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View Full Version : BBEG needs theme music!



GeekGirl
2011-10-27, 02:03 PM
Greetings All!! So the BBEG in my current game needs theme music. I'm currently at a loss for what to use.
Time for the details:
Half-elf Psion (telepathy)/Warlock/Mindbender (Cerebremancer later)
An awkward build at best, but she does her job very well.
She is cunning, manipulative, charismatic and damn near pure evil. Her Basic deal is convincing everyone to do her dirty work, including the party, but they don't know it yet.
I'm not sure what else to say exactly, but let me know if anyone needs any more.

The model I'm using.
http://i.imgur.com/x2vwy.jpg

Yora
2011-10-27, 02:20 PM
Are you looking for something more subtle or more badass?

GeekGirl
2011-10-27, 02:28 PM
I'm not really sure, I think I may need both. Something subtle for when they first meet her, a little more badass when the final confrontation comes in.

Yora
2011-10-27, 02:40 PM
Maybe Mantis Hymn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvqyR3BG24s) from Metal Gear Solid 4 could work. It's the theme music of an insane telepath. But might be a bit too over the top. :D

Same goes for this one from The Witcher (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZwinRsFSOI).

Here is one from Shadow of the Colossus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx6SzOr_MxU) that is not THAT over dramatic.

This one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA6ahZ_9s5k) is from a Ghost in the Shell movies, but might be a bit too subtle.

Kol Korran
2011-10-27, 05:10 PM
i found the Leon (the professional) soundtrack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVFiYsciTGU&feature=BFa&list=PL695017D99FFB3C75&lf=results_main) works especially well for atmospheric music for sophisticated, sarcastic, sly and smart people. not all of the tracks, but quite a few of them. not battle music though, but rather "regular" interaction

hope this helps,
Kol.

Hiro Protagonest
2011-10-27, 05:29 PM
The Last Agni Kai (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHPOnWczkXc&feature=youtube_gdata_player)

That evokes a different theme than the one you probably want, though.

Mando Knight
2011-10-27, 07:33 PM
If they don't realize she's evil until the very end, when she reveals that they've been playing into her hand all along as the world is now within her grasp thanks to them, I'd recommend With Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8TxnuOia5w).

Dust
2011-10-27, 09:33 PM
How about Army of Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBOYR9cs0Gc)?

I won't sympathize/
Anymore/
And if you complain once more/
You'll meet an army of me.

nyarlathotep
2011-10-27, 09:42 PM
I'd give her the same theme I give to all my bosses (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iof5pRAIZmw)

Hyudra
2011-10-27, 09:49 PM
Catastrophe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5-rExcDzu4"), by Yuki Kajiura, for your badass confrontation music?

NOhara24
2011-10-28, 09:01 AM
Maybe Mantis Hymn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvqyR3BG24s) from Metal Gear Solid 4 could work. It's the theme music of an insane telepath. But might be a bit too over the top. :D



Nonsense. The Mantis Hymn is perfect for what I'm visualizing the OP's BBEG to embody. Especially if she's creepy and can read the party's collective memory cards, or make them shake across the floor at will.

The Tygre
2011-10-28, 09:07 AM
Mars, the Bringer of War. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0bcRCCg01I) Yo.

Yora
2011-10-28, 09:12 AM
Nonsense. The Mantis Hymn is perfect for what I'm visualizing the OP's BBEG to embody. Especially if she's creepy and can read the party's collective memory cards, or make them shake across the floor at will.

I think it's more fitting for something that eats all the souls of entire planets. :smallbiggrin:

TomBaker
2011-10-28, 09:37 AM
Depending on your tastes, and I apologise for my non linking as I cannot find it at this time, but a few of the tracks from the Dark Souls soundtracks can be effective, personal preference I've used for conniving bosses is Nameless Song, builds and winds up creepily before a nice crescendo.

Yora
2011-10-28, 09:43 AM
Looking through Demon's Souls was actually one of my first ideas, but they all didn't really fit.

