Background music during sessions

[mustaju]

*The following post is written by a non-native English speaker. Please refrain from causing physical harm to individuals or surroundings as a response to intolerable grammar and sentence structures.*
Having been persuaded to try DM-ing in spite of only a few months of gaming experience (surmounting to a total of 7 sessions), I struggle to perform as best I can. Regardless of my efforts, I suffer from a perfectionist and elitist attitude, thus trying to improve even more. It is not customary in my town to use background music and theme music during sessions, whereas I think this might deserve to be altered. Listening through the "official Roleplaying Track"(by the Midnight Syndicate) by myself, I found it to be insufficient for the purposes of my campaign, as it would probably tire the players to hear it every session. Furthermore, there are quite many good soundtracks that can be successfully integrated into a session, having more is always useful.

For those who failed to get the point of the babble above or who wisely chose to dismiss it:
I am looking for background and theme music that could be used in a high fantasy game, it helps if it is not overly well known: the Sephiroth theme (one-winged angel), requiem for a tower (modified requiem for a dream), and the heroes 3/4/5 soundtracks being good examples. Nevertheless, you are encouraged to include something akin as well in your recommendations, maybe it isn't as well known in Estonia.
Particular musical themes of interest might include theme songs for:
Bugbear kingdoms
an Aasimar Blackguard
A tyrannical city state ruled by a wizard
A master illusionist (evil)
Huge commercial centres
Alchemists
A cult of Vecna
A plaguewell called "The eye of Blood" (damnit, could I have been more Cliche?)
Orc forts
Mining towns
A monster state ripoff of Icewind Dale II (cambions and such included, LOL)
Troll pet
Bugbear king/Cleric of Gruumsh
Hobgoblin ambushes
A lizardfolk town
Agricultural towns
Naval cities
Human forts
The Church of (Kcuhc) Sirron

Also, you are VERY welcome to add any other music that is beneficial to a gaming session. In fact, this thread might be expanded to fulfill such criteria.

I am thankful for any response whatsoever, even if it only mocks my use of the English language. As a remedy, this IS my first post :smallbiggrin:

[monty]

Welcome to the Playground. 80s music fits surprisingly well, at least in my group.

Some of my personal favorites:
Rock Me Amadeus seems to work rather well for BBEG fights.
Take On Me for random situations where the sound is completely contrary to what's going on.
You Spin Me Round is always nice.

Also, I highly recommend this song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI). Your players will love it.

[Bassikpoet]

Personally, I like to use music that is modern. For example, the big bad Hobgoblin King entered the campaign to the sound of "Move B***h, get out the way!" by Ludacris.

But, if you're looking for more traditional high fantasy, I cannot recommend the baldur's gate soundtracks highly enough. There are so many songs that you wont recognize that its the same music every session.

[Ascension]

I personally think the band Nox Arcana makes the best RPG background music possible. Very atmospheric gothic instrumental stuff.

I personally try to stay away from background music with vocals, as it seems awfully distracting, but if you don't mind lyrics E Nomine would be pretty awesome for this purpose, too.

Practically any soundtrack from practically any vaguely "epic" film (especially if it involves John Williams) would work.

Certain pieces of classical music would be nice ("In the Hall of the Mountain King," perhaps the best chase music ever written, comes to mind, although it's a little overused.).

[monty]

Oh yeah, forgot about movie soundtracks. There's lots to choose from there. Pirates of the Caribbean for coastal adventures (Klaus Badelt is no John Williams, but it's still great music), Imperial March for BBEG introduction, Raiders' March for - well, just about anything.

And for "classical" (I hate that term) music, there's lots there as well. Ride of the Valkyries, the fourth movement of Tchaikovsky's fourth symphony, and just about anything by Shostakovitch, among other things, are usually suitably epic.

[mustaju]

I personally think the band Nox Arcana makes the best RPG background music possible. Very atmospheric gothic instrumental stuff.

Quite astonishing. Being a metalhead, I never came across that artist, and I must admit I've missed out. I hope I am not the only one, thus it might gain better effect.

