Secret of the Runes III

Rune Lore

A rune caster invokes the formula into an object or location which holds a portion of magical energies to be released or take effect when certain conditions are met or the bearer of the rune invokes the rune to become active. Many speculate that rune magic was derived from forbidden blood magic. As a Rune caster who does not carve yet rist’s in ink, must have the ink intermingle with their own blood for it to be effective.

Blood magic is rumored to require no verbal interaction in order to invoke the weave. Most runes do not require verbal interaction, though the Rune caster (aka Vitki) often performs an Edda like ritual before taking in the runes. According to the Joten races runes are truths and the most powerful form of magic one can wield. As many a Vitki can tell you besides great wisdom, one must be clear of thought and able to accept their fate before the runes can reveal themselves to you.

It is strange that most Rune casters have experienced great loss or have been near death before they could take up the runes. Another side affect of being a rune caster, is the caster often needs to be skillful in many professional skills. Skills like Armorer, leather working, painting, calligraphy, stone masonry, wood working, and other crafting skills like risting are focused on as much as the rune lore itself.

Note: Unless otherwise noted all rune activations are a standard action.

Below is Galdur (magic) of the Rune caster.

 0 Level Runes (Stadha)

Beast

Level: 0

Components: V, S, M, F

Crafting time: 10 minutes

Range: Special

Target: Bearer and one person or creature that has drank from the risted vessel

Duration: 1 min per caster level

The g rune is risted onto a drinking horn. To activate the rune ale or water must be shared by the rune bearer with the person or creature he wishes to speak with. Both parties must drink from the horn; once this is done both understand each other as if they spoke the same language. Note one can force a person or creature to drink from the vessel; ones willingness does not affect the runes outcome. If this is done with a creature who speaks no language both parties understand each other as much as their intellect will allow them too. The horn can be risted again, provided it is still intact.  

Chance

Level: 0

Components: S, F

Crafting time: 10 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: Instantaneous

The p rune is to be risted on a charm made for one specific task any known skill gets a +5 bonus to its chance of success. Even if it fails the character gets a second role with normal chances. Note skills unknown that require training can be attempted with no bonus to the role, as the rune states it gives you a chance. The rune activates whenever a skill used by the bearer of the rune while clenching the charm in his other hand or by kissing the charm before a skill is attempted. The charm can be risted by a rune caster again allowing the charm to be used for another task.  

Drizzle

Level: 0

Components: S, F

Crafting time: 10 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of Rune or Risted vessel

Duration: 1 round per level of the caster

The rune u is risted on a wooden or metal disc adorned by affected target, or a vessel like a bowl, drinking horn, or Waterskin risted or marked by the u rune will cause a small cloud to drizzle 1 gallon of water per round either onto the rune bearer or into the vessel marked or risted to receive the water. This rune can only be activated outdoors. No saving throw is permitted. The vessel can be risted again by a rune caster.

Ice

Level: 0

Components: S, F

Crafting time: 10 minutes

Range: 0 ft

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1d4+1 rounds per level of the caster

The i rune can be risted into a gauntlet, boot, or a weapon by the Vitki. The rune can be invoked by exposing it to water, spit, or ale. The rune adds 1d4 points of cold damage to the item risted. A successful attack roll is needed to cause the cold damage to the target and the item is not consumed. The risted vessel can be risted again by the rune caster allowing for the rune to be used again.

Inspiration

Level: 0

Components: V, F

Crafting time: 10 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1 round per level of the caster

The target of this risted or marked helm bearing the a rune will be granted a + 2 bonus to any skill used for the duration of the spell. The target must first ask for inspiration from the gods while donning the helm to activate this rune.  (Note: Giants and giant-kin call upon the Aesir not the gods as other races do). The bearer of the rune must have ranks in the skill to receive the bonus. The helm can be risted again by a rune caster.

Life

Level: 0

Components: M

Crafting time: 10 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: Instantaneous

The l rune is crafted on a quartz crystal when the bearer of the rune reaches 0 to -9 hit points the crystal shatters stabilizing the character so that he may be healed further. If the character reaches -10 hit points the crystal shatters and the character is not stabilized. Unless the character has the diehard feat then he can be stabilized with a successful fortitude check with a +2 bonus. The crystal cannot be risted again one use and it is useless.

