#and after the curse is dealt with jerra barely drags herself back

[fangsandfeels]

Caught myself reminiscing about the Justice League (animated series) "Only a Dream" episode, where the crew got attacked by a Freddy Krueger-esque villain in their sleep, except for the Martian Manhunter and Batman (who is on the verge of falling asleep) who now have to find the culprit and stop him before he tortures their friends to death.

Of course, I got hit with the plot idea where during their Shadow-cursed lands exploration (pre-Moonrise Towers and stuff) the party gets affected by a modified curse that traps them in their nightmares as soon as they fall asleep and will kill them unless the source of the curse is found and dealt with.

Featuring:

Jerra who is tired to the point of falling over but now has to overcome her exhaustion to do the job. Also gets pinched, poked, and stirred awake a lot by the pale elf.

Astarion, who avoided getting nightmare-ed because he chose to trance that night, and now has to accompany Jerra because it's either this or play nurse over his fallen allies. At least, if he goes with Jerra he possibly gets to stab someone.

Halsin who keeps everybody alive even though their bodies tell them they're literally dying.

Lae'zel, who didn't get affected by the curse because it was her turn to keep watch, using her people's experience with psionic communication and to tap into the tadpole connection, go into other's nightmares either bisect them or aggressively encouraging her companions to fight the horrors. Because, let's face it, when Lae'zel believes in you, she gives you the best pep talks, and nightmares can't stand a chance.

Also:

Jerra, whenever Astarion diligently pinches her awake: ...Thank you. But also fuck you.

Astarion, not wanting to be left alone with his mess on his hands (and certainly NOT worried about anyone AT ALL): Oh, definitely. After we are done here. Also, if I see those eyelids going down one more time, I'll start using my knife. (*with muffled sound of a failed Deception check in the background*)

Lae'zel, trying to rally her terror-tortured teammates and realizing she starts thinking of her group as, well, HER group: THIS FEEBLE ILLUSION CANNOT TRULY HARM YOU. I THOUGHT YOU TO BE STRONGER. THINK ISTIK THINK.

Halsin, whenever any of the dream-trapped companions nearly flatlines:

Lae'zel barging into Gale's, Shadowheart's, Wyll's, and Karlach's nightmares like: