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Difference between revisions of "Cryptic"

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(I feel like this is a better quote)
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{{lifeform
 
{{lifeform
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|image=Pattern form.jpg
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|image=Pattern by Joshua Carrenca.jpg
 
|abilities=[[Nahel bond]], [[Order of Lightweavers|Lightweaver]] magic, {{tag+|Splinter}}s
  
|abilities=[[Nahel bond]], [[Order of Lightweavers|Lightweaver]] magic, {{tag+|Splinter}}s
 
|type={{cat tag|Spren}}
 
|type={{cat tag|Spren}}
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| [[Ivory]]{{book ref|sa3|47}}
  
| [[Ivory]]{{book ref|sa3|47}}
 
}}
  
}}
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The '''Cryptics''' are a race of sapient [[spren]] that dwell primarily in the [[Cognitive Realm]] of Roshar. They are the personification of the underlying mathematical truths that govern Roshar and the Cosmere.{{book ref|sa3|97}}
 +
'''Cryptics''' are a race of sapient [[spren]] that dwell primarily in the [[Cognitive Realm]] of Roshar. They are sometimes referred to as '''liespren'''.{{book ref|sa2|3}}
   
  +
Cryptics are the personification of the underlying mathematical truths that govern Roshar and the Cosmere.{{book ref|sa3|97}} They are also one of the spren capable of forming [[Nahel Bond]], granting the abilities of the [[Order of Lightweavers]].{{book ref|sa2|1}}
−
They are related to the [[Order of Lightweavers]], the sixth Order of [[Knights Radiant]] which have access to [[Illumination]] and [[Transformation]].{{file ref| TWoK Front Endsheet.jpg | Surgebinding Table}}
  
   
 
== Appearance ==
  
== Appearance ==
  ⚫
In the [[Physical Realm]], Cryptics manifest as complex, symmetrical geometric black patterns that are constantly shifting, slightly raised off a surface or object.{{book ref|sa2|3}} On occasion, they can also manifest as a floating three-dimensional mass of twisting lines.{{book ref|sa2|42}}
−
=== Physical Realm ===
  
⚫
Cryptics manifest in the Physical Realm as a complex geometric pattern that is constantly shifting, slightly raised off a surface or object.{{book ref|sa2|3}} On occasion they can also manifest as a floating three-dimensional mass of twisting lines.{{book ref|sa2|42}}
 
   
  ⚫
In [[Shadesmar]], Cryptics take the form of tall, willowy figures in too-stiff robes that hang off them as if made from glass rather than fabric. Above their collars, where a human's head and face would be, they have a floating symbol full of impossible angles and geometries.{{book ref|sa1|29}} Different individuals have slightly different head patterns.{{book ref|sa3|102}}
−
=== Shadesmar ===
  
⚫
Cryptics take the form of tall, willowy figures in "too stiff" robes that hang is if "made from glass". Above their collars, where a human's head and face would be, they have a floating symbol "full of impossible angles and geometries."{{book ref|sa1|29}} These symbols are not [[glyph]]s but it is possible that readers would recognize them.{{wob ref|4133}} Different individuals have slightly different head patterns.{{book ref|sa3|102}}
  
   
  +
== History ==
−
<gallery caption="Images of Cryptics">
  
  +
[[File:Elhokar mirror.jpg|thumb|right|250px|<center><small>by [[User:Sheep]]</small></center> Cryptics watching over [[Elhokar]] ]]
−
Elhokar mirror.jpg | Elhokar and the symbol headed figures in the mirror by [[User: Sheep]]
  
  +
{{quote
−
</gallery>
  
  +
| There were very few survivors. The one you call Stormfather lived. Some others. The rest, thousands of us, were killed when the '''event''' happened.
  +
| [[Pattern]]{{book ref|sa2|75}}
  +
}}
   