Mobile

Level: 0

Components: S, F

Crafting time: 10 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of Rune

Duration: 1 min per level of the caster

The bearer of this simple rune risted with the f rune on a wooden or metal circle adorned around the neck of a person or animal is granted the ability to move at hustle as if they were walking. If the character runs at x3 treat it as a hustle and a run at x4 is treated as a run x3. Those with the run feat may run at x5 as if it was at x4 after activating the rune. The rune is activated when the target of the rune or the rider or owner of a mount holds or touches the rune when increasing their movement rate or given their mount the order to increase their movement rate.

If placed on a bird it flies at the next available speed if it’s a fish it swims at the next available speed, if on a person it only affects land speed. No saving throw is permitted. The item can be risted again by a rune caster.

Protection

Level: 0

Components: S, F

Crafting time: 10 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1 round per level of the caster

The w rune can be risted on any piece of armor, shield or even a ring. The bearer of the rune can activate its power by slapping or pounding on the rune itself three times. The rune will grant a +1 to saves or armor class versus evil, good, arrows, slashing, bludgeoning, energy, or etc. The rune caster scribes what object, item, or source it will grant a bonus against. The items can be risted again by a rune caster. 

Torch

Level: 0

Components: S, M, (F)

Crafting time: 10 minutes

Range: 0 ft

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 10 minutes per level of the caster

The k rune can be risted on a weapon or any piece of wood that can be carried by one hand. The caster must spit ale on the tip of the risted object then a torch light flame engulfs the tip of the object. The flame will produce a light source similar to that of an actual torch. If the rune is risted on a weapon, and the wielder attacks someone with the weapon all objects it hits save as normal versus fire. The struck individual also makes a fortitude save or suffers 1d3 points of fire damage. Wooden items are consumed when the rune expires, weapons can be risted again by a rune caster.

Trust

Level: 0

Components: V, S, F

Crafting time: 10 minutes

Range: Personal   

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1d4+1 rounds per level of the caster

The e rune is to be risted on a charm made for one specific individual. Regardless of alignment race or gender anyone viewing the rune feels they can trust the one wearing it. As such parlay attempts are not refused as long as combat has not begun. If combat has begun the wearer gets a +2 bonus to his parlay attempts. The bearer of the rune is more likely to be taken prisoner instead of being killed if combat goes against them. Captured prisoners are more likely to relay information to the bearer of the rune. To activate the rune all one needs to do is whisper the words into the charm “I can be trusted”. The charm can be risted again by a rune caster. Note Blind characters are immune to the runes affects.

Way

Level: 0

Components: S, F

Crafting time: 10 minutes

Range: Special

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: Instantaneous

The r rune must be risted on an arrow head then the name of the place or location is marked on the arrow head on the un-risted side. All the rune caster needs to do is place the rune inside his open palm then spit on it to activate the rune. The arrow head will spin and point in the direction that the place or location resides. Note: however if a place or location is protected from scrying then the arrow head spins until it is thrown to the ground. The arrowhead can be risted again by a rune caster.

1^st Level Runes (Edda)

Ale

Level: 1

Components: V, S, F,(M)

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: Special

The ml runes are to be risted onto a drinking vessel any non-magical liquid poured into the vessel is transformed into ale. Up to 2 gallons of liquid per caster level can be converted this way. All natural poisons are also converted to ale if placed inside this vessel though only 1 gallon of natural poison can be converted this way. Magical poisons cause the vessel to shatter. Beneficial and non-beneficial potions keep their effects but taste like ale when consumed from this vessel. The vessel can be risted again by a rune caster as long as it remains intact. To invoke the rune one must raise the vessel high and say “let there be ale”.

Aim is True

Level: 1

Components: V, S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: Special

The ex runes are risted onto a weapon of the caster choosing. The bearer of the rune activates the rune by stating “My aim is true” his next attack receives a + 20 to the attack roll. Concealment is not considered when calculating ones chance to hit a target. The weapon can be risted again by a rune caster. Only the owner of the weapon can activate the rune. When someone other than the owner of the risted weapon tries to activate the weapons rune, the weapon must make a save DC 15 or break. If the weapon breaks it must be repaired before it can be risted again.

