Stages And Experiences
For those who wish to see a more in-depth look of stages: what has happened, what the dreamer has experienced, what the Oneiroi goes through, and what you can expect in the near future.
Dream Catcher
”You've acquired a dream catcher and have snared the spirit that has been haunting you. However, something about it feels wrong, and you can't seem to look at it for long without feeling drained. Perhaps another visit to Granny is in order...”
Your Dreamer has been suffering potent dreams or nightmares for at least a few days, but no longer than a year. These dreams and nightmares could be new, or perhaps have been ongoing for some time and have merely seemed differently lately. They could also be half forgotten dreams that your Dreamer experienced as a child that have returned for unknown reasons. You have free reign over what makes them special.
One thing to keep in mind is that these dreams and nightmares are very vivid and even lifelike. Even if your character does not think much of a sandstorm (hard to imagine if, say, they have lived in Alaska as a child), there may be symbolism or a sense of the unknown in the dream that called the Oneiroi to them. One thing is for certain: something in that dream or nightmare connects with the Dreamer on a deep and even disturbing level. It must, in order for your pet to exist in those dreams at all.
The catcher comes from Granny Spiderlegs, the old woman whose shop is in the downtown area. Your Dreamer has either stumbled across her shop or was recommended to her by someone. Some may have only been drawn by the rumors that the local children spread through the streets.
After hearing your dream or nightmare, Granny will give your Dreamer a dream catcher and tell them to hang it in the room they will be sleeping in, preferably above the bed or in a doorway of some sort – in front of a window, an actual doorway, etc.
In time, your Dreamer will seek Granny out to see what they have captured, which is indicated on the shop's front page Your Dreamer has found no relief, and in fact these night visions appear to be getting stronger, rather than stopping...
Bound Catcher
”You've spoken to Granny again, a visit that leaves you with some interesting information. It seems that this dream catcher is now quite attached to you, and reappears no matter how many times you try to get rid of it.”
After your talk with Granny Spiderlegs (she prefers “Granny”), you have been introduced to the world of Oneiros. You have learned that a spirit called an Oneiroi is residing in your dreams, feeding off of the energy from one in particular, which is why your Dreamer has the same dream or nightmare night after night. The catcher she gives you is to help you endure the dreams and still function the following day. She cannot take them away from you if you ask, and only helps you endure until the Oneroi moves on and has developed enough on their own to let go of their Dreamer.
Dreamers endure even more potent dreams with clearer images and impressions that last longer in the waking realm. Though some spirits occupy more pleasant aspects of a dream, even they can cause the Dreamer some distress as they continue to sleep less with each passing night.
The first staff rp occurs at this stage as Dreamers seek out Granny for more information. She will weave an item into your catcher along with some beads, and this item is a form of connection that hints at your Oneiroi's appearance, though not necessarily the aspect of the dream/nightmare that plagues your Dreamer.
At this point, your dream catcher will reappear regardless of how often or thoroughly your Dreamer tries to get rid of it; there are some who have attempted to set theirs on fire and found it in one piece on their dresser the following morning. It is now bound to your Dreamer, for better or worse.
Spirits & Poltergeists
”The spirit in your dreams has begun to take form. Though almost impossible to see, you know it is there. Your dreams are becoming longer and more intense, leaving you to feel exhausted come morning. A pattern or theme has begun to appear in your dream and, when it ends, it is difficult to tell if you are awake or still dreaming.
At this stage, you may notice a voice or presence hovering in the back of your mind. Though you are still the only human to sense your spirit/poltergeist, they can be seen and sensed by all other Oneiroi that have reached this stage and beyond. They are is still heavily attached to their Dreamer.”
Spirits and Poltergeists are the first stage with dramatic differences. You can now start to roleplay your Oneiroi, but they do not have a solid form of their own. Instead, they appear as a shadowy or misty haze, a general humanoid form. Unable to be seen by any humans other than their personal Dreamer, all Oneiroi are able to see and communicate with one another as long as both parties have at least reached this stage. They will be able to sense if another spirit or poltergeist is nearby, as well as what kind of dream spirit they are (Reve or Nightmare). General traits can be known, such as if they have pointy ears (elf), dark skin (nightmare based elves), horns and tail (demon), wings (many races), etc. Reves and Nightmares tend to at least be uncomfortable around each other, but there is no lifelong hate between them; that is a far more personal issue between specific characters. It can be amusing to think of a Dreamer trying to understand why their companion is talking to themselves, though.
Not all spirits/poltergeists will openly speak to their Dreamers or others, however. Some may choose not to say anything at all and merely observe the world in silence. It is up to you how they will act. They may try to move their dream catcher around and other small objects (lighter than five pounds and no bigger than a hand) to catch your attention.
Specter
“The spirit that has coexisted with you in your dreams has grown strong enough to develop a physical form of their own. At this stage, the Oneiroi still requires its Dreamer to survive, but is now able to travel to the Dream Realms freely. They can see and interact with other Oneiroi from the Spirit/Poltergeist stage and beyond, as well as other Dreamers. At this stage, Specters are able to start influencing the waking world with magic, but only just.”
The Specter stage is the first stage where the Oneiroi begin to physically manifest and take on an individual appearance. The item that Granny Spiderlegs wove into their catcher remains with them as a token binding them to the waking world and a reminder that they still need their Dreamers. When interacting with the real world, Oneiroi at this stage can lift objects up to roughly ten pounds, and any items that are the length of their forearm or smaller. They begin to show signs of their abilities with dream-based magic, and are more lively. They cannot sense physical touch in the waking world, but any Oneiroi or Dreamer can give them a sort of “spiritual” sensation that is similar. Other senses, such as sight, smell, speech, and sound, are fully developed.
Oneiroi at this stage are still blurry around the edges, much as their name implies. They are not fully formed and are in a sense stuck between worlds, so it is difficult to make out precise details unless you are all but face-to-face with an Oneiroi.
Dreamers at this stage will suffer less fatigue from their repeated dreams, but the final week or so that an Oneiroi experiences as a Specter will be intense for both the Specter and Dreamer, as it is the final push to the finish line that lets these fascinating spirits fully manifest.
Reve & Nightmare
”At this stage, the Oneiroi has gathered enough strength and life energy to survive on its own in the waking realm. They are now able to create life of their own (breed), fall in love, understand hardship, and live life as a physical being. Depending on how you have handled your shared existence and the mental 'roommate,' some Oneiroi may be gracious towards their Dreamer, while others are spiteful.”
Reves and Nightmares are fully developed Oneiroi that can pass between worlds and exist in either without need of their Dreamer. Once in the human world, however, they are bound by human laws and physics, so magic is all but impossible, and their appearances are quite human. Now that they have access to the human world, it is impossible to say what it is they intend to do with it.
Lucid Dream & Night Terror
”Shhh it's a secret.”
Typically, the Reve/Nightmare stage is the final stage for the pets in this shop. Some dedicated roleplayers, however, may find themselves with the chance to have their pet evolve to a special stage. A Lucid Dream or Night Terror is able to cast magic and affect the world around them regardless of the fact that they are in the waking world. They are significantly more powerful than their previous stage and few know what it takes to reach this pinnacle of power and experience.
