Cyric, the Prince of Lies

Basic Information

• Name: Cyric (pronounced "SEER-ick")
• Domains: Trickery, Chaos, Murder, Lies, Madness
• Alignment: Chaotic Evil
• Symbol: A white jawless skull on a black or purple sunburst

Cyric is the god of madness, strife, and deception in the Forgotten Realms. He embodies chaos in its most destructive forms, reveling in lies, betrayal, and the unraveling of order. As a Chaotic Evil deity, Cyric thrives on conflict and insanity, making him one of the most dangerous and unpredictable gods in the pantheon.

History and Mythology

Cyric’s rise to power is a tale of ambition, betrayal, and divine upheaval. Originally a mortal thief from Zhentil Keep, Cyric’s path to godhood began during the Time of Troubles (1358 DR), a period when the gods were cast down to the mortal realm.

• Ascension to Godhood: Cyric, along with his companions, slew the god Bhaal (god of murder) and claimed his divine essence. He later absorbed the portfolios of other fallen gods, including Myrkul (god of the dead) and Leira (goddess of illusion), consolidating his power over murder, lies, and madness.
• The Cyrinishad: In a bid for ultimate control, Cyric created the Cyrinishad, a cursed tome that brainwashed readers into worshiping him. This act of hubris led to his temporary downfall, as other gods intervened to limit his influence.
• Rivalry with Kelemvor: Cyric’s former ally, Kelemvor, became the god of the dead and a staunch opponent of Cyric’s chaotic reign, leading to an ongoing divine conflict.

Cyric’s myths are filled with betrayal and madness, reflecting his unpredictable nature. He is often depicted as a shadowy figure with a maniacal grin, wielding a razor-sharp longsword.

Worshipers and Church Structure

Cyric’s followers are drawn to his promises of power through chaos and deception. His church is as fractured and unpredictable as the god himself.

• Followers: Criminals, madmen, anarchists, and those who thrive on chaos and destruction. Many of his worshipers are driven by a desire to sow discord or embrace their own insanity.
• Clergy: The church of Cyric has no formal hierarchy, reflecting his chaotic nature. Priests, known as Strifelords or Mad Ones, operate independently or in small, secretive cells. They are often as dangerous to each other as they are to outsiders.
• Worship Practices:
• Rituals are erratic and often involve acts of betrayal, murder, or the spreading of lies.
• The Feast of the Moon is twisted by Cyric’s followers into a night of madness, where they commit heinous acts in his name.

Cyric’s church is decentralized, making it difficult to combat. His followers often work alone or in small groups, spreading chaos and madness wherever they go.

Divine Realms and Sacred Locations

• Divine Realm: The Supreme Throne, located in the chaotic plane of Pandemonium, is Cyric’s domain—a nightmarish landscape of shifting shadows, endless mazes, and maddening whispers.
• Sacred Locations:
• The Ruins of Zhentil Keep: Once a stronghold of Cyric’s worship, this destroyed city on the Moonsea still holds dark significance for his followers.
• The Dark Sun Temple in Waterdeep: A hidden shrine where Cyric’s cultists gather in secret, plotting chaos in the heart of the city.
• The Bone Castle: A fortress in the Astral Plane, rumored to be a place where Cyric’s most devoted followers are granted visions of madness.

These locations are often shrouded in secrecy, as Cyric’s worship is outlawed in many parts of the Sword Coast.

Gameplay Mechanics

Cyric’s influence in gameplay is tied to deception, madness, and chaos, making him a popular choice for characters who embrace trickery and evil.

• Cleric Domains: Trickery, Chaos
• Favored Weapon: Longsword (often depicted as razor-sharp)
• Divine Boons: Clerics of Cyric can channel divinity to invoke Madness (causing confusion or fear in enemies) or Deceptive Strike (granting advantage on attacks through trickery). They may also gain access to spells like Confusion or Modify Memory.
• Artifacts: Legendary items such as the Cyrinishad (a cursed tome that enslaves minds) or Cyric’s Blade (a sword that whispers lies and madness).

Campaign Hooks

• Cult of Chaos: Players might be tasked with dismantling a Cyric-worshiping cult that is spreading madness in a major city like Baldur’s Gate.
• The Cyrinishad: Adventurers could seek to destroy or protect the cursed tome, navigating its dangerous influence.
• Battles Against Order: Quests to thwart Cyric’s followers as they attempt to destabilize governments or summon chaotic entities.

Summary

Cyric is the embodiment of chaos and madness in the Forgotten Realms, a god who thrives on lies, betrayal, and destruction. His presence is felt in every act of treachery and every descent into insanity, from the shadowed alleys of Waterdeep to the ruins of Zhentil Keep. For players and Dungeon Masters, Cyric offers rich opportunities to explore themes of deception, madness, and the fragility of order.