![[Nocturnal.png]] ## Description Nocturnals are enigmatic fey creatures intrinsically linked to the [[Dreamworld]]. These enigmatic beings embody the essence of dreams, nightmares, and the nature of sleep itself. ## Appearance and Behavior Nocturnals have no fixed form, their appearance shifting like the dreams they inhabit. They may manifest as ethereal humanoids with star-flecked skin, abstract swirls of twilight hues, or even as familiar figures from a dreamer's memories. Their eyes, regardless of form, often gleam with an otherworldly luminescence. As fey creatures, Nocturnals operate on a logic alien to mortal minds. They are capricious, driven by whims and desires that may seem nonsensical to outsiders. Some Nocturnals delight in guiding dreamers through fantastical landscapes, while others prefer to craft intricate nightmares. Nocturnals feed on the emotions and imagination of dreamers, though this process is typically harmless to the dreamer. In rare cases, particularly powerful Nocturnals may attempt to trap a dreamer in the Dreamworld, sustaining themselves on the victim's psyche. ## Interaction with Mortals Nocturnals are known to occasionally form pacts with mortals, granting power in exchange for service or tribute. Bards sometimes seek out Nocturnals for inspiration, though such encounters can be as perilous as they are enlightening. ## In the Physical Realm On rare occasions, Nocturnals may slip through areas where the veil between worlds is thin, though this often results in them manifesting in a weakened state. Additionally, by forging a strong connection with a mortal—often through repeated dream encounters—a Nocturnal can use the mortal's mind as an anchor to partially manifest in the physical world. Once in the physical realm, Nocturnals often struggle to maintain their form and must find ways to sustain themselves. Often this can be by feeding on the dreams and emotions of mortals. Their presence in the waking world can cause strange phenomena, from localized surges in vivid dreams to reality-bending effects that mirror their dreamshaping abilities.