  +
It's unknown whether the Cryptics were created deliberately by a Shard, or if they arose naturally from [[Roshar]]'s loose investiture. During the [[Heraldic Epochs]], the they, like many other sapient spren, began forming [[Nahel Bond]]s with humans, leading to the creation of the [[Order of Lightweavers]].{{book ref|sa2|87}} During the [[Recreance]], vast majority of the older Cryptics died, leaving none alive to remember how the Nahel Bond worked.{{book ref|sa2|75}}
−
== Abilities ==
  
−
Forming a [[Nahel Bond]] with a Cryptic makes one a [[Order of Lightweavers|Lightweaver]], with access to the [[Surge]]s of [[Illumination]] and [[Transformation]].{{file ref| TWoK Front Endsheet.jpg | Surgebinding Table}}
  
   
  +
Nonetheless, the Cryptics managed to recover somewhat, and by the late [[Era of Solitude]], they ruled over one of the largest cities in [[Shadesmar]], although they did not stray far from it often.{{book ref|sa2|3}}{{book ref|sa3|47}} They were one of the first spren groups to begin bonding humans again in anticipation of the [[True Desolation]]. Among others, they sent [[Pattern]] to bond with [[Shallan]] when she was only a child, as well as another Cryptic to bond with [[Tien]], although only the former managed to bring the Bond to fruition, after long setbacks.{{book ref|sa2|60}}{{wob ref|10278}}
−
A Cryptic can also grant access to the Cognitive Realm after accepting enough spoken truths from a Lightweaver. It is through these spoken truths that a bond with a Cryptic strengthens. The truth must be personal in nature and the more "powerful" the truth, the stronger the bond.{{book ref|sa1|70}}
  
   
  +
A group of them have been following Shallan for some time prior to her re-bonding Pattern.{{book ref|sa1|29}} They also watched over [[Elhokar]], unwittingly feeding his paranoia.{{book ref|sa1|58}} They eventually sent another of their kind to bond with the king; however, Elhokar was killed before he could finish saying the First Ideal, and that Cryptic ended up bonding [[Hoid]] instead.{{book ref|sa3|84}}{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}
−
In the Cognitive Realm, Cryptics can understand the thoughts of objects represented by glass beads in the Rosharan subastral, allowing them to translate for Lightweavers who wish to [[Soulcast]] an object there.{{book ref|sa2|7}}
  
   
 
== Culture ==
  
== Culture ==
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Cryptics as a whole are supportive of their members bonding with humans. One of the first Cryptics to do this in recent times is [[Pattern]]{{wob ref|5899}}, who did so with the approval of his peers.{{wob ref|3166}} Because of the [[Recreance]], many of them believe that such a bond is a death sentence, but they also believe that the things they could learn from humans are worth it.{{book ref|sa2|17}}
  
Cryptics as a whole are supportive of their members bonding with humans. One of the first Cryptics to do this in recent times is [[Pattern]]{{wob ref|5899}}, who did so with the approval of his peers.{{wob ref|3166}} Because of the [[Recreance]], many of them believe that such a bond is a death sentence, but they also believe that the things they could learn from humans are worth it.{{book ref|sa2|17}}
   
−
== Bond-holders ==
 +
== Abilities ==
  +
Cryptics are one of the spren types capable of forming a [[Nahel Bond]] with humans. They grant their partner the power of [[Surgebinding]] with the Surges of [[Illumination]] and [[Transformation]], making them a [[Order of Lightweavers|Lightweaver]].{{file ref| TWoK Front Endsheet.jpg | Surgebinding Table}} Unlike with most Nahel Bonds, a Cryptic bond is progressed by uttering deep, personal truths about oneself by the bond holder, with the more powerful, impactful truths deepening the bond further.{{book ref|sa1|70}} Past a certain point, the Cryptic gains the ability to transform into a shape-shifting [[Shardblade]].{{book ref|sa2|34}}
−
*[[Shallan Davar]], bonded to [[Pattern]], is known to have the ability to capture in her mind—and then replicate through sketching—an image of anything in front of her, including Cryptics hidden in the [[Cognitive Realm]].{{wob ref|3028}}
  