But, if you're looking for more traditional high fantasy, I cannot recommend the baldur's gate soundtracks highly enough. There are so many songs that you wont recognize that its the same music every session.
I wonder how many would recognise it... Nevertheless, the songs that were on youtube sound promising enough. It is a shame I haven't played it.


Also, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI" target="_blank">this song</a>.Your players will love it.80s music fits surprisingly well, at least in my group.
....Raiders' March for - well, just about anything.
Rickrolling is still continuing? Geez, thought it was over months ago :smalleek:
*Insert Joey Wheelers reaction from Yu-gi-oh!: the Abridged series*
As for the 80-s music, I think my party might be too young (aged 16-18) and from a different cultural background (even our parents do not listen to 80-s music too often, as the Soviet Union blocked off as many Western influences as it could) to enjoy it. I, for one, am also not a great fan of it. The Raiders' March is tempting, as one of the party members portrays a scientist, but I'd have to come up with pseudo-nazis for him to fight. :smallsigh:
P.S. And yes, I invoked Godwin's law, so I deserve punishment.

[Glawackus]

Electric Light Orchestra's cover of In the Hall of the Mountain King has a nice spin on a time-old favorite.

Personally, for fantasy-y music, I recommend David Arkenstone and/or Andreas Vollenweider. Bloodstone by Amon Tobin has a weird sound to it as well which I could see working for the Vecna cultists.

Smoke and Mirrors by Arena might work well for the illusionist.

[monty]

Quite astonishing. Being a metalhead, I never came across that artist, and I must admit I've missed out. I hope I am not the only one, thus it might gain better effect.

I wonder how many would recognise it... Nevertheless, the songs that were on youtube sound promising enough. It is a shame I haven't played it.


Rickrolling is still continuing? Geez, thought it was over months ago :smalleek:

Actually, we have used that song in a few of my games. But I couldn't help it. :smallbiggrin:

[Azerian Kelimon]

Ahem. I'm going to make my personal choices on a case by case basis here.



Bugbear kingdoms


Hmm... no idea here.


An Aasimar Blackguard

Possibly Holy Diver, 2006 live version.


A tyrannical city state ruled by a wizard

Now, THIS one's obvious. Welcome to the Jungle!


A master illusionist (evil)

Master of Puppets could work quite well.


Huge commercial centres

Welcome to the Machine, tongue in cheek. :smalltongue: . Or The Lamb Lies down on Broadway if you want to show the PC's the place is epically important.


Alchemists

No idea.


A cult of Vecna

Also, no idea.


A plaguewell called "The eye of Blood" (damnit, could I have been more Cliche?)

Possibly some Iron maiden, maybe Can I play with Madness? If it doesn't kill, or if it turns into zombies or other undead...

KILLING IN THE NAME OF!

*Headbangs*.


Orc forts

If the PC's are going to invade, The Trooper.


Mining towns

Sumthin' from final Fantasy.


A monster state ripoff of Icewind Dale II (cambions and such included, LOL).

Just what kind of state are we talkin' here? A good state would do with some RPG sountrack music. An evil place could use anything, from Cemetery gates to some speed metal to Bulls on Parade.


Troll pet

If you're not going to use it for undead, and this guy is semi important, give him Killing in the Name of.


Bugbear king/Cleric of Gruumsh

If this is a major villain, give him Cult of Personality. If he's not, save it for the BBEG.


Hobgoblin ambushes

Uninvited guest. :smalltongue:


A lizardfolk town

Depends on how they behave.


Agricultural towns

Definetely an RPG theme. Maybe The Pastoral?


Naval cities

Seven Seas of Rhye. :smalltongue:


Human forts

How are they going to be?


The Church of (Kcuhc) Sirron

Latin Choirs.

[Telonius]

Welcome to the boards - your English is better than some native speakers in here. :smallbiggrin:

I know Blind Guardian is much more popular in Europe than in the US. But if your players wouldn't recognize it, and you don't mind lyrics, "The Eldar" could work for the tyrannical city-state run by the wizard. The instrumental version of "Theater of Pain" would go well for a naval city.

