This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Inquisitive wasn't sure but he got the sense Tare wasn't very forthcoming with what she knew about this other couple. "So, surely there is more you can tell me of this couple. What were their names for instance? Where did they stay? What were their plans after seeing you? How many days ago did you see them at the carnival? I need to know everything." The tiefling calmly but relentlessly pressed on.
Insight to determine if Tare is holding things back or straying from the truth: 9
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Thank you Josias."Marvin turns to Zanibi "While you're looking up the history, I'll search for anything helpful on the nightmares part."Marvin will search the psychology section followed by the social sciences section afterwards, if they are in fact in two different locations of the library.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zanibi quickly goes through the few books she finds on the war. Since she is in the history section, she quickly searches for any books covering the time before the civil war that might possibly explain why the rebellion developed such an anti-magic policy. (Investigation: 15) She would then move on to the psychology section, now checking into books that might touch more on the sorts of techniques of psychological warfare used to enforce the anti-magic policy. 'Probably just a coincidence, but maybe I can find something similar to this case,' she thinks.
Nyral smiles when asked about getting out of paying for a ticket. He doesn't give an answer though. He listens intently to Truador explain his origin a bit and Nyral just nods occasionally and as the dragonborn looks at him expectantly they say "I'm a one armed drow that casts magic. Believe me when I say I understand a bit of your trepidation. I think you'll find me a bit more open minded then most. Its why I strongly dislike people like Marvin that instantly cast blame on others with no proof other then where they come from. I won't keep from you that my initial information on werewolves is not favorable but it is not as bad as you might fear. I never thoughts of them as demons but rather people under a curse unable to control their bloodlust. The fact they have families and children already tells me I'm grossly misinformed. Very interesting to be raised with pups at the same time. It sounds more like a close knit tribe of beings looking out for each other rather then the savage tales often spread. Sounds nice even."
"I sensed that about you." Truador replies, "And I understand your view of people like Marvin, though I try not to hold things against people. He was likely raised to think the way he does. Though that still does not excuse his behavior, he deserves a chance to change." The dragonborn's eyes grow distant. "I assume you understand that, just like your kind, and any other race, werewolves can be good or bad. I do not like to assume things, but I do warn that the ratio of good to bad leans towards the later. Some are made that way by fate, others by choice, but there are some of us, who find new ways to manage our bloodlust."His eyes focus back on Nyral and he smiles, "So, you are only somewhat misinformed, I would not recommend letting your guard down if you meet a werewolf. Not until you know you can trust them. Yes, we do live in close knit tribes, some live to kill, others, like mine, lived simply to live. We avoided civilization for the most part. We didn't like confrontation. But yes, it was nice."For a moment his smile fades slightly, and a hint of sadness enters his eyes, but he is quick to cover it up again. "May I ask how you learned your magic? Did you learn it from your family? A school of some sort? Or are you self taught?"
"I very much fall in a minority of drow." They gesture to their missing arm. "I hear what you are saying though and I agree. Everyone has a chance to be different. I'll count myself lucky to have a positive first experience with a werewolf then." Nyral nods a bit solemn in respect as they don't push further seeing the conversation take a sudden turn for Truador. Instead, they offer a nice distraction with the explanation of their magical abilities. "Truthfully? A mix. I don't really understand where my magic comes from though. I have always had a natural talent for magic. It grows stronger the older I get and I'm really young for a drow so... sometimes it worries me. I tried to find some answers once but that spectacularly backfired. I did have some help in learning how to focus it though. A kind woman that is the closest to family I've ever known taught me how to make my magic do what I wanted and not just randomly call it forth. They are an elderly half-elf that took me in when I normally just spent my time wondering from place to place. She even gave me this arcane focus." Nyral produces an amulet from under their shirt that has a depiction of two bat like wings and two sets of claws forming what looks like the shape of an hourglass on it. The claws seem to form the bottom half while the wings make the top half.
"Do not fear what you are, nothing good will come of it. If other's fear you for what you are, well, that is their choice." Truador smiles, "You are lucky to find someone that kind. I do hope they are doing well." He says this last part as more of a statement that a question, as if he is unsure if he should have said it at all. Then he pulls out his own pendent, The gem's in the wolf's eyes sparkling as it swings back and forth. "Looks like we have a lot in common then." He says smiling, "Though, mine is not a focus. It allows me to communicate with canines. That's actually why I was late to this meeting. Don't be alarmed if we end up with a few dogs barking at our window at night."
