Arislan Senki

The year is 320 in the Kingdom of Palse. Currently at war with its neighbour Lusitania, both sides prepare for battle on the plains of Atropatene. Lusitanian troops seem to be trying to lure Palse's cavalry onto the plains but for what reason? Palse's cavalry is the best there is. However, the Lusitanians have a couple tricks up their sleeve; a sorceror and a wandering prince. Who is Silvermask and what is his secret? What had happened 15 years ago which makes him hate Arslan so?

In the year 320, the Kingdom of Palse and Lusitania are engaged in a holy war. The Lusitanian's are determined to spread the word of their one true god Yaldabord to the rest of the Pagan world. Their latest conquest is the Kingdom of Palse, ruled by Andragoras III, his armies were defeated on the plains of Atropatene thanks to sorcery and superior military planning. The crown prince Arislan managed to escape with the help of the warrior and former Baron Marshall Daryoon. The two seek refuge with the former royal historian Narsus and at the same time convince him to help overthrow the invading Lusitanians and put Arislan to the throne...

The kingdom of Palse is in disarray after its ruler disappeared at the battle of Atropatene. Meanwhile, the Lusitanian army manages to take Ekubatana, the nation's capital. This is the first part of (so far) 6 OAVs chronicling the battles and trials that Arislan and his party go through in trying to overthrow the invading army and put Arislan on the throne. The animation in this first part is very well done, with a lot of detail put especially into the characters' outfits and jewelry. The background animation isn't quite so detailed being a bit foggily rendered but is still very nice and detailed. The soundtrack is also excellent with a good mix of martial music for the battles and more provincial music for scenes in the capital. The primary focus in this episode is on character introductions and the overthrow of the nation's capital. We're introduced to a wide range of people here: Arislan, Daryoon, Narsus, Elam, Pharangese and Gieve who make up the main characters as well as Hermes, Andragoras, Tahamenay, Jon Bodan, Inokentis VII, and the sorceror. On top of these people, Kharlan and Vaphreze who are killed in this episode are also notable and their names pop up subsequently. Despite the large number of characters introduced, the story proceeds at a good pace especially for something that is essentially an introductory episode on an epic style series.

The story centers primarily around the Crown Prince Arislan and his idealistic disposition. He's a touch naive and very trusting of his friends and advisors. At the same time however, people are a lot more willing to follow him since he is so naive and idealistic. The rest of the characters make a good mix between fighter types and advisors and are able to pull off seeming miracles from impossible situations. This episode is truly more of an introduction to the epic story which unfolds in the subsequent parts, and while not particularly deep, isn't for mindless hack and slash viewing either. The translations for this episode have so far been decent. Now if only they will release episodes 5 & 6...

Hounded by the Lusitanian forces, Prince Arislan and his band of loyal followers reach Peshawal, a friendly border fortress commanded by long-time allies Lord Quishward and General Bachmann. Bachmann is haunted a terrible secret: the mysterious Silvermask is none other than Prince Hermes, a potential heir to the throne of Palse -- an heir who may have more claim to the throne than Andragoras himself...

Meanwhile, the kingdom of Palse has caught the interest of the neighbouring lands of Shindra, which is also in the midst of a civil war between Prince Lajendra and Prince Gardeep. In an effort to protect the interests of Palse, Arislan decides to align his forces with Lajendra. But young Arislan's treaty unwittingly forces Daryoon to become the champion representing Prince Lajendra, in a fight to the death against a 12 foot tall beast -- a fight for control of Shindra itself!

The design of the buildings in this episode are commendable -- the interior of Peshawal castle is impressive. Background artists have included the tile and mosaic often seen in Middle Eastern temples and palaces. The interiors of the large buildings show elaborate painted decoration and onion shaped domes give a strangely beautiful image of the ancient cultres in Asia Minor thousands of years ago. The palace of the Shindran king looks very much like the Taj Mahal in symmetry and landscaping, while the arena in which Daryoon duels with the twelve foot beast is similar to those used in earlier civilizations for spectator sports.

