What song would 1,000 bards sing together? [Archive]

Extra Anchovies

2014-10-09, 08:49 PM

Honestly, with a thousand people you won't be able to coordinate their singing in battle, even if they're extremely talented. Maybe they'd be singing a round, so that if one of them needs to pause for a bit to heal or stab someone they can join back in?

Also, one thousand bards. Wow. Too bad morale bonuses don't stack...

TheIronGolem

2014-10-09, 08:51 PM

My vote is We Will Rock You, just because somebody has to say it.

This, right here, is the only possible correct answer.

Palanan

2014-10-09, 08:52 PM

"We Don't Need Another Hero."

:smalltongue:

Red Fel

2014-10-09, 08:59 PM

Mozart's Leck mich im Arsch is a canon written for six voices as a three-part round.

If you can imagine this being modified for a thousand voices as they march into battle, it seems fitting on every possible level.

Marlowe

2014-10-09, 08:59 PM

"We Don't Need Another Hero."

:smalltongue:

Great. Now I'm hearing this and WWRY in counterpoint. I blame you.

Phelix-Mu

2014-10-09, 09:03 PM

Actually, large groups of enemies that sing in battle is pretty scary, because singing is something that boosts morale and spirits, along with coordination. In large battles, morale is a huge thing (even if the D&D rules don't reflect this terribly well...at least not in core), and if the enemy sounds like they are having a merry time of it, such that they can break into song...well that makes me think they aren't giving up any time soon.

So I'd suggest something traditional for whatever culture, a symbol of the unity of the bards.

Other fun suggestions:

- That song from Westside Story, "A Place for Us" was it?

- "Foggy Dew" or some other Irish ballad (personal bias)

- "Seven Nation Army" (hehe...preferably Glitch Mob Remix)

- "Titanium"

- "Let it Go"

gorfnab

2014-10-09, 09:08 PM

Mechanically
All those bards using aid another on a Sublime Chord, Seeker of the Song, or Exemplar would be scary.

Sublime Chord:
Song of Cosmic Fire - fire damage equal to Perform check

Seeker of the Song:
Song of Life Refrain - heal damage equal to Perform check
Hymn of Spelldeath - opposing casters make Concentration check against Seekers's Perform check in order to cast a spell

Exemplar:
Persuasive Performance - Perform check replaces Diplomacy check, Hostile to Fanatic is easily doable.

Fluff
"Swords of a Thousand Men"

Oddman80

2014-10-09, 09:10 PM

The "I'd Like to buy the world a Coke" song from that 70's tv commercial.

Red Fel

2014-10-09, 09:10 PM

- That song from Westside Story, "A Place for Us" was it?

West Side Story is the perfect source for song-and-dance routines designed for large groups of people mobilizing with the express intent of murdering other large groups of people. Specifically, the song "Cool" - where members of the Jets are revving themselves up for an impending rumble with the Sharks - is amazing for this. The show also has some good pieces with a multiple part harmony (see e.g. the "Tonight Quintet" towards the end of Act I, in which five different songs are being performed in brilliant and riveting counterpoint).

That said, "Somewhere" (also called "There's a Place for Us") is a bit to mellow and somber for a battle medley. It's great to inspire a second wind, perhaps, but when marching into combat, you need tempo, you need passion, you need power and speed and fury.

And Bards who can sing and dance, often at the same time.

War! Of course! A song about going to war! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyeKYQdYISg)

Kudaku

2014-10-09, 09:14 PM

I came here specifically to say We Will Rock You. Since that's already taken:

It kind of makes you want to break into song... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC-jau-fpJY)

Azoth

2014-10-09, 09:17 PM

Indestructibe-Disturbed

Conflict-Disturbed

Both are impressive songs for amping someone up, and quite terrifying to picture 1000 people belting out.

Stella

2014-10-09, 09:22 PM

We are the world! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glny4jSciVI)

Originally by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richy, this song is a sincere attempt to bring the world together in an attempt to solve crises which afflict humanity.

Give a listen. No matter how tarnished the reputation of any participating individual celebrity might be, the message they give here is true. Celebrity can be a positive influence.