Tchaikovsky is a great choice for classical composers. Various parts of his "Nutcracker Suite" would be good. Richard Wagner would work if you're going up against a villain with a bad temper.

[Azerian Kelimon]

Tchaikovsky

OOH! I got the song for the church!

Let There Be Rock! Any church that has it as it's anthem will win a LOT of followers.

Also, the Cult of Vecna could worship their god with Wishmaster.

[Telonius]

For some reason, "Can you picture that?" by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem popped into my head after reading that, Azerian. :smallbiggrin:

[Totally Guy]

I have a small amount music made for a childrens television programme played by the London philharmonic orchestra and I am convinced it would work well in a game. I think it would souit the theme but for events rather than places.


If you are interested PM me.

[monty]

OOH! I got the song for the church!

Let There Be Rock! Any church that has it as it's anthem will win a LOT of followers.

I'd join that church.

[mustaju]

Just wanted to share some of my own discoveries:
"The Unsung War"(Ace Combat 6 soundtrack) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7Ewd8OeYEA) For absolutely exaggerated plot exposition or for flashbacks;
Conan the Barbarian Soundtrack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZPPT5TuJbU) Good background music that is easy to alternate with less epic tracks and enjoyable to the ear. If one has not No-lifed Morrowind for WAY too long...
Battlefield 1942 Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LNiOeRVdGI)For charges and small skirmishes or historic flashbacks.
Fear and Wonder- Dimmu Borgir (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ1vzrctTZQ) For Secret societies, the BBEG theme, or for a good character to despair or fall
The Mordant Liquor of Tears- Cradle of Filth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX1_p-vFRhk) For tensions to build up for whatever reasons, storms approaching or whatsoever.
A Bruise upon the Silent Moon- Cradle of Filth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GghGxuybbc4&feature=related) For the same purposes as above.
Damned in any Language - Cradle of Filth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaw9ULf6pBw&feature=related) If there is a better song for a demon/devil entrance, I have yet to hear it.
Satanic Mantra- Cradle of Filth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xh20BAkjN8&feature=related) ...although this comes close.
Into the Infinity of Thoughts - Emperor (http://youtube.com/watch?v=6uW8u1qUbdc) Probably the best Black Metal intro ever. And ambush music extraordinaire to my infernal ears.
A Fine Day to Die - Emperor (1992 Bathory Cover) (http://youtube.com/watch?v=jTNOvKVKW6M) *Insert the most evil Dark riders you can think of* Or just a huge gathering of evil forces... with a massive warcry ensuing. WAAAGH! If that won't scare them, the guitarsolo will rip their d20-s apart!
Or if the PC-s are evil, it might just serve to spice up a bloodbath.
Scar Spangled Banner - Exodus (http://youtube.com/watch?v=wDho38b8lCg) In a modern campaign, I'd love to blast my way through the enemy while listening to Exodus. Brilliant album.
If one does not mind choirs; Therion (http://youtube.com/watch?v=hu14RlrKenM&feature=related) might be an interesting choice, in particular the "Secret of the Runes" and "Deggial" albums.
Evil monarch you say? I say KING! (http://youtube.com/watch?v=3IGUuDVJM6w) Especially in conjunction with diabolical ancestry, this is a bloody fine BBEG theme.

Foreboding music (http://youtube.com/watch?v=QAlMaVYIzqw) from a different period still fits well, IMO at least. (Rome - Total War theme)
Chaos theme (DoW) (http://youtube.com/watch?v=4qGi9ppL34E) - I can't get enough of it, it seems quite useful for Chaotic characters battling one another, unaware that their Khorne will feed on every drop of their spilt blood...

I hope my excessive obsession regarding obviously satanic metal music found it's limited use at last. I anxiously await new entries.

[mustaju]

I'd join that church.

Woe and round-house kicks befall the heretic who doth not worship the bearded might of Sirron!:smallwink:

[Azerian Kelimon]

If there is a better song for a demon/devil entrance, I have yet to hear it.

