Lifetimes Lived Within Dreams
Have you ever had a dream so vivid it felt as if you were truly there? Welcome to the Dreamscape, a realm where imagination takes form and the surreal becomes tangible. Within the lore of Dicesongs, this ethereal dimension is more than a fleeting mental escape—it’s a vast, navigable domain steeped in mystery and power. House Churlominia, one of the Great Guilds, serves as the vanguard of Dreamscape exploration. Known as the Finders of Lost Things, they act as mediators to the Dreamwalkers and guardians of all who dare traverse these enigmatic realms.
At the heart of Dreamscape navigation lies the Crossroads, a metaphysical juncture between the waking mind and the infinite vastness of dreams. The Crossroads are not simply a place but a process—each path branching into untold adventures or whispered horrors. For the unprepared, the Dreamscape is a labyrinth of peril; for the learned, it is a treasure trove of knowledge and forgotten relics.
The Greatest Adventure Awaits
Titles and worldly accolades hold no sway here. At the Crossroads, every traveler is equal, defined only by their intent and ability to adapt. The Dreamscape offers unparalleled opportunities to uncover secrets long buried and confront challenges that test the very soul. Yet, even this realm operates under its own set of arcane rules and laws. Knowing these laws can be the difference between triumph and being lost to the void forever.
For those who grasp the art of navigation, the rewards are boundless. Some adventurers return with newfound wisdom, while others acquire potent artifacts that shape their waking destinies. The Dreamscape promises more than exploration—it offers evolution.
Meeting the Guide
Every visitor to the Crossroads encounters a Guide, an enigmatic figure or entity born of the Dreamscape itself. These Guides are conduits to the Dreamwalkers and serve as the first checkpoint for all who enter. The Guide’s purpose is to evaluate the dreamer’s essence, determining the tools or choices required for the journey ahead.
Communication with the Guide transcends language, often manifesting as a blend of mental, emotional, and symbolic exchange. The duration of this meeting varies, but the wisdom imparted can make or break your quest.
Tools of the Trade
Upon entering the Crossroads, adventurers are presented with the Table, an array of objects imbued with dreamlike significance. These tools are not mere curiosities; each holds the key to a specific path within the Dreamscape. Choosing wisely is paramount. Those who abstain from selecting an item may find themselves adrift, at the mercy of the Dreamscape’s unpredictable currents.
The tools themselves range from shimmering talismans to inscrutable glyphs, each symbolizing a choice that can shape the dreamer’s fate. As such, House Churlominia strongly advises preparation and study before embarking on such journeys.
Entering from the Exit
While sleep is the natural entry point into the Dreamscape, other methods exist for those who know how. Dreamtime rituals and techniques, including Projectionmancy and Astral Projection, enable skilled individuals to bypass conventional routes. However, these methods carry inherent risks, particularly for those unaware of Illusionmancy—a force that permeates the Dreamscape and distorts perception.
The most perilous mistake one can make is tethering their consciousness improperly to the physical world. Such errors create vulnerabilities, opening gateways through which Voidborn entities—ancient evils banished to the Void—might enter the mortal plane. Caution and preparation are essential.
The Shadowgate Connection
The Shadowgate, a catastrophic rift born of corrupted soul energy, serves as a cautionary tale for those who misuse Dreamtime exploration. It represents the darker potential of Dreamscape journeys—a doorway for evil to infiltrate Ertha. Dreamers must take care not to inadvertently draw from the Void, lest they become vessels for malevolent forces.
Even experienced adventurers risk “soul-jacking,” where their bodies are hijacked by entities lurking beyond the veil. For this reason, House Churlominia trains its members to avoid unguarded entry into the Dreamscape.
Seeking Evil Within
The Dreamscape is not merely a repository of external mysteries but also a mirror reflecting the dreamer’s inner self. Here, travelers can confront their fears, understand their flaws, and reconcile with the shadows of their own souls. The Crossroads offers a path to self-discovery, but only those willing to face the truth about themselves can emerge transformed.
Unlike external threats, the Evil within is personal and symbiotic. It cannot kill or harm its host but offers profound lessons about balance and restraint. Understanding this internal darkness can lead to enlightenment and a deeper sense of purpose.
GM Tips
The Dreamscape is a versatile playground. Use these guidelines to integrate the Dreamscape into your Dicesongs sessions:
Dynamic Encounters: Design encounters that challenge players’ mental acuity and emotional resilience. The Dreamscape thrives on the surreal—leverage it.
Symbolic Rewards: Introduce dream-forged artifacts that evolve with the character’s story, serving as metaphors for their growth.
Interweaving Mysteries: Use the Dreamscape as a narrative bridge, linking disparate threads in your campaign through visions or prophecies.
Confront Inner Demons: Create scenarios where characters must face personalized challenges derived from their flaws or fears.
Risk vs. Reward: Emphasize the stakes of Dreamscape exploration. Failure might lead to permanent changes in the waking world.
By weaving the Dreamscape into your narrative, you offer players an unparalleled dimension of storytelling where the only limits are their imagination and courage.