Berserker

Level: 1

Components: V, S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1 minute per level of the caster

The mx runes are risted on ones shield or chest piece of armor. To activate the rune one must bash on their shield or chest and scream loudly. The rune temporarily grants the character a +2 to their strength and constitution scores. The item can be risted again by a rune caster.

Cower before me

Level: 1

Components: V, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1 round per level of the caster

The tm runes are risted on ones helm, shield, or armor. The bearer of the rune recites “May my foes cower before me” to activate the rune. Any foe of 5 HD or less which tries to attack the rune bearer must make a will save or become frightened. If the will save is successful the subject is shaken for half the duration. The rune can be risted again by a rune caster.

Critical Blow

Level: 1

Components: V, S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1 round per level of the caster

The tx runes can be risted on any weapon. To activate the rune one must recite “Lay low those who oppose” me. The rune grants the bearer a critical hit if the rune bearer succeeds with his attack roll. If a 1 is rolled the weapon must make a save DC 15 or break. If a natural critical result is rolled Increase damage by one more than the weapons natural damage modifier. If a weapon damage range is X2 then increase it to X3 if the lather occurs. The rune ends after a critical blow is dealt or when the magic expires. Note Critical blow cannot be used with aim is true. As long as the weapon remains intact a rune caster can rist the rune again.

Divulge Your Aura 

Level: 1

Components: S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Line of sight

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: Concentration 10 minutes per caster level

The fa runes are risted on a helm or visor. To activate the rune one must close his visor or run his hand over his eyes. The bearers than views an individual and auras of evil, good, law, chaos, or balance are revealed. The longer one concentrates the more information is gleaned. 1st round aura alignment good, evil, law, chaos, or balance is revealed. 2^nd round intensity of aura dependent level or HD 1-3 minor, 4-6 medium, 7-9 strong, 10-12 intense, 13-15 overbearing, 16 or greater unbearable. The target is granted a will save DC to avoid revealing ones true aura. The rune can be risted again by a rune caster.

Level: 1

Components: S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: 100ft +25ft per casters level

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1 minute per caster level

The ga runes are risted on a small horn. Once it is held to the ear the rune activates, granting its bearer excellent hearing, even whispers can be heard clearly. The bearer of the rune can choose to focus on one conversation at a time. Listen attempts do not fail if within the range of the rune bearer. Note the horn can be risted again by a rune caster.   

Fire’s Scar

Level: 1

Components: S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1 round for every three caster levels

The fx runes are risted on a weapon, or gauntlet. To activate the rune one must spit ale on his weapon or gauntlet they will glow a faint red but give off no heat. When the rune bearer hits a target a bright red flame erupts dealing 1d4 points of fire damage and any additional damage the weapon or attack normally deals. While the rune is active it is considered magical for terms of overcoming damage resistance. The rune can only be risted again by a rune caster of the same or greater level to the original rune caster.

Frost’s Bite

Level: 1

Components: S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1 round for every three caster levels

The ix runes are risted on a weapon, or gauntlet. To activate the rune one must spit water on his weapon or gauntlet they will glow a faint blue but are not cold to the touch. When the rune bearer hits a target a bright blue light envelops his foe dealing 1d4 points of cold damage and any additional damage the weapon or attack normally deals. While the rune is active it is considered magical for terms of overcoming damage resistance. The rune can only be risted again by a rune caster of the same or greater level to the original rune caster.

Galdur Sight

Level: 1

Components: S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Line of Sight

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1 minute per caster level

The ps runes can be risted on to a helm, or visor. To invoke the rune bearer must rub the ashes of a yew tree into the rune. The rune grants the bearer of the rune magical sight. Magical auras are seen and the number of magical auras is gleaned. I f the bearer concentrates he can deem the power of the aura. Spell level 1-3 faint, 4-6 is moderate, 7-9 is strong, and 10 or greater overwhelming (deity level). Magical objects reflect caster level 1-5 faint, 6-11 is moderate, 12-20 is strong, 21^st or greater (artifact). Summon creatures will give off auras equal to the spell that summoned them. Spell auras linger for one day per spell level and can be traced to back to the caster as long as the aura still lingers. The item can be risted again by a rune caster.