Dark Souls would be worth a shot, though.

Hiro Protagonest
2011-10-28, 11:12 AM
I'd give her the same theme I give to all my bosses (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iof5pRAIZmw)


Mars, the Bringer of War. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0bcRCCg01I) Yo.

Thread won.

GeekGirl
2011-10-28, 01:38 PM
Mars, the Bringer of War. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0bcRCCg01I) Yo.

This is my usual boss fight music. Thanks for all the suggestion so far. I am still undecided on a song :(

I think I'm looking for something almost eerie.
I like This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PztMcNH8t2g) or maybe closer to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BXonfJdFCM) (that sound creeps me out a lot, and I'm not sure why.) that one too maybe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vcFFf9aa7k). Decisions decisions

Radar
2011-10-28, 02:06 PM
If she's not showing off her evilness, you might use something tame like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Uz3oujrfc) with that (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH8EVRK-Pmw&feature=related) after the reveal.

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4Qo4vxXpC8)might give a proper mysterious/enchanting vibe.

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CXb8YQjjIo&feature=related) could be an interestting choice as well.

edit: if you want eerie, then look into works of Penderecki: 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzOb3UhPmig), 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UqQl0CNNCY&feature=related).

For something a bit less frightening there's Danny Elfman: 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQpBbK7ua-g&feature=related), 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwEcOZjuFko&feature=fvwrel).

Daer
2011-10-28, 02:34 PM
Voltaire - When you're evil (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ujzp9ffPwPM)

Templarkommando
2011-10-28, 02:45 PM
Definitely the Imperial March. I realize she's a subtle character, it would just be hilarious for this "innocent" (atm) character to walk in to the imperial march. The players are like "Why are you playing the imperial march?" You're like "Oh, no reason..."

ryzouken
2011-10-28, 02:48 PM
The soundtrack to Super Ghouls and Ghosts.
Found here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSv6DCSZNQM)

Old school, yo.

Hiro Protagonest
2011-10-28, 03:52 PM
For reference: Imperial March (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6MYLtqL9T8&feature=youtube_gdata_player).

Calmar
2011-10-28, 04:30 PM
How about The White Queen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULUxC1EJfWA)?

Mando Knight
2011-10-28, 05:08 PM
Definitely the Imperial March. I realize she's a subtle character, it would just be hilarious for this "innocent" (atm) character to walk in to the imperial march. The players are like "Why are you playing the imperial march?" You're like "Oh, no reason..."
...There is no subtlety to it, then. The Imperial March was essentially composed to be the march of DOOM. You play it, and everyone knows something bad is about to go down. With hordes of homogeneous troops deployed from dagger-shaped starships.

Templarkommando
2011-10-28, 07:42 PM
...There is no subtlety to it, then. The Imperial March was essentially composed to be the march of DOOM. You play it, and everyone knows something bad is about to go down. With hordes of homogeneous troops deployed from dagger-shaped starships.

My point was that it would be funny - you'd probably only ever do this in a campaign with a very humorous mood. In a serious campaign it's probably not the best idea. :D

QuidEst
2011-10-30, 12:35 PM
My point was that it would be funny - you'd probably only ever do this in a campaign with a very humorous mood. In a serious campaign it's probably not the best idea. :D

If you want to use it humorously, find it whistled (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioyt2zzm530) or played on kazoos- save the real deal for when you need it.

Now for persuasive villains, my personal favorite is courtesy of ocremix- Subterranean Opus (http://ocrmirror.org/files/music/remixes/Chrono_Trigger_Subterranean_Opus_OC_ReMix.mp3). I don't think it's too heavy-handed on the whole "being a villain" thing. Dunno how well it fits her, but on the plus side, there's an alternate version that you can use for the reveal, boss fight music, or something like that. Calamitous Judgment (http://ocrmirror.org/files/music/remixes/Chrono_Trigger_Calamitous_Judgment_OC_ReMix.mp3). Hope that's helpful. If not, they're good listening. :)

The Glyphstone
2011-10-30, 12:54 PM
Well, if you're into thrash metal, there's Mind Control (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AXGfH-3RbI) by Slayer.

