Cryptic

Cryptics are a race of sapient spren that dwell primarily in Shadesmar . They are sometimes referred to as liespren.

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

In the Physical Realm, Cryptics manifest as complex fractal patterns that are constantly shifting, slightly raised off a surface or object. . On occasion, they can also manifest as a floating three-dimensional mass of twisting lines. Their voice has a buzzing quality, and they vibrate when they speak. They also tend to hum a lot.

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. Different individuals have slightly different head patterns. Despite not having any apparent means to do so, they are capable of hearing, seeing and speaking as well as any other spren.


Cryptics are not very common in Shadesmar, with the vast majority of their population living in a single city, one that enjoys some renown. Unlike the honorspren, Cryptics do not have any inclination to conquer more territory, so other types of sapient spren do not war with them. Although they have a fearful reputation among other types of spren, they themselves are content with listening and learning.

Nonetheless, many other spren find Cryptics weird and discomforting due to their fascination with lies and their mathematical approach to everything. They are also known for their fondness for planning, as well as being largely passive and inactive. Once they put their mind to something, however, they commit to it. They seem to have a significant influence on the Shadesmar politics, as when they began to bond humans again, others, like cultivationspren, swiftly followed suit.

They are known for enjoying lies, gathering around and humming among themselves wherever a falsehood is uttered, although they don't like being called "liespren". Despite this fascination with falsehoods, Cryptics themselves are bad at lying in general.[19] They are exceedingly honest, and it seems as though only through bonding with a human can they learn to use less straightforward ways of communication, such as sarcasm and humor. They seem to prefer keeping together in groups rather than going off on their own.