How does Dreamshaper work?

[Whale_Cancer]

I'm wondering how the Dreamspun sorcerer's Dreamshaper ability is supposed to work? (link: http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/advanced/coreClasses/sorcerer.html#dream spun)

Is using it to modify memory just like casting modify memory (but on a sleeping target)? Is using it to speak with dead like casting speak with dead (but on a sleeping target)? Or does it have the range of nightmare?

Thanks for any input.

[Jason Nelson]

It works exactly like casting modify memory or speak with dead, including range and all other spell parameters (except, as you said, on a sleeping target). The only thing it has to do with nightmare is the extra save modifiers.

[Speaker for the Dead]

It would seem logical that you can only use this on a sleeping target but the spell doesn't say so.

Dreamshaper:

Dreamshaper (Sp): At 9th level, you can manipulate the dreamscape of others, drawing forth or tampering with their subconscious minds. This power allows you to tamper with the target’s memories as if using modify memory, or you may ask questions as if using speak with dead upon a corpse. A successful Will save negates the effect. The DC of this save is equal to 10 + 1/2 your sorcerer level + your Charisma modifier, with further modifiers as the nightmare spell. You can use this ability once per day at 9th level. At 17th level you can use this ability twice per day, and at 20th, three times per day.

You draw forth or tamper with the targets subconscious mind. You still have a subconscious mind while you're awake. That leaves the word 'dreamscape'. Do you only have a dreamscape while asleep or is that just another way of saying 'subconscious mind'. Any thoughts?

[Jason Nelson]

Perhaps it would have been more clear if I had used the term "UNconscious mind" rather than "SUBconscious mind"?

The OP asked how the power was supposed to work (RAI). I'd say that you only have a dreamscape while asleep (though it's not an officially defined game term and so has no specific assignation one way or the other), but if your GM rules that you have a dreamscape when awake, then you could try arguing the case for being able to use it on a target that is awake.

[Speaker for the Dead]

Yeah, I don't think I'll bother. It may be a valid loophole but I doubt it's what the writer intended. Especially if you look at the rest of the Dreamspun Bloodline powers/spell. Most of them are about putting people to sleep. I'll just go back to messing with the other party members minds while I'm on watch :-)