Ancient Cryptolithic

Ancient Cryptolithic is a language that has been constructed as an ideographic writing system, developed for archival purposes. It consists of several hundred "glyphs" that each represent a concept, number or mathematical modifier which can be composed together to generate new symbols that represent new concepts.   In contrast to Isturoth's dominant language, Ituur, the glyphs of Cryptolithic do not correspond at all to the sounds spoken in any other language.   Cryptolithic has been conceived as a solely written language with no phonology. It can only be learned through reading and writing. Those who become fluent practitioners in this ancient art are known as "stonescribes".  

Purpose

It is not known when the language was developed or by whom, but its purpose has remained clear. In a few cities across Isturoth exist vast archives and libraries full of records that have been selected for permanent or long-term preservation on the grounds of their enduring cultural, historical, or evidentiary value. As such, Cryptolithic has needed to be adaptive and reflective, for the sake of posterity.   Ancient Cryptolithic has been designed with a number of guidelines that must be followed when learning and using the archival glyphs:

• Using clear, plain language
• Regularly update the glyphs as language changes
• Avoiding jargon
• Using active and never passive speech
• Avoiding aggrandizing language
• Including citations to sources used
• Avoiding terms that put forward insular or crude worldviews
• Considering power dynamics present within the records
• Asking the preferences of living record creators or individuals and communities represented in the records
• Always transcribing material in their original language into Cryptolithic