Tare does not seem to be holding anything back. Actually, she seems quite anxious and eager to help---almost a little too much. "Oh, that's what you were asking. Sorry." She clears her throat. "My mistake. Their names were Togs and Teeon, I think. I can't remember their last names. They said they were staying at a friend's house here, but when I asked who it was, they didn't say who. They were planning on meeting up with said friend after the carnival, but they seemed like private people so we didn't ask who they were again." She pauses, kneading her hands together while she thinks. "We met them four days before Thaymoor..." she trails off, giving a 'you know' look to the table in front of her.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
They are the same section---titled 'Psychology,' not 'Social Sciences.' Looks like Josais just got a little confused.
You find a few books on dreams, sleep, and nightmares. The most prominent things are: 1) everyone can agree on the basics of sleep, like REM sleep and its importance, the different stages of sleep, even the effects of sleep on memory and learning (it's positive) and 2) no one can agree on what dreams are, where they come from, or what they mean.
One book, by a man by the name of Sigmond Froid, claims that there are two layers of meaning in dreams: one is the surface level plot of a dream, whereas the second is the 'hidden meaning' or symbols in dreams. He does not provide any empirical evidence. Another, named Karl Rung, argues that there is a 'collective unconscious' which is represented in dreams by symbols and events that are the same for everyone, everywhere. He also does not provide evidence to prove his claim. The third, Rosalina Cartright, argues that neither Jung or Froid are correct, saying their theory on dreams being 'meaning-filled representations of angst' are incorrect. She says that there is a connection between real-world events and events in dreams, and people that have been through a traumatic event are more likely to have nightmares (or just dream of) the people and events associated with the trauma. She provides empirical evidence, unlike the other two.
(Is there anything specific you're looking for, any kind of question you're trying to answer? So I can give you more relevant information.)
Zanibi:
You don't find much specifically on psychological warfare used in the war, but skimming the pages of a book titled 'Our Minds at War: The Psychology of War and Peacebuilding' reveals a few 'common tactics' and 'extreme cases' in psywar. Propaganda seen in news broadcasts, newspapers, and radio stations, along with pamphlets and fliers spread by hand were some of the most common and effective use of influencing public opinion and morale, which is the main goal of psychological warfare. You come across one extreme case of psychological warfare, which describes the rebellion in question publicly beheading known magic users and staking them to be shown at or throwing them into public spaces. That's the only thing you find in that book that relates to the war, and there are no other books that look like they would hold any more information about that topic.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
Zanibi, seeing Marvin in the same section, notes to him, "I noticed in the history books that the rebellion was very much against magic use. There were notes they used psychological warfare to enforce their anti-magic philosophies. All I found here though was about propaganda and in one case beheading known magic users." She shrugs, "I guess you might be able to link beheading with cutting off a finger. But that's pretty tenuous. I was hoping I'd stumble across something that might resemble our case."
The gnome shakes her head. "Seems like I'm coming up empty. Did you find anything? If you don't have any ideas I might go ask Josias to look up if he can find anything about the arcane."
Marvin wants to spend time and try to find anything he can about the spooky nightmare from post #281. Other than that, nothing specific. Marvin wasn't really involved with the actual nightmares part of the investigation. They talked about it every time he wasn't in the room funnily enough.
"I haven't found too much extremely useful to us yet. Maybe this third book could prove useful though."Marvin hands a few books to Zanibi. "You might check these out. Give me some more time to check these other books out, and maybe I'll have some better news."
Zanibi (I copy/pasted some of what was in my spoiler that was found in the books I've checked so far.)
You find a few books on dreams, sleep, and nightmares. The most prominent things are: 1) everyone can agree on the basics of sleep, like REM sleep and its importance, the different stages of sleep, even the effects of sleep on memory and learning (it's positive) and 2) no one can agree on what dreams are, where they come from, or what they mean.
One book, by a man by the name of Sigmond Froid, claims that there are two layers of meaning in dreams: one is the surface level plot of a dream, whereas the second is the 'hidden meaning' or symbols in dreams. He does not provide any empirical evidence. Another, named Karl Rung, argues that there is a 'collective unconscious' which is represented in dreams by symbols and events that are the same for everyone, everywhere. He also does not provide evidence to prove his claim. The third, Rosalina Cartright, argues that neither Jung or Froid are correct, saying their theory on dreams being 'meaning-filled representations of angst' are incorrect. She says that there is a connection between real-world events and events in dreams, and people that have been through a traumatic event are more likely to have nightmares (or just dream of) the people and events associated with the trauma. She provides empirical evidence, unlike the other two.
