(no subject)

[iracorn]

Sender: Ira
To: All
Subject: Dreamwalking and Dreamwalking forms

I am curious. How many among us have taken on a different form while in the dreamscape? Beyond the costumes we have been given to blend it.

I ask, as during the festival last month, I took part in the Storybook game, and upon entering the story, took on a different form.

Is there an intention to it? Or does it just happen? And if the former, how would one practice?

Comments

Sender: Zelda

[multidisciplinary]

Only once, thankfully. And it was quite difficult to return to my proper form!

[iracorn]

I found it difficult to change back as well, at least while the dream was going on.

How did you manage it eventually?

[multidisciplinary]

Via dreamotion magic, but it took several attempts and additional assistance from another dreamwalker.

[iracorn]

That sounds a bit complicated, but I would like to hear more, if possible?

I was unable to change myself back through force of will and most of the magic I'm familiar with is more combat based.

[multidisciplinary]

[ She's actually making this explanation more difficult than it needs to be. She wants to be helpful, but at the same time wants to be intentionally vague to spare herself the embarrassment of admitting that she once got stuck as a pumpkin. Best stop beating around the bush and just be honest about it. ]

When I first awoke here, I thought it wise to enter one of the practice dreamscapes that the tapirs created to help us adjust to our new surroundings. The scenario was not what I was expecting; I found myself transfigured into a pumpkin and tasked to use dreamotion to return to my proper form. This being my first exercise with dreamotion, I found it exceptionally challenging. It was only with Satan's patience and assistance that I eventually succeeded.

[iracorn]

[It is surprising, at first, to read, but after some consideration, Ira supposes it makes sense. This is a dream world, and therefore they aren't limited to, well, things that make sense.]

I can imagine that that would be rather difficult to overcome.

But you were still able to think as yourself? How did you manage the transformation back?

[multidisciplinary]

I was in full command of my mental faculties in that form, thankfully. I was also able to speak, despite a lack of mouth, and see despite a lack of eyes. [ Dreams make absolutely no sense and it kinda drives her crazy. ]

I was very lucky that I was sitting growing next to Satan, because he seemed to have no trouble returning to his own form and kindly coached me through the same method. He directed me to imagine the my true form and focus on making the image so clear that I could manipulate the dreamotion magic into that form. It helped to describe myself aloud, down to the smallest detail. It too several tries; I was not able to complete the transformation all in one go.

[iracorn]

[Ain't that the truth when it comes to dreams?

Interesting. I shall have to try applying the same methods. I am somewhat familiar with them thanks to some earlier experimentation.

Have you had such a thing happen to you since. Pumpkin or otherwise?

[multidisciplinary]

Now that I think about it, yes, it did. It was a similar situation later last autumn—I entered the practice dreamscape with the intent of practicing my dreamotion and found myself transformed into a porcelain doll. Fortunately, I was my proper size [ Or, at least, her surroundings were to scale with her doll form. ] and I was able to move and speak normally.

[iracorn]

So, more of an aesthetic change this time than fully trapping you in a different form?

I suppose that could be seen as an improvement to the previous time. Was the doll intentional or just how you found yourself?

[multidisciplinary]

On a scale from purely aesthetic chance to full body change, the doll form was equidistant between the two extremes. I retained a humanoid form relatively similar to my own, but my body was constructed of unnatural elements: porcelain limbs, glass eyes, artificial hair. My range of motion was impeded by the typical limitations of a doll, but not completely restricted, as when I was a pumpkin. But yes, in answer to your question: the doll form was inflicted upon me; it was not of my chosing.

[iracorn]

And have you ever taken that form again? Inflicted or otherwise?

Thank you for answering all these questions, by the way. I know I'm asking a lot.

[multidisciplinary]

Please, it is no trouble at all. It would be remiss of me, as a fellow scholar, not to assist in your study if I am able. [ And honestly, she's enjoying herself. ]

Now, regarding taking these forms again: No, I have not taken either form a second time, whether of my own choosing or forced upon me. In theory, I should be able to replicate both forms anytime I want using the proper application of dreamotion magic, but I have not found it necessary to pursue. In retrospect, it may be imprudent of me not to practice transfiguration. It sounds as though transformations are not as rare as I would like them to be.

[iracorn]

It is appreciated.

Indeed, I'm wondering if my recently required one is going to be a more frequent thing. How would you go about practicing such a thing though?

I have ideas from combining the dreamotion energy with my current magic, but I'm not sure if the principle is the same.]

[multidisciplinary]

Your recent transformation was also inflicted upon you, correct? Is it possible to recreate the circumstances under which you were caused to transform? Myself, I would practice but doing what Satan taught me, but in reverse: picture in excruciating detail the form I want to take and push dreamotion magic into myself in order to change shape. [ ez ]

[ Then, thinking better on it: ] I would probably ask an acquaintance I know to be particularly skilled with dreamotion to accompany me during my practice, just in case.

You have mentioned your magic to me before, have you not? [ This feels familiar. ] What sort of magic do you command?

[iracorn]

They were, in the books that were available during the Flower Festival. If I could get my hands on one of those again, I might be able to recreate the circumstances.

But you're right in that it probably isn't something that should be attempted alone.

And yes, I believe I have. I mostly rely on combat magic, such as fire, ice, thunder. It can also cause status effects or provide healing. It's not really all that useful outside of combat, but I've been trying to augment it with dreamotion to increase the effectiveness

[multidisciplinary]

[ Ah, the tremendous books that were growing on the Tree of Stories when it first appeared during the Festival. After hearing about people getting pulled into and trapped inside the books, Zelda kept her distance from them (which took nearly all of her willpower). ]

I have heard about those books. What form were you given inside?

Hmm, I must disagree with you here; elemental magics like you describe could have plenty of applications outside combat. Thunder to power electrical machines, ice to provide refrigeration for food or sensitive medicines or to melt into water. And I'm sure I need not list uses for fire.

[ Zelda assumes that Ira just isn't thinking creatively enough about his magic. It doesn't occur to her that it simply might not be possible to use his magic in the ways she's describing. ]

[iracorn]

That was where I was first taking the form of a Unicorn. Though one version was slightly more...smaller than the other.

[One story had him as a more standard unicorn, the other, closer to something from the My Little Pony franchise.

And when it comes to elemental magic, it's probably a little of both. Though he takes a moment to consider before responding.]

I suppose you are right. I may not have been given the opportunity to use magic in that way.