Several Types of Rune Systems
There are normally two main types of runes involved in Rune Magic. Inscribed Rune Items, and Spell Runes.
Spell runes are magical constructs that can be created/triggered much like a spell scroll. Runes like this are typically used to create magic items of power, from simple one use items to the legendary Runeswords*.
Rune items are items of various type that contain the essence of a particular rune, and grant abilities to anyone who possess, or attunes to it.
*Runic Weapons (a specific style) bond the life force of creatures into weapons and armor. This creates some of the most powerful weapons and items in the multiverse, but is ultimately seen as evil, destructive, and corrupting. Secretly, yugoloths retain the ability to create new rune weapons.
Inscribed Rune Items (common among dwarves and Korsic humans.)
- Known runes may are inscribed on an item or object, and normally have passive abilities that are active while wearing or carrying an object inscribed with the rune.
- They also have an additional ability that can be used a limited number of times (usually short or long rest).
- Some runes have the ability to be transferred permanently to a nonmagical item, which then gains a benefit based on the rune.
- Similar to inscribed, however individuals gain knowledge of specific runes, and do not generally need an object with the rune inscribed on it for passive abilities.
- Knowledge of runes is usually gained through feats.
- Runes that are inscribed onto objects or areas that can activate a spell or spell like power.
- Spells such as Glyph of Warding and Symbol are also included.
Inherent Rune Magic (
Spell Runes (common within ancient Wensharia.)