   
  +
Cryptics are also able to let the Lightweaver peer into the [[Cognitive Realm]]. For inexperienced Lightweavers, they act as intermediaries in [[Soulcasting]], relaying the words of souls to the Lightweaver.{{book ref|sa2|7}} In fact, Cryptics have prodigious translation abilities, and seem capable of understanding any language, human on spren, with enough exposure.{{book ref|sa3|102}}{{book ref|sa2|47}} They are also adept codebreakers, a talent stemming from their in-depth understanding of mathematical patterns.{{book ref|sa2|42}}
⚫
*[[Tien]], younger brother to the [[Windrunner]] [[Kaladin]], had attracted a Cryptic some time before he was forced to join the army as a kid.{{wob ref|10278}} Young and untrained, he was killed in battle.{{book ref|sa1|67}}
  
   
  +
While in the [[Physical Realm]], they can affect it in minor ways, allowing them to pick locks.{{book ref|sa2|63}} Unlike other types of sapient spren, like [[honorspren]] or [[ashspren]], Cryptics seem unable to turn invisible, meaning they have to hide in their environment to remain unnoticed.{{book ref|sa3|62}}
−
*King [[Elhokar Kholin]] of [[Alethkar]] had Cryptics following him around, appearing to him in mirrors.{{book ref|sa1|58}} He was in the beginning stage of his bond with a Cryptic{{wob ref|8806}} and was about to state the [[Immortal Words#The_First_Ideal|First Ideal]] just before he died.{{book ref|sa3|84}}
  
   
  +
== Notable Cryptics ==
−
*[[Hoid]] rescues Elhokar's Cryptic from Kholinar after the city's fall to [[Odium]]'s forces.{{book ref|sa3|epilogue}}
  
  +
* '''[[Pattern]]''' - [[Shallan Davar]]'s Cryptic, who bonded to her in childhood, but remained semi-dead after she used him to kill her mother.{{book ref|sa2|60}} Even while their bond was dead, Pattern's presence allowed Shallan to see Cryptics hidden in the [[Cognitive Realm]].{{wob ref|3028}}
  ⚫
* '''[[Tien]]'s Cryptic''' - a Cryptic who was attracted to Tien some time before the latter was forced to join the army.{{wob ref|10278}} As Tien was killed in battle, the bond never came to fruition.{{book ref|sa1|67}}
  +
* '''[[Elhokar]]'s and [[Hoid]]'s Cryptic''' - the Cryptic who intended to bond Elhokar Kholin. While Elhokar was seeing Cryptics in mirrors for a while, he only began saying the [[Immortal Words#The First Ideal|First Ideal]] just before he died.{{book ref|sa3|84}} Hoid later rescued the Cryptic from [[Kholinar]] and bonded it himself.{{book ref|sa3|98}}
   
 
== Trivia ==
  
== Trivia ==
 
* Before their name was revealed, Brandon said "truthspren" was a reasonably accurate way to refer to the Cryptics. This is perhaps a reference to the truth they require to strengthen their bond.{{wob ref|6451}}
  
* Before their name was revealed, Brandon said "truthspren" was a reasonably accurate way to refer to the Cryptics. This is perhaps a reference to the truth they require to strengthen their bond.{{wob ref|6451}}
 
* If exposed to computers, Cryptics would like them very much, though they "might be offended that the computer isn't talking back to them, because they would think the computer's a pattern and should just be talking to them".{{wob ref|10458}}
  
* If exposed to computers, Cryptics would like them very much, though they "might be offended that the computer isn't talking back to them, because they would think the computer's a pattern and should just be talking to them".{{wob ref|10458}}
  +
* The symbols that form the Cryptic's heads are not [[glyph]]s, but it is possible that readers would recognize them.{{wob ref|4133}}
  +
* In part four of ''[[Oathbringer]]'', the group travelling through Shadesmar would originally encounter a pair of Cryptics in the lighthouse rather than [[Riino]]. This was eventually changed to give Kaladin a stronger motivation for travelling to [[Thaylen City]] rather than [[Cultivation's Perpendicularity]].{{wob ref|8649}}
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==
−
<references>
 +
<references/>
−  
−
</references>
  
 
{{partial}}
  
{{partial}}
 
{{stormlight}}
  
{{stormlight}}

Revision as of 22:49, 20 September 2019

Cryptic
Pattern by Joshua Carrenca.jpg
by Joshua Carrenca
Type Spren
Abilities Nahel bond, Lightweaver magic, Splinters
World of Origin Roshar
Universe Cosmere
This page or section needs to be updated with new information for Oathbringer!
Be aware that in its current state, it may not include all additional content yet.

