Rune Stones, Rune Temples, & Rune Magic

Once the lords of the runes and other Lamargians had discovered the secretly erected rune temples, they set out to scrutinize them. It soon became known that each rune temple is provided with an altar. The altars bear characteristic engravings of triangular formations. The corners of each triangle are hollowed to recesses. Rune stones fit into these recesses.

Experience rune lords report that magical spells can be created by joining the power of three rune stones in a temple. Once created, these spells could be cast henceforth, as long as the caster has them memorized. Each spell expends magical energy.

The power of the rune stones

With 18 kinds of rune stones known on Lamarge, a vast number of rune stone combinations can be used to create spells at an altar. However, just a few combinations actually generate a spell. Also the order of the stones is vital to spell creation. The same stones laid into different corners of the triangle will create different spells. Indications of successful combinations very rarely reach the public. Most parties of adventures choose to roam Lamarge in seclusion, hoping to become heroes of renown. After all, their rune combinations might enter history. Needless to say, they are jealously guarded.

The runes and their properties

The chronicles of famous adventurer Bernie Bericle reveal the appearance, name and properties of the 18 known rune stones. Here is an excerpt for your better understanding:

Rune of Peace

Properties: The owner's actions will always have a peaceful, good bent.

Rune of Light

Basic brightness.

Rune of Hardness

Strengthens or increases e.g. armor or damage points.

Rune of the Mind

Symbol of intelligence and mental power.

Rune of Life

One of the two most powerful runes required for healing.

Rune of Fire

Represents the element of fire.

Rune of Air

Everything invisible

Rune of Seeing

Usually stands for direct perception of exterior things.

Rune of Speaking

Influences all utterances of the speaker as well as his or her Charisma.

Rune of Combat

All aggressive actions of a creature.

Rune of Darkness

Properties: Basic darkness, counterpart to rune of Light.

Rune of Softness

Neutralizes and diminishes.

Rune of the Body

Concerns physical properties, such as Strength, hitpoints, etc.

Rune of Death

One of the two most powerful runes.

Rune of Water

Includes water as well as ice and cold, symbolizes the mysterious.

Rune of the Earth

Everything tangible and the element of earth.

Rune of Knowledge

Understanding of inner and exterior things, especially Dexterity.

Rune of Magic

Incarnation of magical energy.

Creating and casting rune spells

Since the rune stones emanate magical energy, each character may only carry four rune stones. Carrying any more would result in mental confusion with the person carrying them.

Thus, a full party of 6 can carry 24 rune stones. Each type of rune owned is displayed in a special rune window on the screen. The runes enable the party to create and cast a wide array of spells.

a) The significance of the triangular formations on the altars

The ceremony of rune spell creation focusses on the triangular formations engraved in the altars. The triangles symbolize the unified workings of the runes. Their hollowed corners were named Source, Path, and Goal by experience rune lords. The names persist.

SOURCE

The left hand cavity is meant for the rune from which the power of the spell shall originate.

PATH

The right hand cavity represents the mediumk, method, or path followed in order to reach its destination.

GOAL

The hollow at top of the triangle symbolizes the place or area the spell shall unfold its effects.

Thus, a simple rune spell can be created by putting three runes: Death (Source), Fire (Path), Body (Goal).

The spell draws it power from the Rune of Death. Its power is transferred by fire. A body is the destination for the magic woven. The result is a fire bolt, inflicting severe damage on an enemy, or even killing him.

b) Creating rune spells

A rune spell needs to be created in a temple before you can cast it. When you you enter a temple an image of the altar and triangular formation becomes visible. You can now choose between 'Magic' or 'Leaving' from the temple option menu.

If you want to use magic, choose a character from your party list to create a spell.

The character now has use of all the runes of the party at his or her disposal. You will be asked to mark the source rune. choose it by clicking on the rune or highlighting it with the arrow keys and pressing Enter. Determine the Path and Goal runes in the same manner.

After the chosen stones have been laid into the recesses your combination will be evaluated, whether or not a spell is created depends on the combination of runes and the character's class, experience, and magical energy.

Should the chosen character have no more room for a spell you will be alerted by a message.

c) Casting a rune spell during the game

All rune spells marked as active in a character's status screen can be cast during the game. Press Ctrl+C to 'Cast Spell'. A list of characters will be displayed. choose a person to cast a spell. This will bring up a list of spells this person may cast. Select a spell with either a mouse click or with the arrow keys and Enter. The rune spell will then be cast. If the person has no rune spells memorized, type B or click on 'End' to return to the list of characters.