Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Finding The Sound

While this week has been mostly administrative, rather than creative, I have found the time to work on the remix for the song "All and Everything" from "Spirit Blade". I'll be releasing it, along with songs from Spirit Blade, Dark Ritual and a few other stand alones, in a music project I hope to have finished and available in early 2010.

Coming back to this song and Mike Tully's recording of it has been a real treat for me. I've grown so much as an artist and have a much wider spectrum of sounds to choose from now. For days I did very little on this song, trying to figure out what the new sound for it will be. I didn't want to divorce myself from the original, so the song is still very much a soothing reflective sound. The major element that I finally added that brings the whole process into focus for me is a monastic men's chorus, produced by recording my own voice in various tonal qualities and on multiple parts. I used the same trick for the Sanctafi theme in "Used" from "Dark Ritual".

The men's chorus here is much more subdued, but it gives a strong sense of mystery to the sound, which compliments the lyrical theme. The remix is still only midway through development, but I'm excited about the new direction this song is headed in and think it will capture much more effectively the feel I wanted to convey in the original mix.

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, April 10, 2009 Casting Nearly Done!

Today I have reviewed all auditions for "Pilgrim's Progress" and have begun notifying actors who have been cast. I will post the final cast list here before the end of April, but not all casting has been finalized yet.

It's an exciting time as I already find myself scheduling recording sessions with actors again. I got some wonderful auditions and I'm excited to work with many actors that I have never worked with before!

-Paeter Frandsen

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 Experience "Dark Ritual Origins"!

If you missed it on the podcast last weekend, you can now download the latest behind the scenes look into "Spirit Blade: Dark Ritual" on the Media Page ofwww.spiritblade.net. "Dark Ritual Origins" is a combination of vintage audio clips from the first read-through of the script, and the finished product that each scene evolved into. Be part of the fun as script flaws are discovered and everyone tries to get a grip on some of the "stranger" moments of "Spirit Blade: Dark Ritual". 

Enjoy!

-Paeter Frandsen

Monday, April 6, 2009 Doesn't It Just Figure...

Just after getting done with two weeks away from my office, I've caught a crippling flu, worse than any kind I've had before. I'll spare you the gory details, but it's bad. I'm through the worst of it now, but still have only just enough strength to get this post out. "In Search Of Truth" will be here on Wednesday if my recovery continues as it has so far.

Thanks for your patience!

-Paeter Frandsen 

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Out For A Bit

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to let you know that I won't be posting regularly for the next two weeks. I'm heading out of town tomorrow, and although I'll be back on Sunday, I will be working for two solid weeks doing High School substitute teaching.

This is a great news because the district has been cutting back on their use of subs for the second half of this semester, and I was expecting to have no subbing work. The down side, of course, is that it will keep me busy enough that keeping up with the regular routine of posting for the Underground and Paeter's Brain will just be too much for me during that time. The podcast will continue, but will be a little shorter for just two weeks, since "In Search Of Truth" will be on hold.

However, I will still be checking my e-mail faithfully and responding as quickly as possible. And after these two weeks of subbing, I will be able to give my full attention to Spirit Blade Productions until September!

So please bear with me during this little break and things will be back on track before you know it!

Thanks!

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, March 6, 2009 Staying Above Water

Seems like it's all I can do these days just to say above water! I've had four auditions here this week, I've been reading script submissions for The Spirit Blade Underground Alliance and e-mailing their authors. I've been editing an audio book project I'm producing in collaboration with another studio (more on that soon!) and trying to stay ahead of the mountain of emails I've been getting lately regarding auditions for "Pilgrim's Progress"!

Don't get me wrong, it's a great way to spend my days, but throw in the stuff needed as a husband and daddy (with a little extra this week) and I'm barely keeping up!

Nothing like the weekend and a last minute audition cancellation to help me out, though! Maybe I'll get some free time yet!

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, February 27, 2009 Auditions and URLs!

It's been a great week for auditions! While I've been working on the remix for "All And Everything", more people have contacted me to submit or schedule auditions than I ever imagined for Pilgrim's Progress!

It's very encouraging and I'm excited to get new people involved in what we're doing!

I've also learned how to create new URLs that forward people to the sites of my choice! This may sound like a no-brainer to some and like a pointless excercise to others, but what it means is that I can make locations for the blog page, paeter's brain and the podcast all much easier to remember!

