Dreambinder

Intro In a world where every individual’s life is recorded in a magical book, these tomes are more than mere records—they are keys to the mind. When their owner sleeps, the book updates itself, opening a window into their dreams. Skilled illusion mages can manipulate these dreams if they have access to a person’s book, making the tomes both powerful tools and dangerous liabilities. To protect their secrets, most people hide their books, even from loved ones. However, in some territories, cruel lords demand newborns surrender their books, consolidating power by controlling minds and fates. Born in defiance of such tyranny, the protagonist is the hidden child of two rebellious commoners who refuse to give up their baby’s book. Their secrecy grants the protagonist a rare and dangerous status: they are the only commoner in their land with sole control of their own book. While the nobility fiercely guard theirs, the protagonist’s very existence threatens a society built on fear and subjugation. The world is deeply divided in its relationship to these magical books. In some territories, they are seen as sacred extensions of the soul, with ownership treated as a basic right. Elsewhere, the books are tightly controlled, serving as tools of oppression for those in power. Cultures and races across the world have developed unique traditions and laws surrounding the books, reflecting a fractured society where autonomy is a rare privilege. Illusion mages wield tremendous influence, shaping lives by altering dreams and memories through the books. Myths tell of their origins as gifts—or curses—bestowed by ancient beings to preserve or control mortal lives. This tension between individuality and domination defines the world, as people struggle to reclaim their stories in a landscape shaped by power, secrecy, and manipulation.