See the Free Council book for all the fluff
Doctrine
Parentage: Mastigos, Free Council
Prerequisites: Prime 2, High Speech merit, Academics 2, and 2 dots between Expression, Occult and Persuasion.
Initiation: Seek out the hidden symbols of High Speech scattered throughout the world, until you have assembled enough to fully communicate to your tutor, to their satisfaction, your intent to initiate and advance your understanding of the High Speech
Magic:
Ruling: Prime
Yantras: Succeed on an Academics roll relevant to the spell (+2), engage your subject in a dialogue (+1), listen to/read the communications of your subject (+1, +2 if you do this at length).
Oblations: Chanting mantras (but not songs, songs don’t work) in High Speech; piecing together translations of ancient and dead languages; reading great works of literature in their original language; singing songs or reciting epic poems (particularly from memory).
Attainments:
First Attainment Truth Will Out
Pre-Requisite: Initiation
Upon initiation into the Cryptologos, the newfound Wordsmith finds hidden behind the language of creation a greater bounty than they would ever have expected. For those with the knowledge to look, the fallen shards of the True Supernal tongue rotate in and out of alignment with the Supernal truth which humanity struggles to realize.
Whenever the Cryptologs perceives some attempt at verbal communication, they are instinctively aware of whether in its creation the maker is telling a lie. This power extends from the most articulate speech, to a lowest, barely affirmatory grunt.
As far as Prime spells go, this is a verbal-only version of Pierce Deception. I had originally thought of expanding this to other forms of communication, but that might have detracted from the ‘speech’ angle of the Cryptologos. Instead, they get a verbal-only, persistent version. I put the real juicy bit as the Optional Arcanum, which everyone has anyway.
Optional Arcanum: Mind 1
As a Wordsmith senses the Supernal resonance of a statement, those with a basic understanding of the
Mind Arcanum can attempt to use this understanding to perceive what lies in the distance between the
fallen lies, and Supernal Truth. Whenever a Wordsmith perceives a lie with this Attainment, if their dots in the Mind Arcanum exceeds liar’s Composure, they gain an immediate impression of whatever the truth of
the matter is that they seek to conceal.
So basically this is an improved version of the +1 Reach option of the Pierce Deception spell. However it only functions on speech, and only works if your Mind dots exceed Composure. So you’ll still otherwise know you’re being lied to, but if you’re good enough, you can immediately tell what the truth is, not just get symbolic impression, as your understanding of High Speech, the only True language, shines through.
Second Attainment: A Way with Words
Pre-Requisite: Prime 2, Academics 3
With continued study, the Crypologos learn not only how to discern the Truth behind other’s words but how
to enhance that which exists within the own. At this stage, the Wordsmith’s proficiency with the High Speech
and its use as a Yantra in spellcasting has expanded beyond the ability of any other non-member of the
Legacy. Instead of making use of the ordinary +2 modifier for a Mantra Yantra (say that 3 times fast), the
Wordsmith may be more specific with their choice of meta-words, and hope to draw upon the power of the
Supernal with more ‘accurate’ speaking and definition of their imago.
The use of this attainment replaces the standard +2 bonus from the Mantra Yantra with a variable bonus from +0 to +5. To do this, the Mage rolls their Wits attribute as their dice pool, and gain a Yantra bonus equal to the successes rolled (if any, to a maximum of 5).
You know it was coming. I just didn’t think it best to put it at the first spot. Given there’s no longer a Defense problem from using High Speech I couldn’t remove that. I had considered giving them a way to remove the non-Reflexive action of High Speech, but that’s a bit too much, given people will likely pump their Wits as high as it can go to try and shoot for a +5 reflexive Yantra on any spell.
Optional Arcanum: Mind 2
While the Supernal power of High Speech is flawless and undeniable, the failing mortal host which seeks to
master it and use it to bend the world to their will is remarkably less so. The mind which selects the words
can make mistakes, and intentions can be less than perfect. A Cryptologos will thus likely continue their
study of the Mind Arcanum to reinforce and ensure their speech is flawless. As such, any Wordsmith who
achieves sufficient proficiency with the Mind Arcanum gains two bonuses to A Way with Words.
Firstly, when casting with sufficient preparation and awareness of the spell they are to cast (which is automatic with ritual casting, and otherwise at the discretion of the ST), they may rally their Academic knowledge to their selection of High Speech words, turning the dice pool from merely their Wits attribute, to Wits + Academics.