“ One does not war with Cryptics, as one does honorspren. Cryptics have but one city, and do not wish to rule more. Only to listen. ”

Cryptics are a race of sapient spren that dwell primarily in the Cognitive Realm of Roshar. They are sometimes referred to as liespren.[2]

Cryptics are the personification of the underlying mathematical truths that govern Roshar and the Cosmere.[3] They are also one of the spren capable of forming Nahel Bond, granting the abilities of the Order of Lightweavers.[4]

Appearance

In the Physical Realm, Cryptics manifest as complex, symmetrical geometric black patterns that are constantly shifting, slightly raised off a surface or object.[2] On occasion, they can also manifest as a floating three-dimensional mass of twisting lines.[5]

In Shadesmar, Cryptics take the form of tall, willowy figures in too-stiff robes that hang off them as if made from glass rather than fabric. Above their collars, where a human's head and face would be, they have a floating symbol full of impossible angles and geometries.[6] Different individuals have slightly different head patterns.[7]

History

by User:Sheep
Cryptics watching over Elhokar

“ There were very few survivors. The one you call Stormfather lived. Some others. The rest, thousands of us, were killed when the event happened. ”

It's unknown whether the Cryptics were created deliberately by a Shard, or if they arose naturally from Roshar's loose investiture. During the Heraldic Epochs, the they, like many other sapient spren, began forming Nahel Bonds with humans, leading to the creation of the Order of Lightweavers.[9] During the Recreance, vast majority of the older Cryptics died, leaving none alive to remember how the Nahel Bond worked.[8]

Nonetheless, the Cryptics managed to recover somewhat, and by the late Era of Solitude, they ruled over one of the largest cities in Shadesmar, although they did not stray far from it often.[2][1] They were one of the first spren groups to begin bonding humans again in anticipation of the True Desolation. Among others, they sent Pattern to bond with Shallan when she was only a child, as well as another Cryptic to bond with Tien, although only the former managed to bring the Bond to fruition, after long setbacks.[10][11]

A group of them have been following Shallan for some time prior to her re-bonding Pattern.[6] They also watched over Elhokar, unwittingly feeding his paranoia.[12] They eventually sent another of their kind to bond with the king; however, Elhokar was killed before he could finish saying the First Ideal, and that Cryptic ended up bonding Hoid instead.[13][14]

Culture

The Cryptics rule a city in Shadesmar, one that enjoys some renown.[2] Unlike the honorspren, Cryptics do not have any inclination to conquer more territory, so other types of sapient spren do not war with them. They are content with listening and learning, but are seen as weird and discomforting even by other spren because of their fascination with lies[1] and their mathematical approach to everything.[3]

They are known to gather in groups wherever a falsehood is uttered.[1] However, they do not like being called "liespren"[2]. A Nahel bond between a Cryptic and a human requires understanding truths as well as lies,[8] and Cryptics themselves appear to be exceedingly honest. In fact, it is only through bonding with a human that a Cryptic could incorporate less straightforward ways to communicate like sarcasm and humor into his speech.[10]

Cryptics as a whole are supportive of their members bonding with humans. One of the first Cryptics to do this in recent times is Pattern[15], who did so with the approval of his peers.[16] Because of the Recreance, many of them believe that such a bond is a death sentence, but they also believe that the things they could learn from humans are worth it.[17]

