My CRITICAL ROLE-inspired NaNoWriMo novel’s playlist
Screw it, I’m going to share this. It doesn’t matter I’m terrified to do this because I think the Critter community will hate it (or me, or both). I’m doing it anyway.
Behold, the entirety of the playlist for my NaNoWriMo 2022 project, the Critical Role-inspired novel THE WIZARD AND THE WEAVER.
(For those not in the know, NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month (aka November), where you have to write a 50,000+ word novel in 30 days. By no means does this mean your novel is *DONE*, it just means you’ve banged out 50k+ words for it. This year, I hit 65k+ in 30 days!)
The prologue is set in 819 PD, the first third-ish of the novel taking place about six months after the end of C2 (not long after TM9:Reunited) in 837 PD, and the last two-thirds taking place five years after that in 842 PD. And as you can guess by the title, it’s a Caleb-centric novel.
Force of habit, I love writing ‘back cover blurbs.’
And I had art done for it, too, courtesy of the awesomesauce @cvleart!
As well as this gorgeousness by @cynicalstith...
Anyway, I promised myself that once I was done, I would post the full track list and a bit about each song (a la the official playlists).
(Full disclosure: as I get into editing this book in 2023, I will likely be adding to the playlist, moving tracks around, etc.)
---
Vault of Glass - Ursine Vulpine, Will Post
One of what I call my ‘trailer’ songs, where my mind spins a trailer about one of my books, if I could actually animate it and have voiceover and all that. The clockwork beat and constant repeat of "Again... again... again..." emphasizes the nature of Caleb and Malastra’s journey.
Dust and Light - Twelve Titans Music
Another of my "trailer" pieces... I used this for a RIFT trailer I made ages ago for the Nightmare Tide expansion, and Raelskye’s traumatic quest (and Cyril’s role in it) reminds me a bit of Malastra’s here.
Welcome to Wildemount - Critical Role, Colm R. McGuinness
My primary researching music.
The Labyrinth - Poets of the Fall
The song that was very much the inspiration for Malastra. And I absolutely love, love, LOVE Poets of the Fall.
Firedancer - Poets of the Fall
This is Caleb’s theme song and NOTHING anyone says will ever convince me otherwise. THIS IS MY HILL AND I WILL DIE ON IT.
It's the Fear - Within Temptation
Malastra has spent so much of her young life running from her fears, but it’s hard to escape them when she carries them within her, and what she fears most is herself.
Arsonist's Lullabye - Hozier
Caleb. Full stop. A nod to dear Liam and the original playlists for Caleb.
Let Me Out - Hidden Citizens, Ranya
Another of my absolutely favorite groups. In this case, this song has SO many layers of meaning for Malastra.
A New Machine, Pt. 1 - Pink Floyd
Eleven lost years... and Caleb's own worst nightmare.
Damascus - Conjure One, Rhys Fulber
The thirteenth of Cuersaar, the Night of Ascension, 819 PD - there is blood on the moon as flames leap into the sky in Blumenthal, and the doom of Sevnochiner is born.
I See Fire - Zyrah
Kasian's vision, and the fate of Sevnochiner.
Lady of Worlds - Miracle of Sound
“We all have a destiny. Whether we want one or not.”
Born In Flames - In This Moment
Caleb's not the only one whose life was transformed and traumatized by fire...
Don't Let Me Go (Acoustic) - RAIGN
This is Kasian's song.
Gone Away - Noctura
Kasian is gone, but Malastra still remembers.
Throw Away - Blue Stahli
Eleven years in an asylum for him. Thirteen years on the run for her. The song that sums up those lost, torturous years for both of them.
Unbroken - Really Slow Motion
Another song that describes those painful years of self-searching for both Caleb and Malastra.
Once In My Life - The Decemberists
Another nod to dearest Liam here, since it wouldn’t be a Caleb playlist without the Decemberists on it. And this is for both Caleb and Malastra.
Wait for Sleep - Dream Theater
Exhausted, starving, alone, and afraid, Malastra dreads every sundown...
Whisper - Evanescence
... because when the sun goes down, the nightmares come out to play.
The Mystic's Dream - Loreena McKennitt
From Issylra to Tal'Dorei to Wildemount, a glowing thread of destiny leads a girl onward to the flame that will light her future.
Love Theme from The Dark Crystal - Trevor Jones
A half-mad, half-dead girl arrives on a wizard's doorstep... and their lives are forever changed.
Deliver Me - Sarah Brightman
The very first meeting between Malastra and Caleb. Another scene I want to commission art for.
I Love the Way You Say My Name - Scarlet Dorn, Chris Harms
"'Freundin'... Zemnian. It means 'friend.'"
Someone Like You - Jekyll & Hyde
This is 100% Malastra’s feelings toward Caleb. Unfortunately, her feelings are a naïve tangled mess and not nearly as simple as she’d like to think they are. Never mind his feelings for her...