Secondly, when without sufficient time to prepare, and with a pressing, immediate concern, the thoughts of the Cryptologos quicken, and desperation fuels precision of speech. The spellcasting pool which benefits from such as ‘spur of the moment’ use of the Mantra Yantra gains the 8-again dice trick. This may however only be used when the Mage make use of the Cryptologos alternate-mode of Mantra use, even if they do not garner a single success, and are forced to use a +0 Yantra.
First part is basically what you should allow in the first place, Academics boosting the Wits roll if they can prepare. A legacy about precision of language should get some benefit for having time to prepare. I also added the second part, so Mages feel more of a possible benefit if they’re stuck with a not-immediate, but still pressing concern and want to risk the variable amount. Even if you get no successes, your casting pool still gets 8-agains, which while not useful for actual ‘casting’, lets you fish for an Exceptional Success and a well-crafted Imago.
Third Attainment: The Universal Truth
Pre-Requisite: Prime 3, Academics 4
High Speech is more than just another language, the Crpytologos believe it to be the root of all
communication, its splintering perhaps even the cause of the Sleeping Curse through which Sleepers remain
blind, and forget the Supernal (and to a lesser extent, non-Supernal Mysteries). Through their investigations
into this common root, a Wordsmith learns how to impart the Truth of Supernal language, in essence, into
the mind of even Sleepers.
As an Instant Action, and by speaking directly to another individual, the Wordsmith may attempt to bridge the broken chasm that The Fall has left in the minds of non-Mages, denying them the Truth. So long as the Mage’s dots in the Prime Arcanum exceeds the subject’s Composure, the subject will be fully aware of the intent and message behind the Mage’s speech, regardless of the existence of any language barrier, or even the most mistrusting and cynical personality.
In terms of Social maneuvering actions, this spell may either remove one Door or improve the impression level by one step per point of Potency, and depending on what is said. This Attainment lasts until the Wordsmith ceases speaking with the subject, or befouls their Supernal connection by lying. These doors do not close when the spell ends (for whatever reason), nor will the Truth the individual has received fade as if they were subject to Quiescence.
Words of Truth, changed up a bit. Only works to people you talk to, one on one, doesn’t make them able to hear you from anywhere, but it also allows you to translate intent, which is what High Speech is all about. Spell ends if you lie, as the Supernal won’t abide that, or if you stop maintaining the conversation/monologue.
Optional Arcanum: Mind 3
While Supernal power is all well and good, and the sheer power of imparting comprehension is truly
glorious. But sometimes a Mage will wish to use discretion, and merely sensing through the Supernal the
disparate, splintered branches of High Speech will be all that you need, or perhaps want.
A Wordsmith who reaches Disciple Proficiency in the Mind Arcanum gains a complete and total understanding of all languages, including spoken words, written languages, body language, hand symbols, and concepts that exist only as thought.
Okay, this is a movement away from the first Attainment’s limitation to words. However making you only able to understand spoken words? As the optional for the 3rd Attainment? That’s total shit.
Fourth Attainment: The Waking Word
Pre-Requisite: Prime 4, Academics 5
Supernal Truth is denied to Sleeper, and with it the purity of knowing the one true language, through which
the world was once shaped, and known. While many would balk at the concept, Cryptologos believe that
Sleepers should be allowed the option to perceive the supernatural, even before they have fully become
Sleepwalkers. Without an opportunity, how would they seek to fjord the great rift between the Supernal and
the Fallen? Awakenings are so rare, shouldn’t it be permissible to allow even just a few worthy Sleepers the chance to shake off the smothering shroud of the Lie, even if they remain mostly unable to change the
world?
Those Cryptologos who do believe this learn how to imbue a secret word of High Speech within the mind of a Sleeper. “Listen” it cries, forcing their eyes awake and banishing for a time the Sleeping Curse which afflicts them. To impart this symbol requires but a spoken word from the Wordsmith to the Sleeper, shocking them into restless Slumber, becoming a Sleepwalker. For the next month (or the next year at Prime 5) the Sleeper does not suffer Quiescence or trigger Dissonance in the manner of a Sleeper. However at the end of the duration (which may be extended through further rituals), the word fades and the pain of remembering all the things they have seen, the impossible truth now challenged by the horrible lie, will likely drive the Sleeper mad as they suffer the horrible Scouring of Quiescence, as they forget...
