Larian Studios Forums Beyond Divinity (English) General Got my fanpack today............

....with Belgian stamps and all, that little owl is so cute......I have to say that I didn't really expect Kirill to sign his name Kirillmeister.......but it was a good laugh none-the-less(I'm sure he was thinking, darn fuggin Americans hehe.) Haven't had a chance listen to the CD yet but will ASAP. Novella was a good quick read though(ah...Child of the Chaos, reminds me of what my mother nicknamed me back in the good old days.) In short, I appreciate the offer Larian, and you've secured a customer for your future products <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Thanks again.

Hi and welcome in the forum.

Thanks for the nice words.
We hope you will enjoy both the novella and the audio-cd.
Did Kirill really sign with 'Kirillmeister'? Ow boy... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ouch.gif" alt="" />
Please meet Kirill <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

And yes, the little owl was very cute <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Heheheheheehe he sure did......lol.......i was kinda kidding about him doing that but......that was just too funny. Does Kirill have an account on these forums? If so what is his account name so I can PM him a jibe about it.

I got mine today also. I agree the stamp, novella and signatures are great.

Thanks.

do give us a review, nightmares. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

i wrote this shortly after i received my fanpack present, & that was many beard lengths ago. i only put this up now because i found the disk that contains this review (was in my workbag all these times) & that i wish forum members to remember Nightmares, one of the kindest & angelic forum member ever. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xmassmiley.gif" alt="" /> yes, u can say it's a christmas sob story. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

FanPack Review

the limited edition (only 500 produced) contains 1 cd, 'Music From The Divinity Universe: Limited Edition Soundtrack' & a novella, 'Child of the Chaos'.
having a limited edition of any kind excites me to no end. even more especially when it is a gift. so i would like to thank Nightmares for sending me this gift. she is one of the few angels that found me in this forum & life. God bless her.

the fanpack arrived in a padded envelope which the address are printed out nicely & clearly, leaving no chance of accidental blunder on the postman's part. i am very glad that the fanpack arrived at all rather than the condition of the content considering malaysian postal service doesn't exactly reflect promptness & reliability. condition of both cd & novella can't be better though i found the cd jewel case cracked.

that doesn't concern me at all as i have many spare jewel cases.

CD: 'Music From The Divinity Universe: Limited Edition Soundtrack'

it comes in a standard jewel case with beautiful layout & artwork for the inlay. however the inlay is quite sparse as it is only 3 pages (excluding the front cover): one contains liner notes by Kirill Pokrovsky while the opposite page has the list of performers as well as personal note from the composer himself. the last page are the usual track listing. it may have been better if the composer includes individual note for each track, detailing his ideas, inspirations or highlights when composing, directing, conducting, mixing, etc. as a fan, i know i would love to know in detail the hard work done to make the beautiful music.

the back cover contains track listing.

the cd has the same artwork as the front cover, which are very detailed & beautiful artwork. it is certain Andre Taulien is no shabby artist. quite far from it, as a matter of fact!

1 Beyond Divinity - The Title Track
2 After The Great War
3 Divine Divinity - The Title Track
4 Urge For Power
5 Key To Survival
6 War & Peace
7 Roads Shadowed By Green Leaves
8 Guardian Of The Divine
9 Warrior (Voin)
10 Ballad Of Empty Illusions
11 Signs Of The Elven
12 The Forge Of Evil
13 The Song Of The Wind
14 Steps On The Sand
15 No Escape. Pain & Sorrow
16 A Fire Upon The Deep
17 Warring Winds & Crimson Tides
18 Celebration
19 The Colour Of Magic
20 Promise
21 Stronghold Of The Orcs
22 Suffering & Shame
23 Hidden Masters
24 Sacred


Novella - Child Of Chaos by Rhianna Pratchett

Soft glossy cover that one normally finds in magazine covers, the choice may be for an obvious reason which is that all of the 500 fanpacks will be posted via snail mail (where weight is a big issue). The inner pages also use the same material.

