So, like, if you look like a normal person, but this exterior is just a thin mask covering your true form, which is…

So, like, if you look like a normal person, but this exterior is just a thin mask covering your true form, which is…

So, like, if you look like a normal person, but this exterior is just a thin mask covering your true form, which is a nightmare, what would your signature move be?

15 thoughts on “So, like, if you look like a normal person, but this exterior is just a thin mask covering your true form, which is…”

  1. Some kind of ghastly reveal, triggering psychic feedback, terrifying visions, or a whole load of vomit (depending on the true form beneath.) Really obscure reference, but made me think of the intro to Soul Edge, if you’ve ever played that? The bit where the character Cervantes rips his face off to reveal the demon beneath.

  2. Um, think “mask” as in it’s like a plastic bag that reverts to the shape of a person when it’s not being messed with. Full-body type thing. It hides the nightmare underneath.

    Or that was my original idea, anyway.

  3. When you reveal your nightmarish true self to an unsuspecting mortal, roll +CHA. On a hit, you’ve reduced them to a gibbering husk of their former self; they are at your mercy. On a 7-9, choose one:

    – They faint dead away at the sight of you.

    – They’ll remember this, and never trust you again.

    – They reveal a dark secret too.

  4. WINDOWS TO THE SOUL

    When you meet the gaze of a creature that dreams, ask their player one of these questions and roll +CHA. 

     – How do you feel vulnerable?

     – What do you desire?

     – What shames you?

     – Who preoccupies your thoughts?

     – What do you most wish to forget?

    On a hit, their player answers truthfully and you take +1 foward to act on the answer. On a 10+, ask a follow up question (from the list or not, your choice).  On a miss, in addition to whatever the GM tells you, they sense your true nature and break your gaze; you cannot use this move on them again.

    THE PROMISE

    When you call a creature by name and describe the nightmares awaiting it, it instinctively knows that you speak the truth. Until you release them, they will suffer from such dreams as you describe whenever they sleep. You can only affect one creature at a time.

    UNMASKED

    When you take physical damage, roll +CON. On a 10+, your disguise holds together and none of your true nature leaks out. On a 7-9, your disguise cracks and the creature closest to you is filled with one of these emotions (their player’s choice): fear, anger, desire, shame, disgust.  On a miss, your disguise is torn open. Every creature nearby sees you for what you are and is filled with fear and loathing.

  6. Heh. I should have figured that would be the one suggested. My problem with the reveal move is only that all the other types of nightmares get it, as well. Riley Adamson I prefer when the move gives the target a choice: for example, on a hit, they can either faint, flee, or reveal a dark secret in turn.

    Jeremy Strandberg Why CHA for windows to the soul?

  8. SHED THE SKIN

    When you make eye contact with someone and briefly unveil your true form, roll+CHA. On a 10+, the victim stares into a personal abyss and is unable to act, hold 2. On a 7-9, your victim perceives the unspoken horror and will try to get away from you, hold 1. You can spend your holds 1 for 1 to do any of the following:

    • ask them a question they will have to answer truthfully

    • make them do what you want

    • they do not try to resist

    On a miss, you are immediately identified as a great danger and will have to face the victim’s reaction.

  9. Johnstone Metzger, I was torn between +WIS and +CHA.  I opted for +CHA because I pictured this as the nightmare pushing itself into the victim’s unconscious and rooting around in there, rather than passively observing.  Also, I didn’t want them to have to spread their stats around too much, and Parley (with the Promise for leverage) seemed like it would be a significant move for them.

  12. Another question: If you are a nightmare who takes possession of a human body, obviously you are ignorant of the waking world. Is it fair to encourage a high-INT build and give them -1 to spout lore about the waking world, or would it be better to encourage other stats being high and give them +1 to spout lore about the Land of Dreams? I would still balance the starting moves out so characters have roughly equal options and ability, of course, but does that -1 feel like an unfair penalty when you pick up a character?

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