Optional Arcanum: Mind 4
Unless of course, the Wordsmith is wise, and learned. A member of the Legacy who is also an Adept of Mind
learns firstly how to unite the thoughts of themselves and other, requiring an Instant Action at sensory
range, and allowing each to broadcast their thoughts to each other for the duration of the scene. This
doesn’t work if the Mage’s Mind dots don’t exceed the subject’s Composure Withstand.
In addition, Wordsmiths learn how to craft their Waking Word in such a way as to grant it dominion over all memories that follow. For the duration of the subject’s status as a Sleepwalker, all memories are held within this word, accessible only for as long as they retain that single, core memory. When it leaves, at the end of the Attainment’s duration, or when the Mage abruptly cancels it, the Waking Word will carry its enveloped memories out of the subject’s mind.
They will remember nothing at all of their time of restless sleep. Nothing good, nothing bad, the wonders they saw lost to them, but the horror which awaited them, avoided. In such a way, the Wordmsiths can avoid inflicting potentially mind-shattering Quiescence by stripping the subject of their memories, completely. There is one notable side effect of this however. As all memories are claimed by the Word, the subject will be unable to convert any Beats they generate in the time to Experiences, and at the end of the period any Beats they gained will be lost. That is, should they not Awaken on their own in this time, the purifying union with the Supernal wiping away the Wordsmith’s Attainment with the purity of Awakening... Regardless of whether the Mage interprets that normally, or becomes a Banisher.
Okay so firstly, Telepathy. Reach into Instant, Reach into Advanced, Reach into Sensory. But I also had reach into Specific thoughts. Two downsides even this out, firstly you can’t define what is/isn’t sent, you can’t be specific as to limit your own thoughts, but hear all of theirs. Play nice. Secondly, it only lasts for the Scene, so no secondary factors.
THEN, I got a bit finnicky with its ability to modify the Waking Word. All memories are gobbled up by the High Speech word in their head which is keeping their mind open. Sure you wouldn’t suffer an Act of Hubris in the first place, I mean it is an Attainment, but golly don’t you feel better now that Sleeper isn’t going crazy from all the Magic he’s seen? Also worth noting that you can spend a few actions to slap some Waking Words into the minds of witnesses-to-be, then let their memories erase themselves after the scene as you end your spells. No mess, no fuss, no witnesses. Neat, huh?
Fifth Attainment: The Hidden Word
Pre-Requisite: Prime 5, Academics 6
A Cryptologos with this level of faculty with High Speech has learned its most deep, most core secrets, and
wields a terrifying power, the power to redefine what another understands as True. As an Instant Action,
and by speaking with another individual, the Cryptologos may seek to remake their understanding of Truth.
This Attainment only functions so long as the Wordsmith’s dots in Prime exceed the subject’s Resolve.
If successful, for the next year, the subject will understand the truth of some matter to be precisely what the Wordsmith decides, one subject matter for each point the Prime dots exceed Resolve. This can be used simply, such as to redefine an individual’s belief in the existence of some person, or the guiltiness of another party, or it can be used in more complex ways, such as by making another believe that it is true that you are without question, or that they cannot be defeated in a Duel Arcane. Due to the severity with which this is believed, it is suggested that the ST only permit the use of Willpower to raise the subject’s Withstand to potentially temporarily overcome this Attainment in situations where the Truth they know is strongly thrown into doubt.
While it may seem as such, this form of control is not without its flaws. People engage in self-deception all the time, and act in defiance of deeply held known truths, why do you think people awaken, denying the Lie they once thought was true? This Attainment is potentially quite crushing however, allowing the complete redefinition of truth for an individual, in regards of various aspects, and refusing them the opportunity to change their minds when provided evidence to the contrary.
Optional Arcanum: Mind 5
Commanding others through redefinition of truth is useful, but an individual can only do what they are able
to do. Supplementing their capacity through a redefinition of the things that define their mind is also helpful
for a Wordmsith who seeks to make others dance to their tune.
When making use of The Hidden Word, the Wordsmith may also use the potency of the truth they are imparting to vary other aspects of the subject’s mind for the duration of the Attainment (one year). For each point by which the Mage’s Mind dots exceed the subject’s Resolve, the Mage may redefine one of the following: Virtue, Vice, Short-Term Aspiration, Long-Term Aspiration, Obsession, a non-Physical Persistent Condition, or they may move one dot between two Social Skills, or between two Mental Skills...
It is worth noting that through successive uses, affecting different parts of the subject’s mind, the Mage could re-write their personality wholesale. But you wouldn’t do that, right? You’re a nice guy. A Libertine.
Psychic Reprogramming, Reach into Advanced Duration and Instant Casting.