Although it will take people to the same places as always, you can now get to all three of our supplemental pages by going to:

www.spiritblade.net/blog

www.spiritblade.net/paeter

www.spiritblade.net/podcast

Who KNOWS what I'll learn next week!

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, February 20, 2009 Join The Interactive Audio Commentary! (Part 2)

This week I've started getting "Pilgrim's Progress" auditions from various folks on the "interwebs" and can't wait to get some more! Remember that the audition deadline is Friday, March 20th! 

March 20th is also the deadline I'm setting up for your commentary questions about "Spirit Blade: Dark Ritual", Disc 1, Track 2! The questions I got for Disc 1 Track 1 were great and I'd love to keep the ball rolling! Just take another listen to Disc 1, Track 2(The Enemy Strikes) and send me any questions you'd like to have answered on the upcoming audio commentary I produce for www.spiritblade.net . You'll get an immediate response with an answer from me (so you won't have to wait for the commentary to get your question answered) and your question, along with a "shout out" to YOU included in that segment of the audio commentary, for all fans of Spirit Blade to hear!

So whether you sent me a question last time or not, I'd love to supply your answers and get in touch with you! Hope to talk to you soon!

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, February 13, 2009 Audition For Pilgrim's Progress!

Auditions are now open for our next project- "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream"!

Here's all the info you need:

Project Title: "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream"

Synopsis: Based on the classic allegory by John Bunyan, this re-imagined version takes place in a fantasy setting, with strange creatures and unusual characters.

Christopher Pilgrim is plagued by an evil curse and has discovered his city will soon be destroyed in a storm of fire. Despite opposition and rejection from those around him, he embarks on a quest to find the Mystic City, where he will be safe from prophesied destruction. But who can he trust on this perilous journey? And how will he reach his destination?

To hear a trailer of our most recent project, visit www.spiritblade.net.

If you are unable to record your own audition, and you live in the Phoenix area (Arizona), you may contact Paeter Frandsen at info@spiritblade.net to set up an audition in person.

Please send all recorded auditions in mp3 format via YouSendit (www.yousendit.com) to info@spiritblade.net and label your files "FullName_PPAUD_Character.mp3" using a different file for each role you audition for. Files must be a minimum of 128kbp, or higher if possible.

Be sure to set your recording levels so that your performance volume does not cause distortion. A pop-filter is also advised. Any distortion, "popping" or blowing on the microphone will reduce your chances of being cast.

All auditions are due no later than Friday, March 20th. Direct any questions to Paeter Frandsen at: info@spiritblade.net

If you'd like to include an accent in your audition you may. The general speech pattern in this world is defined as "clearly articulated", though not necessarily British.

Listed below are the roles available, with the appropriate audition lines:

KAPHAN- (Male)

University faculty member. Well-meaning friend of Christopher who doesn't see eye to eye with him, but is friendly and likes to go with the flow.

Kaphan: I may not think the same way that you do, but I don’t see a reason to bring the Overseer into this. He's excercized enough power already. And you don't need any extra trouble in your life. How are Tiana and the children?

Kaphan: Christopher? I was on rounds tonight and heard a noise in here- Have you been up all night? What are you doing?

Kaphan: Christopher, you’re making me nervous. I want to help you.

Kaphan: Come with you? I don’t even know where you’re going! Or why!

Kaphan: Gods preserve us. I’ve never seen power like that!

Kaphan: (Playful, while racing a friend) C'mon, leadfeet! You’re moving slower than a stone-beast!

OVERSEER- (Male or Female)

Stubborn head of university department. Proud of his accomplishments and likes the authority over others that his position gives him.

Overseer: Master Pilgrim. What is going on here?

Overseer: I will NOT have you uttering that ridiculous intolerable nonsense as a member of the Circle. You will report to the inner chamber immediately for emergency session and penalization.

VANGER- (Male)

A Woodsman. Friendly and unassuming. His quiet smile puts others at ease. Genuinely cares about Christopher, but also knows when to be firm and speak the truth. (This role may return in a future episode)

Vanger: Whoa, there! You alright? Here, sit down.

Vanger: No need to apologize. I travel these lands alone and have much time to think. One in my position can't help but become a philosopher. In fact most others I've met outside the city enjoy discussion as much as I do.

