I really like James' three nightmares (see "Strange Dreams" on page 12), but I'd like to add a few more. I have 5 PCs in the party, so I thought it would be nice to give each PC a different nightmare. Just thought I'd share two that I've whipped up.
Nightmare #1
You’re sitting down in the galley aboard the Jenivere, getting ready for your meal. The ship’s cook has given you a steaming bowl of soup. As he sets it before you, the cook’s eyes transform into a pair hissing, fanged serpents! None of the passengers or crew seated next to you at the table seem to notice the cook’s transformation. Suddenly, the ship lurches and begins to take on water. Again, you seem to be the only one to notice. With water now up to your knees, you try to rouse the other passengers and crew to no avail. Everyone is too intent on eating their soup. The quiet Varisian scholar Ieana then enters the room and points an accusing finger at you. The passengers and crew stop eating their soup and turn to stare at you with feral eyes. Casting aside their soup bowls (which are now full of tiny writhing serpents), the mob converges on you and quickly wrestles you to the deck. As salty water covers your face, the passengers and crew begin to eat you alive…
Nightmare #2
You’re back aboard the Jenivere, and the ship is in the midst of a terrible storm. As the waves batter the ship about, you try to make your way through the narrow dimly lit halls below deck. Unfortunately, the going is slow and difficult since you are forced to walk on a thick carpet of writhing snakes that cover the floor. After what feels like hours, you eventually make your way to the upper deck where you find the captain and the quiet Varisian scholar Ieana locked in a romantic embrace. They finally part and turn to face you. When they do, dozens of long bright green serpents slither out of their mouths. The captain and Ieana watch quietly as the snakes glide toward you. The serpents' mouths are full of impossibly large teeth. You want to turn and run, but you’re suddenly paralyzed. All you can do is watch in silent horror as the snakes get closer. They slither around your legs and begin to climb up your trembling body. When the snakes reach your open mouth, they slither inside you and begin to gnaw on you from within…
Anyone else have any nightmare ideas?
These nightmares, as well as the ones JJ included in the adventure, went over quite well at the game table. I handed them out just before the first PC woke up on the beach. After the PCs read them, and then had to roll their initial Fortitude saves, they reacted appropriately with shocked stares, barely-stiffled gasps, and hollow mutters of "Oh, @#$%*, we're done now!". It was a giddy moment for me.
I highly recommend GMs use these great roleplaying devices. Thanks James, for including them!