Palanan

2014-10-09, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by Phelix-Mu
- "Let it Go"

Only if combined with Snowflake Wardance.

:smallbiggrin:

shaikujin

2014-10-09, 09:29 PM

For the Exemplar Diplomancy route, I'd suggest "I like'd to teach the world to sing ~"

Have the 1000 bards use Aid Another to boost the Exemplar's attempt.

There's a Cola vending machine in 2e's Magica Encyclopaedia (might have mis-spelled the name).

Offer the opposing forces Colas...

If this turns out well, the bards can start a business enterprise.

Oneris

2014-10-09, 09:32 PM

"Do You Hear the People Sing?" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf71gy3uME4&app=desktop)
Singing the song of angry bards...

DM Nate

2014-10-09, 09:33 PM

For Those About to Rock... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKhTk0IynHM)

Jeff the Green

2014-10-09, 09:41 PM

Honestly, with a thousand people you won't be able to coordinate their singing in battle, even if they're extremely talented.

Estonia (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U5gYzkY_jQ) would like a word with you. 42,000 singers in perfect sinc. (My brother's in that clip, actually.)

Battle would make things complicated, but for someone who's spent their life learning music, it's more likely that keeping the beat will help them fight better than that fighting will screw up the beat.

Kymme

2014-10-09, 09:42 PM

I don't know what exactly this is, but it's awesome. (http://www.wimp.com/latviansong/)

Extra Anchovies

2014-10-09, 09:44 PM

Fluff
"Swords of a Thousand Men"

YES
THIS

It's good to know that I'm not the only person who listens to Skyclad :smallbiggrin:

Palanan

2014-10-09, 09:47 PM

...and there's always "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap."

:smalltongue:

Seerow

2014-10-09, 10:01 PM

Nobody's mentioned it yet?

I'll Make a Man out of You.

Averis Vol

2014-10-09, 10:08 PM

Attero dominatus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95RFHR-8YuI) with setting valid country replacements.

Skalds and shadows (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3_S1Q40HZo) is a bardic classic, and fairly dnd appropriate.

Ten thousand strong (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMOtwk9oXjA) would also work with the removal of the word ten. That opening wail would be terrifying with 1000 bards doin it.

Palanan

2014-10-09, 10:16 PM

If they're trying to get the opposing army to reconsider...

Judas Priest: "You Got Another Thing Coming."

Divide by Zero

2014-10-09, 10:22 PM

Make them all undead, and you could do Thriller.

Turok124

2014-10-09, 10:24 PM

Song of the dragonborn!

Talentless

2014-10-09, 10:48 PM

Sound the Drums of War anyone? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oycn3w_S2UA)

nedz

2014-10-09, 11:09 PM

It should really be the Player's choice, but I have to nominate War what is it good for absolutely nothing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01-2pNCZiNk)

Divide by Zero

2014-10-09, 11:27 PM

BE A MAN! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSS5dEeMX64)

Or pretty much anything by Manowar.

Oddman80

2014-10-09, 11:31 PM

You could go with the world's largest ever choir (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5mqR-ehY9s)

Jeff the Green

2014-10-10, 12:12 AM

You could go with the world's largest ever choir (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5mqR-ehY9s)

Largest male only choir. The one I linked earlier is four times as large. Nearly six times as large if you count the dancers.

Malroth

2014-10-10, 12:45 AM

Nyan cat song.:smallbiggrin:

bekeleven

2014-10-10, 12:50 AM

Long Time - Boston (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=BTFD5DZwK7g#t=145)

For a slightly more serious answer, how about something (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiDI4GZMVF0) from (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjruB1hsF9o) the (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3zle1ZfxQc) Nier (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0IWB6qEn9o) Soundtrack (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZzMyxDgdQ4)?

And Save Yourself, I'll hold them back (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXXP23rOgV8) when retreating.

Noldo

2014-10-10, 12:58 AM

Assuming the bard are clad in red, why not declare their superiority to the opponent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=740YKIuLt8s)? You got plenty of other great possibilities from same performer.

