I am a big believer in using music to set the correct mood. Gaming is a prime example of this.
Seeing how dark and brutal Athas is, I have found that I am most inspired by Tool. If I didn't know better (and I do), I would say that Tool was intimately involved with the development of the Dark Sun world. For instance, the song Bottom from Undertow is, to me, a very accurate portrayal of Dregoth's feelings towards the rest of the Sorcerer-Monarchs.
"But I'm dead inside.
You see.. s* adds up, now I'm dead inside.
Hatred, weakness, and guilt keep me alive
at the bottom."
Another instance would be the song Flood from the same album. I can't help but think of Rajaat's will when I listen to the song.
"The ground is breaking down right under me.
Cleanse and purge me
in the water."
Really I could go on, and on (I can I suppose if you want) but I just wanted to highlight why this group really gets me thinking about Dark Sun.
So I guess the question to everyone here is: What music does / has inspired you when developing your Dark Sun campaigns? Is there any songs in particular that really get you excited to play (or create)?
As for songs that, phrase-wise, jive with my view of Athas, here's a few:
Oddly, "No Quarter" by Led Zep (even though it has snow in the lyrics)
"Disposition" by Tool (no idea why)
And a lot more. It actually has more to do with what mood I'm trying to get into. I'll use music more when I'm planning an adventure than when the players are actually present and playing. Gets me in the "mood."
Anyone who uses Tool, either in their games or in their signatures, is clearly insane. Anyone who uses the "Flood" song should be beaten.
Ouch, ooch... eech... stop the beatings. ;)
Oddly, "No Quarter" by Led Zep (even though it has snow in the lyrics)
Me too. I don't know why, but the image of adventures wandering the wastes just comes to mind when I hear that song.... especially the Tool version..... No beatings allowed! ;)
And a lot more. It actually has more to do with what mood I'm trying to get into. I'll use music more when I'm planning an adventure than when the players are actually present and playing. Gets me in the "mood."
Yeah I tend to not use music during the games really.... maybe just low atmospheric mood music, but nothing specific. Only when I want to be "inspired" to create the hellish realities of Athas. :D
Note: I did read your sig.....
Hmm...Stabbing Westward, Radiohead, Zero-7, NIN, Tool. That's usually the retinue that goes with me when I'm writing up an adventure.
Anyone who uses Tool, either in their games or in their signatures, is clearly insane. Anyone who uses the "Flood" song should be beaten.
Masochist, eh? JK
I'm a little weird... I use So and Us from Peter Gabriel when I write my adventures... It has to do with the fond memories of the days I started playing AD&D and I was really using up my Gabriel tapes.I can't believe I wrote that! ;)
Whats funny is when our group enters into a hardcore fight, be it in DS or another campaign, we break out some Body Count. Nothing inspires cold blooded killing like some old school Ice-T.
Well... there goes the neighborhood. :D
Well... there goes the neighborhood. :D
Actually its the tune "My Way" that starts the ruckus ;)
So I guess the question to everyone here is: What music does / has inspired you when developing your Dark Sun campaigns? Is there any songs in particular that really get you excited to play (or create)?
Faith No More: The Real Thing (the song, not the entire album) do a search for the lyrics, I feel they could describe the rush a defiler gets when doing his stuff...
and Woodpecker from Mars (instrumental)
Therion: Secret of the Runes (the entire album) just for the mood.
Can't remember the name of the song from Dead Can Dance I always throw at my players when in the presence of ancient sentient undead. Will check soon.
Voivod has lots of songs that help me manifest Insect Mind. It puts me in a Hive Mind kind of state.
I'm a little weird... I use So and Us from Peter Gabriel when I write my adventures... It has to do with the fond memories of the days I started playing AD&D and I was really using up my Gabriel tapes.
I can't believe I wrote that!
I use Passion (by Peter Gabriel), the soundtrack from The Last Temptation of Christ.
I use Passion (by Peter Gabriel), the soundtrack from The Last Temptation of Christ.
Thats a good soundtrack. We use that in game all the time.
Can't remember the name of the song from Dead Can Dance I always throw at my players when in the presence of ancient sentient undead.
Echolalia? Just a guess...I use it too, for different purposes, though.
I use Passion (by Peter Gabriel), the soundtrack from The Last Temptation of Christ.
Oh yeah, I use those too... while playing and the usual other soundtracks (Gladiator, Troy, etc.).
Faith No More: The Real Thing (the song, not the entire album) do a search for the lyrics, I feel they could describe the rush a defiler gets when doing his stuff...
and Woodpecker from Mars (instrumental)
Ohh.... yeah, that is pretty good for defiler's.
I was thinking that 46 & 2 by Tool would be great for avangions and dragons.