How do you incorproate dreams?

[RogueAngel]

edited - trying to delete the double post, but the board won't let me.

 

[RogueAngel]

I've run several dream sequences, usually via notes to the player in questions regarding what was in the dream. The best DM-dream trick, however, at least in a small group, is to notify the other players before game that they will be entering a dream sequence upon the next incidence of waking up & not to tell the player in question while they participate. Then run a dream sequence like a normal game until you say the magic words: "And then, -insert name here- wakes up."

This is usually most effective when something dramatically tragic happens - like the rest of the party dying.

Otherwise, one-on-one dream sequence roleplay works when you don't want to totally control the dream (always go into another room), and notes work when the dream must be completely controlled by the DM.

 

[Skade]

Many of my game sessions are set up like TV episodes, and so I often start en media res . Doing this allows me to just start the sequence with the character, so that at first he may actually think it is really happening, with the more surreal aspects coming to him as he progresses. This only works with certain players. I usually do it before the group because I like flashbacks and things like that to be for everyone, so long as they keep that information directly out of the actions. Sometimes though, I simpky write out the sequence and give the player the page.

-kane

 

[Meds]

Dragon had an article on Dreamlands in issue 287:
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dragon/287/dreamlands

The module "Of Sound Mind" had a couple of great mechanics for presenting dream/nightmare sequences.
http://www.enworld.rpgshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=15632&