Difference between revisions of "Cryptic"

'''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}}

In the [[Physical Realm]], Cryptics manifest as complex, symmetrical geometric blackfractal 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}} Their voice has a buzzing quality, and they vibrate when they speak.{{book ref|sa2|6}} They also tend to hum a lot.{{book ref|sa2|6}}

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}} Despite not having any apparent means to do so, they are capable of hearing, seeing and speaking as well as any other spren.{{book ref|sa3|97}}

[[File:ElhokarShallan mirrorand Cryptic.jpg|thumb|right|250px|<center><small>by [[User:Sheep]]{{a|DNAVENOM}}</small></center> Cryptics[[Pattern]] following [[Shallan]] watchingin overthe [[ElhokarPalanaeum]] ]]

It's unknown whether the Cryptics were created deliberately by a [[Shard]], or if they arose naturally from [[Roshar]]'s loose investiture[[Investiture]]. During the [[Heraldic Epochs]], the they, like many other sapient spren, began forming [[Nahel Bond]]s with humans to mimic [[Honorblade]]s, 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}}

NonethelessOver time, 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}} TheyAt weresome onepoint, ofthey thewere firstengaged sprenin groupssome tosort beginof bondingpolitical humansdisagreement again in anticipation ofwith the [[True Desolationhonorspren]]. Among others, theypossibly sent [[Pattern]]related to bondthe withlatter's [[Shallan]] when she was only a child, as well as another Crypticattempt to bond withconquer [[TienShadesmar]], although only the former managed to bring the Bond to fruition, after long setbacks.{{book ref|sa2|602}}{{wobbook ref|10278sa3|47}}

Cryptics are one of the few 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 themthe person 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, thea bonded Cryptic gains the ability to transform into a shape-shifting [[Shardblade]].{{book ref|sa2|34}}

Cryptics are also able to let thetheir LightweaverLightweavers peer into the [[Cognitive Realm]]. For inexperienced LightweaversSurgebinders, they act as intermediaries in [[Soulcasting]], relaying the words of souls to the Lightweaverthem.{{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}}