Glyph

This article relates to the magical "glyph" symbols, for the ancient pictograms, see Hieroglyph.

The Glyphs are the mysterious spells and symbols that the Keepers use. The Pagans have also been known to make use of glyphs, but only remote evidence suggests any Hammerite use of the glyphs.^{[Fact Check]}

The functions of the glyphs are numerous. Their exact purpose is hard to define; their origins and ways are entirely unexplained.

Their importance to the Keepers is not fully revealed until Deadly Shadows, in which the Keeper organization seems to be almost entirely dependent on glyphs. Deadly Shadows, in fact, wholly transforms the picture of the glyphs.

Glyphs are different from magical spells in that they are, to some extent, sentient, and have unknown purposes. They can transform themselves (in warning or with harmful intent). They can be drawn on paper with a pen, or simply "drawn" into the air or onto any surface with a wave of the hand or finger. Gamall apparently did not need to draw them: her glyph-weapon simply appeared in her hand, and she caused a Door Glyph to appear on a wall without drawing it.

It is unknown how glyphs are controlled, if they are indeed controlled at all, or can be. For example, all Door Glyphs appear the same, yet they do not lead to the same place. Some similarities can be discerned between certain glyphs, such as a possible warning sign (T3b55) and the Trigger Glyph (T1x01).

The Glyphs in Dark Project[]

The trap, found in Constantine's mansion

There are numerous glyphs presented in Thief: The Dark Project, but only the "Trigger-Glyph" and The Trickster's mark have significance.

The trigger is found in Constantine's mansion. It only activates when Garrett steps into its range (a long range, but rather limited sideways), whereupon it raises from the surface of the stone, flips horizontally, and descends back, causing three magic missiles to be projected from the opposite wall.

The Trickster's mark is commonplace. It first appears in the intro, along with several other (then unexplained) glyphs, many of which obtain some function or meaning in Thief: Deadly Shadows.

The Glyphs in Metal Age[]

In Thief II: The Metal Age the only function of glyphs is prophetic usage. They are prophecies that are read by the Interpreter (at this time, Caduca). They appear to interpret themselves into a language resembling Latin, and are translated by the Translator (at this time, Gamall). For more, see: T2 CS05. The glyphs here seem to glow 'alive' under Caduca's fingers, like glyphs in Deadly Shadows, but they are written in a different "font"; while the glyphs in TDS are usually straighter 'stick-like' symbols, the glyphs in T2 have more emphasis on curves.

The Glyphs in Deadly Shadows[]

Glyphs take a central role in the plot of Thief: Deadly Shadows, and much more about them is revealed in this game. A number of the glyphs seen in The Dark Project's intro are given functions here, new glyphs are named and created, and the glyphs are revealed to be sentient.

At this point, glyphs begin to misbehave, changing shape and sometimes causing injuries to the scribes who write them.

Stationary Glyphs[]

Concealment glyphs hiding the Compound, Library and all other Keeper locations.
Garrett has several floor-glyphs keeping him in his chair during his trial.
Door Glyph, which hides secret rooms (with provisions to help the Keeper wait out a situation), gives access to the Compound and Library, and provides passage past barricades and gates.
Glyph Lock, marks mission entry points.

Gamall's glyphs sealing Lauryl's grave.

The Final Glyph, which removes all other glyphs.

Battle Glyphs[]

Gamall's "scythe" glyph seen during her attack on the Keeper Compound.
Discarta Glyph, an "H" shaped projectile. Gamall caught this glyph, changed it, and sent it back to Keeper Marcus, possibly decapitating him.
Glyph Aranides, a spell used by elders that makes an ally invisible. It cannot be cast without a Wand.

Glyph Bethisik, a spell used by elders that injures enemies. Same as above.

Glyph(s) used by Gamall to petrify Caduca.

An unnamed glyph (possibly for healing) seen in Gamall's Treachery.

Glyph of Unbinding, which gives Garrett the ability to destroy glyph statues with the Blackjack.

Utility Glyphs[]

Acolyte Ritual Glyph; enables the user to activate door glyphs.

Pagan Blessing Glyph (the Trickster's mark); lets Garrett add verdure to Pagan Cornerstones.

Hammer Blessing Glyph; enables the destruction of Rust Mites.

The glyphs bestowed to the Keeper Enforcers.

Animus Glyph; brings statues to life.

Glyph Key; used to unseal the Compendium of Reproach.

Sealing Glyph; disables use of the Door Glyph.

Other[]

Glyph of Transmutation; used by Gamall to steal bodies. The Keepers are warned not to use it, the temptation of its power was deemed too great. One of the keepers who sealed it was, of course, Gamall.
Invertamus Glyph; prolongs life. Elder Cronen is a suspected user and Keeper Bernard may be offering the Invertamus Glyph in lieu of the infirmary.

Unknown[]

Penteclees Glyph; Keeper Hortence seems to be either abusing or misinterpreting this.
Diathemes Glyph; one of the glyphs rumored to be acting strangely.
Trillogem Glyph; same as above.

It is noteworthy that the desktop icon of Deadly Shadows also depicts the Door Glyph.