Seharvepernfan
2011-10-31, 06:56 AM
She doesn't need to be a mindbender with a rack like that.

Vixsor Lumin
2011-11-18, 03:56 PM
I feel like I may be a bit late but braille by bring me the horizon? Sorry idk how to link it

eulmanis12
2011-11-18, 07:34 PM
Give her the best bad guy song out there

Imperial March

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6MYLtqL9T8&feature=related

Hiro Protagonest
2011-11-18, 07:43 PM
Give her the best bad guy song out there

Imperial March

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6MYLtqL9T8&feature=related

Can't you people read ONE page!?

Dragonsoul
2011-11-19, 03:59 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAdAczycjBk

Entirely depending on how read up your party is on anime though

Sgt. Cookie
2011-11-19, 09:39 AM
Just because you're evil doesn't mean you can't be classy.

Chopin Grand Polonaise Brillante, Op.22 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzyLhpXzKEE&feature=related)

SgtCarnage92
2011-12-01, 10:30 PM
I've always wanted to use this for an epic boss battle but have never found the opportunity. Sufficiently creepy and epic. (If you don't mind technical metal)

The Grand Conjuration -Opeth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC_-JsKlIOk

Science Officer
2011-12-01, 11:35 PM
Mind-bending, ominous and damn-near pure evil, you say?
Sounds like Electric Wizard (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNUyUEOApOU) to me.

If you don't mind more obvious lyrics, Black Sabbath's Evil Woman, or Warning.

Not serious suggestions, but better than the Imperial March, I think.

The Succubus
2011-12-02, 11:51 AM
So help me, if someone suggests One-Winged Angel, I will bite them in the kneecaps.:smallmad:

The Glyphstone
2011-12-02, 02:18 PM
*straps on armored kneepads*


Have you considered using One-Winged Angel?:smallbiggrin:

TheThan
2011-12-02, 04:26 PM
Carol of the bells (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vNcGlM8O3I) is surprisingly suited for BBEG music. 'Tis the season after all.

Kane0
2011-12-04, 08:47 PM
Theres a whole bunch of tracks that you could use from Nox (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAIr7H5U7pQ&feature=related) or C&C (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHUqfgcBYEw&feature=related) if you have ten minutes to browse through them. I often use them for all kinds of things from dangerous exploring to peaceful sleep to the town being attacked to the BBEG walloping the players :smallbiggrin:

Greymane
2011-12-05, 03:58 AM
Might I recommend Dancing Mad? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib6ZySkP4_0&list=PL8D753D1ED64F2894&index=1&feature=plpp_video) It has three movements. Take your pick or use them all. It's not very subtle and reeks of "boss battle" (because it is), but maybe you'll find something you like about it.

harkle1876
2011-12-05, 04:42 AM
If you want to strike fear into the hearts of your players, I suggest Vitas Opera 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjO_VXHxsRw).

Sgt. Cookie
2011-12-05, 07:54 AM
Anything by two steps from hell.

Brauron
2011-12-05, 06:51 PM
I often find myself using a lot of female villains -- not entirely sure why, I'm sure there's a psychological dealie there but I've never felt the need to delve into my psyche about it. I tend to have multiple "themes" for different aspects of each character.

My current BBEG (Big Bad Evil Gal) is a warlord from the distant past, who, upon dying, was reborn in the Abyss as a Marilith. When I'm writing up material dealing with her, I'm generally listening to Black Sabbath's "I" (http://youtu.be/l-lZx0i1DDM). Doubt I'll ever have it playing in the background during a session, however. I prefer instrumental and orchestral music for in game.

The PCs are going to have their first encounter with her next session, as she journeys with a small entourage (she's allied herself with a "nation" of giants and goblinoids to provide cannon fodder for advancing her schemes) of orc spearmen and hobgoblin archers to an Oracle that the PCs are also visiting. As she slithers out of her carriage, that's when Mars, The Bringer of War comes on.