Andreaz

2014-10-10, 01:02 AM

Gentlemen, you surely jest. Of course they'll sing The Bard's Song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zklqr1xj32Q)!

Sith_Happens

2014-10-10, 01:25 AM

This, right here, is the only possible correct answer.

Definitely, though as a runner up, imagine 1000 people singing Libera Me from Hell (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT6LFOIofRE).:smallcool:

Sublime Chord:
Song of Cosmic Fire - fire damage equal to Perform check.

If you do this, the song has to be City by Hollywood Undead (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdFxDfqzyDM). Bonus points if the entire army is also getting Dragonfire Inspiration (which it should be).

BWR

2014-10-10, 01:27 AM

No one has suggested Kumbaya yet? For shame.
If the bards don't mind just playing instruments and not singing, this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D0ZQPqeJkk) is the best piece of music to inspire courage.

Yael

2014-10-10, 01:37 AM

Nobody's mentioned it yet?

I'll Make a Man out of You.

I'll Make a Mon out of You. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS58nPTzWr0)

Emerald Sword (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye6YHQ8AZzU), maybe?

Gwendol

2014-10-10, 01:40 AM

O Fortuna - Carl Orff (from Carmina Burana)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3cXcS49D64

I hope one of them is a War Chanter?

Umbranar

2014-10-10, 02:27 AM

If they all have atleast some ranks in Perform Dancing you could do a 1000 men New Zealand Hakka.

Malak'ai

2014-10-10, 04:50 AM

If they all have atleast some ranks in Perform Dancing you could do a 1000 men New Zealand Hakka.

Which one? Every Maori tribe (and offshoots) have their own Haka.

The one you see being (over)used at sporting events is called "Ka Mate" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ka_Mate). The All Blacks (New Zealand's rugby team) also uses "Kapa O Pango" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haka_%28sports%29#.22Kapa_o_Pango.22_2005) which was written especialy for them.

supermonkeyjoe

2014-10-10, 06:11 AM

They could always go with the acapella route and sing the imperial march, I hear the Imperial March is good for intimidation.

Oddman80

2014-10-10, 06:19 AM

Largest male only choir. The one I linked earlier is four times as large. Nearly six times as large if you count the dancers.

The clip you show does not have 42,000 people singing together. Maybe including the audience, there were 42,000 people in attendance, but the choir was significantly smaller, as the amphitheater they were singing in could not handle that capacity. The video you linked to never had a wide shot showing it, so here:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=oGFJzzClJ9k.

Based on a size comparison between that amphitheater and the seating area of a 1000 seat theater, my guess is that the singers total between 800-1,200 in number.

Nando

2014-10-10, 06:31 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTQlmjS-JYM

Especially fitting if fighting against dragons...

Heliomance

2014-10-10, 06:37 AM

This, right here, is the only possible correct answer.
We Are The Champions or Another One Bites The Dust would be equally acceptable.

Rammstein's Engel would be absolutely terrifying.

Mozart's Leck mich im Arsch is a canon written for six voices as a three-part round.

If you can imagine this being modified for a thousand voices as they march into battle, it seems fitting on every possible level.

I refuse to believe Mozart wrote a song called "Kiss My Arse".

EDIT: Research determines it to be true. I still refuse to believe it.

Jack_Simth

2014-10-10, 07:34 AM

Ah... given the scale on perform DC's where a mere DC 30 is "Extraordinary performance. In a prosperous city, you can earn 3d6 gp/day. In time, you may draw attention from distant potential patrons, or even from extraplanar beings", what do you think the results would be with 999 Aid Another checks? With a modifier of over +2000 (I'm assuming you've got a few ranks yourself, if you're a bard, and that most bards have at least a +9 modifier on their Perform of choice), you're beating that DC by almost two orders of magnitude.

BWR

2014-10-10, 07:37 AM

I refuse to believe Mozart wrote a song called "Kiss My Arse".

EDIT: Research determines it to be true. I still refuse to believe it.
Why not? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozart_and_scatology) You think Mozart didn't have a dirty sense of humor?

Segev

2014-10-10, 07:45 AM

You're going to want something that lasts multiple tens of minutes, at least, for a full-scale battle.

