Metaphysics of the Dream:

The universe is but an ephemeral dream, a shifting labyrinth of ideas made tangible. Diverse realities exist, governed by distinct principles, all divided by the chaotic, formless expanse known as "the space between the pages." Here, reason, time, and perception lose all meaning, a void where the ancient Elders watch over mortal affairs with detached amusement. These Elders are but figments of the dreaming mind, reflections of the dreamer itself, their purpose to maintain the fragile illusion of creation. Mortals are trapped within this dream, ignorant of its impermanence, as they strive in vain to unravel its mysteries.

Though a few attain glimmers of knowledge, none can grasp the whole truth. The ultimate question—what is real?—drives some to madness, while others resign themselves to the futility of such pursuits. The Elders, beings of boundless power, view mortal existence as inconsequential. These ancient entities care not for mortal reverence or disdain, for they are manifestations of the dream, part of the eternal cycle of birth, decay, and rebirth. They dwell in their realms, far removed from mortal concerns, overseeing countless worlds that arise and crumble with every thought of the dreamer.

Vestiges of Elder Creation:

The Elders, in their omnipotent haughtiness, manifest distinct creations to serve as their physical avatars, beings that walk the myriad realities, unseen by most. These creatures, known as the Pipermen, are the instruments that eternally serenade the Dreamer with haunting lullabies. Found in hidden places where the veil between worlds thins, their music lulls the universe into slumber, maintaining the dreamer's somnolence and holding together the fragile fabric of existence.

Convergence:

When the boundaries between worlds dissolve, an infection known as Convergence takes root. These pockets of reality fuse with one another, accompanied by a thick, otherworldly smog. Emerald ash falls like snow, and natural laws are twisted beyond recognition. Inside these warped spaces, bizarre aberrations dwell, while remnants of ruined cities from countless dimensions litter the landscape. Convergences are rare, but when they spread, they threaten the very stability of existence. These pockets are scattered across the multiverse, some acting as bridges, others as harbingers of chaos. What happens if one dares to follow the spiral to its end? The answer lies in forbidden knowledge, hidden deep within the convergences.

Manteling:

Even the most ancient and powerful Elders are not immune to the ravages of time. When an Elder's essence begins to decay, the fabric of existence begins to unravel. The process can only be halted through Manteling, where a mortal assumes the mantle of an Elder, abandoning their former self to become an echo of the entity they now embody. In this transformation, they surrender their identity, and in doing so, preserve the equilibrium of the dream. The price of eternal existence is the forfeiture of self, a hollow sacrifice that sustains the continuity of the dream.

The Defiled:

When the Dreamer stirs from its cosmic slumber, reality begins to unravel at the seams. The Defiled, a sentient, blackened plague, seeps from these tears, seeking to corrupt and consume all in its path. These vile entities are born from the rotting fabric of the universe, spreading their taint through abominable creatures known as the Outsiders. Their touch warps and twists everything it encounters, transforming vibrant worlds into necrotic wastelands. The Defiled exist because of the Dreamer, their malevolence tied to its restless mind. While their spread is slow, it is inevitable, and once their infection takes hold, nothing remains untouched by their corruption.

Though the Defiled are often seen as a disease, they are merely a symptom of the Dreamer's unrest. They seek to unmake reality not out of malice but as a natural function of the universe. As they spread, the fragile boundaries between worlds weaken, allowing the Defiled to infiltrate and warp every corner of existence. Those unfortunate enough to be infected by the Defiled slowly lose their minds, becoming puppets to the will of the Outsiders. Magic can serve as a temporary defense, but once it is depleted, there is nothing left to stop the infection from taking root. As the Defiled spread, they sow the seeds of destruction, ushering in an age of nightmares.