Soundtracks Inspiring ATF [Potential Spoilers If You Aren't up to Date] · 2:05am Apr 16th, 2016
Just thought I'd spend my revision break compiling a list of the soundtracks I use for inspiration when writing ATF, as much for you guys as myself (I forget the names of these more often than I'd care to admit). I'll leave a brief summary of what type of scene I associate with each given theme above the videos (whether I've actually written such a scene, or whether I've just imagined it; I'll post either way).
I'll probably add to this list as I go, as long as I remember to. I know I've used a lot more than just these so far.
Discord's Equestria:
Equestria under Discord's rule 1000 years ago. Speaks for itself, really. Chilling, full of screams of torment and laughter. Discord's game in motion.
Discord fighting (playing, essentially):
(Not a big Undertale fan, but I can't deny the music's great). To me, this song just... fits Discord messing around with his opponents in a fight they are taking 100% seriously. Throwing out flashy spells and dodging everything that comes his way in ever-stranger ways. Again, it's just another game, right?
Discord dramatic:
The game's over. Discord is pissed. Whatever you did, it probably wasn't a good idea. Chosen for the great intro and the staccato notes that denote a tinge of madness all on their own.
Discord - Unexpected entrance:
SURPRISE! In the war room? Canterlot Castle? The middle of nowhere? Doesn't really matter, Discord's here to ruin your entire day. Chosen simply for the intro and the simple fact that I could imagine it being Discord's leitmotif in combination with the one above.
Celestia fighting:
(Couldn't find the original orchestral version I liked; must have been taken down). Probably just me given that FFTA was my childhood, but this song just oozes heavenly power when I hear it. Cataclysmic spells seamlessly interwoven with relentless, cleaving strikes; fire raining from the skies all the while. With no nearby allies in danger of harm, Celestia releases her full power.
Twilight fighting (given completely over to chaos magic):
The main reason I like this one for chaos Twilight is the constant chorus, and the outtro. Eyes blazing like blast furnaces, the air around her crackling with power, Twilight Sparkle looks down upon you condescendingly. Mercy is a luxury not extended to her when true chaos magic has taken hold.
Calamity:
One chilling note, repeated endlessly. Simple but effective. Be it upon Equestria, or tearing through other dimensions to reach it, Calamity works indefatigably towards his goal. Eventually, the earth tears, a grotesque claw emerges, and that thing follows, and advances. As with all calamity, disaster and death surely follow.
Night Guard 1:
I'm not too sure why I attribute this one to the Night Guard, but this theme just makes me imagine them slinking through the shadows, dispatching enemies quietly with knives and magic, before moving silently on.
Night Guard 2:
This one's a little easier. Modern military-esque theme. Despite their proficiency at stealth, sometimes even the Night Guard find themselves revealed. Use tactics and bleeding-edge equipment to outperform a numerically superior foe, go to a predetermined plan B, or just fucking leg it. Whatever you do, do it now.
Hollow Shades March:
Hailing from a harsher time, hardened by battle, the daily struggle to survive, and... other things. I feel this anthem suits my imagining of Hollow Shades perfectly.
The Kingdom of Hollow Shades:
Great theme all around (all Warcraft themes are, after all), especially the ending. In my head, I immediately imagine the Kingdom of Hollow shades at its former glory, before it was inevitably put to ruin over time.
Battle - CHARGE!:
Not much to say, really, other than the fact that this is exactly the kind of theme I'd imagine playing during a battle charge and the subsequent mad skirmish as lines collide. Go figure.
Large scale battle 1:
We're cut off? Punch through! We'll live, or we'll kill as many as we can before we go! Captures the desperation of fighting within enemy ranks, with enemies on all sides. Murder or die, the choice is yours, Grunt.
Large scale battle 2:
I feel this theme captures the overall strategy of a battlefield a little more. Word is relayed between troops and the overseeing commander. It's hectic, it's loud, and it's bloody down there. From back here, the opposing commanders watch like gods, sending lesser beings to their doom for the glory of victory.
Losing fight/battle:
The intro especially seems to capture a sense of hopelessness for me, like the enemy are cleaning up the front lines of an army, picking off the stragglers. We've lost this fight; if we don't pull back now we're all going to be slaughtered! FALL BACK!
Equestrian military march:
A powerful, world-class, regimented military, each individual soldier ready to die for their princess at the drop of a hat. This theme captures it perfectly. As they say, loyalty until death; strength in unity.
Plans laid out/great machinations in motion:
(One of the songs that helped me through my depression, back in the day. The more you know). Planning, ruminating, scheming. Whatever the order of the day, writing scenes involving any high-level brooding becomes a lot easier for me with this theme in the background.
The dungeons/forbidden archives:
Screams in the dark, be it literal, or in the mind. This collection of short themes would be perfect for writing scenes in places nopony should go, or want to go, at least.
The unexpected occurs:
I've listened to this one for a while now, and had it on whilst writing many chapters in the past. The theme as a whole just suits the moments building up to a dramatic twist. Remember guys Calamity was an inside job. 
That book:
Maybe a little over the top in terms of edginess, but I just love the repetitive yet creepy nature of this one. And remember, if in doubt, don't cast the spell out of the book from the forbidden archives. It was put there for a reason.
Grim determination:
A great balance between sadness and anger after a crushing loss or revelation. Things are looking grim, but we can't stop now. We won't. We've come too far, we've lost too much to simply roll over and die here! Whether it takes five days or five decades, we're going to have revenge, I swear it.
