Quest Failed: Chapter Two - Dev Log #53

Hi, everyone! Sorry for the small delay in getting the dev log up--I've been pretty swamped with work on Chapter Two and getting the new alpha up. I'm still aiming to have it up before the start of next month, but if by any chance I'm a day or two over this estimation, I'll try my best to make things right for those that may have pledged with the anticipation of getting to play the new build this month without charging you again next month, too. Since I don't want to seem greedy or like I'm deliberately stalling these things out. I want everyone to be happy! But, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Moving along to the dev log, it seems the character overview for Ren won by a landslide! You guys just can't get enough of this cheeky little spy, can you~?

Whether you love her, or hate her (like a certain Royal Captain does~) it's hard to deny the impact Ren has made on the series; stealing the spotlight even from some of the original mainstays such as Jilly or Tari. And she isn't even a monster girl! I've clearly gotta be doing something right here, huh?

A few of you have already pointed out the more obvious resemblance Ren has to a certain Final Fantasy ninja, of which I won't deny the inspiration was taken from her as a basis for a more cheerful, cheeky ninja girl. But then, what if Yuffie was a few years older, a little bustier, and a sex-crazed borderline alcoholic? That's how Ren was born into the world.

Actually, if I'm being honest--the drunken aspect wasn't something I originally planned, nor the love/hate relationship with Cynthia--it sort of just naturally developed the more I wrote her character. As many writers will probably attest to, characters often take a life of their own once you begin to put the words down onto the page and your mind begins to explore the possibilities. And if you're not rigidly following an outline to a T, this can begin to take you to strange new places if you sit back and enjoy the ride!

She was always planned to be a hyper cheerful 'genki' style archetype of course, serving as an elite member of the Queen's army. Originally I was planning to do my own style of the 'Heavenly Knights' featured in Monster Girl Quest, and have a few incredibly powerful characters under the Queen's command--but the more I shaped things into my own style and tried to avoid being too derivative of MGQ, Ren shuffled away from being a knight and instead serves as a Royal Spy, where her cunning talents are more suited. Though, much to Cynthia's dismay, Ren still considers herself an honorary Royal Knight--a subtle nod to what she could have once been in the early stages of development.

Ren and Cynthia were created as polar opposites of one another, with Ren being the goofy, laidback kind of character, and Cynthia as the uptight, stern one who took the rules very seriously--since this is always a fun dynamic and they play off of one well in scenes, constantly clashing to keep things exciting.

In terms of Ren's backstory, it's kept purposely mysterious--fitting of a spy, wouldn't you agree? She'll always know FAR more about you, than you ever will about her, ahuhu. Very few, beyond maybe the Queen herself, know of Ren's origins or how she came to join the Royal Army, beyond the fact that she hails from a foreign continent far across the ocean to the east. And with this, she brings her own eclectic brand of fashion far removed from the more typical leather and armour plating that more standard soldiers wear, sporting gear that's easy to maneuver in, alongside giving a tantalizing glimpse into her generous assets she has smuggled away under the netting that digs in tight to her skin.

Wielding two deadly katanas that can make quick work of the toughest of foes, Ren is a force to be reckoned with in combat. Due to her more covert nature, it's rare to see her fight directly, but those that are unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of her blade will find she's more than just talk. It's said even Cynthia fears what this young spy is capable of when she puts her mind to it. It's just a good thing she's on Matt's side, huh?

Nobody can quite understand what drives Ren or motivates her to take the path she walks. Does she simply have an unwavering loyalty to her Queen, or does she have other reasons for keeping tabs on people? One would argue that it's impossible for her to swear loyalty to a country of which she wasn't originally born in, and would be suspicious of her true intentions. But surely Queen Deidra would never but her faith in someone she was unsure of if she could trust them or not? Or, perhaps even Ren is unsure of what she's doing in life, and simply lives to enjoy it, one alcohol fueled romp at a time.

What do you personally think of Ren~? Are you looking forward to seeing more of her? Is there any aspect of her you would like to see improved/explored upon further in the future? And if you liked this more indepth overview on her character and her conception, are there other characters you would like a similar post on in the future?

Until next time, guys~