Halt Sickness

 Level: 1

Components: V, M or F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 10 minutes per caster level

The hb runes are risted on a silver disc or a wooden one from a yew or ash tree and worn as a necklace or amulet. The rune bearer invokes the rune by saying “Halt the sickness inside me”. All natural diseases, poisons, and viruses stop affecting the individual until the rune expires or they are cured. If a silver disc is used lycanthropy is halted until the rune expires. Otherwise magical diseases, poisons and viruses are halted for half the normal duration. If a wooden disc is used it will split when the rune expires. A silver disc can be risted again by a rune caster.

Inform Me of Thee

 Level: 1

Components: V, S, M, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Touch

Target: object touched by rune

Duration: Special

The so runes are risted onto a quartz rod approximately 100 gp value. The rune bearer must cut himself with the rods tip and place the end of the rod to an object. Then the rune bearer must recite “Inform me of thee”. The object if magical will reveal its properties and how to use it though history of the object is not revealed. If touched to a regular object its reveals the components of its make and quality of said object. The rune takes about a minute or two to relay the information to the rune bearer. The rod can be risted again but it requires the rune caster to rist a mixture of ink with his blood, squid ink, and an owl’s feather.

Leash

Level: 1

Components:  S, M

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: 120 ft +60ft per caster level

Target: Tiny to Large animal or creature

Duration: Special

The en runes are risted onto a leather leash or tether. The bearer of the rune must leash or tether an animal to invoke the rune. The animal or creature leashed or tethered will not act against the one whom successfully leashed them. It also grants the rune bearer a +5 to handle animal and if applicable ride checks with said animal. The rune lasts for 1d4+1 day(s) per caster level if the animal or creature has and intelligence score below 5 they are granted a save to break the rune if unsuccessful the animal must wait another week before making another save attempt. If the intelligence is greater than 5 but less than 10 the duration is halved. Intelligence of 11 or higher grants a save at the time the creature or animal is leashed. Creatures or animals with an intelligence score of 16 or higher are immune to the effects of the rune. If threatened by a wild animal or creature the leash can be used to calm the animal or creature down and allow the rune bearer to leave unscathed. However a successful attack role that must exceed the hit chance by 5 or more is needed to calm the threatened creature. If successful the animal will simply ignore the rune bearer and his party moving along onto something or someone else far from the rune bearer’s presence. Note even an animal or creature under the influence of the rune is granted a save when treated harshly or when the animal or creature’s life is in danger. The leash or tether will break when the rune expires.

Life From the Yew

Level: 1

Components:  S, M

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Touch

Target: Creature touched

Duration: Instantaneous

The nz runes are risted on the branch of a yew tree that is not withered. The rune bearer need only touch the blood from a wound to the runes on the yew branch to invoke the rune. The rune heals 1d8 points of damage plus 1 for every three caster levels. The branch withers after being used and cannot be reshaped again.

Meld With the Shadow

Level: 1

Components:  S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1minute per caster level

The gb runes are risted onto a cloaks clasp made of metal. The rune bearer invokes the rune by rubbing some of his saliva on the risted clasp. The rune bearer then gains a +12 to his hide checks +2 per level of the rune caster with a bonus maximum of +30. The clasp opens when the rune expires and can be risted again by a rune caster.

My Stance is True 

Level: 1

Components:  S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1 minute per caster level

The xz runes are risted onto a pair of boots. To invoke the rune the rune bearer must kick the ground with the toes of his boot. The earth will cover the boots and limit the rune bearer’s movement to 5 feet for standard action and 10 feet full action. However the rune bearer cannot be trampled or knocked down by any creature smaller than him and up to one size category taller than him. If a creature exceeds the size limitations of the spell they must halve their normal bonus to trample or knock down the rune bearer. This rune prevents the rune bearer from being tripped as well and grease spells and slippery surfaces do not affect the rune bearer. The item can be risted again by a rune caster.

