Quests

Quests are the structured narrative backbone of Skittermaws ARPG, providing meaningful objectives that drive your Skittermaw's development and integration into the world. Unlike the unpredictable nature of exploration, quests offer guaranteed rewards for specific accomplishments, making them essential for targeted progression.

Quest System Overview

The quest system is designed to be flexible and story-driven, with each quest contributing to the larger tapestry of your Skittermaw's legend. Quests can be simple fetch missions or complex multi-stage adventures that span weeks of in-game time.

Quest Lifecycle

Discovery: Find or be offered a quest
Acceptance: Commit to the quest objectives
Progression: Complete objectives and requirements
Resolution: Return for rewards and consequences
Aftermath: Experience long-term effects of completion

Comprehensive Quest Types

The game features a diverse array of quest types, each with unique mechanics and challenges:

Gathering Quests

Collect specific items, resources, or materials from designated locations.

Herb Collection: Gather rare medicinal plants from dangerous areas
Shiny Object Hunts: Find lost valuables or artifacts
Resource Mining: Extract minerals from hard-to-reach locations
Food Gathering: Collect exotic ingredients for cooking or alchemy

Delivery Quests

Safely transport items, messages, or creatures between locations.

Message Courier: Deliver important communications through hostile territory
Supply Runs: Transport goods to remote settlements
Escort Missions: Guide vulnerable NPCs to safety
Contraband Smuggling: Move illegal or dangerous items discreetly

Combat Quests

Engage in direct confrontations with specific enemies or threats.

Bounty Hunting: Track and defeat notorious creatures
Territory Clearing: Remove infestations or hostile occupations
Guardian Challenges: Defeat powerful protectors of sacred sites
Raid Disruptions: Prevent or stop organized attacks

Exploration Quests

Discover new locations, uncover secrets, or map unknown territories.

Ruin Exploration: Investigate ancient sites and recover artifacts
Mystery Solving: Uncover the truth behind strange occurrences
Cartography: Map unexplored regions for settlement
Lost Civilization Hunts: Find traces of ancient cultures

Diplomacy Quests

Navigate social and political challenges through negotiation and cunning.

Alliance Building: Forge relationships between rival factions
Mediation: Resolve conflicts between different groups
Espionage: Gather intelligence on potential threats or allies
Reputation Management: Repair damaged relationships or build fame

Crafting Quests

Create specific items or structures using specialized skills.

Weapon Forging: Craft powerful tools or weapons
Shelter Building: Construct defensible or useful structures
Alchemy: Brew potions or create alchemical substances
Art Creation: Produce valuable artwork or cultural items

Quest Rewards System

Quest rewards are designed to provide meaningful progression while encouraging diverse playstyles:

Primary Rewards

Experience Points: Substantial XP for rapid leveling
Currency: Gold, gems, or tradeable valuables
Equipment: Weapons, tools, armor, or accessories
Consumables: Potions, food, or temporary boosts

Special Rewards

Rare Traits: Permanent character improvements
Mutations: Unique evolutionary changes
Allies: Loyal companions or faction support
Territory: Land grants or special locations
Knowledge: Lore, recipes, or ability unlocks

Reputation Rewards

Faction Standing: Improved relationships with groups
Regional Fame: Recognition in specific areas
Titles: Honorary names or ranks
Access: Entry to exclusive areas or opportunities

Quest Availability & Discovery

Quests are dynamically generated and become available through multiple channels:

Quest Sources

Quest Boards: Public postings in settlements where anyone can accept available quests
NPC Interactions: Direct conversations with characters who offer personal quests
Faction Missions: Special assignments from allied or rival groups
Exploration Discovery: Quests found during exploration or investigation
Event Triggers: Quests that become available due to world events or achievements

Quest Difficulty & Scaling

Quests are designed with flexible difficulty scaling:

Difficulty Tiers

Novice: Simple tasks for new players
Journeyman: Moderate challenges requiring preparation
Expert: Complex quests needing strategy and resources
Master: High-risk, high-reward challenges
Legendary: Epic quests that can define a Skittermaw's legacy

Dynamic Scaling

Quest difficulty can adjust based on:

Your Skittermaw's level and capabilities
Equipment and preparation quality
Time taken to complete objectives
Allies or assistance utilized

Quest Chains & Storylines

Many quests are connected in larger narrative arcs:

Quest Chains

Linear Chains: Sequential quests building to a climax
Branching Stories: Choices affect which quests become available
Faction Quests: Ongoing relationships with groups
Personal Quests: Character-specific storylines

World Impact

Quest completion can have lasting effects on the game world:

Changes to NPC relationships and availability
Alterations to locations and territories
New quests or opportunities unlocked
World events triggered by major quest resolutions

Quest Failure & Consequences

Not all quests can be completed successfully, and failure carries consequences:

Failure Types

Time Limits: Quests expire if not completed quickly
Combat Defeat: Unable to overcome quest enemies
Resource Shortage: Lack of required items or abilities
Reputation Loss: Failure damages relationships

Failure Consequences

Reduced or no rewards
Reputation penalties with quest givers
Locked future quests or opportunities
World changes reflecting the failure

Quest Strategy & Optimization

Successful questing requires strategic thinking:

Preparation Tactics

Research: Learn about quest requirements beforehand
Resource Gathering: Stock up on needed supplies
Ally Recruitment: Find creatures to assist in the quest
Timing: Choose optimal times for quest activities

Efficiency Optimization

Quest Stacking: Complete multiple quests in one area
Route Planning: Minimize travel between objectives
Reward Prioritization: Focus on quests with desired rewards
Relationship Building: Cultivate quest giver networks