And at the climax of the campaign, when the PCs are approaching the lair she's built for herself on the Material Plane? Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain." (http://youtu.be/nYSbxRiUgOo)

A song you might want to try, taking a slightly different tact to the character, is Alice Cooper's "Poison." (http://youtu.be/4sT54IEORII)

theflyingkitty
2011-12-05, 07:58 PM
I vote for Darth Vader's theme... the march? And start it RIGHT when he comes into play/room.

Hiro Protagonest
2011-12-05, 08:02 PM
I vote for Darth Vader's theme... the march? And start it RIGHT when he comes into play/room.

Can't people read one and a half pages!?

Or at least have a sense of the tone she's going for!?

Or at least know what the best song in Star Wars is called!?

hiryuu
2011-12-05, 08:27 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjTl3qa07Lw

Evil forever.

TheVileVillain
2011-12-06, 12:41 AM
If you give her a theme song your player's will know she's a villain. Hold off until the reveal.

Iamyourking
2011-12-06, 03:09 AM
Try one of these:
Barbaranni of Death (http://tindeck.com/listen/wafc) (If you want your party to hate the BBEG, look no further than here; seeing as how the best choice is totally inappropriate for the character)
Imperatrix (http://tindeck.com/listen/jlyq) (A swelling piece for a compelling villaness)
Pyar Faith (http://tindeck.com/listen/upht) (This can play if they achieve a victory over her, it's the most triumphant music I know)
EXEC_CUTYPUMP (http://tindeck.com/listen/joeu) (She's a telepath, use this to break their minds)
Devil May Sly (http://tindeck.com/listen/fsud) (Fast paced action, would probably work well for fighting charmed minions of special power)
Back to Feed My Frankenstein (http://tindeck.com/listen/bhqm) (Probably better for necromancers then telepaths, but I love it too much to leave out)
The Battle for Everyone's Souls (http://tindeck.com/listen/eygt) (The final battle theme)
Pyar Babar the Twisted Elephant (http://tindeck.com/listen/ixvo) (For if she charms an ally and forces them to fight)
EXEC_COSMOFLIPS (http://tindeck.com/listen/xjwo) (Another one that I love too much to leave out)
Heartful Cry (http://tindeck.com/listen/sexl) (This can be her theme before she reveals her true nature
The Dark Colossus Destroys All (http://tindeck.com/listen/ysxe) (For an apocalyptic leadup to the final confrontation)
and finally METHOD_REPLAKIA (http://tindeck.com/listen/lbnb) (What kind of BBEG doesn't have some sort of super-weapon? Use this when it is activating)

llamamushroom
2011-12-06, 04:48 AM
If you give her a theme song your player's will know she's a villain. Hold off until the reveal.

That's pretty good advice there, though if you already play background music, I'd suggest giving her a tango theme - it's very seductive music, and then you can play something like Piazzolla's Four Seasons of Buenos Airies: Summer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_nu-YmcjcM&feature=fvst) over the reveal, because that's seriously evil-sounding tango right there.

Zeru the Dark
2011-12-06, 09:02 AM
If you play music throughout your entire sessions, then don't give her theme music; give the situation where they meet her theme music, and find something that fits the situation and her both at the same time. If you don't play music entirely regularly throughout your sessions, then don't give her anything special until they know she's a villain; once they know what's up, enjoy. Go with something classy, and keep it for both combat and non-combat encounters with her.

GeekGirl
2011-12-06, 12:39 PM
First thank you everyone for suggestions ^_^


If you don't play music entirely regularly throughout your sessions, then don't give her anything special until they know she's a villain; once they know what's up, enjoy. Go with something classy, and keep it for both combat and non-combat encounters with her.

I generally only play music during important story moments of combat. I am trying to keep the music orchestral, as that's what I usually use.