The story of Arislan, or Arslan, is actually based on a Persian legend. Arislan's capital of Ekubatana, correctly spelled "Ecbatana", was a city of Ancient Media around the 6th Century BC. Now called "Hamadan," it is located in northwestern Iran. Costuming and character design give an impression of a culture and civilization that existed long ago. The Shindrans have the markings and turbans that are characteristic of the Indian culture. For the Palsians, capes, cloaks, sashes, leggings, tunics, earrings, boots and body armor seem to be a part of everyone's attire.

Tsuru Norihiro creates yet another beautiful soundtrack for this chapter of the story. Using drums, a solo violin, keyboards, and a small orchestra ensemble, he gives a Middle Eastern flavor to his music. The composer himself plays the violin and keyboards in most of the pieces. Each of the seventeen tunes is heard only once in Part II, and are completely different from those heard in Part I.

The youthful voice of Yamaguchi Kappei does very well to depict Arislan's character. There are distinct moments in this episode when we hear authority, grief, uncertainty, and innocence in his voice that depicts Prince Arislan as a boy on the verge of becoming a man. Part II brings up new characters like Arfurido, Zante, Prince Gardeep, Prince Lajendra, Azrael, Lord Quishward, Lord Bachman, Bal Hador and Jaswont. Each of the main characters' personalities are better developed. Pharangese is depicted as a stern and beautiful warrior/priestess of Misra, Gieve as a conniving, womanizing minstrel/thief, Daryoon as a loyal champion of Arislan, and Narsus as the ever calm, collected, and self-assured strategist for the prince. Certainly, the story has the essence of a mythical legend complete with kingdoms, princes, betrayal, blood, battles, magic and gods. The story can be confusing due to the strange names of the people and places. But, the continuing mystery of Silvermask, the multiple adversaries and predicaments that Arislan must face keep the story's momentum going.

Episode three begins with more Palsian soldiers and noble warriors joining Arislan at Peshawal. Arislan wants to free all the slaves of Palse despite Narsus's advice that retaking Ekubatana should be the prince's first priority. While Arislan's army of 110,000 men prepares to march, the Lusitanians hurry to repair Ekubatana and prepare for Arislan's attack. King Innokentis II of Lusitania is a sorry excuse for a king, and most of the decisions are made by his younger brother, Prince Giskarl. Another 100,000 Lusitanian soldiers are expected to arrive in Ekubatana. Prince Giskarl also orders the death of the Lusitanian religious leader, Jon Bodan, to prevent any meddling of the prince's plans to rule Greater Lusitania by himself. Under Prince Giskarl's orders, Silvermask attacks Castle Zable, killing Jon Bodan's personal guard but Bodan escapes. Though Silvermask is working for Prince Giskarl, he has plans of his own to complete his revenge against the royal family of Palse. Arislan learns that Silvermask is his cousin Prince Hermes, son of Osiris who was king before Andragoras. Meanwhile, an old acquaintance of Prince Hermes, Princess Ilina of Maryum, is searching for him. While docking at the northern Port of Dairam, her ship is attacked by a Lusitanian batallion. The princess is rescued by former Baron Marshal Kubard, and the mountain bandit Melain. Melain promises to be her guide and help her find Prince Heremes. In May of 321, Arislan leaves Peshawal and marches his army east on the Great Road towards Ekubatana. Through superior military tactics, Arislan's army takes the first Lusitanian outpost on the Great Road, Castle Chasume.

