Dream Interpretation (Proficiency)

A successful check in this proficiency allows characters to understand that a dream, which either they have had, or that some other character relates having had, is prophetic. The characters can then attempt to interpret the dream, and the players must try to make sense of these details, much as a riddle that must be solved.
Most dreams are of no real significance, but on occasion a dream might hold important clues about the present or future, perhaps suggesting a way to deal with a present dilemma or warning of a future hardship.
For example, a royal advisor might come to Mriela seeking an interpretation of the following dream: A tame bear dances to the tune of a pallid foreigner's pipes, while jugglers hurl documents into the air and tumblers spin somersaults; the crowd are all blinded, with silver scarves across their eyes, and joyfully toss their money to the bear. Mariella (making a successful proficiency check) determines that the important images are the dancing bear, the piper, and the blinded crowd; she also understands (and is thus informed by the DM) that the bear symbolizes a member of the royal court, obeying the commands of an outsider or foreigner, and that the crowd are the people, appreciating the courtier's actions and therefore supporting him or her. The details of the dream may not immediately be clear, but in time the advisor or shaman may come to better understand them.
The Dream Interpretation proficiency is a vehicle through which DM's can provide players with clues, as well as launch exciting investigative adventures.
Here are some sample dream images, provided for players with the proficiency, and for DM's who want to use dreams in the adventures.
Acrobat: The defiance of natural forces; a precarious situation.
Animals: Each has its own meaning, which is tied to what is considered their defining traits; a lion represents courage and nobility, the cat cunning, the owl wisdom, the mouse timidness, the serpent treachery, the bear strength, the beaver industriousness, and so on.
Ashes: A passing away, never to return; the destruction of material things and mortal life.
Bathing: Washing away or cleansing; ritual purification.
Balance scales: An important judgment; the , need for an accurate assessment of a situation; a balance of opposites.
Craftwork: The act of creation, turning raw materials into fine artifacts; building a state, business, etc.
Fruit: Fertility, plenty; the result of previous actions.
Grave: Death, disaster or bereavement. An '• open grave might symbolize the danger of death (perhaps a deliberate plot), a closed grave one that has already happened.
Crossroads: Key decisions must be made; a parting of the ways, where old friends separate; the crossing of two peoples' destinies.
Knots: Binding and losing; holding captive, constraining or controlling.
Lantern: A light in the darkness, leading the way; the last hope of success.
Mountain: A great obstacle or enormous struggle; firmness and constancy; a massive force resisting change.
Road: The course of one's life; a journey; passing beyond death; progression.
Scythe: A cutting down or gathering in.
Seeds: Potential and promise; a small beginning from which something great will come.
Thread: The line of time or fate; a tenuous or fragile link.
Wheel: Progress, a forward movement or powerful force; fate. A turning wheel might indicate the passing of time or the revolutions of the seasons.
Category:Shaman Proficiencies