Vanger: Here. (Takes book) You are not directionless on this journey. There is a power in this book. When you feel lost, open the Chronicles and a light will emerge. Watch.

Vanger: It is the curse you feel. The power to break it lies ahead. Push through the weight and pain of it. You must live, Christopher. You must embrace life!

Vanger: The choice is yours, Christopher. It has always been yours. And you are living now the outcome of your choices. Go back the way you came! The fire may burn you, but you will live!

Vanger: Christopher, you must pay more attention to the things I'm trying to tell you. Taking council from others is wise. But you must weigh their words in light of their character.

AZER- (Male)

A Holy Knight. Heroic and strong sounding, yet also wise and helpful.

Azer: Don't give up, Christopher! They don't have you yet!

Azer: Unhand him, creature! You face Azer, Knight of Salvara!

Azer: Silence, evil shade! Look upon my sword. You know this weapon and its power. Leave now or I will destroy you with it.

Azer: You're not the first to read the Chronicles. Others have taken this journey, and like you, felt the despair of their own exposure. It flows down and trickles off of them, given form by the same curse that rests upon you now. That darkness gathers here, creating this swamp, inviting cruel denizins of the Otherworld to dwell here and feed on victims. For nearly 2000 years, the Absolute has dispatched craftsmen, day and night to Dread-Gloom, but the work never ends. The swamp is continually re-filled with the slime and stench of despair, pulling in one victim after the next.

DESPAIR- (Male or Female)

An evil spirit that lives in the swamp. It desires to seduce, corrupt and consume its victims.

Despair: Come back to us, Christopher. You belong here. You can go no further.

Despair: And we SHALL become one with him. He is afraid.

Despair: One drop of my essence upon your flesh will bring about your downfall!

SOPHIA- (Female)

Sage of an Elven village. She has settled into her opinions about life and feels very qualified to advise others. She takes her role seriously, with only a touch of pride evident.

Sophia: I come from a bloodline of Elves dedicated to wiping this curse from the land. Our entire culture is purposed to destroy it. For generations we have devised methods of removing this curse and have become quite proficient. As the Sage of my people I have collected much knowledge, gained through our efforts, and offer wisdom to all who may benefit. Would you mind if I gave you a little?

Sophia: Well someone ought to silence that fool! This road he's put you on is the most dangerous one in the world! I mean, look at you! You've still got Dread-Gloom dripping from your clothes! And that's just the beginning. If you keep going this way you'll find pain, hunger, and danger like you've never seen. You'll have swords at your throat, dragons at your back and in the end, death. I'm sorry, friend, I wish it were not true. But please do not march to your death at the word of some foolish woodsman.

Sophia: Oh, you'll like it in Moralin. A wonderful place. I'm sure you could get word to your family to come and join you there. Expansive homes of beautiful Elven architecture. Food and supplies are plentiful at little cost. And you'll share your days with some of the kindest individuals you'll ever know.

WILLIAM- (Male)

Robust and jolly dwarven guard. Tough as nails but quick to laugh. (Scottish accent if it's really solid. A likeable character performance is much more important.)

William: Who's there?

William: Rings of Sheol, its a dragon brood! Four of them. Not much bigger than horses yet, but trouble enough. Now stay behind me!

Willaim: Not just any dragon. Zebool is the dragon Lord. Sworn enemy of the Absolute. Cursed with unholy immortality, his existence is a wretched mockery of life. His only pleasure is in killing those who wish to find the Mystic city. Resurrecting them to an eternal living death. He wants all life to share what he has brought upon himself.

William: Ha ha! I've done this a few times my boy. Dwarf or no dwarf, it's The Incarnate that keeps pulling me through.

William: Your past doesn't matter here. We don't turn away anyone that really wants passage through the gate. Now who told you of this place?

William:(Pause and deep breath. He places an encouraging hand on Chris' shoulder and pats him twice.) Hold on a little longer. I don't have the power to remove it.

CITY GUARD- (Male)

Firm and serious, though not a bully.

Guard: Halt! Who goes there!

Guard: Hey. You alright?

Guard: Step back, sir. I will not ask you again.