Jesus to a Child - George Michael
Caleb’s feelings toward Malastra... sort of. I had also considered using "Father Figure" (also by George Michael), but that song takes their relationship a little TOO close to a line neither they nor I think they should cross. For Caleb, the problem is that he feels several different conflicting things.
Haunting Me - Stabbing Westward
The dysfunctional side of Malastra and Caleb’s relationship. And it also works for how their pasts won’t leave them alone.
Lune - Notre-Dame de Paris
This version’s in French, and I’m still not even sure I’ll keep this one, but this is the Essek song on the list. Here we have Essek singing about Caleb, but unlike in the original show where Gringoire is a neutral observer, I imagine Essek is painfully aware of what Caleb is going through because he cares for Caleb.
Towers Of The Void - Brian Reitzell
The story behind a name.
When All is Lost - Timothy Robert Shortell
The music behind several touching conversations between the Empire kids. The dynamic between Beauregard and Caleb was just pure pleasure to write, and seeing how their friendship has just deepened over the years.
Until It Sleeps - Metallica
Considering that Malastra’s nightmares can KILL people, "It" in this song is Malastra herself.
A Sacrifice to Save You - Effsio Cross
If I could set the montage of Caleb's research and study about Malastra and her magic to music, it'd be this. Day after day, night after night, chasing down the truth of what haunts this strange girl.
I Bleed for You - Peter Gundry
The Wizard at work in the chamber of endless possibility atop the Tower.
Walking in the Air - Nightwish
Caleb showing off his magic to Malastra, showing her just how beautiful the world can be when you let it.
As the World Falls Down - David Bowie
The ballroom scene in LABYRINTH very much informed a certain aspect of Malastra and Caleb's perceptions of each other at one point...
Malleus Maleficarum - Hans Zimmer
The crafting of the Pendant of Dreamless Rest.
Carry Me - Eurielle
If the pendant that Caleb crafts for Malastra has a theme song, this is it.
Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel) - Billy Joel
Caleb to Malastra as she sleeps, safe and truly at peace for the first time in her life. And yes, I want art for this too. I want art for a LOT of the scenes I imagine in this book, okay?
Of These Chains - Red
Malastra as she's preparing to leave Caleb for the first time and go in search of her destiny.
Prayer - The Scarlet Pimpernel
Caleb after Malastra leaves. He knows that her leaving is the right thing for her to do... but the human heart is a complicated thing.
Recover - Globus, Anneke Van Giersbergen
Malastra’s journey during the five-year time skip.
Spell of the Heart - Isabella LeVan
"Gute nacht, Caleb. I miss you." "Gute nacht, freundin. Ich vermisse dich auch." This song was a deliciously unexpected discovery (thanks to a friend of mine for pointing me at Isabella’s work), and was SUCH a perfect representation of the five-year time skip between Act 1 and Act 2 as far as Caleb and Malastra’s relationship was concerned.
Sleep Well, My Angel - We Are The Fallen
Malastra and Caleb talking about each other, not realizing that they are both making the exact same mistake.
Hurt - Christina Aguilera
Caleb and Malastra about their respective parents, and in a melancholic fashion, about each other during the time skip.
Witch Hunt - Abney Park
Don't stop running, Malastra...
Only Us - Miracle of Sound
Once lovers, then enemies, now uneasy allies - Astrid leads Caleb ever closer to temptation... all he has to do is hand over Malastra.
Back to the Blooming Grove - Critical Role, Steven Grove
Reunited after five years, and in serious need of divinely-inspired insight, Caleb takes Malastra to the Savalirwood to consult with Caduceus.
The Rite of Destiny - Chance Thomas
Malastra's musical offering at the Blooming Grove, and a blessing woven upon the temple.
Journey to the Abyss - Daniel Health
Caleb, Beau, and Malastra journey to Vasselheim in search of answers.
Coda - Matt Uelmen
"Once there was, and was not, in ancient Issylra..."
Raven - Melissa VanFleet
Within the blood pool of communion of Raven's Crest, Malastra and Caleb each have their own soul-rending encounter with the Matron of Ravens, but not surprisingly, they are left with more questions than answers.
Helix - Soul Extract
The darker, dysfunctional side of Malastra’s relationship with Caleb, while the latter half’s instrumental is very much Caleb, Malastra, et al bringing the fire.
Behind the mind - Zero-Project
Searching for answers and guidance at the behest of the Raven Queen, Malastra's soul reaches beyond the veil and encounters the Champion of the Matron of Ravens... Vax'ildan.
Until Eternity (Orchestral Version) - Blackbriar
Malastra sees through Vax'ildan's eyes, and learns of the doomed love that saved Tal'Dorei...
Taken by Storm - Christian Reindl
Malastra's first experience with the Tapestry.