Abilities

Cryptics are one of the spren types capable of forming a Nahel Bond with humans. They grant their partner the power of Surgebinding with the Surges of Illumination and Transformation, making them a Lightweaver.[18] Unlike with most Nahel Bonds, a Cryptic bond is progressed by uttering deep, personal truths about oneself by the bond holder, with the more powerful, impactful truths deepening the bond further.[19] Past a certain point, the Cryptic gains the ability to transform into a shape-shifting Shardblade.[20]

Cryptics are also able to let the Lightweaver peer into the Cognitive Realm. For inexperienced Lightweavers, they act as intermediaries in Soulcasting, relaying the words of souls to the Lightweaver.[21] In fact, Cryptics have prodigious translation abilities, and seem capable of understanding any language, human on spren, with enough exposure.[7][22] They are also adept codebreakers, a talent stemming from their in-depth understanding of mathematical patterns.[5]

While in the Physical Realm, they can affect it in minor ways, allowing them to pick locks.[23] Unlike other types of sapient spren, like honorspren or ashspren, Cryptics seem unable to turn invisible, meaning they have to hide in their environment to remain unnoticed.[24]

Notable Cryptics

  • Pattern - Shallan Davar's Cryptic, who bonded to her in childhood, but remained semi-dead after she used him to kill her mother.[10] Even while their bond was dead, Pattern's presence allowed Shallan to see Cryptics hidden in the Cognitive Realm.[25]
  • Tien's Cryptic - a Cryptic who was attracted to Tien some time before the latter was forced to join the army.[11] As Tien was killed in battle, the bond never came to fruition.[26]
  • Elhokar's and Hoid's Cryptic - the Cryptic who intended to bond Elhokar Kholin. While Elhokar was seeing Cryptics in mirrors for a while, he only began saying the First Ideal just before he died.[13] Hoid later rescued the Cryptic from Kholinar and bonded it himself.[27]

Trivia

  • Before their name was revealed, Brandon said "truthspren" was a reasonably accurate way to refer to the Cryptics. This is perhaps a reference to the truth they require to strengthen their bond.[28]
  • If exposed to computers, Cryptics would like them very much, though they "might be offended that the computer isn't talking back to them, because they would think the computer's a pattern and should just be talking to them".[29]
  • The symbols that form the Cryptic's heads are not glyphs, but it is possible that readers would recognize them.[30]
  • In part four of Oathbringer, the group travelling through Shadesmar would originally encounter a pair of Cryptics in the lighthouse rather than Riino. This was eventually changed to give Kaladin a stronger motivation for travelling to Thaylen City rather than Cultivation's Perpendicularity.[31]

Notes

  1. ↑ a b c d Oathbringer chapter 47#
  2. ↑ a b c d e Words of Radiance chapter 3#
  3. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 97#
  4. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 1#
  5. ↑ a b Words of Radiance chapter 42#
  6. ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 29#
  7. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 102#
  8. ↑ a b c Words of Radiance chapter 75#
  9. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 87#
  10. ↑ a b c Words of Radiance chapter 60#
  11. ↑ a b MisCon 2018
    — Arcanum - 2018-05-26#
  12. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 58#
  13. ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 84#
  14. ↑ Oathbringer epilogue#
  15. ↑ Arcanum Unbounded Seattle signing
    — Arcanum - 2016-12-01#
  16. ↑ Firefight Atlanta signing
    — Arcanum - 2015-01-24#
  17. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 17#
  18. ↑ Surgebinding Table
  19. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 70#
  20. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 34#
  21. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 7#
  22. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 47#
  23. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 63#
  24. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 62#
  25. ↑ Steelheart Chicago signing
    — Arcanum - 2013-10-01#
  26. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 67#
  27. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 98#
  28. ↑ Writing for Charity Conference
    — Arcanum - 2012-03-17#
  29. ↑ Idaho Falls signing
    — Arcanum - 2018-07-21#
  30. ↑ General Reddit 2013
    — Arcanum - 2013-03-14#
  31. ↑ /rStormlight_Archive
    — Arcanum - 2017-11-29#
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