In Arislan episode three the narrator recaps the story with previous clips to save time and animation work. However, the narration sounds like a documentary which is fitting for an epic style series and the "legendary" aura that surrounds Arislan. The map that Narsus makes for Arislan is referred to now and then to indicate where everyone is--which is helpful for those of us with no sense of direction at all. Altogether, the story begins to take a quicker pace as everyone anticipates the upcoming battle for Ekubatana. More new characters are introduced in these episodes, such as Princess Ilina, Jovana, Melain, former Baron Marshal Kubard, General Clemence, Montferart, Bordoin, Zaravont, Lucian, Tous, and Prince Giskarl. The introduction of these new characters makes the story more interesting.

The costuming and background art is still beautiful and detailed. The design of Princess Ilina's dress and the miniature drawings on the map that Narsus makes for Arislan deserve separate praise. Time and effort was put into the ornamentation of the interior of the battered Ekubatana, the interior of Peshawal, and the interior to Princess Ilina's ship. In episode three, most of the action takes place outside and the scenery gets a little monotonous after a while. But, all of the scenes that take place under the moon are beautifully colored.

The soundtrack for episode three is much shorter than those of one or two. Some of the songs are even repeated in different variations. However, there are many moving melodies on this soundtrack, such as the background music when Princess Ilina is first introduced. The end title song for both episodes three and four, "Ryoute-ippai," is beautifully sung by Shoko Suzuki. The song is accompanied by a display of all the major and minor characters present in the episode. For hard core Arislan fans though, the credits come much too early for our tastes. Onward to episode four!

In the beginning of episode four, Arislan's camp is hunting on Chafristern field. When Arislan is accidentally separated from the hunting party he is attacked by Etoile, a religiously zealous Lusitanian. She is a member of the Lusitanian scouting party which was sent from Castle Sammanuel to observe Arislan's army. Arislan's friends rescue him from the arrows of the Lusitanian scouting party and, immediately the prince orders his army to charge Castle Sammanuel. Sammanuel, the second outpost on the Great Road, falls to the Palsians in one day. Arislan continues his march west to Ekubatana. Meanwhile, Silvermask reveals his identity to Prince Giskarl in order to gain the Lusitanian prince's trust. The sorcerer tells Silvermask of Ruknabard, the legendary sword of the kings of Palse. With it, Silvermask can justify his royal lineage and his right to the throne of Palse.

In the exciting fourth episode of Arislan we are again given a quick overview of the previous episode by our now familiar friend the narrator to keep the rest of us from getting lost. The map that Narsus finished for Arislan continues to be used as a reference by the narrator. Wrapped in plots and counter plots, the story excels to the final battle. An exciting sense of urgency and even anxiety for what is to come fills the atmosphere as more Lusitanian soldiers are heading for Ekubatana to wait for Arislan.

Chafristern field is is beautifully green, detailed, and complete with running deer and mist--a good contrast to most of the dirt roads and dust seen in episode three. But, there is some melancholy symbolism in the barren landscape and dusty winds that surround Silvermask and Princess Ilina when they meet during this episode. Arislan is the exact opposite of his steel-faced cousin with the stone cold heart. The young prince continues to be a compassionate person who would rather prevent bloodshed than cause it. Nonetheless, Lusitanian blood spills everywhere in the fight for Castle Sammanuel which makes Arislan's position all the more pitiable. The blind fanaticism of the Lusitanians for their religion, fittingly displayed in Etoile's character, get rather irritating after a while. The real intentions of the Lusitanian leaders are masked behind a veil of religious righteousness, which makes them all the more despicable. As for the translations, they have been decent thus far.

The soundtrack contains tunes for marching armies, battles, and even music for the hunt on Chafristern Field. There are a lot less songs for episodes three and four since the story is quickening now, but the music in episode four is still different from the previous episodes. Norihiro Tsuru continues to use percussion, keyboards and an a string quartet to create wonderful music. Several beautiful melodies include the music played during the Lusitanian funeral and the music which accompanies Gieve's soliloquy at the end of this episode. Episode four is the only episode that does not have its own end title song. It shares the song "Ryoute-ippai" with episode three but it's such a nice song that it really doesn't matter. No if only they would release episodes five and six.....sometime before the earth and the sun collide would be good.....


