Exalted: Obsidian Requiem - Music
Obsidian Requiem makes frequent use of music during the game as intro, extro, incidental, and battle music, as well as out-of-game for character image songs. Here are a few of the more memorable choices
Theme Music
- You Get to Burning (Martian Successor Nadesico) - The original upbeat TV version of this song was the intro to session 1. The slow, sad version sung by Ruri was used as the end theme to the same session, thereby mimicing the mood of the party as they looked back upon their conquered homeland, possibly for the last time.
- Heart of Sword (Rurouni Kenshin) - This has been used as an end theme. Given the source and the title, this song is a reference to melee-type characters.
- Low Red Moon (Belly) - The lyrics don't necessarily fit, and I've never even heard the music, but the title was so perfect for session 12 and Act 1 that I couldn't resist.
Mood and Battle Music
- Gollum's Song (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers) - This was used for the discovery of the traitor in session 8. A creepy/sad song with appropriate lyrics.
- Blaze (Escalflowne) - This choral piece was used extensively since session 1 to indicate ominous events, particularly those connected with the Night-forged.
- Decisive Battle (Neon Genesis Evangelion) - A good instrumental battle song.
- Trail of Blood and JENOVA (Final Fantasy VII) - I've always loved this particular sequence of songs. The first piece is slow and ominous. It then seques into the second song, a highly rythmic battle theme.
- Suzaku no Shichi Seishi (Fushigi Yuugi) - The last minute or so of this song is the music played when Tamahome broke through the Seiryuu temple barrier to rescue Miaka through sheer force of will and persistence. I use it to evoke those emotions.
- Epistle (Escaflowne) - Another choral piece, for battles.
- Charm (Escaflowne) - A rythmic, ominous piece. I use it for spells.
- Book of the Four Heavenly Gods and Legend of the Suzaku (Fushigi Yuugi) - These are used to evoke a sense of awe and mystery.
- Duel Music from Utena (Utena) - Too numerous to list individually, the Utena duel music is great whenever characters are facing off over the battlefield.
Image Songs
Image songs are "extras" that are about a character or other element. They might convey an explicit attitude, or even something so vague as a "feel". They usually aren't used directly in the source material (that's why they are extras) but they might..
- Kagirinai Yokubou no Naka Ni aka Unlimited Desire (Slayers) - This could be an image song for any of several characters, especially on the side of the Abyssals. Check out the lyrics (english at the bottom).
- Run all the Way (Slayers) - I see this as an image song for the PC Circle, and probably for Ourna as well. English lyrics (interspersed with the japanese).
- Boat Song (Lunar: Silver Star Story) - Image song for Poni. Lyrics here.
- Kokoro ni Watashi ga Futari Iru aka Two of me in my Heart (Haunted Junction) - Another image song for Ourna? You be the judge.
Original material copyright © 1995-2002, Jimmy "Gregor" McKinney