When someone dies, this is the first point of their journey. It is here that they are judged. Here it is decided where they go next. It's also a place where those who travel between the worlds can go. A highway, or a hiding place. Sometimes people fall into it by accident in dreams, or in times of severe trauma. If they aren't guided somehow, they may wake up madmen... or not at all. It's not an evil place, nor is it a good place. It's relentless in its neutrality, and can become what you make it. It's a place of magic and mystery, of light and shadow, and of timelessness. It knows neither joy nor despair... but it can cause either. Otherworldy ambient, textural music. Very versatile.
(Illustration copyright (c) 2005 Adam J. Tyreman. Used here with permission of the artist; unauthorized use prohibited.)
A circle of elves cast a spell to heal the land, or to help the "good guys". Using the elements of earth, air, fire and water, they create change in perfect unity and beauty... Golden-white light surrounds them and the very land they stand on seems to sing. Ethereal, magic ambient music.
(Illustration copyright (c) 2009 Kristina Carroll. Used here with permission of the artist; unauthorized use prohibited.)
Wind howls between frozen mountain peaks, glacial ice groans and cracks under the weight of eons, and arctic wolves prowl the night. A majestic cave of ice inlaid in the side of the mountain can barely be seen against the snow in the distance. But as you approach it, the beautiful, cold wonder of it draws you in... Ethereal, atmospheric orchestral/synth music.
Illustration copyright (c) 2008 Anna-Sophie Klett. Used here with permission of the artist; unauthorized use prohibited.)
A beautiful city of light carved out from the trees and mountains, the very city itself a living breathing entity living in complete harmony with nature. A beautiful waterfall sparkles in the sun. Intricate carvings adorn the houses, and breathtaking flags of woven gold knotwork decorate the streets. This city is a haven. A place of safety and healing, where travelers can rest and recover before returning to their quests. A place of wisdom and mystery, where adventurers may even find answers they didn't know they were seeking... Ethereal music, great for epic fantasy games, yoga and meditation, and more.
(Illustration copyright (c) 2010 Ljilja Romanovic. Used here with permission of the artist; unauthorized use prohibited.)
An ancient city where political intrigue and alterior motives are plentiful, and true intentions are well-hidden. Daggers are secretly stored in boots or under shirtsleeves. Ambitious men converse congenially with eachother while their inner dialogue plans eachother's overthrow. Women wear poison rings and smile at eachother a little too brightly. Fantasy Espionage theme with Greco-Roman flavor.
(Illustration copyright (c) 2009 Gloria H. Manderfield. Used here with permission of the artist; unauthorized use prohibited.)
The adventurers trek through a vast, mysterious forest. The wind blows gently through the ancient, majestic trees. A stream bubbles and quenches the thirst of various woodland creatures. Leaves crunch underfoot. Foxes, birds and other fauna call and sing, insects buzz and chirp, all participating in the song of the forest. Dappled light streams through the trees. But there are shadows, too. This forest is old and holds many secrets; some friendly, and some not. Ambient orchestral music.
(Illustration copyright (c) 2007 Cassie. Used here with permission of the artist; unauthorized use prohibited.)
In a land where tribes are at war and survival is never taken for granted, the people look to their gods to help them with the hunt, with crops and with battle. Darker gods, too, reign over the land of the dead, and tribute must be made to them. These are the dark shadows that lie in the depths of a deep cavern. The embodiment of the fear and pain of finality. The insatiable spirits that demand the souls of brothers, fathers, and even children. They hear the pleas of the people whose fate is in their hands with cool indifference, but the people pay them tribute anyway for fear of what may happen if they don't... Primal, tribal drumming, wailing voices and ambient music of the underworld.
(Illustration copyright (c) 2010 Rui Ferreira. Used here with permission of the artist; unauthorized use prohibited.)
The roll and roil of the sea, the creaking of the masts, the ragged flapping of the mainsail. all these sounds are soon lost to the cacophony of the rowdy crew. Heavy, booted feet tromp up and down the deck, undisciplined, each crewman striding or slinking at his own pace. We can hear the strain and creak of taught rope as the rigging is set. A drunkard boatswain sloshes a mug of stale grog, his voice roaring out in the opening bars of a salty chanty. The haggard, scurvy-ridden crew join in a half-hearted chorus, dissolving into riotous laughter at the end. Riggers and watchmen shout orders. The crew goes silent at the loud creak of a stately door that swings open on its rusty, salt-encrusted hinges. There is an awed silence as the captain surveys the deck, then a hurried return to work as he grunts in satisfaction and returns to his cabin. Once he's gone, the clattering of rolling dice can be heard as the crew bet what little booty they have. Lucky winners hoot in triumph while the losers bemoan their loss and accuse the other players of cheating. This is of course accompanied by the ringing of a drawn cutlass or the clicking of a cocked flintlock, which settles the argument. A monkey chatters somewhere in the rigging. A tropical bird makes demands a man's shoulder. Orchestral Pirate adventure music.
(Illustration copyright (c) Alexey. Used here with permission of the artist; unauthorized use prohibited.)
An anguished religious leader struggles to save his parish from certain doom. Desperate, he turns to the adventurer for help. Sensitive, slightly ominous orchestral music with heroic flavor tinged with elements of both dispair and great hope.
(Illustration copyright (c) 2011 Teakster. Used here with permission of the artist; unauthorized use prohibited.)
In the Celtic Highlands there is a hero who is celebrated among all the clans. He is fierce in battle, loyal to his brothers, fearless in the face of danger, and gentle to those of lesser fortune. He seeks adventure and never stays long in one place. He saves lives, accomplishes the impossible, and moves on when the sun rises. This is his theme. Epic, heroic, orchestral theme flavored with highland bagpipe, whistle, and Celtic percussion.
(Illustration copyright (c) 2009 Ion Ander Ramírez. Used here with permission of the artist; unauthorized use prohibited.)