Text, while small, are easily read by eyes that need no aid. There is no table of content available as the story isn't separated into chapters. Organistaion of the story however is obvious in separation of different 'acts' or story arch (if i may call it that), so i find it may have been better if there is a table of content. naming the chapters however can be as vague as possible so as not to reveal the act & spoil the story. it be as simple as just chapter numbers.

since the novella is part of the fanpack, it would have been great if the author includes author's note, or preface of some kind. an avid fan would love to find out how the author was approached to write the story, how she came about with the plot for this novella, the kind of approach (dramatic, comedic, tragic, or tragicomedy, etc) to the novella, thoughts on fanpacks with novella in general & of course a little background story on the author herself.

personal note:

on the novella, rhianna wrote, "Game On! Best Wishes. *signature*"
thanks, rhianna!

on the cd cover inlay, kirill wrote at Nightmares's request, "brandon, may your life be filled with love, light & laughter. *signature*"

thanks for the wonderful music, kirill. & thanks for a wonderful gift & being such a wonderful person, Nightmares.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xmassmiley.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xmassmiley.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xmassmiley.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xmassmiley.gif" alt="" />

Review: 'Music From The Divinity Universe: Limited Edition Soundtrack'

please refer to previous post for track listing. the following numbers refer to the corresponding tracks mentioned above. please take note that this review was written at the same time as the one above.

1. i was slightly disappointed as the opening track to Beyond Divinity while rousing, feels a bit too generic. sadden a little bit as there's dialogue piece within that prevents the track to stand on its own. it is as if the listener has to be reminded that it's a soundtrack rather than a song in its own right.

2. the dialogue bit at the intro manages to ruin the mood. had this cd been the score for Divinity games, i would not mind. but being a remix, i was hoping for the songs to have chance to stand on their own.

3. i recalled an IGN reviewer described the opening track for Divine Divinity as 'slowly squeezing a mouse to death'. at least the track inspired such vivid vision to the reviewer. i, on the other hand, liked it as it's haunting, dark (& slightly depressing), & the instruments used successfully created an atmosphere for the game. but then this song can very well stand on its own. this should have been the opening track for this cd. one of kirill's best work.

4. this song has that 'howard shore' feeling to it in the beginning. not that this is a bad thing. i believe this works effectively in the game. however the sudden peak at the beginning of the song does make me expect for strong theme. it requires a few listening session to identify it though. kirill does it right in having quiet yet tense moment in the middle of the song. the build-up after that becomes meaningful.

5. the start feels generic but later on it becomes interesting. kirill again weaves his magic in using the not-so-common instruments & avoiding 'massive epic' sounds.

6. one of kirill's signature. strings are wonderful with the cello moaning at the background. kirill's best works are often the quiet tracks which evoke emotions.

7. another jewel, this quiet, haunting & yet beautiful track played by the instruments creatively & uniquely, giving it a distinct sound. kirill's wonderfully original. voices used are not overwhelming, which made it so effective.

8. this song has that 'joe hisaishi' feeling to it. i wonder if kirill has watched princess mononoke & listened to its soundtrack? the flute has that melancholic feel while the rest of the instruments weave a rich background. sadly the song turned modern with modern drumbeats & even an electric guitar utilising wah effect. taiko drums or brass gongs may make the right impact.

9. dramatically remixed, voin has definitely better intro than its original form. the flute with the same motif as track 8 returns, making this track feels as if it's a variation of the former.

10. the mournful violin is beautiful. this is definitely one of kirill's signature; quiet track with few instruments & emotional.

11. this track has the best intro with fleeting voice & a lone harp. another one of kirill's shining jewel.

12. slightly disappointed with this one though it shows promise. good ambience but too bad about the drums; too techno-like.

13. this cd is worth buying even with this track alone. kirill at his best, this melancholic song is one that i never get bored playing over & over again.

14. tempo steps up from the former track but it pays wonderfully. it paints eastern european (i'm guessing) motif creatively. voices are used well.

15. very 'joe hisaishi composing princess mononoke' feel. a relatively quiet track that's wonderful. simple yet identifiable theme to it.

16. i knocked myself in the head as my mind flashes 'joe hisaishi & princess mononoke' again. very rare for me to like kirill's rousing track such as this.

17. at first it feels generic but the 'soft' part of the track redeems it immediately with percussion of eastern flavour. i always love creative & unique percussions. sadly for me, when it climbs back to crescendo, an electric guitar wails & kills the atmosphere.

18. very regal. quite dark in a way for a track called celebration. unless it's not celebrated by the good guys. the military-like drums feels over-used though it fits into this track.