Inquisitive kept listening attentively and nodded as Tare spoke. "I would like your help with a clear description of this couple." The tiefling said and used his eldritch powers to create the image of a small bald head of a human in front them both. "Now, let's start with Togs. How would you describe their hair?" He said, and as Tare answered he changed the image according to her description, meticulously moving on through all the details of the face until Tare seemed finished, then moving on to Teeon.
"Thank you for the concern. They are fine. In fact, she was the one that pushed me into taking a vacation. I didn't expect it to get interrupted like this but it is what it is. I figure after my week of fun here I'll be making my way back. Although, at this rate I'll need a vacation from my vacation." he chuckles. "You'd be welcomed to join me in my return to Pisor if you're heading that way." Nyral look at the pendant with the gem eyed wolf on it and nods "You would have a lot in common with Elk. She can talk with animals as well. Oh, she isn't the one that gave me my amulet though. She's more like a sister." He seems to remember some fond memories "One time she had an entire flock of birds all showed up in the room we shared. I swear she summoned them just to mess with me." He looks a bit worried suddenly as he looks to Truador and says "Please tell me I'm not waking up with a bunch of dogs suddenly in the room. I don't have the best history with canines."
"That is good,"Truador replies, "I might have to take you up on that offer. I haven't traveled that way in some time. Perhaps some new scenery would do me good."
"This Elk sounds very interesting. I assume her ability is a natural gift? To be able to summon animals is quite the feat."He pauses, "At least to me anyway."
Truador laughs, "Of course not! I would not invite anyone into your quarters without your consent... Why is it that you do not like canines? Did one hurt you for some reason?"
Zanibi takes the books Marvin offered. "Thanks." She reads through them quickly. (Investigation to come find any other interesting information from the books: 13) "This last idea of dreams connected to real-life events - I wonder if that is what happened to our victims,"she muses. She will then wander through the section to see if she can find any other relevant texts in the Psychology section, not related to the war. (Investigation: 22)
Nyral smiles as Truador inquires a bit about Elk "She's pretty quiet but has some talent as a druid. I think it's a mix of a natural gift but none of us are really sure truth be told. She's got some real talent with primal magic if she keep practicing it. I think she's just happy being able to summon animals and talk with them."
Nyral looks a bit relieved when Truador assures him that he won't be waking up with a bunch of dogs in the room. "Haha, that's good to hear. There isn't a specific reason I just tend to not get along with dogs. Elk always had to play peacemaker. She said something about how I smell nervous around them and that I'm often up to no good."
Truador nods to what Nyral says about Elk. Druids are interesting folks.
“Ah yes that explains it.” Truador laughs, “Dogs do have a tendency to feed of peoples’ energy. If you feel nervous around them, they will feel nervous around you.”
You find a paper by this Sigmond Froid, titled "The Interpretation of Dreams." It's dense, and it doesn't give you very much on the actual interpretation of dreams other than:
"A dream is not senseless, not absurd, does not presuppose that a part of our store of ideas is dormant while another part begins to awaken. It is a psychic phenomenon of full value, and indeed the fulfilment of a wish; it takes its place in the concatenation of the waking psychic actions which are intelligible to us. The wish in the dream originates from a sensation, and the dream shows me this wish as fulfilled. The dream substitutes itself for action, as elsewhere in life."
Essentially---according to Froid---behind every dream there is a wish or a desire that needs to be met in the waking world. As of right now, you can't think of a wish that could possibly come out of a dream about a death monster.
(ooc: Unless you come up with one on your own.)
Zanibi:
The books Marvin hands you by Froid and Rung don't have much else in them---nothing concrete, just theories. The other book, by Cartright, provides more clarity and evidence in her book than Froid or Rung ever have. She explains that most dreams are influenced by a mixture of day-to-day events and people, and big, exciting or potentially traumatic events. She conducted a study with a large group of recently divorced women, and asked them how many times their ex-spouses showed up as characters or ideas in their dreams. A majority of them said their ex-spouses appeared in their dreams, around half said their ex-spouses were the focus of the dreams, and those that reported a particularly traumatic divorce were more likely to experience nightmares or night terrors about their spouses. Almost all of the women that had dreamt of their ex-spouses reported multiple dreams with them in it, and just over half reported reoccurring dreams. She replicated this experiment a few more times with other groups of spouses with similar results, and stated that this was only the tip of the iceberg, and developed her theory of influence.
