Opera Essay: Terrin

Terrin

Based on Opera by Umberto Giordano

Andrew Ferreira

Thompson

Art and Technology

23 September 2014

Terrin -- the name of the game and a planet vastly different from Earth, yet exactly the same.  Terrin is a planet identical to Earth in appearance and atmospheric structure.  They both have the same Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide levels.  They are alike in size, shape, temperature and both inhabit life.  Despite all of this, life on Terrin mirrors nothing of that on Earth.  

Like Earth, Terrin has continents.  However, continents are referred to as Factions.   On Terrin there are 4 factions: Van Gard, Renn, Brikton, and Targon.  Each faction and the people/creatures that reside in them live very different lives and have very different values.  

Unlike Earth, Terrin is not ruled solely by Humans.  In fact, each Faction has it’s own breed of life.  Species on Targon contain highly intelligent human like animals.  They are savage folk that live very simply lives.  Renn is inhabited by creatures that have the ability to wield magic.  Typically, those from Renn are docile.  In Brikton reside the beasts.  Contrast to assumption, beasts are not animalistic.  But in the eyes of the rest of Terrin, those from Brikton are just large bags of meat with small brains.  However, Beasts are calm and friendly creatures.  In Van Gard live the Humans.  This is also the main setting of the game.

The Humans that live in Van Gard are similar to those on Earth.  Everyone has jobs, homes, and goals for the future. Van Gard is ruled by many powerful families.  In this game, you play as one character, Princess Fedora.  Princess Fedora is to marry Count Vladimir Andrejevich, the head of a powerful family in Van Gard.  However, before they could become wed,  Count Vladimir is found dead.  It is suspected that Count Loris Ipanov, a head of another family, is responsible because of his connection to an organization that rejects the law.  In addition, Ipanov is in love with Princess Fedora making him an easy suspect.  Ipanov is immediately exiled to the outskirts of Van Gard.  Upon hearing the news, Fedora is devastated then filled with rage.   Princess Fedora sets on a journey to revenge her to-be-husband.  The Game Begins.

At the start of the game, you are given three options as to how you partake in the revenge. You may choose to go outside the law and make Ipanov pay for his crime.  You can travel to Renn and use magic to turn Ipanov into a pig.  Or you can track Ipanov down and demand an explanation.  Regardless of the path you choose, many obstacle are placed in front of you.   

Because you can only choose one option, let’s take the civil route and learn why Ipanov killed Count Vladimir.   Your journey begins with finding the Jeweled Byzantine cross.  The Jeweled Byzantine is a very important necklace and key to finding Ipanov.  The cross is a very old relic created by the Renn and given to Van Gard powers as a peace offering.  The cross holds magic that give the holder powers of good fortune.  In order to find Ipanov, Fedora will need this good fortune as his location is unknown.  However to find it is difficult.  To gain possession of the cross you must obtain a variety of items that are then fused with magic.  When this is down the cross’ location is reveal.

You may have realized that in order to fuse the items with magic you need someone from Renn.  This is your next task.  After having someone from Renn perform the necessary steps and you have obtained the cross, you must wear it in a house of ceremony.  You must travel to Fedora’s (your) home where the reception to her wedding was to be held.  Once you arrive at Fedora’s home you must put on the cross.  Because Fedora’s home is hosting a reception, it is temporarily a house of sanction.  To complete the task you must swear on the jeweled Byzantine cross.  You will know the jeweled Byzantine is activated by a glowing green light that radiates from the cross brightening the entire room.  

Immediately a large thump is heard from outside the house.  There is someone outside that wants to come in -- the door slowly opens.  It is Ipanov.  The cross worked instantly.  No longer must you find Ipanov, the cross did that for you.  Right away Ipanov tries to speak -- the game pauses.  Once again you are given an option.  You may either let him speak or speak yourself.  You let him speaking but demand an explanation.   Shockingly he professes his love.  Along with his love, he also admits to killing Count Vladimir.  However, Ipanov says that he didn’t kill Count Vladimir randomly and not out of jealousy.  Ipanov confesses that his wife and Count Ipanov were lovers.  

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This news is shocking to Fedora -- she feels conflicted.  Before the game can continue, you must make yet another decision -- do you believe Ipanov?  We choose yes.  But there is still truth to be told.  Ipanov reveals that it was Vladimir who was the first aggressor.  When Ipanov first witness’ his wife’s betrayal, Vladimir open fires on him.  After only being grazed, Ipanov returns fire and kills Vladimir.  

Fedora and Ipanov have a very long conversation about their current situation and their next move.

After listening to Ipanov it becomes clear to her that he did not kill for political gain but for love. 

Fedora relates to his passion.  After learning that Fedora and Ipanov are both lovers betrayed, 

Fedora realizes that she has fallen in love with Ipanov.  Ipanov stays the night.