	S.O.T.A. Revolution \| home Anime Reviews \| Ah! Megamisama! \| Aono Rokugo \| Arcadia of my youth \| Arislan Senki \| Armitage III \| Ayashi no Ceres \| BAOH \| Battle Angel \| Birdy the Mighty \| Black Jack \| Bubblegum Crisis \| Card Captor Sakura \| Cowboy Bebop \| Crystania no Densetsu \| DBZ Review \| Earthian \| Fake \| Fatal Fury III: The Motion Picture \| Hono Tripper \| Fushigi Yuugi \| Galaxy Express 999 \| Koukaku Kidoutai \| Hotaru No Haka \| Umi Ga Kikoeru \| Juiichinin Iru \| Kaze no Namae wa Amnesia \| Laputa, Castle in the Sky \| Mei Tantei Conan \| Mermaid's Scar \| Ninja Scroll \| Only Yesterday \| Princess Mononoke \| Queen Emeraldas \| Rail of the Star \| Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie \| Tekken Review \| Ultimate Fighter: Grappler Baki \| The Vision of Escaflowne \| Warriors of the Wind \| X: The Movie Arislan Senki (Heroic Legend of Arslan) genre: historical fiction The year is 320 in the Kingdom of Palse. Currently at war with its neighbour Lusitania, both sides prepare for battle on the plains of Atropatene. Lusitanian troops seem to be trying to lure Palse's cavalry onto the plains but for what reason? Palse's cavalry is the best there is. However, the Lusitanians have a couple tricks up their sleeve; a sorceror and a wandering prince. Who is Silvermask and what is his secret? What had happened 15 years ago which makes him hate Arslan so? Parental Guidance Advised - Some brutal violence in a couple of episodes, including a rather intense scene of torture. Very little in the way of sexual content. Part 1 Copyright: © 1992 Tanaka Yoshiki/Kadokawa-Shoten/MOVIC/Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., © 1993 Central Park Media Corp. (North America) Length: 60 minutes Rating: NR, parental guidance suggested Format: Dubbed, Subtitled (VHS/LD) Based on the manga series by: Tanaka Yoshiki Character Design: Kamimura Sachiko Director: Hamatsu Mamoru Screenplay: Sugihara Megumi Producers: Hida Mitsuhisa, Yamazaki Keishi English Version Executive Producer: John O'Donnell Translation by: Pamela Ferdi, William Flanagan In the year 320, the Kingdom of Palse and Lusitania are engaged in a holy war. The Lusitanian's are determined to spread the word of their one true god Yaldabord to the rest of the Pagan world. Their latest conquest is the Kingdom of Palse, ruled by Andragoras III, his armies were defeated on the plains of Atropatene thanks to sorcery and superior military planning. The crown prince Arislan managed to escape with the help of the warrior and former Baron Marshall Daryoon. The two seek refuge with the former royal historian Narsus and at the same time convince him to help overthrow the invading Lusitanians and put Arislan to the throne... The kingdom of Palse is in disarray after its ruler disappeared at the battle of Atropatene. Meanwhile, the Lusitanian army manages to take Ekubatana, the nation's capital. This is the first part of (so far) 6 OAVs chronicling the battles and trials that Arislan and his party go through in trying to overthrow the invading army and put Arislan on the throne. The animation in this first part is very well done, with a lot of detail put especially into the characters' outfits and jewelry. The background animation isn't quite so detailed being a bit foggily rendered but is still very nice and detailed. The soundtrack is also excellent with a good mix of martial music for the battles and more provincial music for scenes in the capital. The primary focus in this episode is on character introductions and the overthrow of the nation's capital. We're introduced to a wide range of people here: Arislan, Daryoon, Narsus, Elam, Pharangese and Gieve who make up the main characters as well as Hermes, Andragoras, Tahamenay, Jon Bodan, Inokentis VII, and the sorceror. On top of these people, Kharlan and Vaphreze who are killed in this episode are also notable and their names pop up subsequently. Despite the large number of characters introduced, the story proceeds at a good pace especially for something that is essentially an introductory episode on an epic style series. The story centers primarily around the Crown Prince Arislan and his idealistic disposition. He's