KYBER- (Male)

Student(Late Teens or 20's)

SYTHEN- (Male)

Antagonistic Student(Late Teens or 20's)

SHAYRA- (Female)

Student(Late Teens or 20's)

Use all of these lines when auditioning for any of the "students".

Kyber: Master Pilgrim. What about the marks? I haven’t heard any teaching on them yet from The Order and have been hoping all year that you might bring them up.

Kyber: I’ve heard… rumors, sir. That you don’t always agree with the circle of mages and ask questions they would rather you did not.

Shayra: We’re sorry, Master Pilgrim. We were scared. We thought the overseer…

Kyber: I can feel the power. Spirits, we’ll be killed!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 Polishing Pilgrim

The read-through for "Pilgrim's Progress" over the weekend went very well and I got some wonderful feedback from those involved. As a result, I'm now making another pass through the script. It's not an exhaustive re-write, but I'm "cleaning up" quite a bit.

My problem, as I've approached this project, has been deciding what kind of story it is. I knew I didn't want to simply reproduce the allegory in different wording. But I didn't want to add so much material that the original work is hidden. I wanted the story to be enjoyable on its own as a fantasy quest, but in pursuit of that end, I weighed down the front of the script with too much world-building and characterization.

My readers felt that the beginning was a little confusing and that in general I could shorten some of the longer lines of dialogue, saying the same thing with fewer words. I was also given a comment on my use of the word "magic" in the script, and was advised to use a different word. Not to avoid offending people, but to avoid the nebulous baggage that comes with a vague word like "magic". The point made was that if I create the name (for magic), I can define the term and my audience can more easily understand the concept, or at least not bring ideas to it that are not meant to be there.

I resisted this idea at first, but have come around to it (partially because I found a cool word for "magic") and am making adjustments to the script. This simple change has also brought a new tone to the story that I really like! (Amazing what changing one little word can do!)

I'm already finding that the script is more focused. It maintains needed character layers to avoid being a straight-up allegory, but also keeps the story moving forward. I'm hoping to have the polished version done by the end of this week, or early next. As soon as it is complete, I will select lines to use in auditions and post a casting call here and elsewhere online.

Stay tuned!

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, February 6, 2009 Pilgrim's Progress Read-Through This Weekend!

I'm finally finished with the script for "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream"! This weekend I'm having a few people over to read through the script with me and give their feedback. Unless I see the need for considerable re-writing, I'll begin audition preparations next week and announce auditions soon after!

I'm also beginning to collect music for the various scenes in this project and have found a main theme that perfectly captures the spirit of adventure and exploration I hope the series will contain.

Have a great weekend!

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, January 30, 2009 Scripting Nearly Finished!

Scripting is nearly finished for "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream"! I would guess that after another week of polishing and detailing, I will be ready to begin the casting process. Stay tuned here for the official casting call.

It's been a very unusual experience to approach the pre-production phase after so little time spent on writing, but with the original work to base my script on, and the 60 minute runtime, it's a no-brainer that the process as a whole has moved more quickly.

Casting may be more of a challenge than usual. This story has about 10 characters in the first hour alone. Each of them has a substantial amount of dialogue, so the number of characters requiring especially solid performances has instantly multiplied from "Dark Ritual", even though that project has a run time of about 3 hours!

I'm exploring some new avenues for finding actors that I hope will bring good results. In every aspect of my process I'm continually learning new ways to do things. It makes the process fun and improves my work, but WOW, it never lets up!

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, January 23, 2009 The Spirit Blade Underground Alliance!

Over the last two years, a few of you have asked me how you might get involved with Spirit Blade Productions as a writer, actor or in some other way. Your opportunity has now arrived!

I'm very happy to announce the birth of The Spirit Blade Underground Alliance. A creative community focused on developing speculative fiction (sci-fi,fantasy,horror etc.) with Biblical themes designed to lead people to the truth!

For information on how it all works and how you can become involved, visit www.spiritblade.net 

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, January 16, 2009 Expansion Prep

After finishing some more "Pilgrim" scripting this week, I decided to give some time to planning for the expansion of project development at Spirit Blade Productions.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm interested in getting some of YOU involved in the production of a new line of projects! In preparation for that, I'm writing up a description for each of the roles needed to produce audio fiction, and presenting the details of what being involoved with a production will mean for those participating.

