TheRPGSite

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a more dream-ish term for what happens when a Dreamwalker wakes up too fast (from being "killed" in the dream, failing certain saves, etc.)--this is something that has the potential to scramble the brain/senses, at least temporarily.  I had originally used "dump shock" but this feels way too sci-fi now.  Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks!

Pete

Quote from: pspahnHi everyone,

I'm looking for a more dream-ish term for what happens when a Dreamwalker wakes up too fast (from being "killed" in the dream, failing certain saves, etc.)--this is something that has the potential to scramble the brain/senses, at least temporarily.  I had originally used "dump shock" but this feels way too sci-fi now.  Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks!

Pete

The sit-up sweats?

-clash

Quote from: flyingmiceThe sit-up sweats?

-clash

I think it might need a bit more punch.  That sounds more like something I get after one abdominal crunch.  :)

Pete

Thats what I call it when someone in the movies suddenly wakes up from a nightmare and sits bolt upright, drenched in sweat, and heart pounding. :D

-clash

Quote from: flyingmiceThats what I call it when someone in the movies suddenly wakes up from a nightmare and sits bolt upright, drenched in sweat, and heart pounding. :D

-clash

Yes, that's definitely what I'm shooting for.  I just need maybe a clinical or mystical name to describe it.  

Pete

Sorry, Pete. Dumb and silly I got lots of, but smart and stylish is in short supply.. :P

-clash

Traumatic awakening resulting in a pre-conscious daze

Quote from: flyingmiceSorry, Pete. Dumb and silly I got lots of, but smart and stylish is in short supply.. :P

-clash

Heh, I think that's my problem, too.  :)

Quote from: GoOrangeTraumatic awakening resulting in a pre-conscious daze

Hi GoOrange, that describes it, but I need it to fit into the context of the game as in (bolded for context):  

Awakening
A Dreamer can be awakened normally by outside sources (a barking dog, an alarm clock, etc.). He also awakens whenever he rolls a critical failure on a Will save or whenever he is "killed" in his own Dreamworld. When the Dreamer awakens, any Dreamwalkers within his Dreamworld are immediately ejected (see Dump Shock, below).

Dreamwalkers who are awakened while they are in their own Dreamworld are unharmed. Dreamwalkers awoken while they are in the Empyrean also suffer from Dump Shock.

Death
It is hard for a Dreamwalker to truly die, but it is not impossible. In the real world, death occurs when a character's hit points are reduced to -10 or less. In the Empyrean, when a character's hit points are reduced to -10 or less, he is ejected from the dream (see Dump Shock, below).

Dump Shock
Dump shock occurs when a Dreamwalker is killed, ejected, or otherwise awakened while in the Empyrean (in the Rasa, someone else's Dreamworld, a dream island, etc.). The character immediately awakens in an agitated state and must make a Will save (DC 30) or else fall unconscious. If the character is awakened from a real world source, the Will save is made at DC 15 instead.

Does that make more sense?  Sorry for not being clearer.

Pete

How about "Pavor Nocturnus"? Or perhaps a German word: "Nachtschreck" (night terror)?
From Wikipedia: "A night terror, also known as pavor nocturnus, is a parasomnia sleep disorder characterized by extreme terror and a temporary inability to regain full consciousness."

Hypnopompic Lucidity. Sleep paralysis before waking up, although in this case, the lucidity suggests the shock part of waking up too soon. IE, you're dumped out of slumber but may be paralysed per sleep paralysis?

Quote from: YsbrydHow about "Pavor Nocturnus"? Or perhaps a German word: "Nachtschreck" (night terror)?
From Wikipedia: "A night terror, also known as pavor nocturnus, is a parasomnia sleep disorder characterized by extreme terror and a temporary inability to regain full consciousness."

Why the hell do Germans always have such cool-sounding words?  Night Terrors are something else in the game, but I might tweak it a bit so I can use Nachtschreck.  Thanks!

And thanks for the comments One Horse Town. This is a bit more violent than just paralysis.  These guys are essentially getting their entire consciousness ripped out of the dream, which leaves them stunned and disoriented and could potentially lead to mental injury like a phobia or dementia.  

If you guys are bored, I could use some feedback on the Dreamwalker Revised preview.  Just want to make sure this is an interesting teaser.  It's longish.

http://home.att.net/~dreamwalkerrpg/Dreamwalker_Revised_Preview.pdf

Thanks,

Pete

I'd stick with Dump Shock if I were you. It connects to the idea of the Dreams being like a "matrix-style" virtual reality.

Plus, some Shadowrun fanboys might end up buying the book by mistake.

RPGPundit

How about "fastwake".

"Eh, go easy on the kid Joe, he's still gettin' over fastwake."

Either that, or just stick with dump shock.

What about something like
Severance
Dissolution
Sundered

Quote from: James J SkachWhat about something like
Severance
Dissolution
Sundered

I like the use of sever. Maybe something like "severshock"

Or maybe "wakeshock"

Premature Ejection... :haw:

or more seriously; Slumbershock. A more whimsical take - Sandman's Revenge. A more historical reference - you become Hag Ridden.

Quote from: One Horse TownPremature Ejection... :haw:

It's okay, it happens to everyone.  :)

Great stuff, guys.  Lots to think about.  Thanks!

Pete

Quote from: GoOrangeI like the use of sever. Maybe something like "severshock"

Or maybe "wakeshock"

Extreme Severance? Dreamjection? Parajection? Paraseverance?

-clash

how about:

Empyrean Wake
Impetuous Wake
Spasmodic Awakening

FWIW, I'm leaning towards Dream Shock or Wake Shock right now, maybe even Mind Shock or Brain Shock.