(ooc: Best thing about this? This is real! I mean I'm repeating the study from memory so the details might not be the most accurate (and I also may have added things that are probably not universally true for the sake of the campaign) but if you want, I highly recommend looking up Rosalind Cartwright. She was also nicknamed the 'Queen of Dreams,' and also was just a general badass in the world of cognitive psychology.)
Everything else is tied to human behavior, animal behavior, or "Psychology's Most Dangerous Experiments!!!! Warning: Not for the Faint of Heart!!!! Parents Beware!!!!" which is clearly marketed towards elementary and middle school children. So nothing else of interest.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
Tare looks down at the model you've created with a mix of amusement and awe. "That is a very creative way of visualizing a description. I never would have thought of that." She shrugs, closing her eyes and describing the two to you. After a lot of back and forth, she finally arrives at an image she's confident in. The mannequin dubbed Togs is a human man. Short, tawny-skinned with short black hair cut in a buzzcut style, he has slender features. The best way Tare could describe his face is 'fox-faced.' He has stark grey eyes, in direct contrast of the warm quality of his skin and hair.
Teeon is described as a tall (taller than Togs, at least) half-elf woman, with rich umber skin and brown eyes. Tare said she had a scar on her right eyebrow, but couldn't remember how far up or down it went. She also said that she had a 'horse-ey' quality to her, with long, square facial features and a sharp jaw. Muscular, as well. Her hair was long and coil-y, pulled back in a bushy low bun.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
Zanibi goes through the book and then peruses the rest of the psychology section, not finding much of use. She now looks to find Josias to ask him to look up any books that might pertain to the arcane. "I'm looking for any stories about strange types of magic. Things outside the normal schools of magic. Or perhaps just not explained. If they connect to the wars that would be a bonus," she explains to the librarian.
Inquisitive wasn't sure but he got the sense Tare wasn't very forthcoming with what she knew about this other couple. "So, surely there is more you can tell me of this couple. What were their names for instance? Where did they stay? What were their plans after seeing you? How many days ago did you see them at the carnival? I need to know everything." The tiefling calmly but relentlessly pressed on.
Insight to determine if Tare is holding things back or straying from the truth: 9
"Thank you Josias." Marvin turns to Zanibi "While you're looking up the history, I'll search for anything helpful on the nightmares part." Marvin will search the psychology section followed by the social sciences section afterwards, if they are in fact in two different locations of the library.
Investigation: 17
Zanibi quickly goes through the few books she finds on the war. Since she is in the history section, she quickly searches for any books covering the time before the civil war that might possibly explain why the rebellion developed such an anti-magic policy. (Investigation: 15) She would then move on to the psychology section, now checking into books that might touch more on the sorts of techniques of psychological warfare used to enforce the anti-magic policy. 'Probably just a coincidence, but maybe I can find something similar to this case,' she thinks.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Nyral smiles when asked about getting out of paying for a ticket. He doesn't give an answer though. He listens intently to Truador explain his origin a bit and Nyral just nods occasionally and as the dragonborn looks at him expectantly they say "I'm a one armed drow that casts magic. Believe me when I say I understand a bit of your trepidation. I think you'll find me a bit more open minded then most. Its why I strongly dislike people like Marvin that instantly cast blame on others with no proof other then where they come from. I won't keep from you that my initial information on werewolves is not favorable but it is not as bad as you might fear. I never thoughts of them as demons but rather people under a curse unable to control their bloodlust. The fact they have families and children already tells me I'm grossly misinformed. Very interesting to be raised with pups at the same time. It sounds more like a close knit tribe of beings looking out for each other rather then the savage tales often spread. Sounds nice even."