None Can Flank Me

Level: 1

Components:  S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 3rounds + 1 round a level

The ua runes are risted onto arm bands or gauntlets. The rune bearer invokes the rune by rubbing his weapon across his arm band or gauntlet. If anyone tries to flank the rune bearer he gains an attack of opportunity even if his dexterity normally does not allow for this. If a rune bearer has the feat combat reflexes he gains an attack of opportunity against one other engaged opponent even if he was not flanked by said individual initially. The items can be risted again by a rune caster. If a rune bearer normally gets an attack of opportunity he gets both against the same opponent in the same round.

Oerth Hounds

Level: 1

Components:  V, S, F or M

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: 400 yards plus 40 yards per level

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1 minute per caster level

The fe runes are risted onto a wooden figurine usually a wolf or dog figurine is used. The rune bearer invokes the rune by hurling the figurine into the ground and reciting the following, “Of Oerth I call for a faithful hound”. The figurine will glow red and grow to the size of a wolf and have statistics equal to a wolf with a+2 to its AC bonus, otherwise the statistics remain the same. The figurine can be risted again as long as it is not defeated in battle otherwise it must be replaced or repaired the figurine has a base cost of 25 gp value.  

Open Before Me

Level: 1

Components:  S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Touch

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: 1 minute per caster level

The cc runes are risted on a key or set of lock picks. When the key or picks are set into a lock it grants the bearer a +10 circumstance bonus to their open lock skill. Any item with a visible lock can be opened by this risted object. If a rogue possesses the risted object he may use his open lock skill to open magically barred doorways and portals as well. The base DC for magically barred doorways and portals should be 30, or more depending on the level of the magic used to bar entry. The key or picks can be risted again by a rune caster.

Rest But For a Moment

Level: 1

Components:  S, M

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Personal

Target: Bearer of the rune

Duration: Special

The dd runes are risted on a talisman made of silver. To invoke the rune the bearer need only rest his head upon the talisman. For every hour the bearer rests he receives the benefit of sleeping four hours. So if a wizard uses the talisman for two hours, he can receive the benefits of having slept for eight uninterrupted hours. The talisman is consumed after the bearer wakes from his slumber. The material component cost is equal to 100 gp.

Thirst

 Level: 1

Components:  V, S, M

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Line of sight

Target: One person chosen by the rune bearer

Duration: Special

The nl runes are risted onto a drinking horn. To invoke the rune the bearer drinks from the horn until its empty, then he mentions the target and breaks the drinking horn. The affected individual must make fortitude save or be forced to consume 8 gallons of water a day. If the target does not drink a gallon of water every three hours he suffers 1d4 points of dehydration damage. The target makes an fortitude save once a day until he dies or until he makes a successful save. This rune can be extremely deadly in places where water is scarce. The DM can rule that consumption of any liquid in that amount will suffice to quench the characters thirst. The drinking horn cannot be risted again another horn would need to be risted to invoke the rune again.

Turn Your Angst Elsewhere

Level: 1

Components:  V, S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: 100ft +10ft per level

Target: Those in range who threaten the rune bearer

Duration: 1 minute per caster level

The sv runes are risted onto a metal talisman. To invoke the rune the rune bearer must hold the talisman in plain sight and recite the following “Let those who wish me harm this day, place there angst another way”. Those affected by the rune must make a will save or fight someone other than the rune bearer. The talisman can be risted again by the rune caster.

Wealth Finds Thee

Level: 1

Components: S, F

Crafting time: 20 minutes

Range: Line of sight

Target: Anything of value

Duration: 10 minutes for every three levels of the caster

The fo runes are risted onto a helm. The rune is invoked whenever the rune bearer looks upon an item he can discern its true value within 10 percent of its actual value. A DC 5 appraisal check will grant him the exact value and if he succeeds his check by five or more may garner an extra ten percent on the items value if sold within the duration of the rune.

In Part four second and third level runes are explored. “May Dumathoin show you the truths you seek”.