien: Rare balarian speech slug distribution point! For insertion in ear! Inedible! Nasal insertion can cause death.
The trader pulls open a noisy trade vault. A close inspection reveals that it's full of writhing molluscs. They are pink and slug-like, with sharp bloodied teeth.
The lifeform suggests that inserting one in or around my face would have some benefits. What I can't quite make out, however, is which orifice it means...
{Insert slug in nose}
The slug bites flesh from my nose. The pain is extreme.
---DAMAGESMALL---
{Insert slug in ear}
The slug burrows deep into my ear. I feel better versed in the language of the traders.
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
---TEACHWORD_TRA---
{Insert slug in mouth}
I swallow the slug, and wait while it thrashes around in my stomach.
Nothing else of note occurs.
{Ask for help}
Alien: Despair! Friend, my Deflector Shield blueprint is corrupt!
The lifeform is poring over complex schematics while holding their breath. The holographic blueprints look corrupted. Damaged in-flight, perhaps.
The forlorn trader, their face smudged by a strange oil, looks up to me for help.
{Show Pulse Engine blueprint}
The lifeform thanks me politely... But looks at me as if I am deranged.
{Show Phase Beam blueprint}
The trader makes an audible sigh.
{Show Deflector Shield blueprint}
The overjoyed trader gabbles its thanks. They excitedly hand over a gift.
---TECH_SHIP---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Ask for help}
Alien: Friend! The planetary SalesGek greets you! Low units technology!
The trader welcomes me with a pleasant-smelling gas emission. They open a holographic catalogue of exciting companion units for Mining Beams and Boltcasters.
I spot a catalogue of advanced weaponry behind the trader while they're trying to impress me with what looks like a curtsy.
{Offer units for an exosuit technology blueprint}
The trader gives me an exosuit technology blueprint.
---TECH_SUIT---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Offer units for a new multi-tool blueprint}
The trader offers me a new multi-tool blueprint.
---TECH_WEAPON---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Ask for help}
Alien: Terrible pirate events. Gek Trader mistrusts the stranger. What is your cargo's origin?
The visibly upset lifeform shows me a holographic video of attack craft forcing a trade ship to crash land on a planet's surface. Footage taken from orbit shows waiting pirates swarm the cargo hold in a haze of plasma rounds.
The trader then points to the elements I've mined, and looks concerned - accusatory even. They emit a packet of gas that smells troubled.
{Reassure with Mining Beam}
I convince the trader that I am to be trusted. They are hugely relieved.
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Reassure with Boltcaster}
The trader thinks that I am not to be trusted.
---STD_DEC_TRA---
{Ask for help}
Alien: Friend! Gek Trade Network offers excellent trade gifts for Oxide elements today!
The Trader bounces excitedly while it boots up a graph that spins gently in front of me. There are three coloured lines - a plunging blue one, a soaring red one and another that's a fairly flat and uneventful yellow.
The squat little lifeform gabbles a little, points to themself and hops from foot to foot. They seem to want to trade items for elements.
{Offer Silicate element}
I trade my elements for a disappointing gift... The trader is thankful.
---STD_INC_TRA---
---PROD_FUEL---
{Offer Isotope element}
I trade my elements in exchange for an excellent gift
---WEAPON---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Offer Oxide element}
I trade my elements for an acceptable gift from the trader. They are grateful.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_TRA---
{Ask for help}
.png){kind=tracking}
KORVAX
PuzzleType: EXP_NPC_
#18
Alien: Fascinating! Unknown lifeform share silicates, and entity share language knowledge! Rare silicate, better research!
As I approach the electronic lifeform they instinctively starts to analyse me from head to foot. They chitter animatedly, their head tilted to one side.
The more they study, the more the facility's resource vault consumes what my scanner suggests are silicate elements.
I mime that I know little of their kind or how they communicate, and the lights in their mask flash...
{Give common silicate}
The electronic lifeform's lights flicker with mild disappointment. Nevertheless, they rest their hand on my visor and thank me with a transfer of language.
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
{Give uncommon silicate}
The electronic lifeform's lights flicker with mild disappointment. Nevertheless, they rest their hand on my visor and thank me with a transfer of language.
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
{Give rare silicate}
The electronic lifeform's lights blaze with sudden intensity. My offering was clearly what they were hoping for. They rest their silicon hand on my visor, and thank me with a transfer of language.
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---TEACHWORD_EXP---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Ask for help}
#8
Alien: Korvax... Entity... power loss... help... uncommon... isotope... element...
