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Chants of Sennaar is a language-focused puzzle game in which the player ascends a tower populated by different groups that cannot communicate with each other. The character, known as the Traveler, begins with no knowledge of the symbols used by the inhabitants. By examining texts, signs, and behavior, the player gradually builds a dictionary that allows translation of messages and instructions. The journey through the tower is structured around learning these systems and using them to unlock access to new areas.
Language Discovery
The game’s progress is tied to identifying patterns in the fictional languages encountered on each level. Every region introduces a new writing system, and glyphs appear in various contexts such as warnings, guidance markers, and dialogue. The notebook records each discovered symbol and allows the player to propose potential meanings. Over time, repeated exposure to the same glyphs in similar locations leads to accurate definitions. As the vocabulary expands, entire sentences can be interpreted, revealing tasks or routes that were previously unclear.
Core Activities
Throughout Chants of Sennaar, the player performs several recurring activities that support translation and traversal:
- Observing characters to see how gestures and symbols align
- Matching glyphs with visual clues from the environment
- Solving mechanical puzzles involving levers, corridors, or doors
- Completing short tasks for inhabitants to gain trust or passage
- Recording new symbols and testing possible definitions in the notebook
These elements work together to create a loop based on deduction and exploration.
Tower Structure
Each section of the tower has its own culture, architecture, and approach to communication. Some groups rely on direct symbols tied to objects, while others use language connected to rituals or structured roles. Understanding these differences becomes essential for solving certain puzzles, as the meaning of a symbol often reflects the worldview of the group that uses it. As the Traveler moves upward, the separation between communities becomes more noticeable, and deciphering their languages reveals the larger history behind their isolation.
Progression And Resolution
By interpreting enough symbols and solving the required tasks, the player gains access to higher floors where more complex languages and challenges await. The final sections require combining knowledge from previous levels, using insight gained from earlier translations to unify the themes across all societies. Chants of Sennaar concludes by showing how the collected understanding allows the Traveler to connect groups that had remained divided. The game emphasizes linguistic reasoning, patience, and careful observation as the foundation for progress.
