I'm thinking of playing music during the major plot point encounters in the next campaign I DM. However, my group (online btw) has only used a little bit of music thus far, so I'm unsure how far I should go with it. I already have a good selection of music to pull from, so my main concern is whether or not it might end up being annoying.
How long should a playlist be (in minutes) to avoid getting repetitive?
How much should the intensity of the music vary for one encounter?
I've never done music for encounters before, but my opinion would be:
1. It depends on the music. If it's fairly generic and they're unlikely to the recognise it,. Then they can go on repeat quite frequently..if it's distinctive, then you don't want to repeat it if you can help it. They'll remember the tune and start getting distracted by the music.
2. I'd say vary the intensity as little as possible. It's pretty immersion breaking when the music is really chill during the climactic battle, then gets very intense during the break. Keep it as consistent as possible. I meant if you could time it so the music matched the mood, that would be amazing, but it's unlikely to happen, so just keep.it consistent.
My advice would be to try and keep the music noninvasive. Just use it to meet atmosphere and have it meld into the background. Music that grabs the attention breaks immersion.
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- everyone should have the music volume really low - find minimalistic music, almost like soundscapes, with a few notes - nature or city sounds (and any other scene) works great, instead of music - drums only (or almost only) is great for combat
As someone who loved playing music for in person sessions, I would oddly suggest not using music and letting the players choose their own if you're playing over the web. It sucks as it's nice to have the right tune at the right time for those awesome combat/story moments, however the intent to use it online brings the problem of lag and other technical problems that may hinder rather then help sell those moments. In my experience of using Zoom to share computer audio, I've had lag, looping of the same 3 seconds of music and unintentional volume blasts at my players when Dming. Your milage of course my vary, depending on what application you're using to share your audio; Discord and Roll 20 allow a share music function but I've no experience playing music online with either of them.
The rest of the advice given by the other commenters above is solid though. If you want, I can provide suggestions of music tracks I use in my games?
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We have played music during our sessions and it has always been a good thing. Normally it should be played pretty quietly, but it can make battles more intense.
I highly recommend movie soundtracks. Here is a little list:
We've been enjoying the Baldurs Gate 3 playlist on Spotify. May not always line up situationally, but paired with a soundboard on the phone, connected to a small bluetooth speaker, it's kinda fun.
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I'm thinking of playing music during the major plot point encounters in the next campaign I DM. However, my group (online btw) has only used a little bit of music thus far, so I'm unsure how far I should go with it. I already have a good selection of music to pull from, so my main concern is whether or not it might end up being annoying.
How long should a playlist be (in minutes) to avoid getting repetitive?
How much should the intensity of the music vary for one encounter?
Any other advice you can give me?
I've never done music for encounters before, but my opinion would be:
1. It depends on the music. If it's fairly generic and they're unlikely to the recognise it,. Then they can go on repeat quite frequently..if it's distinctive, then you don't want to repeat it if you can help it. They'll remember the tune and start getting distracted by the music.
2. I'd say vary the intensity as little as possible. It's pretty immersion breaking when the music is really chill during the climactic battle, then gets very intense during the break. Keep it as consistent as possible. I meant if you could time it so the music matched the mood, that would be amazing, but it's unlikely to happen, so just keep.it consistent.
My advice would be to try and keep the music noninvasive. Just use it to meet atmosphere and have it meld into the background. Music that grabs the attention breaks immersion.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
I agree with the above! More tips:
- everyone should have the music volume really low
- find minimalistic music, almost like soundscapes, with a few notes
- nature or city sounds (and any other scene) works great, instead of music
- drums only (or almost only) is great for combat
Doom soundtrack for boss fights.
As someone who loved playing music for in person sessions, I would oddly suggest not using music and letting the players choose their own if you're playing over the web. It sucks as it's nice to have the right tune at the right time for those awesome combat/story moments, however the intent to use it online brings the problem of lag and other technical problems that may hinder rather then help sell those moments. In my experience of using Zoom to share computer audio, I've had lag, looping of the same 3 seconds of music and unintentional volume blasts at my players when Dming. Your milage of course my vary, depending on what application you're using to share your audio; Discord and Roll 20 allow a share music function but I've no experience playing music online with either of them.
The rest of the advice given by the other commenters above is solid though. If you want, I can provide suggestions of music tracks I use in my games?
#Open D&D
Have the Physical Books? Confused as to why you're not allowed to redeem them for free on D&D Beyond? Questions answered here at the Hardcover Books, D&D Beyond and You FAQ
Looking to add mouse-over triggered tooltips to such things like magic items, monsters or combat actions? Then dash over to the How to Add Tooltips thread.
We have played music during our sessions and it has always been a good thing. Normally it should be played pretty quietly, but it can make battles more intense.
I highly recommend movie soundtracks. Here is a little list:
The Quiet Place 1 and 2
Moonknight
Loki
LotR and RoP
Dune
Hans Zimmer
Rok Nardin
We've been enjoying the Baldurs Gate 3 playlist on Spotify. May not always line up situationally, but paired with a soundboard on the phone, connected to a small bluetooth speaker, it's kinda fun.