a touch naive and very trusting of his friends and advisors. At the same time however, people are a lot more willing to follow him since he is so naive and idealistic. The rest of the characters make a good mix between fighter types and advisors and are able to pull off seeming miracles from impossible situations. This episode is truly more of an introduction to the epic story which unfolds in the subsequent parts, and while not particularly deep, isn't for mindless hack and slash viewing either. The translations for this episode have so far been decent. Now if only they will release episodes 5 & 6... - JYN Part 2 Copyright: © 1992 Tanaka Yoshiki/Kadokawa-Shoten/MOVIC/Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., © 1993 Central Park Media Corp. (North America) Length: 60 minutes Rating: NR, parental guidance suggested Format: Dubbed, Subtitled (VHS/LD) Based on the manga series by: Tanaka Yoshiki Character Design: Kamimura Sachiko Director: Hamatsu Mamoru Screenplay: Sugihara Megumi Producers: Hida Mitsuhisa, Yamazaki Keishi English Version Executive Producer: John O'Donnell Translation by: Pamela Ferdi, William Flanagan Hounded by the Lusitanian forces, Prince Arislan and his band of loyal followers reach Peshawal, a friendly border fortress commanded by long-time allies Lord Quishward and General Bachmann. Bachmann is haunted a terrible secret: the mysterious Silvermask is none other than Prince Hermes, a potential heir to the throne of Palse -- an heir who may have more claim to the throne than Andragoras himself... Meanwhile, the kingdom of Palse has caught the interest of the neighbouring lands of Shindra, which is also in the midst of a civil war between Prince Lajendra and Prince Gardeep. In an effort to protect the interests of Palse, Arislan decides to align his forces with Lajendra. But young Arislan's treaty unwittingly forces Daryoon to become the champion representing Prince Lajendra, in a fight to the death against a 12 foot tall beast -- a fight for control of Shindra itself! The design of the buildings in this episode are commendable -- the interior of Peshawal castle is impressive. Background artists have included the tile and mosaic often seen in Middle Eastern temples and palaces. The interiors of the large buildings show elaborate painted decoration and onion shaped domes give a strangely beautiful image of the ancient cultres in Asia Minor thousands of years ago. The palace of the Shindran king looks very much like the Taj Mahal in symmetry and landscaping, while the arena in which Daryoon duels with the twelve foot beast is similar to those used in earlier civilizations for spectator sports. The story of Arislan, or Arslan, is actually based on a Persian legend. Arislan's capital of Ekubatana, correctly spelled "Ecbatana", was a city of Ancient Media around the 6th Century BC. Now called "Hamadan," it is located in northwestern Iran. Costuming and character design give an impression of a culture and civilization that existed long ago. The Shindrans have the markings and turbans that are characteristic of the Indian culture. For the Palsians, capes, cloaks, sashes, leggings, tunics, earrings, boots and body armor seem to be a part of everyone's attire. Tsuru Norihiro creates yet another beautiful soundtrack for this chapter of the story. Using drums, a solo violin, keyboards, and a small orchestra ensemble, he gives a Middle Eastern flavor to his music. The composer himself plays the violin and keyboards in most of the pieces. Each of the seventeen tunes is heard only once in Part II, and are completely different from those heard in Part I. The youthful voice of Yamaguchi Kappei does very well to depict Arislan's character. There are distinct moments in this episode when we hear authority, grief, uncertainty, and innocence in his voice that depicts Prince Arislan as a boy on the verge of becoming a man. Part II brings up new characters like Arfurido, Zante, Prince Gardeep, Prince Lajendra, Azrael, Lord Quishward, Lord Bachman, Bal Hador and Jaswont. Each of the main characters' personalities are better developed. Pharangese is depicted as a stern and beautiful warrior/priestess of Misra, Gieve as a