Quest Failed: Chapter Two - Dev Log #70

Hiya there, guys! How are we all doing today? I think we're about a day early with this new dev log, but wanted to get it up on time before work on Chapter Two ends up consuming all of my time and I completely forget. Plus, since I was a couple of days late on the last dev log, this begins to make up for it! Maybe. Or do I overthink these things?

But wow, we're reached the big seven-oh--dev log number 70! Has it really been that long since I started the first dev log for Chapter 2? The months really do start to whizz by once you get buried enough into something, and it's kinda scary.

It's been a long time since I've done a post focused on exploring a character--and with the completion of Anna's cute chibi art that I've attached above, I thought there's no better time than now to explore a little bit more of this cunning innkeeper~ I'll be talking a bit about her character and the concept behind her, while still trying maintain that air of mystery she seems so proud of, huhu.

While the initial concept for Anna was just to have an innkeeper/bartender for Matt to interact with a little during his stay in Rhan so that the inn didn't feel as lonely/static, she eventually grew into far more of a character--something that seems to happen often during my writing, where characters will just gain lives of their own and spiral far beyond the role they were created to serve. This led to giving her many of her traits and personality quirks that you know and love--such as her shrewd, business minded nature coupled with her almost motherly way of ensuring her guests are looked after. (Because there's more chance of them spending more money on repeat visits if she gives a good surface!) Coupled with her cunning, almost dangerous nature that gives you the sense there's far more to those mesmerizing eyes of hers than...uh...meets the eye? This also led me to creature a natural and fitting backstory for her, of which I won't spoil here--but be assured she's a woman of much experience if the way she handles a broom like the deadliest of weapons is anything to go by. Just imagine what she'd be like with a real sword in her hand!

In terms of her appearance, while it wasn't intentional again at the start--she ended up with a lot of features that aren't all typical and give more of an aged appearance--like the prominent collarbone, the freckles, the way her chest isn't as perky as a younger girl's (though still huuuuge!). Even the sly way she covers her mouth when whenever she grins was something the artist, Devirish added and I knew right away it was super fitting and adjusted her personality ever so slightly to accommodate for it. Which I think goes to show just how naturally I let characters evolve depending on various variables, and try not to be too stringent. Alongside Ren, I have something of a fondness for Anna, which may explain why she ended up with a few bonus extra CGs compared to most characters, haha.

Surprisingly, though, despite Anna's atypical features--a lot of you really seem to love her, of which I'm super glad and relieved for. There was always the hesitation when putting the demo out that she might seem too 'old' for some or not fit the mega moe standards of some players--but I rarely see a negative word towards her! Maybe it's these features that help her stand out? I remember someone called the game 'Milf Quest' one time, which made me laugh--but at the same time, when you think about it...they're probably not wrong, what with how many older ladies are sneaking into the cast as time goes by. What do you all personally think of the old, more motherly characters? Will you be seeking some motherly comfort from them--or be sticking to the younger girls?

And this isn't even touching on the wonderful voice Anna has--that perfect raspy tone that sends chills right down your spine, courtesy of the very same VA that blesses us with Tari's sleepy mrrrs and Marine's devilish giggles! When I heard Venus LeMay's take on the character during the audition period, I knew right away that I had found the perfect voice for this cunning gal. It fits her perfectly--and I really can't wait to show you all her future scenes with more of the wonderful voice acting in place. It really does lend itself to the more sensual moments, as you can imagine, huhu.

...One question remains thought... What will happen if young Matt comes up short on paying for his room? Will all that hospitality from before melt away and Anna will show her true colours--or will the cunning innkeeper have arrangements for such an outcome? Seemingly always one step ahead. It'll definitely be an event you'll want to witness at least once~ And who knows, maybe by falling into the red and squandering all of your gold, you'll unlock paths you never knew existed until then! Since surely Anna wouldn't have the heart to kick a cute little guy like Matt out onto the streets, right?

I'll end this dev log now, that ended more like a love letter to Anna (I hope she'll accept my feelings, uwa!) with a few questions as always, since I love hearing from you guys!

- What do you think of Anna's more unique features and charms? Are you a fan of the older ladies in general, or would you make an exception for ol' Anna~?

- What do you think Anna's mysterious past might entail? Before she settled down and started up the inn--what kind of life might she have led?

- Are you looking forward to seeing more of her in the scenes to come?

Until next time, guys~