Runes & Symbols

Runes & Symbols are the modern development of the Arcane Magic spell Symbol.

The following rules present a complete system for creating and manipulating Runes. Runes are a method of channelling and shaping magical power into a symbolic form, linked to the very beginnings of the world. Nearly all cultures have runes in some form or another, some using it as a crude form of written language, others using it merely as symbols for natures mysteries.

Runes are symbolic representations of magic, on a cultural/racial level. Thus a runes form dictates the magic that is within. A rune of Lightning Bolts cannot contain a Fireball spell. Thus a skilled mage may be able to decipher a rune they can see by the contents of the runes. A rune written with runes the viewer uses would be relatively easy to understand (Mage with base 10). A rune cast by another culture would be harder. Various spells exist to protect the rune as well.

Runes come in several forms based around their permanence. They can be Weaved, Drawn, Engraved or Embedded.

WEAVED runes are draw with the fingers of the caster and require the greatest degree of skill. They have no normal visible form (invisible) but due to their nature have a relatively short lifespan. The caster can optionally have the rune glow. Weaved runes are harder to cast, an extra -1 is applied to the casting target number. A level one rune would have a -2 modifier to casting. The casting is lost once their power is released. Weaved runes can be cast into the air but these are 2 harder to cast, meaning a level one rune would be at -3 harder in total. It does not require Preparation; it uses the Fixing spell to begin. This means you have the event to cast any spells that are to be stored into it.

A runes form dictates the spells that will be allowed within. Once a rune is completed it cannot be altered, and thus the spells within or to be cast within, cannot change. If you wish to cast different spells you will need to start again and drawn a new rune for the appropriate spells. Runes MUST be drawn on unpolluted ground, any existing previous rune will interfere with a new rune. All traces of previous runes must be removed. A weaved rune has no lasting presence once used.

DRAWN or painted runes are created using a drawing material that creates a visible semi permanent symbol. Drawn runes require a Craft skill roll (base 7) to create the drawn rune initially. Drawn runes will last as long as the symbol remains 90% intact, as soon as a small part of the symbol is damaged the power is released.

ENGRAVED runes are etched or scratched into various materials and have a reasonable life span. As with drawn runes these require a craft skill roll(8) to create. Engraved runes require deliberate effort to destroy, or considerable time.

EMBEDDED runes are deeply engraved and/or embedded into their base material so that they remain in existence as long as the material remains intact. A craft roll(8) is required to create the rune successfully. Embedded runes are difficult to destroy and require considerable effort.

Creating a Rune is done in the following order:

I. Craft roll if required II. Preparation of material (except Weaved runes) III. Fixing and casting of spell to be stored. IV. Apply any protections. V. Activate the rune.

Once a rune is activated it can only be Manipulated or triggered. All the casting rolls made during the above process must be successful or the rune fails. If the rune fails then it is destroyed if Weaved or Drawn. Engraved or Embedded runes remain to be used again. All spells must be cast by the one Mage.

Runes come in various sizes, mainly at the whim of the creator. Small runes can be harder to see, whilst larger runes may cover a larger area. No rune may ever be smaller than the casters hand. Large runes are limited only in that all parts of the rune must be in contact with each other, a crack would cause the rune to fail. Given time larger runes may be destroyed by cracking or other natural forces.

Runes do not replace enchanting, they are generally one shot wonders.