conniving, womanizing minstrel/thief, Daryoon as a loyal champion of Arislan, and Narsus as the ever calm, collected, and self-assured strategist for the prince. Certainly, the story has the essence of a mythical legend complete with kingdoms, princes, betrayal, blood, battles, magic and gods. The story can be confusing due to the strange names of the people and places. But, the continuing mystery of Silvermask, the multiple adversaries and predicaments that Arislan must face keep the story's momentum going. - JCF Part 3 Copyright: © 1992 Tanaka Yoshiki/Kadokawa-Shoten/MOVIC/Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., © 1993 Central Park Media Corp. (North America) Length: 60 minutes Rating: NR, parental guidance suggested Format: Dubbed, Subtitled (VHS/LD) Based on the manga series by: Tanaka Yoshiki Character Design: Kamimura Sachiko Director: Hamatsu Mamoru Screenplay: Miyashita Tomoya, Takada Kaori Producers: Kazama Yasuhisa, Kato Nageteru English Version Executive Producer: John O'Donnell Translation by: Pamela Ferdi, William Flanagan Episode three begins with more Palsian soldiers and noble warriors joining Arislan at Peshawal. Arislan wants to free all the slaves of Palse despite Narsus's advice that retaking Ekubatana should be the prince's first priority. While Arislan's army of 110,000 men prepares to march, the Lusitanians hurry to repair Ekubatana and prepare for Arislan's attack. King Innokentis II of Lusitania is a sorry excuse for a king, and most of the decisions are made by his younger brother, Prince Giskarl. Another 100,000 Lusitanian soldiers are expected to arrive in Ekubatana. Prince Giskarl also orders the death of the Lusitanian religious leader, Jon Bodan, to prevent any meddling of the prince's plans to rule Greater Lusitania by himself. Under Prince Giskarl's orders, Silvermask attacks Castle Zable, killing Jon Bodan's personal guard but Bodan escapes. Though Silvermask is working for Prince Giskarl, he has plans of his own to complete his revenge against the royal family of Palse. Arislan learns that Silvermask is his cousin Prince Hermes, son of Osiris who was king before Andragoras. Meanwhile, an old acquaintance of Prince Hermes, Princess Ilina of Maryum, is searching for him. While docking at the northern Port of Dairam, her ship is attacked by a Lusitanian batallion. The princess is rescued by former Baron Marshal Kubard, and the mountain bandit Melain. Melain promises to be her guide and help her find Prince Heremes. In May of 321, Arislan leaves Peshawal and marches his army east on the Great Road towards Ekubatana. Through superior military tactics, Arislan's army takes the first Lusitanian outpost on the Great Road, Castle Chasume. In Arislan episode three the narrator recaps the story with previous clips to save time and animation work. However, the narration sounds like a documentary which is fitting for an epic style series and the "legendary" aura that surrounds Arislan. The map that Narsus makes for Arislan is referred to now and then to indicate where everyone is--which is helpful for those of us with no sense of direction at all. Altogether, the story begins to take a quicker pace as everyone anticipates the upcoming battle for Ekubatana. More new characters are introduced in these episodes, such as Princess Ilina, Jovana, Melain, former Baron Marshal Kubard, General Clemence, Montferart, Bordoin, Zaravont, Lucian, Tous, and Prince Giskarl. The introduction of these new characters makes the story more interesting. The costuming and background art is still beautiful and detailed. The design of Princess Ilina's dress and the miniature drawings on the map that Narsus makes for Arislan deserve separate praise. Time and effort was put into the ornamentation of the interior of the battered Ekubatana, the interior of Peshawal, and the interior to Princess Ilina's ship. In episode three, most of the action takes place outside and the scenery gets a little monotonous after a while. But, all of the scenes that take place under the moon are beautifully colored. The soundtrack for episode three is much shorter than those of one or two. Some of the songs are even repeated in different variations. However, there