Shadowdark in the Lost City - Prep, Pt. 2

While the majority of Cynidicean society exists in a drug-induced fever dream punctuated by the horror of human sacrifice, there are small pockets of sanity – or at least something resembling it. Cults dedicated to the nearly forgotten gods of the fallen Cynidicean city-state exist in the shadows. The priesthood of Zargon holds all power unto itself through strict control of the narcotics to which Cynidicean society is addicted and frequent, public acts of brutality. Rather than ruthlessly hunting down the rival cults, the high priest of Zargon enjoys toying with them, pitting them against one another, instilling fear and suspicion. 

Into this bizarre yet rather stable state of affairs, we introduce the player characters. They represent a wild card that could turn Cynidicean society upside down depending on how that card is played - and by whom. But like an anthropologist making first contact with an isolated indigenous population (in this case one on hallucinogens and having endured generations of trauma), the potential for misunderstandings is huge.

To make matters worse, the Cynidicean language has been dead outside of this closed society for hundreds of years. Ancient Cynidicean is only found in ancient texts and scrolls and while some can read it, rarely if ever is it spoken. To manage this communication barrier, I have created a simple mechanic. Priests and wizards may have been exposed to ancient Cynidicean texts in their studies and as such have a chance to recognize it. Understanding it, let alone speaking it, will be hard. That said, with practice, basic communication will become easier but never automatic in the context of this adventure. 

Understanding Ancient Cynidicean
DC 15 INT check to recognize
DC 12 INT after 3 successes
Disadvantage if in combat or other distracting situation

Speaking Ancient Cynidicean
DC 18 INT check to recognize
DC 15 INT after 3 successes
DC 12 INT after 6 successes
Disadvantage if in combat or other distracting situation

Failing a check to understand or speak Cynidicean correctly could have dire consequences especially during tense encounters in which miscommunications could result in bloodshed.

Adding further to the otherworldliness of the Cyndiceans, I’ll be granting them at least partial darkvision. Having lived for generations without the sun, all Cynidiceans have pale, bluish tinged skin and bone-white hair. Their eyes have permanent wide dark irises allowing them to see up to 30’ in the dark. They are sensitive to bright lights and perform all actions in such conditions at disadvantage.