Runes are arcane or divine symbols that, like scrolls, create magical effects when read. Anyone who recognizes runes as a force of magic can effectively cast spells by invoking one of these symbols of power. Runes commonly appear as a single, detailed symbol carved into a fist-sized stone or inked upon a sheet of vellum, although some might take other forms. Usually the symbol is representative of the effect; a series of markings that varies from rune to rune and creator to creator it is rare that they resemble clearly what they achieve.
Any creature touching a rune gains knowledge of the kind of effect the rune holds, how it works, what the symbol holds, what the limitations are and how to activate it, conveyed as a command word and/or instinctual details spoken directly to the rune-holder's mind. Activating a rune requires a standard action as the bearer holds the rune and speaks its command word. Upon doing so, the rune's spell is cast as if by a spell caster of the rune's caster level. Once invoked, the rune disappears from whatever surface bore it and it cannot be used again.
Creating runes needs two main prerequisites, magical power and the ability to etch runes. The magical power can be taught by another rune user and as long as the pupil has some magical ability they should be able to learn the ability to cast magic using runes. The ability to etch runes is usually the skill Profession (etcher). To train in creating runes the runes must be etched into stone, wood or some other solid substance. However this does not restrict runes to just engravings and etchings, once the ability has been gained they may be painted, drawn or tattooed onto other substances and used as directed.
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Last Updated: 6th December 2004
Based on an article in Dragon Magazine #324 October 2004 by F. Wesley Schneider