Runes

Overview

Empire does not use Futhark or other traditional real-world rune systems. Rather it uses a series of twenty-six mystical runes that originated in Wintermark. While the Winterfolk discovered them, they are used by magicians and craftsmen all over the Empire.

Each rune is associated with a concept, usually a single word that sums up its magical meaning. They are each tied thematically to one of the Realms of magic. Runes also have names, which can be invoked, and are believed to physically resemble an iconic item or creature. Many magicians keep a scroll or a notebook containing information about the runes, as memorizing all twenty-six is quite a feat.

The runes are also used as a simple alphabet by several magicians; each rune stands for a single letter.

Performing Magic

Runes can be used as a method of performing magic. A magician might trace a rune in the air or while touching a target of a spell, or might use a permanent or temporary design that incorporates a rune. Runes are commonly painted or carved onto the targets of any magic that has a duration, but may also be traced or invoked while performing almost any ritual.

There are no magical functions that are unique to runes, they are an aid to roleplaying when peforming a ritual and can be replaced with other aides as appropriate to the character, but the magical associations of each rune can be used in rituals where the hearth magic properties of the runes may provide a bonus to the effect of the ritual if used correctly.

Divining with the Runes

A diviner may have a set of runestones (or occasionally runic cards) which they use for divination. The diviner selects several of the runes at random, and tries to interpret their meaning. Another method popular in Urizen and Highguard is to write a word in runic script and then interpret the resulting runes as a means to gain insight about the thing the name applies to.

Crafting the Runes

Runes are often incorporated into crafted items, especially in Wintermark. In the setting they help to enhance the properties of items made - a sword is less likely to rust or shatter, a cloak is less likely to tear - but when used in this way the runes have no rules-based game effect, they are intended purely for roleplaying purposes.

An item may be marked with one or two runes that define or support its purpose - for example, a sword may have the runes for "warfare" and "victory" engraved on either side of the blade. Alternatively, the runes are used to engrave a name onto an item, but this can often lead to strange runic combinations - because the alphabet also has a magical meaning, a name might result in the rune for peace being carved onto a sword, for example. Mystics can spend a lot of time considering the significance of the runes revealed by this approach, or pick names specifically so that the runes are auspicious.