"I sensed that about you." Truador replies, "And I understand your view of people like Marvin, though I try not to hold things against people. He was likely raised to think the way he does. Though that still does not excuse his behavior, he deserves a chance to change." The dragonborn's eyes grow distant. "I assume you understand that, just like your kind, and any other race, werewolves can be good or bad. I do not like to assume things, but I do warn that the ratio of good to bad leans towards the later. Some are made that way by fate, others by choice, but there are some of us, who find new ways to manage our bloodlust." His eyes focus back on Nyral and he smiles, "So, you are only somewhat misinformed, I would not recommend letting your guard down if you meet a werewolf. Not until you know you can trust them. Yes, we do live in close knit tribes, some live to kill, others, like mine, lived simply to live. We avoided civilization for the most part. We didn't like confrontation. But yes, it was nice." For a moment his smile fades slightly, and a hint of sadness enters his eyes, but he is quick to cover it up again. "May I ask how you learned your magic? Did you learn it from your family? A school of some sort? Or are you self taught?"
"I very much fall in a minority of drow." They gesture to their missing arm. "I hear what you are saying though and I agree. Everyone has a chance to be different. I'll count myself lucky to have a positive first experience with a werewolf then." Nyral nods a bit solemn in respect as they don't push further seeing the conversation take a sudden turn for Truador. Instead, they offer a nice distraction with the explanation of their magical abilities. "Truthfully? A mix. I don't really understand where my magic comes from though. I have always had a natural talent for magic. It grows stronger the older I get and I'm really young for a drow so... sometimes it worries me. I tried to find some answers once but that spectacularly backfired. I did have some help in learning how to focus it though. A kind woman that is the closest to family I've ever known taught me how to make my magic do what I wanted and not just randomly call it forth. They are an elderly half-elf that took me in when I normally just spent my time wondering from place to place. She even gave me this arcane focus." Nyral produces an amulet from under their shirt that has a depiction of two bat like wings and two sets of claws forming what looks like the shape of an hourglass on it. The claws seem to form the bottom half while the wings make the top half.
"Do not fear what you are, nothing good will come of it. If other's fear you for what you are, well, that is their choice." Truador smiles, "You are lucky to find someone that kind. I do hope they are doing well." He says this last part as more of a statement that a question, as if he is unsure if he should have said it at all. Then he pulls out his own pendent, The gem's in the wolf's eyes sparkling as it swings back and forth. "Looks like we have a lot in common then." He says smiling, "Though, mine is not a focus. It allows me to communicate with canines. That's actually why I was late to this meeting. Don't be alarmed if we end up with a few dogs barking at our window at night."
Inquisitive:
Tare does not seem to be holding anything back. Actually, she seems quite anxious and eager to help---almost a little too much. "Oh, that's what you were asking. Sorry." She clears her throat. "My mistake. Their names were Togs and Teeon, I think. I can't remember their last names. They said they were staying at a friend's house here, but when I asked who it was, they didn't say who. They were planning on meeting up with said friend after the carnival, but they seemed like private people so we didn't ask who they were again." She pauses, kneading her hands together while she thinks. "We met them four days before Thaymoor..." she trails off, giving a 'you know' look to the table in front of her.
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Group 1: Marvin, Zanibi
Marvin:
They are the same section---titled 'Psychology,' not 'Social Sciences.' Looks like Josais just got a little confused.
You find a few books on dreams, sleep, and nightmares. The most prominent things are: 1) everyone can agree on the basics of sleep, like REM sleep and its importance, the different stages of sleep, even the effects of sleep on memory and learning (it's positive) and 2) no one can agree on what dreams are, where they come from, or what they mean.
One book, by a man by the name of Sigmond Froid, claims that there are two layers of meaning in dreams: one is the surface level plot of a dream, whereas the second is the 'hidden meaning' or symbols in dreams. He does not provide any empirical evidence. Another, named Karl Rung, argues that there is a 'collective unconscious' which is represented in dreams by symbols and events that are the same for everyone, everywhere. He also does not provide evidence to prove his claim. The third, Rosalina Cartright, argues that neither Jung or Froid are correct, saying their theory on dreams being 'meaning-filled representations of angst' are incorrect. She says that there is a connection between real-world events and events in dreams, and people that have been through a traumatic event are more likely to have nightmares (or just dream of) the people and events associated with the trauma. She provides empirical evidence, unlike the other two.
(Is there anything specific you're looking for, any kind of question you're trying to answer? So I can give you more relevant information.)
