[Information] Dreamwalkers and Dreamwalking
Dreamwalkers and Dreamwalking
❦ basic information
Everything you need to know about “Dreamwalkers” and how they work in the game. A lot of the information below is more for the player’s knowledge for how they will work in the future. At this point in the game, when characters are able to utilize these skills is a bit limited. But all the rules and basics apply regardless. There is also an IC Guide that characters have access to.
IMPORTANT! At this point of the game, the ability to dreamwalk is restricted at this time. In our Moon Cycle posts, we will indicate when it is possible for characters to dreamwalk and when they can create interactive dreams. We do plan to make this a more permanent and “free” element of the game, but it’s still in its early testing stages. This page is only to help players understand how dreamwalking works when it is available to them.
❖ what are they?
Characters have the ability to enter into dreams through a metaphysical form. It is similar to having an out-of-body experience or astral projection. However, this is only limited to dreams. They cannot go through the real world in this form. As a dreamwalker, characters can also learn different abilities and interact with the dream (to be discussed below).
❖ what is their purpose?
The ultimate purpose is for helping to fight off the nightmare army, but it also allows for a greater depth to Somarium’s “dream scheme.” Now characters can also interact with the dreamer while in the dream instead of just passively watching and experiencing the various effects. Characters can also have more control over their dreams and actually create more personal spaces that can be used. In effect, characters have the ability to create their own little mini dream worlds. There are of course limitations to this, but as time goes in, this concept will be further fleshed out.
❖ is special training needed?
Nope. Starting October, 2011, all incoming characters will find themselves able to dreamwalk whenever it is allowed. However, most will probably discover this by accident if they are not informed beforehand. They only receive special little electronic manuals that will be on their Dreamberry (see here). When a character first looks at their Dreamberry, they will notice a little “sticky note” on their home screen indicating they should read about it. The manuals basically reflect this page, but with all the OOC knowledge knocked out. It will give the basic explanation of what they are, what they can and cannot do, and will mention the training facility located at the Coliseum on the floating mountain.
❦ dream settings.
Characters are able to create interactive dream settings. In-game, we refer to character based dream settings as “dreamfields.” Larger, more expansive dream settings that are mod created are called “dreamscapes.” For the purpose of this page, we are referring to them as “dream settings” to cover both and cause less confusion. But in the dream setting, the characters who create it have ultimate control. It is possible to either be consciously or subconsciously designed. Characters who visit the dream setting, either by accident or on purpose, cannot substantially alter it. They can interact with the environment, but they cannot destroy or create anything in the setting.
❦ game technicalities.
Dreams that characters can enter and interact in are called “interactive dreams.” They are posted with clearly defined marked labels. Interactive dreams are also optional in nature. That is, characters can either view them like normal, non-interactive dreams OR they can go in them as dreamwalkers. Because of this, interactive dream posts have the unique nature of being both observational based and action based.
❖ header.
Like with the normal dream posts, interactive dream posts should have the following header:
- Warnings. Any warnings that players might need to OOCly know (ex. graphic or mature content)
- Dream effects. The standard dream effects, usually emotionally based. This will affect both the casual viewer and the dreamwalker (if applicable).
- Additional notes. Any additional notes players should know about the setting that may not be described within the dream itself.
❦ a few basic rules.
Because of the nature of the concept, there are a few ground rules that we need to establish. Most of these are the usual in-game house rules, but it never hurts to reassert them.
❖ no godmoding.
At no given time should a player take control of what’s going on without another player’s permission. Always ask first before doing anything drastic.
- “Dream inception.” Some characters may already know or may learn how to travel “through” someone’s memory or subconscious (ex, Inception characters). Although these abilities can work in the dream setting, you must have player permission to do so. Even if the character could ICly do it, clear it with the player.
In this case, we just want to point out that characters do not gain any knowledge just by being in the character’s dream. They do not absorb memories or knowledge just because they are essentially in the character’s mind.
❖ abilities stay within the dream setting.
Any new abilities that characters learn while in the dream setting stay in the dream setting. They do not carry over into the real world. (See the Abilities section for more detail.)
❖ be reasonable.
Characters are not instant gods. Though they can do new things and may be able to learn things quickly, just keep everything within reason.
❖ no dream hacking.
Interactive dreams can also be filtered like any other network post or standard dream. At this point in the game, characters cannot hack into another character’s interactive dream.
❦ abilities.
Any abilities or skills that a character has will carry over into the dream setting. Just keep in mind, game limitations apply so any game breaking skills will still be restricted. This also includes personal weapons and creatures such as fighting familiars, summons, and Pokemon that are already in-game with them. But as a dreamwalker, characters also have the ability to utilize dream energy to add to their arsenal. At this point in the game, they can only use the dream energy to create new physical weapons, form a sort of energy field, and low-to-medium blasts of energy. Nothing too powerful, but at least those who have no combat skills will have the ability to defend themselves if necessary.
❖ dream setting control.
The dreamer has the ultimate control of the dream setting, but those who are dreamwalking and visiting the dream setting has some ability to interact and also change the setting. However, these are very minor. For instance, a character could break a wall, but they could not tear down a whole city or summon new walls to be constructed. Basically, dreamwalkers can only work with whatever is already there.
❖ learn skills based on the setting.
It is also possible for characters to learn skills based form the canon. For instance, if Harry Potter’s dream setting is set at Hogwarts, any characters visiting the dream could potentially learn how to cast magic. LIMITATION: These skills can only be used in that particular canon setting and it does not carry over into different canon settings or the real world. The skill is canon setting based, not character cast based. Have an example:
- Example: Tamaki Suoh learns the Levitation Charm in Harry Potter’s dream, set in Hogwarts.
- Where it works.
- Draco Malfoy’s dream is set in Hogwarts, or at least somewhere in Harry Potter world. Tamaki is able to use the Levitation Charm.
- Haruhi Fujioka has a dream set in Hogwarts for some strange reason. Tamaki is able to use the Levitation Charm.
- Even though Haruhi is not part of the Harry Potter cast, because her dream was set in their world, the skill carries over.
- Where it does not work.
- Ron Weasley’s dream is set in some random made-up beach. When Tamaki enters Ron’s dream, he cannot use the Levitation Charm.
- Even though Ron is part of the Harry Potter cast, because the setting was not in the Harry Potter world, the skill does not carry over.
- Tamaki is strolling through the streets of Somarium. He cannot use the Levitation Charm
- Draco Malfoy’s dream is set in Hogwarts, or at least somewhere in Harry Potter world. Tamaki is able to use the Levitation Charm.
It is possible to fight within the dream setting. Because of the dream settings unusual environment, some may find it an optimal place for training. Just keep in mind the same rules apply. Plot wise, there will be future battles set in a more nightmare based setting as well as other events that may involve exploring various dream settings.
❖ "leveling up."
It is possible for characters to gain power and grow adept in their skills as dreamwalkers, but it takes a lot of time. It’s the same basic concept for general physical training. General rule of thumb is the more a character dreams, interacts with dreams, and learns how to control their dream energy, the stronger they will get.
❦ dream sickness and injuries.
When fighting or using abilities in the dream setting, injuries can carry over to the real body. Thus, if they are injured in the dream, they will wake up with bruises or shallow cuts. Any “fatal” injuries will be marked by large bruises or extreme pain. If they use up too much dream energy, they will feel very sick. Think of it like a really bad hangover or something similar.