Carol of the bells (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vNcGlM8O3I) is surprisingly suited for BBEG music. 'Tis the season after all.

that was my favorite so far.

I ended up using Allegro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PztMcNH8t2g)for when they first meet her, and probably going to use this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDYHlJDPBP4) when they find her true nature and the fighting starts.

jackattack
2011-12-09, 06:54 PM
From my little library of instrumental music (which includes some vocalises) in no particular order...


From recent "Dr. Who" series/seasons (most of which doesn't sound it):
The Carrionites Swarm - decent martial music with a little heroic bit at the end
Cassandra's Waltz - creepy but light
The Sybilline Sisterhood - a bit ponderous, but evil
A River of Tears - very moody, but open to interpretation
Midnight - creepy and evil, dangerous at the end
The Dark and Endless Dalek Night - big and evil and grandiose, with a quiet bit toward the end that builds back up
The Master Tape - heavy and a bit frantic toward the end
Davros - creepy techno opening, threatening orchestral

By Corner Stone Cues:
Wicked - builds nicely
Threshold - kind of "action-y", but a definite sinister feel
Forest Chase - but who is chasing who?
Leather Tomb - also action-y, with triumphant undertones

From the "Fright Night" remake (fun movie, good score):
Welcome to Fright Night - short version of next piece
Fright Night - organ intro, then relentless strings, and the organ comes back
How to Kill a Vampire - rock instrumental with organ
Let's Kill Something - organ, strings, and electric guitar

Experiment in Terror by Henry Mancini - after forty-five seconds it becomes jazz, but a very mysterious opening

The Host of Seraphim by Dead Can Dance - a funereal vocalise

The Ninth Gate Vocalise by Wojciech Kilar - slow and sad and deliberate

Thirteen O'Clock from the "Labyrinth" score by Trevor Jones - very threatening, up until the good-guys-win part at the end

The Strangers Are Tuning from the "Dark City" score by Trevor Jones - threatening and grandiose, with some martial overtones in the middle (actually, give the whole score a listen, and watch the director's cut)

Dark Shadows from "Dark Shadows" by the Robert Corbet Orchestra - cliche, but good cliche

Sternenstaub by Melotron - German techno, but mysterious and dark

Back into Hell by Meatloaf - American rockestra, but mysterious and a little dark, with frequent switches and mixes between two or three motifs

Retribution from "Jeckyll & Hyde (Highlights)" by Kim Scharnberg - mostly piano and strings

The Power of Evil from "The Devil Rides Out" by James Bernard - you want classic evil, this is it

Main Title from "Scanners" by Howard Shore - more classic evil, with a bit of early electronic music mixed in

The Dark Mark from "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" by John Williams - yeah, yeah, I know

Hellraiser Resurrection from... one of the Hellraiser movies... by Christopher Young - big evil, and somehow just a bit whimsical

The Deliverer from "Xena the Warrior Princess: the Bitter Suite" by Joseph LoDuca - unmistakably evil

Main Titles from "Dragonslayer" by Alex North -- ponderous and foreboding

Waxing Elizabeth from "Young Sherlock Holmes" by Crouch End Festival Chorus & the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra - best evil chanting ever!

GeekGirl
2011-12-12, 01:35 PM
Wow, thanks, this may take me a bit to get through ^_^ but awesome!!

Cirrylius
2011-12-12, 08:33 PM
Maybe too...BIG, I guess?... for your purposes, but I've always wanted to use the Matrix Revolutions Climactic Fight/Credit music for the fight that ends the campaign. Gives me chills every time.

GeekGirl
2011-12-13, 04:18 PM
I believe that is Clubbed to Death (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YCGtT_FRYg) by Rob Dougan. I used a bunch of his stuff before :P

Cirrylius
2011-12-13, 05:31 PM
I believe that is Clubbed to Death (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YCGtT_FRYg) by Rob Dougan. I used a bunch of his stuff before :P
No, that's the Girl in the Red Dress music.

...got it. It's Navras, by Juno Reactor.