Eternal Flame - Randall Jermain, Alexa Ray, Atom Music Audio
The anthem of the Mighty Nein.
The Volstruckers - Critical Role, Colm R. McGuinness
The Empire will do anything to protect its secrets, and it trusts only a very, very few to safeguard those secrets at any cost.
Burn - I Will Never Be The Same
When the Volstrucker get their hands on Caleb, hoping to lure in Malastra. Fick ihr alle.
Crimson Blaze - 2WEI
I love 2WEI's music so much - and this was an immediate choice for the Volstrucker vs Caleb fight.
I Remember - Les Friction, Emily Valentine
I love this band so much. This one is Caleb, and the bitter, broken, warped role that love has played in his life, courtesy of Trent, Astrid, and Eadwulf. Here is Caleb reaching out to Malastra and the Nein, his heart screaming for their help.
Destiny of Mankind (Choir) - Two Steps From Hell
Malastra and the Nein arrive to take back their friend, and the gods help whoever stands in their way.
Magic Fortuna (New Version) - Highland
Caleb being a badass.
Torsion - Mark Petrie
“We’re not going to run, freundin... we’re going to fly.” It's Caleb and Malastra vs the Volstrucker in a desperate airborne battle over the towers of Rexxentrum.
Nightfall - J2, Elvor
After fleeing Rexxentrum, Caleb and Malastra escape and hide in the Tower, but separated from the Nein, injured, and hunted, Caleb wonders how long they can evade the Volstrucker.
Requiem of the Night - Audiomachine
The nine chambers of memory.
In Your Arms - Ryan Louder, Ashley Serena
A theme that keeps showing up over and over is Caleb holding Malastra. For a girl who has never known kindness, it's small wonder that this is the safest place for her.
Kill Or Be Killed (No Vocals) - Epic Score
Someone wants Malastra dead, but the Nein aren't going to just stand by and let that happen.
Freedom Fighters - Two Steps From Hell
Another one of my 'trailer' pieces, this would absolutely be the montage of the Mighty Nein encouraging, training, and helping Malastra discover her true power, as well as her true self.
Wargirl - Sybrid, Tatiana Shishkova
The paladin, the clerics, the wizard, the rogue, the monk, the blood hunter, and the barbarian team up to train the weaver.
Boat On The River - Styx
Kingsley and Malastra sharing a moment as the tiefling takes her under his wing.
Peace Like a River - Dean Evenson
A shared love of music leads to a tender moment of friendship and understanding between Yasha and Malastra.
The Grey Havens - Chance Thomas
A bittersweet moment between Malastra and Marion, the Ruby of the Sea.
Tairitsu - Yuki Hayashi
"By the light of the Luxon..." Malastra’s first glimpse of just how much damage was done to the Tapestry thanks to Essek’s actions, and a very hard, very painful conversation between Essek and Malastra.
Prime Directive - Mark Petrie
First the Volstrucker, then the Lens - and it's dunamancy vs Weaving.
No One But You - Erutan
While the song itself is so perfect for Malastra’s simplest, heartfelt feelings for Caleb, the music behind this one became the basis for the song "Oror, Oror" that Malastra sings while soul-weaving. It was heartbreaking to write a lullaby for Malastra, and I tear up every time I listen to it. (It’s also canon that Malastra cries every time she sings the last chorus.)
Influence - Elephant Music
Until now, all of Malastra's nightmares have been reliving her past... but when that changes.,,
Darkness Falls - UNSECRET, Cece and the Dark Hearts
The Nein are trapped in Malastra's nightmarish vision of the destruction of Exandria. GODS, I want so badly to commission art of this scene, but it’d cost me a FORTUNE. (And this song, by the way, was the one that absolutely crystallized the plot of THE WIZARD AND THE WEAVER.)
End of an Empire - Celldweller
The Dwendalian Empire and the Kryn Dynasty. 'Nuff said.
Oblivion Awaits - Neal Acree
With some help from Caduceus, the Nein and Malastra learn the dark secret about Sevnochiner.
Fade to Black - Les Friction
The fate of the Weavers.
I'm Not Okay (I Promise) (cover) - Chase Holfelder, Tom Evans
Malastra and Caleb - broken, stumbling, praying for deliverance. I hear this song and I imagine them dancing quietly together in the salon of Widogast’s Nascent Nein-Sided Tower, almost afraid to even look at each other but still clinging to each other, and then at various times through the book, sobbing in the other’s arms.
Neo-Somnovem Incarnate - Critical Role, Colm R. McGuinness
No plan survives contact with the enemy, but if anyone is at their best when everything goes wrong and the chips are down, it's the Mighty Nein.
Sanctity of Sorrow - Damned Anthem
The Mighty Nein vs the Empire and the Dynasty.
Bound by Purpose - Twelve Titans Music
Sometimes you have to take a stand, even knowing you're doomed to fail.