I know that's a little vague, but that's exactly why I'm taking the time to map it all out. I still have some issues I need to resolve and questions I need answers for, but I hope very soon to have all the information you'll need to jump on board and help create Christian Sci-fi and Fantasy that's Unsterilized, Unsafe and Unleashed! Together, we can create unique and meaningful material that will entertain and hopefully, make people think!

Talk to you again soon!

-Paeter Frandsen

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 "Pilgrim's Progress"

I've made some more progress on "Pilgrim" this week. The story is starting to develop momentum. I've introduced the main character and his dilemma and I've arrived at the first action sequence. It's an "escape" sequence that is drawn from the book, but given added intensity and danger. The scene is taken from the beginning of Bunyan's work, where Christian, determined to escape judgment, plugs his ears and runs away shouting "Life! Life! Eternal life!"

The circumstances for his departure from the "City Of Destruction" are a little more dire and with a lot more "fireworks", but the emotional material from the original version of the scene naturally lended itself to the creation of the more "explosive" version I'm developing now.

I also gave my main character a last name yesterday. His first name is Christopher, or Chris, in reference to the main character, Christian, in Bunyan's work. The title of "Pilgrim" is not one we use anymore, even in fantasy fiction. Nor do we use the term pilgrimage. But I thought "Pilgrim" would be a fitting last name for our main character. I'll be using his first name almost exclusively in the script, but adding Pilgrim as his last name will hopefully work well and serve as another nod to Bunyan's classic.

This has also led me to remove the "The" from this project's title. Calling it simply "Pilgrim's Progress" attaching it more to the main character as a unique individual, while still undeniably retaining recognition as an adaptation of the original book.

Well, that's it for now!

-Paeter Frandsen

Wednesday, January 7, 2009 I Want Your Questions!

Calling all "Dark Ritual"fans! Be a part of the "Dark Ritual" Interactive Audio Commentary!

I am assembling my notes to record the commentary for "Spirit Blade: Dark Ritual", Disc 1, Track 1. And I want to include any questions you may have about that portion in the commentary track! I also want to include your name and give you credit for your question! So give that track another listen and e-mail your questions to me at paeter (at) spiritblade (dot) net. I’ll get back you with an answer by e-mail, so you don’t have to wait to have your question answered in the commentary, and then I’ll include your name and question when I record and produce the commentary track for everyone to download and enjoy!

The deadline for disc 1, track 1 questions is February 1st. So drop me a line soon! I'd love to hear from you!

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, January 2, 2009 Coming Soon!

2008 proved to be an exciting year that closed with a bang as our second audio production was released in November. I had one or two other agenda items for 2008 that weren't completed and I learned alot about the unpredictable nature of production schedules. Having said that, I think I can still share a few agenda items for 2009 that you might like!

1. Work will continue on the first part of my fantasy adaptation of "The Pilgrim's Progress". Scripting is going well and I hope to begin casting in March and recording in April. Each portion of this epic tale will be released digitally first, about one hour at a time. When the entire series is finished, it will be assembled for a CD collection. With this new approach, we should be able to get stories to you more often and those of you who are collectors will still have something to look forward to! It's difficult to be sure of release dates, but I'm working hard to have the first part of "Pilgrim" finished and available before the end of 2009!

2. Although "Pilgrim" will not include the use of songs in the same way they are used in the Spirit Blade Trilogy, I will be remixing some songs from "Spirit Blade," recording some new ones and incuding the songs of "Dark Ritual" in a music CD project that I hope to release in the first quarter of 2010!

3. I will continue supporting "Dark Ritual" with the production and release of behind the scenes interviews, documentaries and commentaries throughout all of 2009. I'm ahead of schedule in this process and will be releasing a new special feature or commentary segment once every month until October. One exciting element I'm introducing this year is the Interactive Audio Commentary! Keep an eye on this site and the weekly podcast (http://paeter.libsyn.com) for commentary question requests. I will be asking for your questions about "Dark Ritual" and will then incorporate them, including a credit to you for your questions, into the audio commentary! I hope you'll stay tuned and be a part of the process with me!

4. In 2009 I will be looking for ways to expand our frequency of production by involving writers and sound mixers in the development of new material. I'm not exactly sure what this looks like yet, but if you are a writer, musical composer, or someone with experience in mixing sound, and would be interested in helping to create Truth-centered sci-fi and fantasy, I would love to hear from you to explore the possibilities. Send me an e-mail at paeter (at) spiritblade (dot) net. And as always you can expect to be notified of casting calls here and on the podcast as well!

