In the sun-drenched sands of Fort Joy, where the air hums with the whispers of rebellion and the scent of salt mingles with despair, a lone black dog named Buddy stands sentinel near the caverns' entrance. His eyes, pools of sorrow, reflect a world torn asunder by magisterial chains. He's feeling blue, as blue as the endless ocean that laps at the prison's shores, pining for his lost mate, Emmie. Players, drawn by the call of adventure, approach this pooch with a companion gifted in the Pet Pal talent, ready to unravel a tale of love and longing. The quest begins not with a roar, but with a whimper, as Buddy's heartache echoes through the fort, a poignant reminder that even in Rivellon's darkest corners, bonds of loyalty endure. 
As the player engages in conversation, the dialogue unfolds like a delicate dance. 🐶 First, they inquire, "What's the matter, old chap?" to which Buddy responds with a mournful whine. Then, urging him to confide, they say, "Try me, I'm all ears," and probe deeper, asking if Emmie is the root of his blues. With a gentle scratch behind the ear—a small comfort in this harsh world—they reassure him, "You're not alone for now, at least." This act of kindness sparks a glimmer of hope; Buddy dashes off like a bolt from the blue, digging frantically by a nearby pond to unearth Buddy’s Key, a humble token of his undying devotion. The key, tarnished yet treasured, whispers secrets of a white-clad magister who tore Emmie away, igniting the Finding Emmie quest with a promise of reunion.
To navigate this quest, players must follow these steps, each a thread in the tapestry of fate:
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Locate Buddy: Near the caverns in Fort Joy, where the sea breeze carries tales of woe.
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Dialogue Choices: With Pet Pal active, select:
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Ask what troubles the pooch.
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Encourage him to share his burden.
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Question if Emmie is the cause of his sadness.
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Offer a soothing scratch behind the ear. 🐾
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Retrieve the Key: After Buddy digs it up, pick it up from the rocky mound and speak to him again for lore.
Now armed with Buddy’s Key, the player ventures to Fort Joy's main floor, where four Source Hounds stand guard like sentinels of sorrow. Unlocking the door with the key feels like turning the page in an epic saga; Source Hound Bruno initiates a tense exchange. Here, the dialogue choices are crucial for completion:
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Squint at Emmie and ask if she recalls an old dog named Buddy.
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Tell her, "Buddy misses you very, very much," a phrase that tugs at the heartstrings and seals the quest.
Completing Finding Emmie yields rich rewards, blending experience points with emotional depth. The XP breakdown is as follows:
| Action | XP Gained | Total XP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quest Completion | 2200 XP | 2200 XP | Awarded after dialogue with Emmie |
| Defeating Source Hounds | 125 XP each | 500 XP (for four hounds) | Optional combat for extra gain |
| Combined Total | N/A | 2700 XP | Achieved by fighting after quest end |
This XP bonanza is a real game-changer, giving players a leg up in their journey. Yet, the quest's end is bittersweet; despite informing Buddy that Emmie is alive in Fort Joy, they remain forever apart—one bound to the prison's gloom, the other to the beach's freedom. It's a gut-wrenching twist, a reminder that not all tales have happy endings. Players might feel like they've been through the wringer, but the experience enriches the soul, weaving empathy into the fabric of their adventure. In the grand scheme of DOS2's 2025 updates, this quest stands as a timeless ode to companionship, urging all to cherish the bonds that light up Rivellon's shadows. 🌟