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Epic Trailer Version) - Hidden Citizens
If I could animate a video of Caleb pulling out ALL the stops with his magic, it'd be to this song.
Sonera - Thomas Bergersen
The Weaver coming into her own at last, with the Wizard by her side.
Survivor - 2WEI, Edda Hayes
A cover of the Destiny's Child song, this is absolutely the anthem for both Caleb and Malastra at the climax of the book. For all that their pasts have broken them, still they rise up from the ashes to emerge "bloodied, bold, and resolute." And for the second half, we have the Wizard and the Weaver REALLY bringing their powers to bear, fully in control and absolutely ready to WRECK someone’s shit.
Unusual Way - Linda Eder
For all the heartache and confusion and pain they put each other through...
Let It Be Me (Epic Trailer Version) - J2, Miranda Dianne
When you finally find someone worth fighting for... and living for.
Vengeance Is Mine 2.0 - Epica
A new Hall of Destinies to build, a new Dzayny to serve it, and a new Weaver to guard it.
The Stars Are Out - Dexter Britain
"Wilkommen zuhause, liebchen."
6 notes
·
View notes
I Quit My Job to Do Podfic, & Other Shenanigans
...heyyyyyyyyyyyyy y’all. (☞゚∀゚)☞
A clickbait-y title for not-so-clickbait-y things: I really did resign from my remote job mid-November to be able to have time to not only podfic, but also completely revamp my apartment. I’ve been speedrunning the latter so that I can get it over with ASAP and focus on the creative stuff, and I delayed making this post because I wanted something worthwhile to show, but it’s taken a bit longer than I thought, so...heck, it’s Dec. 1st, so yeet.
In all seriousness, the thought of podficcing means a lot to me - so much so that I’ve bitten off quite a mouthful and my first project is over 100,000 words LOL - but moreover, I was really struggling with the fact that between my mom passing away and getting a new job, I only had one month. That was it. And I didn’t spend it taking a break, it was spent getting her cremated and cleaning out all of her things for donation. Almost literally to the day, from Feb. 21st to March 22nd, and within a few weeks my brain started spiraling that I was finally, truly on my own, no longer a caregiver or having to hide my fandom because we didn’t agree on it and faced with a home that wasn’t in a configuration I needed or suited me...but I didn’t have enough time and spoons around a full-time job to make any significant headway on changing my apartment or being able to record and edit what will likely be 15-20 hours of narration, not to mention wanting to make more art. The home stuff alone is a lot for one person, even in a small 1-bedroom unit. There’s areas in here that have been neglected for years because dealing with Mom’s health issues and my previous, much more murderous full-time job, and then COVID, eclipsed all that, and now it’s overwhelming.
Bless my boss, he’s the best I’ve ever had; he was cool with my situation after I explained how I felt and he told me mental health comes first, the company second. Yeah, I felt like an idiot for only spending 7 months with them and giving up a remote job I didn’t have to commute for. And I know I’ll have to crawl back to employment yet again in the next few months, because I don’t have millions of followers on a lucrative social media platform. Truthfully, I don’t know how I’ll cope with corporate employment for the rest of my life, because working at something that doesn’t involve fandom or creativity fills me with a despair bordering on physical pain, but that’s a problem for near-future me.
In the meantime, I’m just going to put it out there that I will have to make some expenses to assist me in producing the best content I can manage, and I know more than likely nothing will come of it, but I’ll remind everyone I have a ko-fi page now, so if you’re able to and feel like it, yeeting a few bucks in there would be super duper greatly appreciated. I’d like to make my recordings sound as decent as possible (for my non-existent knowledge on audio editing), and I’m tired of passing off shitty photographs of my artwork with details getting lost. This is the lineup of what I’d like to procure first (and if anyone has suggestions for additional or more inexpensive tools, feel free to let me know):
REAPER license - $60
Nectar Elements plugin - $129 (my goal with this software, at bare minimum, is to reduce the “canned” quality my voice takes on with a raw recording)
Art/Document scanner (extra hi-res) - $249
Sponsoring even a fraction of these would be awesomesauce. FEED THE MILLENNIAL MONEY RACCOON HERE. ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ ♪~ ᕕ(ᐛ)ᕗ
***(At a friend’s urging I did cave and install Venmo on my phone, for anyone who prefers that. I guess you can send me a non-anon ask or DM if that’s your weapon of choice?)
Like I said, I’d love to have included some pics of my new setup or a range of voice samples or fresh artwork, etc. etc., to make this post feel like...I can earn what I’m asking for, lol? But yeah, as soon as I can finish with furniture rearrangement/replacement, I’ll post before & after shots and finally get cracking on more fun stuff.
(Yes, I’ll probably reblog this a few times to get as many eyeballs as possible, apologies in advance.)
30 notes
·
View notes