Quest Failed: Chapter Two - Dev Log #97

Hiya, guys!

Surprise--right before the end of the month I'm back with one last development log! I wasn't gonna let us leave this month without it, so don't you worry!

Unfortunately this one will be a little sparser than usual, as most of my energy has been focused on trying to wrap up the alpha build, but this is what I've been working on!

- Partially finished implementation of the library. Most of the character commentary on each book is finished--it's just implementing text into the books themselves, which will be a mix of new writing and cobbling together existing lore I wrote previously. I had a lot of fun delving into the history of the country, though I might revisit some of these 'lore' books though if I end up conflicting myself, haha. It's safe to say that lots of what you read in those books WILL be somehow important to the plot down the line. Even if it's not immediately obvious! The books are fairly short reads too, with Matt mostly skimming them and noting down the parts that stick out to him.

- Continuing to implement voice files for scenes both old and new. There's been a lot of audio editing work, with hundreds of clips being added in this time around. It's been a lot of fun to see these scenes come to life!

- Working on several h-scenes on the side that won't be ready for immediate insertion into the main script, but will be complete on the side and allow me to arrange for them to be voiced while I cobble together everything else. Working in a non-linear fashion has its pros and cons, but it does allow me to hop from scene to scene when I'm just not feeling a certain thing at the time. The downside is that it can be hard to show immediate progress because of this, when everything is so far apart and unable to be linked up in builds. This work has been split between a fun extra encounter in the library and a somewhat sad scene between the MC and the hooded girl which happens down the line. Or, at least there's the potential for it to be more sad than it might be depending on your choices! You wouldn't want to bully hood-chan though, would you? She's been through enough as it is!

- Finishing up a lovely Ruby scene where's tender and caring with you. (Sort of. Just don't get on her bad side or you're gonna live to regret it!) I was kind of stuck on this scene for a little bit but I think I've gotten into a good flow with it! And it'll be fully voiced from the get-go, so look forward to that!

- Once I've pushed the next alpha build out, my goals will be to focus on some lovely fish ladies and their stories waiting to be told, while also fleshing out a couple of small side quests I started, one of which involves Matt coming face to face with a grumpy fairy at long last! At the same time I'll be making preparations to push forward with the main plot, which had sort of been set aside after a big important meeting with the Queen due to side quest shenanigans--but I have plenty planned for it and lots of dramatic moments waiting to be seen~

- Continuing to get more music specifically tailored for Chapter Two's increasingly elaborate custom sound track! I'm still using some royalty free tracks, but the new tracks really do help add to the mood in places where I didn't have things to fill in the gaps previously; the new camp theme for example, which comes with its own day AND night variant, with the latter being a lot more chill feeling as you kick back by the fireplace with your monster girl pals. Ahhh, so romantic! You almost forget most of these ladies have each jumped your tiny fragile bones without your consent!

Finally, regarding the actual RELEASE of the alpha build, I realise I'm cutting it close this month but will still try to do my best to wrap up everything that needs to be done before the end of July. If I don't manage this month I'll try to get things out in timely manner next month and honour any pledges made previously so nobody feels cheated. And if by chance I said that last month too then just get in touch with me and let me know if you supported in a previous month where I may have been a little slow to deliver, and I'll try my best to work things out and make sure we'll all happy with this arrangement! Because if I'm being honest adhering to rigorous schedules with alpha builds stresses me out greatly and the more I fall behind on them the more stressed I become, ahhhhh. Though at the same time they do motivate me to try to keep working on a consistent basis, so I can't fault them TOO much--I think sometimes there's just a lot of work for one person alone to handle, haha. Anyway, don't lose faith--mostly everything is done for this next build, just some stray things I have to iron out and some loose ends that need tying up! You WILL be able to snuggle the dragon soon enough. <3

As always, thank you for your immense support over the years--and if you have any questions/concerns regarding anything mentioned (or anything else!) don't hesitate to get in touch! I'll happily answer any and all questions as best I can!

To wrap things up, I've attached a cute interpretation of Ruby to this post--a chibi variant you'll see at the beginning of the game if you choose to ask for a recap of Chapter One, which will be told in an almost storybook manner with cute narration. These particular chibis were done by one of Chapter 2's main artists, Deverish, and I just love the style they have to them <3

Until next time, guys!