5. Lastly, for a couple of years now you've heard mention of a "Spirit Blade Novella", written before I produced the original "Spirit Blade" audio drama and used to create the scripts for both "Spirit Blade" and "Spirit Blade: Dark Ritual". I've kept it safely hidden in a vault until the release of "Dark Ritual", since a few of Dark Ritual's biggest plot twists come from the novella. But in 2009 I will be opening the vault and sharing the never before seen(or heard) origins of the Spirit Blade Universe! This will be done via podcast, and/or blog posts. It will not replace any of the usual blog posting or podcasting I do, but will be done in addition to the material I already produce here and on the podcast. More details coming soon!

As you can tell, there's a lot to look forward to this year and a lot for me to get working on. Guess I'd better get to it!

Thanks for your continued support! Spread the word! Great things are coming in 2009!

-Paeter Frandsen

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 Squeezing In Some "Pilgrim"

Despite a very active Christmas/New Year schedule, I had some time to work on Monday and Tuesday and was able to get a few things done on scripting for Pilgrim.

There's still a lot I need to figure out about pacing and what the overall feel of the story will be. Bunyan's work contains virtually no realistic characters. While I'm working to retain all of the extreme qualities that his characters possess, I also want to add a few subtle layers to each character so that they are more than over-the-top stereo-types or symbols.

My philosophy is to "add" instead of "subtract". I'm not interested in cutting out characters, events  and ideas from Bunyan's classic. I'm aiming to translate them while adding additional material to round it out into a more character driven story form.(I'll probably add some action here and there as well.) But if I add too much, Bunyan's work becomes harder to see than I'd like. So finding that balance is what I'm currently working on.

Keep an eye on this spot. Very soon I'll be sharing some details on a few agenda items for 2009 that you won't want to miss hearing about!

Have a great New Year!

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, December 19, 2008 Spinning Lots Of Plates!

It's been a very busy week of juggling schedules with my wife and son. I've also got family in town that I rarely get to see, so I've been taking some time off work to spend with them.

You can probably assume that the Friday updates won't involve much project progress for the next two weeks, although I've been able to keep up with filling orders, answering e-mails and doing the usual posts, so feel free to drop me a line! I always love to interact with you guys!

If you're a podcast listener, I'm considering making some cosmetic changes in January, along with adding a new feature to the rotation. I'd be interested in getting your feedback on the show as I'm considering what I can do to streamline it (intros and segues, etc.) and keep it interesting (content, topics, etc.). In general I'm looking to polish it up a bit and make things fresh without changing the things you continue to come back for. So I'd love to get your thoughts! Send them to me at paeter (at) spiritblade (dot) net!

Have a great weekend!

-Paeter Frandsen

Wednesday, December 17, 2008 Vincent and Video Games

For 15 years now, whenever I play an RPG that lets me choose the name of my character, I've chosen Merikk Scythe. I just loved the sound of it, and now of course the name has found its way into my own stories.

But in the last two years or so, ever since I started developing "Dark RItual", I began using the name Vincent Craft for my RPG characters. I've also made the conscious decision to ask myself, "WWVD"? What would Vincent do?

The result has been interesting. My games played as Merikk usually involved more wise-cracking and player wish-fulfillment, but as Vincent, I find myself making a mix of both good and bad choices that get my character in trouble and make for a very interesting story, if the game allows my choices to impact it.

Most recently, I finished playing "Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic" for the very first time. As I mentioned over on "Paeter's Brain", I made some choices near the end that finally pushed me over to the Dark Side.

After going back to a previous save, I finished the game on the Light side, having a very different experience. I certainly felt more resolution ending on the light side, but despite putting poor Vincent through the ringer, his choices did give me a more emotionally involved, if tragic, story experience.

So if you ever play an MMO and run across either "Merikk Scythe" or "Vincent Craft", be sure to say "hi"! Then again, I don't like playing MMOs, so it probably won't be me. But you can thank them for being a fan and then e-mail me right away since I would probably poop my pants in amazement that anyone would use one of those names for their character!

-Paeter Frandsen