Lann
The Hound, Rune of Bargains
Affiliated with the Realm of Autumn
Lann is the exchange that enriches both parties, the whetstone which sharpens the wits and the weight that restores balance to the soul of the world. Lann is named the Hound, characterising the relationship between humans and domestic dogs as a bargain that benefits both parties. Whenever bargains are made and oaths of exchange made, Lann is the rune called upon. It has a decidedly non-violent aspect, and doesn’t tend to mix well with runes that imply duress or force; it is most powerful when entering into bargains of free will for mutual profit. Lann is also used when making promises, and it is also a rune that implies a degree of balance. When a dangerous imbalance exists, Lann may be evoked to help bring opposing forces into rough agreement. In this role it is called the Balancing Scales – but it does not represent absolute equality, or perfect balance. It instead represents the idea of bringing two things into rough harmony, so that neither side is angry or unhappy, but it absolutely contains the idea that one side may benefit from a bargain more than the other.
It is also called the Talon, or the Rune of Debts, representing favours as well as things that are owed.
Some Freeborn Scriviners suggest using the rune as a seal when helping to draw up a contract, but it is also the rune most closely associated with interactions with Eternals, especially those of Autumn. Dawnish Enchanters often wear it as an amulet, as do Navarr brokers. Lann is also a rune closely associated with the Cambion lineage – but then so is Queros, the Rune of Plots.
Using Lann in magic
Lann is evoked when working magic that encourages or enforces promises or agreements, and in any ritual that transfers power from one person or thing to another. Some healing magic is enhanced with Lann, representing an agreement by the healed individual to repay the healer in some manner.
Crafting with Lann
Unsurprisingly, this is a rune associated with merchants and traders, and often inscribed on weighing scales or other tools used to apportion merchandise.