Typically, during the process of planning for a game day, I’ll get hooked on a song and use that as a focus for the next session’s “feel”. It doesn’t happen intentionally (or at least I don’t think it does), but it is inevitable that I will listen to that song, whatever it may be, over and over again until an idea pops up that I can build upon. Usually, it’s whatever I have in my CD player when I start planning, around three to four weeks before session. I find myself constantly hitting the repeat button on my radio to keep the song looping, not so much because I listen to the words (at least not directly), but because the song allows me to play a trailer in my head, if you will. Imagine going to the movies and seeing a preview of an upcoming film – you’ll see clips in the form of a synopsis, short and intense, but always meant to evoke emotion and interest. When a song comes a long before a session, it allows me to play a “preview” in my mind for the upcoming game. Midnight Syndicate, Fear Factory and Type O Negative have all played tiny but influential roles in the way this campaign has turned out, believe it or not.
While ultimately, it is the PCs that decide the sweeping arcs of the campaign, these songs and the tracks that are laid down for you can serve as a guide and general aura of a given session. For example, I’ve noticed when the song is heavier and intense, the characters have a more militant personality, or their actions can be more rash. If the tune is brooding and dark, things such as Cherrywood and the Ancient Evil will evolve. This week, however, I found a special connection with Don’t Fade Away by Dead Can Dance. Ordinarily, this wouldn’t be something to write about, but I thought the melody of the song was so strange considering the current state of affairs in the campaign. For whatever reason, it was the perfect catalyst to get the ideas flowing, and to be quite honest, this next session is so jammed packed with possibilities, I myself was surprised.
Another strange thing about the song is it’s pace. It’s slow and sad, with a vague bitter sweetness, and despite all of the turmoil that the PCs and Alaron are involved in, the melody is a peaceful one. What is even more strange, is the fact that this song allowed me to tie the final character twists on more than a few of the major players in the campaign, the Ancient Evil included (which is no small task, believe me).
I’ve been listening to this song over and over again for the past week and a half now, and it’s still spewing out more paths and avenues. The image that immediately struck me was Omus, silently mouring his passed wife and child, almost as if he were singing the song in his mind. It was an image that allowed me to build multiple choices and events for the story, with both the original climax that the PCs have built as well as an additionl story arc to keep the tale flowing for another year or two.
I’ve uploaded the song to the audio portion of the “Group Files” page if you’re curious. Have a listen and see if you can tie it into any of your characters or plotlines. There are enough tortured souls in this campaign to keep the drama machine oiled and running smoothly for at least ten more game days. Enjoy!
“Don’t Fade Away” by Dead Can Dance
Don’t fade away
My brown-eyed girl
Come walk with me
I’ll fill your heart with joy
And we’ll dance through our isolation
Seeking solace in the wisdom we bestow
Turning thoughts to the here and ever after
Consuming fears in our fiery halosSay what you mean
Mean what you say
I’ve heard that innocence
Has led us all astray
But don’t let them make you and break you
The world is filled with their broken empty dreams
Silence is their only virtue
Locked away inside their silent screams
But for now
Let us dance away
This starry night
Filled with the glow of fiery stars
And with the dawn
Our sun will rise
Bringing a symphony of bird cries
Don’t bring me down now
Let me stay here for awhile
You know life’s too short
Let me bathe here in your smile
I’m transcending
The fall from the garden
Goodnight
Music is a huge part of our game, and I’m guessing it plays a big part at other groups’ tables as well. The perfect soundtrack is one that plays nicely in the background without affecting or intruding too much on the actual events in the game. A few musical scores regularly grace our sessions: 13th Warrior, Gladiator, LOTR and the ever present Midnight Syndicate medley.
After a long due album, I finally got to see them live again – and I honestly have to say it was one of their best shows yet. The band was animated, the venue (Rex Theater) was great, and although the sound techs could have made a few minor improvements, the show was fantastic. At times, Josh’s keyboards didn’t come through clearly and the volume levels of the PA system were questionable on a few songs, but the set list was such that it didn’t matter.
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