The Dreamleaf Restrictions in Morkovar

Plague / Epidemic

In the decades leading up to year 165, the use of Dreamleaf had gradually expanded beyond strictly regulated temple contexts. While traditionally reserved for religious ceremonies and supervised dream-recording rituals, the herb's popularity grew among artists, philosophers, and those seeking spiritual experiences outside temple oversight. Several factors contributed to this trend:

• Increased trade with mainland regions brought new dream-enhancing substances that were combined with Dreamleaf
• A period of relative prosperity allowed more citizens leisure time for spiritual exploration
• A growing movement of independent dream-scholars challenged the temple's monopoly on dream interpretation

In the decades leading up to year 165, the use of Dreamleaf had gradually expanded beyond strictly regulated temple contexts. While traditionally reserved for religious ceremonies and supervised dream-recording rituals, the herb's popularity grew among artists, philosophers, and those seeking spiritual experiences outside temple oversight. Several factors contributed to this trend:

• Increased trade with mainland regions brought new dream-enhancing substances that were combined with Dreamleaf
• A period of relative prosperity allowed more citizens leisure time for spiritual exploration
• A growing movement of independent dream-scholars challenged the temple's monopoly on dream interpretation

The restrictions were triggered by a series of incidents throughout 164:

The Shadow Dream

In early 164, a gathering of independent philosophers in Morkovar's Lower District conducted unsanctioned dream ceremonies using Dreamleaf mixed with imported herbs. Twelve participants entered a deep trance state but could not be awakened for three days. When they finally regained consciousness, several exhibited disturbing behavioral changes, speaking in unfamiliar cadences and describing visions of "shadow entities" waiting to enter the waking world.

The Dream Plague

By mid-164, reports emerged from rural communities of "dream contagion" - where people sharing proximity to unsanctioned Dreamleaf users began experiencing synchronized nightmares featuring identical imagery of ravens with silver eyes being consumed by shadows. Several affected individuals committed acts of self-harm, claiming they needed to "cut out the shadows."

The Vranotide Manual

The situation escalated when Scribe Vranotide , a respected temple scholar, published Snovidsvozboda , arguing that Vranmatka intended Dreamleaf's gifts for all people, not just temple authorities. The manuscript gained popularity, particularly among younger Ravenmoorians questioning traditional restrictions.

High Priestess Chernostrava, recognizing echoes of historical catastrophes like the The Nightmare Flood Incident in Morkovar , took decisive action in early 165:

• On Drogon 3, 165 HE, the High Priestess issued the "Dreamleaf Edict" with the Raven King's endorsement. Key provisions included:
• All non-temple Dreamleaf cultivation became illegal
• Possession of Dreamleaf without temple authorization was punishable by heavy fines
• Mixing Dreamleaf with other substances was classified as blasphemy
• Dream circles required licensed temple observers
• All written dream accounts required temple certification

Enforcement

The implementation was swift and severe:

• Special "Dream Wardens" authorized to search properties for unauthorized Dreamleaf
• Public burning of confiscated herbs and unauthorized dream journals
• Mandatory registration of all existing Dreamleaf plants
• Inspection of apothecaries and herbalists' inventories
• Arrest of prominent dream circle leaders, including Vranotide

Public Respose

Temple Supporters

Many citizens, particularly those with memories or family stories of the Nightmare Flood, supported the restrictions. They viewed unregulated dreaming as dangerous and believed only temple authorities possessed the training to safely handle Dreamleaf's power.

Reform Advocates

A vocal minority protested the restrictions as overreach. They argued that personal dream exploration was a private spiritual matter and that the temple feared losing its monopoly on communication with Vranmatka.

The Compromsie

After months of tension, including several public demonstrations in Morkovar and other cities, a compromise emerged in late 165:

• Specially licensed dream practitioners could operate outside temples
• Regulated quantities of Dreamleaf could be possessed with proper documentation
• Independent dream circles could continue with temple observers present
• A new category of "Lay Dream Scribes" created for non-clergy dream recording