Might I suggest 30 Seconds to Mars's "This Is War" album?

Umbranar

2014-10-10, 07:49 AM

Which one? Every Maori tribe (and offshoots) have their own Haka.

The one you see being (over)used at sporting events is called "Ka Mate" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ka_Mate). The All Blacks (New Zealand's rugby team) also uses "Kapa O Pango" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haka_%28sports%29#.22Kapa_o_Pango.22_2005) which was written especialy for them.

And we learn something new everyday, was not that familiar with it :P

But still

Shieldbunny

2014-10-10, 07:50 AM

Cry of the Black Birds, by Amon Amarth would be thematically appropriate. Failing that, The Song That Never Ends.

Korahir

2014-10-10, 08:00 AM

We Are The Champions or Another One Bites The Dust would be equally acceptable.

Rammstein's Engel would be absolutely terrifying.

I refuse to believe Mozart wrote a song called "Kiss My Arse".

EDIT: Research determines it to be true. I still refuse to believe it.

Mozart was drunk prick and famous for insulting a looooooot of people. The literal translation of "Leck mich im arsch" is even worse than "kiss may arse".
It is "lick the inside of my ass".

My vote would go to monty python's "always look on the bright side of life."

Red Fel

2014-10-10, 08:55 AM

ninjamaster1991

2014-10-10, 09:03 AM

I'm going to be a dissenter, and vote for Gregorian chants.

Unless, that is, you repurpose the army for boosting craft checks — in which case "We Built This City" is the only correct answer.

The Vagabond

2014-10-10, 09:58 AM

I'm going to be a dissenter, and vote for Gregorian chants.
I second this.

However, my personal favorite is motzarts Dies Irae from Requiem. And am disapointed nobody said it yet.
Day of wrath and doom impending.
David's word with Sibyl's blending,
Heaven and earth in ashes ending.
Oh, what fear man's bosom rendeth,
When from heaven the Judge descendeth,
On whose sentence all dependeth.

Seriously, THATS a good song. Verdi's version is also good, but it really lacks the punch and clarity of motzarts version. Which, admitably, probably makes it more apt for warfare blaring. Make sure to go with a faster tempo version.

Here's a rendition of motzart's version (http://youtu.be/ePRZC_OulYc)
And one of Verdis. (http://youtu.be/hO1pn6D-t4M)

Korahir

2014-10-10, 10:09 AM

The Vagabond

2014-10-10, 10:13 AM

nitpick: mozart not motzart ;)

and:
I never realized the liberty of the english translation of dies irae. it's not even close to the original, but it is one hell of a song anyway.

I'll just translate the first part:
days of wrath, this day will dissolve the world in ash as testimonied by David and Sybilla.

Yeah, went with the more poetic version, primarily because it helps sell the idea of how awesome it is (In the classical sense of the word). Poetics help there.

And apologies, posting this from my phone.

lytokk

2014-10-10, 10:22 AM

It might just be me, but I think "Hooked on a Feelin" would be pretty awesome sung by 1000 bards.

Corgamesh

2014-10-10, 10:53 AM

Do they have instruments? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN42uzNFVmQ)

dysprosium

2014-10-10, 11:08 AM

West Side Story is the perfect source for song-and-dance routines designed for large groups of people mobilizing with the express intent of murdering other large groups of people. Specifically, the song "Cool" - where members of the Jets are revving themselves up for an impending rumble with the Sharks - is amazing for this. The show also has some good pieces with a multiple part harmony (see e.g. the "Tonight Quintet" towards the end of Act I, in which five different songs are being performed in brilliant and riveting counterpoint).

I'm imaging all of the Bards approaching the enemy while snapping their fingers. Just be careful that the enemy does not do the same.

Definitely, though as a runner up, imagine 1000 people singing Libera Me from Hell (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT6LFOIofRE).:smallcool:

Yes. Yes! YES!!!!

zyggythorn

2014-10-10, 10:50 PM

Give them the blanket skill Perform: Symphony and go nuts with songs by Two Steps from Hell. Adjust song to note combat formations and bardic music effect being used.