19. as the title describes, the colour of this track changes with different emphasis on background instruments while the main instrument carries the same tune. nicely done.

20. surprisingly more rousing than track 18, denoting a defiantly positive outlook.

21. slightly louder & slowly increasing build-up. a precursor to something big, this track is done well to give such feelings. voices are effective as they're not overwhelming.

22. another kirill's brilliant jewel; slow, quiet, with sparse instruments that play effectively. the theme is easily identified & followed.

23. what the guitar play may be simple but it is effective to lay the background of the track. nice build-up with one instrument at a time giving listeners idea on the number of instruments & how each creates a rich layer on the wonderful track. percussion is beautiful. the sparse usage of each instrument give itself & others a chance to shine.

24. nice crescendo to end the cd. sadly voiceover or dialogue at the last part spoiled that wonderful feelings created by previous tracks.

overall, this soundtrack is recommended for soundtrack buffs & anyone who appreciates good music.

beautiful man.....just beautiful....... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" />

your a lucky character to get one of those fanpacks, and glad your enjoying it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xmassmiley.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" />

*i like that smily*.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

thanks, jurak. i hope u have a copy as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xmassmiley.gif" alt="" />

Please Janggut don't make pirat copies of the music CD just because Kirill forgot to add the starforce copy protection. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/silly.gif" alt="" />

Is Brandon your real name ? It does not look malaysian IMHO. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Barta

@ barta -> don't worry, only the jewel case is 'cracked', not the music cd. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> since i know the cd is meant for one pair of ears only, i shoot down every monkey near my house for fear that they might hear even a note of the music. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin1.gif" alt="" /> first i lull them into false sense of boredom using DD's menu music. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ROFL.gif" alt="" />

& as for 'brandon', yes that's my real name though i agree it's not very malaysian. what can i say? i'm christian so that's my christian name. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xmassmiley.gif" alt="" /> my tribal name is Dude Drowning Duck. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ROFL.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/silly.gif" alt="" /> i guess that's better than Sitting Bull or Cow Butt Cheek. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

close friends call me Bren & enemies call me nocando. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ROFL.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/memad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/memad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/memad.gif" alt="" />


I am very surprised to know that you are christian.
I am ignorant and i did not imagine that christian people could exist in Asia. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />


Use the spoiler code to tell me the "nocando names". <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasEek.gif" alt="" />

Barta

Alas...... I'm <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" /> to say i have no personal copy.....i missed the boat on that one, thanks for hoping tho!
I know you'll enjoy it enough for the both of us! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> and please do... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" />

what?! u mean there's no more fanpack available? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> i'm totally confused. now my question to Lynn: why is the banner for the limited edition fanpack still up if all are sold off? or maybe there is still some left? Jurak, u better grab one if there's still some left. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" /> i can almost guarantee, wallpaper stripping sessions will never be the same again. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

@ barta -> don't worry, in real life i would never shoot at animals unless they're threatening my house or people. & also i don't own any weapon (unless u count a big knife as one). talk about nocando, well it's been a long time since i last have enemies or bothered to find out if i have any, i can't recall any nocando. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> racist ones i can remember, painfully. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" />

Digital Jesters still has the fan pack listed, so I would think there are still a few left.

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it. I think I've talked a little bit about the novella writing process elsewhere on the forum, probably hidden deep within the archives by now.

Rhi

Hi

Maybe you are talking about this post :
@ Rhianna
Barta who searched in the forum <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xmassmiley.gif" alt="" />

Yes, you can still buy the fanpack <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

I'm just reading through this thread ... mainly because I'm still not able to buy it (due to a lack of credit cards <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> ) .

But I'm curious : Track 13 ... has it something to do with my (rather prose-like) poem ?

yes, i recalled that thread which barta kindly searched for. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/xmassmiley.gif" alt="" /> it was great knowing something about the processes of writing, interaction, collaboration, etc. i always like little things like that; the Making Of ... . <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Rhianna, hope u'll be in the next project! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" /> even if it's CaRPG! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasEek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

@ Al -> no matter how badly people can criticise your work, nobody can say that their work get end up recited by a NPC in a RPG. & with audience! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" /> those that do not appreciate the poem are always robbers (poor Kristandalius! nobody can leave his backroom alone. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> )