The electronic lifeform's bright greeting suddenly slows. They taps into their personal data while their facial lights dilate and internal systems crash. Columns of streaming data show their power levels spiraling downwards.
The lifeform looks to me for help, and then points to my gathered resources with a single, slow and desperate movement.
{Give common isotope}
The entity slowly inserts the element into a slot in their hip. They partially reawaken, and thank me with a gift.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Give uncommon isotope}
The entity slowly inserts the element into a slot in their hip. It fully reawakens.
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Walk away}
The entity's mask lights go out. A fresh electronic lifeform is downloaded into the now-empty metal shell. They ignore me.
---STD_DEC_EXP---
{Ask for help}
#9
Alien: New Korvax entity... scared... alone... leave... please... leave... please...
I startle the electronic lifeform from their work. They greet me politely, but when they see my boltcaster they begin to vibrate with fear. The entity's voice quavers, and their mask slowly turns to a single dilated red light.
They clearly want to get back to their research work, but they are too terrified to look away from me. The more I try to calm them, the more the poor thing convulses with fear.
{Insist that I come in peace}
The lifeform's face suddenly wipes. The shell reboots, with a new entity in place of the other. The replacement entity ignores me.
---STD_DEC_EXP---
{Leave the lifeform alone}
The lifeform's unseen overseers thank me for my diplomacy. I receive something that will help my journey.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Ask for help}
#3
Alien: Unknown lifeform! Korvax shell power overload! Help entity to discharge! Eheu! Pain!
The electronic lifeform is agitated, and perhaps in pain. Their body buzzes, and small arcs of electricity jump between their mask and shoulders. They jolt and shake. They need help.
They reach out a hand as if they wants to shake mine. I instinctively raise my arm in response, but common sense advises caution...
{Shake hands}
The lifeform discharges an overload. The pain is intense. They thank me with a gift.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---
---HAZARDSMALL---
{Pull back}
The electrified lifeform continues to shake and crackle. They cannot understand my refusal to help.
---STD_DEC_EXP---
{Ask for help}
#2
Alien: Unknown lifeform: a question! Clarify unknown lifeform intelligence level?
The lifeform shows me complicated creature research data to see if I can comprehend it. I must look blank, because the lifeform instead projects three holographic images into my visor.
They are clearly seeking my opinion on the intellect of my own species. I am shown a vacant-looking slug, a more advanced beaked trader and a member of their own electronic race.
{Point to the slug}
The electronic lifeform pities me. I am handed gifts and given a sympathetic nod.
---PROD_FUEL---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Point to the beaked trader}
The lifeform was clearly expecting this answer. They have readied a technology blueprint for me.
---TECH_SHIP---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Point to the electronic lifeform}
The electronic lifeform refuses to believe me.
---STD_DEC_EXP---
{Ask for help}
#1
Alien: Unknown lifeform. Fascinating. The Korvax Convergence studies all lifeform data. Lifeform recorded. Goodbye.
I've interrupted an electronic lifeform in the middle of their work. Enquiring mask lights flash up towards me, and scan me from head to foot. Simultaneously, on their datapad, their silicon fingers flick through images of this planet's plants and creatures - before adding my own image!
Then, their facial lighting starts to dim. Their interest in me is perhaps fading. I need a way to impress...
{Share creature scan data}
The lifeform chitters happily and rewards me.
---MONEY---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Give units}
I have confused the lifeform. They reciprocate with their own units.
---MONEY---
{Give silicate element}
The lifeform's facial lights briefly flash. They give me a technology blueprint.
---STD_INC_EXP---
---TECH_ALL---
{Ask for help}
#23
Alien: Traveller! The Korvax Convergence wants brain tissue for experiment! The Convergence reward help!
A sharp metal needle emerges from the palm of the lifeform's hand. It moves so fast that it's already inches from my forehead before I can even blink.
A strange toxic-looking goop dribbles down from its point and onto my visor. It hangs in the air above me, while the entity waits to for the order to plunge it deep into my brain.
{Take needle}
The needle is made of silicate products. The entity is disappointed.
---SUBST_TECH---
---STD_DEC_EXP---
{Allow brain excavation}
I receive a reward, with thanks... and indescribable levels of pain.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---DAMAGESMALL---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Refuse brain excavation}
The lifeform retracts the needle, and is clearly disappointed.
---STD_DEC_EXP---
{Ask for help}
#25
Alien: Atlas Interface signal wakes? Researcher! Feed system oxides constantly! Avoid expenditure!
