So! wanted to share with you guys a little bit of how I get into character before a D&D session!
I put a playlist together for my character and listen to the songs to get me in the right mood for my characters!
This is my playlist for Helianthos!
And I wanted to talk about why each song is on the playlist!
1. “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas - So all of my D&D characters are inspired by Disney Princesses. Helianthos came around before I had fully committed to that idea. But Helianthos is a Druid, and is so connected to nature and has a deep respect for it. “The rainstorm and the river are my brother, the heron and the otter are my friends. And we are all connected to each other. In a circle, in a hoop that never ends.”
2. “Once Upon a December” from Anastasia - I took some inspiration from this film for his backstory. His family was extremely wealthy, but was murdered in the name of greed. But there are rumors that Heliathos survived and so an heir to the fortune is still out there. And this is my favorite song from that film, so that’s why it’s on here!
3. “Disaster Hearts” by I Fight Dragons - “Disaster has a way of remaking our hearts, long after all the thunder and scars.” The tragedy he encountered as a kid changed him, but it shaped his heart and made him who he is today. Optimism in the face of tragedy is a theme for Helianthos and we’ll see this reflected again in some other songs!
4. “The Fox” by Ylvis - He’s a Druid. Wild Shape. Not much else to say. “Dog goes wood, cat goes meow, bird goes tweet...”
5. “Fireflies” by Owl City - “You would not believe your eyes if 10 million fireflies lit up the world as I fell asleep.” This song reflects the wonder Helianthos sees in all aspects of nature, both big and small.
6. “Undertale” from Undertale - This just fits the vibe. It starts out small and quiet and builds to something powerful, and this reflects who he is and who he has become. It’s just so good!
7. “Quiet Water” from Undertale - This is just a vibe. I picture him sitting in a forest near a stream, quiet and thoughtful.
8. “Plant Life” - by Owl City - Owl City really fits the vibe with Helianthos. “I wish plant life would grow all around me so I won’t feel dead anymore.” He’s a Druid and feels the connection to nature more so than to anything else.
9. “Duel of Druids” by Logan Epic Canto - Just a vibe. Love the sound. Love the instruments. Just really gets me in the Druid spirit!
10. “Wild Flower” from Phonetic Hero - If Helianthos had a boss theme, this would be it. Another song that gets me in the Druid mood!
11. “Moon Theme” from DuckTales - Moonbeam is probably Helianthos’ most used spell. So that’s why this song is on here!
12. “The Heart of Life” by John Mayer - I prefer the cover from I Fight Dragons, but it’s not on Spotify! “Pain throws your heart to the ground, love turns the whole thing around.” Optimism in the face of sadness and heartbreak, and how love and support can bring you out of the dark place you are in.
13. “Sunflowers” by Angelo Nicola Giuliano - I got Helianthos’ name from a deviation from the scientific name of Sunflowers, and sunflowers are Helianthos’ favorite flowers!
14. “Silhouette” by Owl City - My last Owl City song. Such a beautiful song! This song best reflects him newly escaped from the tragedy that befell him and his family, still trying to find his way. “The more I try to move on, the more I feel alone… So I watch the summer stars to lead me home.” One of the sadder songs on this list, but there is still this hint of positivity, which just fits so well for him. This song I think is the core of who Helianthos is.
15. “Quiet Forest Life” by Lover of New Age Nature - Just a whole-ass vibe. Quiet forest life is the life Helianthos dreams of.
16. “Kingdom Dance” from Tangled - Found this while looking for songs for a different character, A’zen. This is just another “vibe” song. The instruments fit for Helianthos so well, and it’s just a lot of fun! I picture him just kinda running through a wide open field with dogs, rabbits, birds, and other animals just having the time of his life!
17. “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty - “You belong among the wildflowers … You belong somewhere you feel free.” That’s what Helianthos truly wants. He doesn’t want to be tied down by greed or material possessions. He wants to feel free, safe, and happy.
And that was the last song on my Helianthos Playlist. I hope you took some time to give these songs a listen, and I hope you enjoyed them!
Up next is Leomarrius! I’ll post it on here whenever I get a chance to!
Also! If you have any playlists for your characters, please share them! I would love to give them a listen! :D