Zanibi:
You don't find much specifically on psychological warfare used in the war, but skimming the pages of a book titled 'Our Minds at War: The Psychology of War and Peacebuilding' reveals a few 'common tactics' and 'extreme cases' in psywar. Propaganda seen in news broadcasts, newspapers, and radio stations, along with pamphlets and fliers spread by hand were some of the most common and effective use of influencing public opinion and morale, which is the main goal of psychological warfare. You come across one extreme case of psychological warfare, which describes the rebellion in question publicly beheading known magic users and staking them to be shown at or throwing them into public spaces. That's the only thing you find in that book that relates to the war, and there are no other books that look like they would hold any more information about that topic.
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Zanibi, seeing Marvin in the same section, notes to him, "I noticed in the history books that the rebellion was very much against magic use. There were notes they used psychological warfare to enforce their anti-magic philosophies. All I found here though was about propaganda and in one case beheading known magic users." She shrugs, "I guess you might be able to link beheading with cutting off a finger. But that's pretty tenuous. I was hoping I'd stumble across something that might resemble our case."
The gnome shakes her head. "Seems like I'm coming up empty. Did you find anything? If you don't have any ideas I might go ask Josias to look up if he can find anything about the arcane."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
DM
Marvin wants to spend time and try to find anything he can about the spooky nightmare from post #281. Other than that, nothing specific. Marvin wasn't really involved with the actual nightmares part of the investigation. They talked about it every time he wasn't in the room funnily enough.
"I haven't found too much extremely useful to us yet. Maybe this third book could prove useful though." Marvin hands a few books to Zanibi. "You might check these out. Give me some more time to check these other books out, and maybe I'll have some better news."
Zanibi (I copy/pasted some of what was in my spoiler that was found in the books I've checked so far.)
You find a few books on dreams, sleep, and nightmares. The most prominent things are: 1) everyone can agree on the basics of sleep, like REM sleep and its importance, the different stages of sleep, even the effects of sleep on memory and learning (it's positive) and 2) no one can agree on what dreams are, where they come from, or what they mean.
One book, by a man by the name of Sigmond Froid, claims that there are two layers of meaning in dreams: one is the surface level plot of a dream, whereas the second is the 'hidden meaning' or symbols in dreams. He does not provide any empirical evidence. Another, named Karl Rung, argues that there is a 'collective unconscious' which is represented in dreams by symbols and events that are the same for everyone, everywhere. He also does not provide evidence to prove his claim. The third, Rosalina Cartright, argues that neither Jung or Froid are correct, saying their theory on dreams being 'meaning-filled representations of angst' are incorrect. She says that there is a connection between real-world events and events in dreams, and people that have been through a traumatic event are more likely to have nightmares (or just dream of) the people and events associated with the trauma. She provides empirical evidence, unlike the other two.
Inquisitive kept listening attentively and nodded as Tare spoke. "I would like your help with a clear description of this couple." The tiefling said and used his eldritch powers to create the image of a small bald head of a human in front them both. "Now, let's start with Togs. How would you describe their hair?" He said, and as Tare answered he changed the image according to her description, meticulously moving on through all the details of the face until Tare seemed finished, then moving on to Teeon.
(Minor illusion)
"Thank you for the concern. They are fine. In fact, she was the one that pushed me into taking a vacation. I didn't expect it to get interrupted like this but it is what it is. I figure after my week of fun here I'll be making my way back. Although, at this rate I'll need a vacation from my vacation." he chuckles. "You'd be welcomed to join me in my return to Pisor if you're heading that way." Nyral look at the pendant with the gem eyed wolf on it and nods "You would have a lot in common with Elk. She can talk with animals as well. Oh, she isn't the one that gave me my amulet though. She's more like a sister." He seems to remember some fond memories "One time she had an entire flock of birds all showed up in the room we shared. I swear she summoned them just to mess with me." He looks a bit worried suddenly as he looks to Truador and says "Please tell me I'm not waking up with a bunch of dogs suddenly in the room. I don't have the best history with canines."
"That is good," Truador replies, "I might have to take you up on that offer. I haven't traveled that way in some time. Perhaps some new scenery would do me good."
"This Elk sounds very interesting. I assume her ability is a natural gift? To be able to summon animals is quite the feat." He pauses, "At least to me anyway."
Truador laughs, "Of course not! I would not invite anyone into your quarters without your consent... Why is it that you do not like canines? Did one hurt you for some reason?"