Do I smell a challenge? Off the top of my head, I think of two that devastate those, and don't have nearly as much semi-lame screaming. :smalltongue:

Of course, I'm talking about Cowboys from Hell and...

"SIX! SIX SIX! THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST!"

[Telonius]

Damned in any Language - Cradle of Filth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaw9ULf6pBw&feature=related) If there is a better song for a demon/devil entrance, I have yet to hear it.
Satanic Mantra- Cradle of Filth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xh20BAkjN8&feature=related) ...although this comes close.


Ultimate entrance song for a charismatic devil: Sympathy for the Devil - Rolling Stones. :sabine:
For a morally conflicted villain: Behind Blue Eyes - The Who.

[Azerian Kelimon]

Nah, sympathy for the devil is unfit for a BBEG or major villain. It's MUCH more fitting for a finely crafted PC, really. Too smooth and sharp for a villain.

[ChaosDefender24]

"Mother North" by Satyricon for a climactic battle, if you're going to go the black metal route
"De Mysteriis dom Sathanas" by Mayhem works too
"Slottet I det Fjerne" by Darkthrone works for a BBEG theme
so does "Bondage Goat Zombie" by Belphegor

[Azerian Kelimon]

Also, for insane BBEG's: Voltaire, When You're Evil. Deliciously vile, it's the reason the lone comedic goth is loved and worshiped.

[Jayngfet]

I think apostles of darkness ads a light "doom" feeling to the game.

[Illiterate Scribe]

Also, I highly recommend this song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI). Your players will love it.

I knew what this was without even clicking the link. Also - rickrolling over months ago?

WIP
Anyway, I did actually play Astley over the climax of a quasi-Lovecraftian campaign, to create a disturbing juxtaposition.

It worked.

[Jayngfet]

I knew what this was without even clicking the link. Also - rickrolling over months ago?

WHAT? (http://raygoldmodels.com)

Anyway, I did actually play Astley over the climax of a quasi-Lovecraftian campaign, to create a disturbing juxtaposition.

It worked.

thats just cruel man, and it breaks like three rules.

[Azerian Kelimon]

Wow. Kinda similar to how I played Puff the magic dragon as one of those bugs that fly, have a human face, and spout gibberish made a player's head explode.

Seems like great, disturbed minds think alike.

[Illiterate Scribe]

thats just cruel man, and it breaks like three rules.

Come on! It was quite clear what it would be.

[Jayngfet]

Come on! It was quite clear what it would be.

I meant the popups, moving window, and text size.

[DrWilhelm]

I highly reccomend the Children of Dune soundtrack, especially for deserty sessions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcnH6V5TrQY&feature=related

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvS9cRdI1cM&feature=related

are some pretty good examples of what to expect. I tried the CD out a couple of weeks ago in a short adventure and it worked really well.

The soundtrack for Serenity has some really good stuff too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv3Tt0fFJkU&feature=related

[Illiterate Scribe]

I meant the popups, moving window, and text size.

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/4963/fyirickyn3.png

[mustaju]

Do I smell a challenge? Off the top of my head, I think of two that devastate those, and don't have nearly as much semi-lame screaming. :smalltongue:

Of course, I'm talking about Cowboys from Hell and...

"SIX! SIX SIX! THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST!"

I'd hate to see ANOTHER I hate COF/I love COF threads here:smalltongue:
Enough of those on metalstorm already:smallsigh:
However, I don't know what you're referring to, in the songs I posted, there was no screaming, they were all Chant/orchestral, Dani didn't even participate in the choir. I'm posting this for notification purposes only, not to undermine your oppinion of COF.
Furthermore, I personally dislike most heavy metal (Iron Maiden included, blasphemy!)/power metal/industrial metal/nu metal/metalcore/glam metal/melodic death metal/soumi metal for some reason. I state this not for you to stop posting videos of those genres but to avoid nasty debates that include my "metalness". You are welcome to smite me on PM for that ;)

[Foolosophy]

everything by Sunn O)), Bohren & Der Club of Gore and Boris