Reviewed:
DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES
Published by White Wolf

Confusion and Wonder
A short & sweet review by Brent Halstead

I've done a lot of traveling in my life from the multi-colored sunset savannas of my homeland to the fertile, life-giving rice paddies of the East; even across the vast ocean under which Atlantis dwells to the Kingdoms of Concordia. None of my travels compares to this, however, my journey into the heart of hope and fear, my journey into the Dreaming.

Were I not who I am, the undertaking of this journey would almost have been folly. The worlds contained within the Dreams and Nightmares of the Dreaming warp time and space and lend themselves to Bedlam. The confusion one endures through his or her journey is, however, well paid for in the wonder and glamour which must surely follow.

As spiritual guide to my motley, the first objective of the journey through Dreams and Nightmares was to discuss the basic truths of the land. Our talks included in depth considerations of chimerical reality, dreamers, children, the insane and the few stable points of the dreaming. So analytical our discussions, banality came into our discussion as well and soon we found first hand how the dreaming responds to such intrusion.

The first discussions, the first chapter of our Dreams and Nightmares also turned to thoughts of the Umbra. The first chapter of our journey was to be one of the most helpful and straightforward along our path, with little confusion to disturb us.

The next chapter of our journey was actual travel through the Near Dreaming. A wondrous event, our understanding of things fairie becomes more intimate and glamorous yet easily grasped.

Along the trods of the Silver Path through the Vale of Mists we ventured further and found ourselves in the Far Dreaming. And what changes and visions enlightened us there. We underwent a second Chrysalis and our bodies changed through an effect we came to know as the Augmen. Our appearances, our birthrights and even our flaws doubled and as we walked much time was spent in enamored silence at our conditions. How lovely Gabriel became and how hideous Mr. Sharksnapper. This chapter through the Far Dreaming could have never ended, it being so vexing.

However, if you don't move on the trods in the Dreaming, they move under you and so we pushed on. Finding our way to the Deep Dreaming was no easy task, though once again it was rewarding. Again we note changes from the Augmen and further changes occurred to our Arts. When our cloven footed companion decided to share his feelings with the rest of us by use of Chicanery we found his Haunted Heart had affected everyone for five miles all around. Books could be written about our forays in the Deep Dreaming, but alas the Mists of Forgetfulness have robbed me the pleasure.

I'm not sure how it came to be but my companions and I woke finding ourselves back in the cave from which we had entered the Dreaming. Excitedly we discussed the Realms of Interest we had visited. Quickly, however, the Mists of Forgetfulness overtook us, and confusion set in. Whereas the whole of our travel had been not but wondrous, the Realms of Interest discussion was muddled. It took my motley and I several passes to glean the full extent of what had happened to cause such a change. Upon sorting it out one was left to enjoy the memories of Capecia, the clockwork city; Arike, the Empire of Regret; Balloon and Funhouse in particular, as perhaps the most original and interesting. 

Over days and months Billy, Gabriel, Sharksnapper, the rest and I drifted through thoughts of Hearth and Highway, Dangers of the Dreaming and compiled a very useful Appendix to help future travelers. 

Not to short these enlightened conversations our speaks of Hearth and Highways were in many ways some of the best. The footnotes here are enchanting, the Rainstorm's Edge, the Murphy Tunnels, etc.

In the end, the whole experience was full of glamour. All Dreams and Nightmares are at times chaotic, but the residual joyous feelings and sparks of creativity that they inspire are well, well worth the price. If only for the footnotes along the way, of which all are marvelous; I highly suggest a trip to a dream Factory to purchase a jaunt through the dreaming.