[RuffleMode🐉]
Hi, Ruffle here! I’ve been sicker than usual as of late and haven’t been able to make Snippets and have instead been putting all my able-time into managing the team and working on Hunt and Snare stuff on the side. So after chatting with Khitomer we decided we’d try writing a more Explorer’s Guild style travel log format to showcase stuff we’ve been working on and made some dives into the world lore as well! It is not fully in-world and will definitely contain some fourth wall breakings xD

Progress update towards r34 (next build);
– Saardan map work: Island first pass is complete. First pass of map and sailing map update is almost done
– Saardan NPCs: Drafts of dialogue is mostly done, primarily missing proofreading pass + placement of NPCs
– Saardan smaller subspecies: 18 patterns are done (desert heevs done (tribals), desert fuls done (regular fox skins)), but not yet implemented. Both new pattern types will be available on player characters too, albeit as normal sizes
– Saardan unique species: Puur base textures done, missing customization morphers/expressions and patterns, setting up ongoing
– Saardan smaller acts: Animations done, but not yet implemented

Progress towards r35 (the build after);
– Cinematics: Systems done, waiting on r34 to finish so that work on cinematics can start <3

Next feature goal started;
– Pirates and bandits (on land with guns)

That’s my part for now, say hi to Khitomer! And do let me know in comments how you like this and whether or not it works or is interesting and so on :3

Luv <3
Ruffleneck
[/RuffleMode🐉]

[Hello dearest community members, Khitomer here! As you may have noticed from the preface, this is no longer the “Snippets” you’re mostly used to, but instead it is transitioning into a public-facing Explorer’s Log, from one of the illustrious explorers of the Guild of Explorers and we will follow the exploits of this explorer “Hibi” as they explore, log, and talk about new things around Skiir. Thank you all, and enjoy!]

This is the formal report of Explorer Hibi, concerning my new discoveries and observations around Skiir.

I am excited to report that cinematics are moving forward and we’re getting close to seeing them all over Skiir. I am also keen to share some more rumors of the puur species plus a little more. There have been some developments of positions and even sightings of a new island.

Everyone who’s anyone has seen these docks and knows that shoreline, but I bet you’ve never seen it so moody and… well, cinematic. The cinematic system is going to be used to add flair and atmosphere to important events and might pop up even more than you expect. I am hoping it lends itself to focusing the viewer’s attention on specific things and should have the effect of highlighting the really quite memorable moments. It should also reduce generalized confusion, and put focus on things that need a bit of gentle guidance towards. They will be here when they are fully ready for deployment. Would not do to have non-functional cinematics after all!

(And yes, I have observed that the cinematics come in all flavors of species, so be excited to see your scaly, fuzzy, or scruffy rump in silhouette form no matter what form you take.)

There are even some cinematics lined up for key NPCs or events. I guess you’ll just have to play (or replay~) the game to find out. Unvisited cinematics will typically trigger upon visiting them in current saves, so you don’t need to be afraid about missing out on them for your more experienced sailors.

The cinematic system is fairly flexible with how and where it can be used, thanks to some clever rigging and Unity mumbo-jumbo. I don’t fully understand it, some things only Skiir knows.

But, it seems to me, that by layering the screen with a filter and adding in some clever camera work, it achieves a “cinematic feel” really anywhere, it’s quite fun.

But perhaps more exciting for some are the sightings of a whole new species! Sightings of the puur, the antelope-kin, will be making their appearance a bit sooner than later. (Though even then that’s still a relative function!)

Sporting horns, hooves(!), and a can-do attitude, the puur are sure to make a wonderful addition to the world at large, giving you a better chance to express yourself with a new style of animal.

(Just look at that winning smile and big, pointy-yet-fuzzy-looking ears!)

Wait? You say they’re not fuzzy? That’s a keen eye you got there, sailor. You’re lookin’ at the shaved version, as this is not their complete state. I wanted to rush these images out to you in this report, so the puur are not quite finished but they’ll be joining us in due time with all their hair intact, I am assured.

(They’ll even come sporting some new “equipment” the likes of which we’ve never seen!)

But now it’s time for the really fun stuff! I know most of you are just here for some friskies, and I am pleased to report that there is something very special in the works: newly-placed Ship Acts that will allow you to get down and dirty aboard everyone’s favorite sea-farer, The Unnamed. We aren’t likely to see these in the upcoming patch, but rest assured they will arrive in due time!

With some classic mood lighting and the struggle of a ship swaying side-to-side, you’ll get the chance to prove your sexual prowess on the high seas. Bring your followers into the comfort of your floating home and show them around, really get them used to the sights, and test out each and every surface until you find your favorite one.

Whether you want to show ‘em the rope…

Some choice views from the balcony…

Stop for a quick “snack” in the galley

(Okay, a long snack…)

Have them over for dinner…

Or just go looking for some fuzzy treasure and booty, the new ship acts will be yours to delight in and I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I do!

Now, last but not least, we’ve got some preliminary sightings of new territory. Very exciting stuff! Saardan is just around the corner, almost within reach, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be taking it easy or slowing down here at the Guild of Explorers. When one island is cataloged, that just means another is right beyond it! We took a quick etching, got the rough lay of the land, and wanted to send it your way to get you as excited as we are. Word is, the Scraven are very active here, and they might even have a unique, brand-new species hiding out there too… only one way to find out.

I will have a fresh report on it when the time comes.

(We aren’t even sure what to call it yet! For now, we’re just calling it “The New One” but I don’t think it will stick.)

As always, we appreciate everyone for sticking with us, supporting the furthering of our project, and being patient while we do our best to bring you reports from the ever-expanding world, one discovery at a time. We’re excited for the new discoveries made, and hope you are too!

End Report. Stay tuned for more!
Explorer Hibi
Guild of Explorers (Located in the back of the Explorer’s Guild Hall, not to be confused with Explorer’s Guild, the lovely folks that hang around at The Cotton Ball at night.)