Your character deserves a playlist. Here's why.

Three simple steps that will improve your roleplay.

Music is already part of your game, right?

Your session is probably brought to life with tracks that were carefully chosen to transport you from the table to the fantastic locations the Dungeon Master is describing. It’s a fundamental tool almost every group uses.

The trick most players are missing is using music to prepare themselves to roleplay, getting into character before even sitting down at the table.

The power of music

There’s little doubt music has the power to trigger deep and evocative memories, even recreating sensations like taste and smell.

I first heard of it being used as part of ttrpg preparation from the cast of World’s Beyond Number. In one of their fireside chats, they talked about creating playlists of songs, bespoke to their character, that they listened to on the way to recording sessions to help get them into character.

In effect, you can use music as a shortcut to evoke the mindset of your character. What's brilliant about this technique is that the more you use it, the more effective it becomes. Your brain will begins to associate each song with your character, bringing them into focus even quicker.

Sounds great - but how do you build such a playlist? Here’s my three step guide:

1. Think thematically, not literally.

Try and select songs that capture the vibe of your character, be it playful, mysterious or dangerous.

Avoid picking songs purely because they have convenient words, phrases or imagery in their title or lyrics. I might choose the Spice Girls because I’m playing a chef, but does that help inform my character’s personality? It might work if they also believe strongly in girl power, but otherwise you could instead pick a song from ‘The Bear’ soundtrack which invokes the intensity of the kitchen, or ‘Heads will roll’ by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, because it reminds you of a cut throat environment.

What’s important is that each song evokes the right emotions for your character. Listen to your playlist and make changes as you go. If a song isn’t bringing your character to mind, try another.

2. Keep it short.

How long should your playlist be? As long as you have to listen to it.

If you have a 15 minute drive to your game, that's your target length. If you have 5 minutes to set up your home office before your play online, you need one perfect track. Pick a length of time that you know you can reasonably listen to before each session.

You could make it longer and rotate different tracks off the playlist each time you use it - but that will diminish it’s effectiveness. The power here is to build a strong association between the tracks on your playlist and playing your character. That will take much longer with a long list of tracks that you cycle through over a matter of months, than it will with one song you listen to before each session.

3. Make it for you

We’ve touched on when you might listen to these tracks, but where will you be listening to them? In the car you might need loud sing-alongs that drown out traffic noise, but in the quiet of your own home you could choose something more sedate.

You don’t have to pick songs your character would like either. It’s more important that you enjoy the playlist and find it meaningful than selecting songs your character would potentially enjoy, but leave you pressing the skip button.

Most importantly, make sure it slaps. You want to put yourself in a great mood for the session and ready to play. It’s fine to choose darker, edgier songs if that fits your character, but if it also means you show up to the session with tears running down your face it might be counterproductive.

Strahd’s Mixtape

I currently don’t play a character, but I am preparing a recurring villain: Count Strahd Von Zarovitch.

I have a 15 minute drive home from work so below are the five tracks that made my list. I’ve provided a few sleeve notes on each choice, but remember this is about my interpretation of each song and the character, so it might not feel right to you!

Them Bones - Alice in Chains

“Toll due, bad dream come true…”

This is Strahd on the warpath, an unstoppable force of nature that destroys all he can see. It's the perfect song for an action sequence.

There’s also something so grimy about this song which feels fitting for a plague like Strahd.

The Night is Young - Howling Bells

“Baby's so good to me, he calls it our destiny…”

My take on Strahd is inspired by Southern Gothic, so a black hearted country song is right on the money. They lyrics are about heartbreak, but with a bitterness that felt right for the Count.

You Should See Me in a Crown - Billie Eilish

“Watch me make them bow, one by one…”

There is an arrogance about this song that I adore.

It’s not just about taking control, but an ambivalence about those who stand in your path. It’s less a threat and more a promise.

Also if you watch the video, all those spiders are real. Yes, even that one.

Nothing Matters - The Last Dinner Party

“I dig my fingers in, expecting more than just the skin…”

This is the closest thing to a song I think Strahd might listen to.

It has the pomp and camp of a vampire ball, but also a weariness about it. The lyrics feel like someone bored of the world and what it has to offer.

The Prayer - Bloc Party

“Tonight make me unstoppable, and I will charm, I will slice, I will dazzle them with my wit…”

From the opening Gregorian chant this track feels sacrilegious, with the lyrics remaining entirely self-serving.

I also like that it creates a crack in the façade of Strahd, a small glimmer of someone who feels inadequate underneath the bravado.

What next?

If your excited by this idea, I’d love to hear about your top choice for your character’s playlist and why you chose it in the comments.

If you want to take this idea even further, you could share your playlist with whoever takes control of your table’s music and ask them to play your tracks at key moments for your character. Getting your entire your whole party on board with this idea could transform your music in game too.

Next time: Stop trying to balance your party. Do this instead.