are many moving melodies on this soundtrack, such as the background music when Princess Ilina is first introduced. The end title song for both episodes three and four, "Ryoute-ippai," is beautifully sung by Shoko Suzuki. The song is accompanied by a display of all the major and minor characters present in the episode. For hard core Arislan fans though, the credits come much too early for our tastes. Onward to episode four! - JCF Part 4 Copyright: © 1992 Tanaka Yoshiki/Kadokawa-Shoten/MOVIC/Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., © 1993 Central Park Media Corp. (North America) Length: 60 minutes Rating: NR, parental guidance suggested Format: Dubbed, Subtitled (VHS/LD) Based on the manga series by: Tanaka Yoshiki Character Design: Kamimura Sachiko Director: Hamatsu Mamoru Screenplay: Miyashita Tomoya, Takada Kaori Producers: Kazama Yasuhisa, Kato Nageteru English Version Executive Producer: John O'Donnell Translation by: Pamela Ferdi, William Flanagan In the beginning of episode four, Arislan's camp is hunting on Chafristern field. When Arislan is accidentally separated from the hunting party he is attacked by Etoile, a religiously zealous Lusitanian. She is a member of the Lusitanian scouting party which was sent from Castle Sammanuel to observe Arislan's army. Arislan's friends rescue him from the arrows of the Lusitanian scouting party and, immediately the prince orders his army to charge Castle Sammanuel. Sammanuel, the second outpost on the Great Road, falls to the Palsians in one day. Arislan continues his march west to Ekubatana. Meanwhile, Silvermask reveals his identity to Prince Giskarl in order to gain the Lusitanian prince's trust. The sorcerer tells Silvermask of Ruknabard, the legendary sword of the kings of Palse. With it, Silvermask can justify his royal lineage and his right to the throne of Palse. In the exciting fourth episode of Arislan we are again given a quick overview of the previous episode by our now familiar friend the narrator to keep the rest of us from getting lost. The map that Narsus finished for Arislan continues to be used as a reference by the narrator. Wrapped in plots and counter plots, the story excels to the final battle. An exciting sense of urgency and even anxiety for what is to come fills the atmosphere as more Lusitanian soldiers are heading for Ekubatana to wait for Arislan. Chafristern field is is beautifully green, detailed, and complete with running deer and mist--a good contrast to most of the dirt roads and dust seen in episode three. But, there is some melancholy symbolism in the barren landscape and dusty winds that surround Silvermask and Princess Ilina when they meet during this episode. Arislan is the exact opposite of his steel-faced cousin with the stone cold heart. The young prince continues to be a compassionate person who would rather prevent bloodshed than cause it. Nonetheless, Lusitanian blood spills everywhere in the fight for Castle Sammanuel which makes Arislan's position all the more pitiable. The blind fanaticism of the Lusitanians for their religion, fittingly displayed in Etoile's character, get rather irritating after a while. The real intentions of the Lusitanian leaders are masked behind a veil of religious righteousness, which makes them all the more despicable. As for the translations, they have been decent thus far. The soundtrack contains tunes for marching armies, battles, and even music for the hunt on Chafristern Field. There are a lot less songs for episodes three and four since the story is quickening now, but the music in episode four is still different from the previous episodes. Norihiro Tsuru continues to use percussion, keyboards and an a string quartet to create wonderful music. Several beautiful melodies include the music played during the Lusitanian funeral and the music which accompanies Gieve's soliloquy at the end of this episode. Episode four is the only episode that does not have its own end title song. It shares the song "Ryoute-ippai" with episode three but it's such a nice song that it really doesn't matter. No if only they would release episodes five and six.....sometime before the earth and the sun collide would be good..... - JCF