Zanibi takes the books Marvin offered. "Thanks." She reads through them quickly. (Investigation to come find any other interesting information from the books: 13) "This last idea of dreams connected to real-life events - I wonder if that is what happened to our victims," she muses. She will then wander through the section to see if she can find any other relevant texts in the Psychology section, not related to the war. (Investigation: 22)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Nyral smiles as Truador inquires a bit about Elk "She's pretty quiet but has some talent as a druid. I think it's a mix of a natural gift but none of us are really sure truth be told. She's got some real talent with primal magic if she keep practicing it. I think she's just happy being able to summon animals and talk with them."
Nyral looks a bit relieved when Truador assures him that he won't be waking up with a bunch of dogs in the room. "Haha, that's good to hear. There isn't a specific reason I just tend to not get along with dogs. Elk always had to play peacemaker. She said something about how I smell nervous around them and that I'm often up to no good."
Truador nods to what Nyral says about Elk. Druids are interesting folks.
“Ah yes that explains it.” Truador laughs, “Dogs do have a tendency to feed of peoples’ energy. If you feel nervous around them, they will feel nervous around you.”
Group 1: Marvin, Zanibi
Marvin:
You find a paper by this Sigmond Froid, titled "The Interpretation of Dreams." It's dense, and it doesn't give you very much on the actual interpretation of dreams other than:
"A dream is not senseless, not absurd, does not presuppose that a part of our store of ideas is dormant while another part begins to awaken. It is a psychic phenomenon of full value, and indeed the fulfilment of a wish; it takes its place in the concatenation of the waking psychic actions which are intelligible to us. The wish in the dream originates from a sensation, and the dream shows me this wish as fulfilled. The dream substitutes itself for action, as elsewhere in life."
Essentially---according to Froid---behind every dream there is a wish or a desire that needs to be met in the waking world. As of right now, you can't think of a wish that could possibly come out of a dream about a death monster.
(ooc: Unless you come up with one on your own.)
Zanibi:
The books Marvin hands you by Froid and Rung don't have much else in them---nothing concrete, just theories. The other book, by Cartright, provides more clarity and evidence in her book than Froid or Rung ever have. She explains that most dreams are influenced by a mixture of day-to-day events and people, and big, exciting or potentially traumatic events. She conducted a study with a large group of recently divorced women, and asked them how many times their ex-spouses showed up as characters or ideas in their dreams. A majority of them said their ex-spouses appeared in their dreams, around half said their ex-spouses were the focus of the dreams, and those that reported a particularly traumatic divorce were more likely to experience nightmares or night terrors about their spouses. Almost all of the women that had dreamt of their ex-spouses reported multiple dreams with them in it, and just over half reported reoccurring dreams. She replicated this experiment a few more times with other groups of spouses with similar results, and stated that this was only the tip of the iceberg, and developed her theory of influence.
(ooc: Best thing about this? This is real! I mean I'm repeating the study from memory so the details might not be the most accurate (and I also may have added things that are probably not universally true for the sake of the campaign) but if you want, I highly recommend looking up Rosalind Cartwright. She was also nicknamed the 'Queen of Dreams,' and also was just a general badass in the world of cognitive psychology.)
Everything else is tied to human behavior, animal behavior, or "Psychology's Most Dangerous Experiments!!!! Warning: Not for the Faint of Heart!!!! Parents Beware!!!!" which is clearly marketed towards elementary and middle school children. So nothing else of interest.
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Inquisitive:
Tare looks down at the model you've created with a mix of amusement and awe. "That is a very creative way of visualizing a description. I never would have thought of that." She shrugs, closing her eyes and describing the two to you. After a lot of back and forth, she finally arrives at an image she's confident in. The mannequin dubbed Togs is a human man. Short, tawny-skinned with short black hair cut in a buzzcut style, he has slender features. The best way Tare could describe his face is 'fox-faced.' He has stark grey eyes, in direct contrast of the warm quality of his skin and hair.
Teeon is described as a tall (taller than Togs, at least) half-elf woman, with rich umber skin and brown eyes. Tare said she had a scar on her right eyebrow, but couldn't remember how far up or down it went. She also said that she had a 'horse-ey' quality to her, with long, square facial features and a sharp jaw. Muscular, as well. Her hair was long and coil-y, pulled back in a bushy low bun.
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Zanibi goes through the book and then peruses the rest of the psychology section, not finding much of use. She now looks to find Josias to ask him to look up any books that might pertain to the arcane. "I'm looking for any stories about strange types of magic. Things outside the normal schools of magic. Or perhaps just not explained. If they connect to the wars that would be a bonus," she explains to the librarian.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer