Each session of The Mortal Path is played as a normal game, except we all have various microphones in our faces. I have my DM notes, my NPCs, and my plot hooks. My players have their sheets and characters and try to think of innovative ways to derail my plans – yet always to the betterment of the story. Dice are rolled, checks are made, and my players steer this wild ship with gleeful abandon.

While we talk via Google Hangouts, we also use Roll20 for its fantastic Jukebox feature, and I provide the music for the various scenarios I think they might be in. In game, most of the music is made up of tracks I’ve written, with some from other artists as ‘placeholder’ music. I personally find it helps set the scene and keep up tension and ambience for my players, as well as for me.

Then the audio files are sent to me – without the music we were listening to – and I compile and edit the track. This is where TMP steps from an untouched play session to something a little smoother. I cut long silences as we look for a rule, or where I have to let the cat in from outside. I silence the thump of someone knocking something on their desk. But I leave the meat of the session untouched.

And then I add the music.

We have an absolutely outstanding theme song composed and recorded by Rachel Graff. Her talent is surreal, and I feel incredibly honoured to have one of her works in our show.

The rest of the music, so far, is written by me. I use Magix Music Maker to create everything from general ambience to battle music. Most of the music is loopable, filling the background space and creating a cushion of atmosphere. The scenes can last as long or short as they do, and the music will always fit them.

Some scenes are a little more special, and for those the music is scored. After the session has been recorded and edited I will create the music to fit what the players are saying and doing. It’s a lot more work, but the payoff is fantastic.

Like in all things I am not a professional composer. But I like to think the music in TMP brings a spark of our own brand of magic to the podcast, and I do hope you enjoy it.