The electronic lifeform is processing a signal that emanates from a distant location deep in space. Endless processing units are combining to crack the code of a strange mathematical language.
Rare elements are being pulled from the resource vaults at their feet, but some are running low. I feel bright lights constricting, directing their attention upon me.
{Place rare silicates in vault}
The silicates are added to the process. They make no clear impact.
{Place rare oxides in vault}
The oxides fuel the code cracking procedure. A faint orb glows red on the screen, then slowly fades.
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Take elements from vault}
I retrieve rare elements... but the lifeform's code-breaking process grinds to a halt.
---SUBST_TECH---
---SUBST_COMMOD---
---STD_DEC_EXP---
{Ask for help}
#4
Alien: Eheu! Vital data loss! Research facility permissions are unavailable! Help immediately!
The electronic lifeform narrows their mask lights in frustration and furiously taps at their workstation. They look at me with agitation, presumably doubting that a low intelligence being can help access the terminal.
A Bypass Chip would certainly help here, but whether the lifeform would appreciate the illegal device is unknown.
{Give Bypass Chip}
The system unlocks. The electronic lifeform gives me something to aid my journey.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Try terminal myself}
The lifeform pushes me away from the terminal. They clearly resent my interference.
---STD_DEC_EXP---
{Ask for help}
#12
Alien: Korvax Convergence help fabled Traveller! Absorb knowledge!
The lights in the electronic lifeform's mask constrict, and they beam a moving image onto the inside of my visor.
Complex equations detailing fascinating technologies spin past in a blur. The speed of the entity's cognition and understanding is clearly far beyond my own.
Images of chemical formulae, directional energy diagrams and micro-density devices dance inches from my eyes - too fast to comprehend.
I am about to ask them to stop, but realise I could instead ask them to pause... but when?
{The chemical formulae}
The image cycle pauses on a new product formula. I thank the entity.
---RECIP_PROD_COMM---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{The directed energy diagrams}
The image cycle pauses on a multi-tool technology blueprint. I thank the entity.
---TECH_WEAPON---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{The micro-density devices}
The image cycle pauses on an exosuit technology blueprint! I thank the entity.
---TECH_SUIT---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Ask for help}
#16
Alien: Ayee! Product creation experiment disaster! Low elements! Rare silicate, isotope or oxide required! Appropriate recipe reward!
The electronic lifeform flits between three separate replication experiments - all of which appear to be going wrong. Smoke rises from resource vaults, and the manic entity's fingers are a blur on their control pad. They look at me with wide mask lights and increasing alarm.
Their casing lamps suddenly settle on my exosuit inventory - and they reach out with a metal arm...
{Give rare silicate}
The lifeform manages to salvage one of its experiments with my offering. They thank me with an appropriate gift.
---RECIP_PROD_COMM---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Give rare isotope}
The lifeform manages to salvage one of its experiments with my offering. They thank me with an appropriate gift.
---RECIP_PROD_FUEL---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Give rare oxide}
The lifeform manages to salvage one of its experiments with my offering. They thank me with an appropriate gift.
---RECIP_PROD_COMM---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Ask for help}
#13
Alien: Disconnection approaches... Joyful entity embrace disconnection... Korvax Echoes await!
The lights in the electronic lifeform's mask are dim, their voice weak. They look at me with mild interest, but it seems as if their mind is already elsewhere.
Upon seeing me approach, they slowly reach to open the trade vault at their feet, but it is too late. The entity's lights fade for a final time, and all that's left is a satisfied electrical hiss...
{Re-energise lifeform}
The disappointed lifeform blinks back online...
They reluctantly open the trade vault for me.
---PROD_FUEL---
---STD_DEC_EXP---
{Wait}
New, energized lights flare in the lifeform's mask casing.
A fresh entity emerges, and greets me with gifts.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Ask for help}
#5
Alien: Korvax Echoes teach help and advance low intelligence lifeform. Choose: healing or power?
The electronic lifeform is pleased to see me. Their mask lights burn an intense green as they project two holograms into my visor.
In one, the fragments of a complex equation are made whole and solved. In another, a number is boosted, added and multiplied. They await my decision.
{The solved equation}
The lifeform chitters happily. My body is bathed in strange healing rays.
---HEALTHLARGE---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{The multiplied number}
The lifeform chitters happily. They hand me a gift.
---TECHFRAG_M---
---STD_INC_EXP---
{Ask for help}