Logic Masters Deutschland e.V.

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PUZZLE:

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RULES:

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Normal Sudoku rules apply.

• Dutch Whisper (orange): Digits along each Dutch Whisper line must differ in value by at least four [4].
• Killer: The value of digits within a cage must sum to the number given in the top-left corner.
• Kropki (consecutive): White dots separate two cells containing digits of consecutive value (not all dots are given).
• Kropki (ratio): Black dots separate two cells where one is double the value of the other [ratio of 1:2] (not all dots are given).
• Thermometer: Digits along a thermometer must increase in value from the bulb to the tip.

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MODIFIER:

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• Decay: For all of the above rule-set, a digit may only repeat in a clue of the same type if it is then reduced in value by some multiple of 2 (e.g. an 8 used within a Killer cage may only be used in additional cages if it is valued at "4", "2" or "1"; if used a third time, it must again contain a different value from previous). Each type of constraint maintains its own set of Decay values and no digit may represent a fractional value. It is up to the solver to determine the value of each digit (if relevant).

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INTRODUCTION:

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This is a puzzle inspired by the ongoing playthrough of Half-Life, by a streamer who goes by the pseudonym "Joseph Anderson" (often referred to as "dadapon" or simply "Joe"). He or she is allegedly a fellow Canuck who resides in an undisclosed province, with an indeterminate amount of children, pets and spouses and who is also a fan of Cracking the Cryptic (again allegedly).

"Joe", if that is your real name - this one is for you.

Note: This puzzle features a unique modifier to the other more common constraints, meant to be thematic but that I also hope proves to be a satisfying bit of logic to unwind. This modifier applies to values in all rule-sets listed above. For the sake of these types of puzzles, different Kropki dots are considered different rule-sets.

An example puzzle will follow to better illustrate the rules (in the example, lines along a line must differ by a value of at least 2).

Please enjoy!

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