Dreamforged are the result of magic being muddied by mortal dreams, and can take many different forms. Some are benign, some friendly, and others very, very hostile.

Skullsplitter nightmares are of the last category. They spread by memetic viral infection; dreaming about one almost inevitably ends up with one taking up residence inside your head. Once someone has been infected by a skullsplitter, they take on a double-life. While awake, they experience splitting headaches and increasingly disturbing hallucinations.

Once the host falls asleep, however, the nightmare takes control. The host's body blackens and is coated in a smooth, shiny oil-like gunk, thinning to the point of being almost skeletal, a featureless smooth figure. Their eyes glow red and become mesmerizing, swirling with energy. Their hands and feet become clawed, and their touch burns. The most obvious feature is the insect-like legs and spines that sprout from their back.

The host remains in this state, fully controlled by the nightmare until they wake up, at which point it hides inside again. Particularly unlucky victims can remain the nightmare's plaything for months before exhaustion kills them.


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