Jeff the Green

2014-10-10, 11:18 PM

Ooh, how about this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18MUNEQrlGU)?

animewatcha

2014-10-11, 12:55 AM

Would Guile's theme fit?

Or this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcYvIteffXw?

commander panda

2014-10-11, 01:22 AM

if you can get a ton of them playing instruments (especially bagpipes) this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eeWc0xWGwU) will induce mass pants-soiling in any army.

RhoTheWanderer

2014-10-11, 03:33 AM

if you can get a ton of them playing instruments (especially bagpipes) this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eeWc0xWGwU) will induce mass pants-soiling in any army.
NOOO!!! ANYTHING BUT THE INFERNAL BAGPIPES!!! (My sincerest apologies to those who actually enjoy bagpipes, but I personally can't stand the sound of the things.) I'm seconding The Imperial March as well as pretty much any song by Van Canto. I was thinking Duel of the Fates, but now that I think about it, I'm not so sure about it. If they're divine bards you could maybe try something like A Mighty Fortress Is Our God?

TypoNinja

2014-10-11, 03:38 AM

More Queen could work, too: How about Princes of the Universe? Heck, just break out a "Best of Queen" album and go to town.

Or almost anything by Van Canto. Metal a capella? Yes please. (Seriously, Van Canto's cover of Manowar's Kings of Metal fits this so well.)

Dio's Holy Diver, perhaps?

Van Canto's approach to music would definitely be fitting here having some of the singers be backing vocals and a beat would be great.

While not my favorite song (That honor is reserved for their cover of Fear of the Dark (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyHcIHssdHA) which sounds amazing) I'd have to say Stormbringer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LcKWsbuTRo) is good fit for a marching army.

And If I'm not mistake, you can march to it fairly easily.

commander panda

2014-10-11, 08:26 AM

NOOO!!! ANYTHING BUT THE INFERNAL BAGPIPES!!! (My sincerest apologies to those who actually enjoy bagpipes, but I personally can't stand the sound of the things.)

well they were originally intended to intimidate enemies before entering battle. so thats kinda the idea.

Nibbens

2014-10-11, 09:12 AM

O Fortuna....

Yeah, this.

OR....

Any Haka (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdMCAV6Yd0Y)could be terrifying. Their purpose being to make the opponents shat themselves before combat, like bagpipes. :)

Shining Wrath

2014-10-11, 09:27 AM

"Saturday Night's All Right for Fightin'". The Who's version, not Elton John's; let's face it, Elton's a great musician, but absolutely not a guy you'd be afraid to fight.

Red Fel

2014-10-11, 02:02 PM

Van Canto's approach to music would definitely be fitting here having some of the singers be backing vocals and a beat would be great.

While not my favorite song (That honor is reserved for their cover of Fear of the Dark (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyHcIHssdHA) which sounds amazing) I'd have to say Stormbringer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LcKWsbuTRo) is good fit for a marching army.

And If I'm not mistake, you can march to it fairly easily.

To combine this with an earlier suggestion, Van Canto did a reasonably epic cover of Holding Out for a Hero (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCjkuCJrxq0). That minor-key opening is appropriately funerary.

Also, they did a decent cover of The Final Countdown (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYc2284BnP0). The build-up is something you could totally hear as the army of bards rises over the crest of the hill.

RhoTheWanderer

2014-10-12, 02:08 AM

To combine this with an earlier suggestion, Van Canto did a reasonably epic cover of Holding Out for a Hero (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCjkuCJrxq0). That minor-key opening is appropriately funerary.[...] Yes. Just yes. You could keep a few units of multiclass bard/marshals as cavalry. Then proceed to have the army start singing this if the battle starts to go against them as a signal for the cavalry to ride in and save the day.:smallbiggrin:

Plaguemask

2014-10-12, 11:38 AM

The Smile Song.
Nah, not really, I would suggest something like Indestructible from Disturbed or Dragula from Rob Zombie, if you want it more classy, try with Devil's Dance-Floor or hell, if you want to strike terror into them, anything from Dragonforce will do, personal suggestions: Through The Fire and Flames, Fury of the Storm, Soldiers of the Wasteland.