A spell. An undeniably big source of magic that could have many effect on humans and supernatural creatures alike. It could also be cast in many different ways. By just a simple chanting, through a person's belonging or by drinking a certain drink. It was even possible by inhaling fumes. Spells could kill, they could charm or heal depending on the casters skill and of course will. They could be proved as vicious enemies or even a very powerful alley.
In the men's case, who had fallen asleep this spell was more like s trickster than an enemy. Definitely not alley since they had all been transferred to their own special dreamland, made just for them. It was a special place combining their deepest thoughts and fears. Where their hearts and minds united when they inhaled the intoxicating scent from the always steaming teapot they found themselves at that exact spot and for a lot of them it was excruciating.