Homebrew DesignRoll up your sleeves and get working: there's lots of homebrewin' to be done! Post your custom creation for critiques or review those of your peers.
I want to caveat this class with the fact that it is in no way my own creation. It was made by the fellows that run the ELINDRA world and website.
I am modifying it for Pathfinder, and that's what I would like people to PEACH it as.
The Runemage
"As you sing and dance, I've already incinerated your entire village with not even a word spoken. The incarcerated have become the jailers filthy Sartan! FEEL THE WRATH OF MY PEOPLES! FEL'NAH'KRAIN!"
-Fred, a runemage of little import
Spoiler
Absolute control over living things is within the hands of the runemage. With inks enhanced with powdered magical energies, runemages etch complicated sigils upon themselves or others and produce magnificent effects. Using these runes a man can be given the strength of a giant, rendered immune to the blow of a sword or become empowered to unleash a scream of such force that it will shatter glass and stone alike.
The flashy and destructive might of the magic wielded by wizards and sorcerers often overshadows the subtle, yet powerful, might of the runemage. Students of arcane studies that focus exclusively on the power of runes and sigils, runemages have learned to unlock a unique type of magic. Runemagic requires foresight and preparation, very little of their craft can be performed "on the fly," but this preparation comes with advantages of its own, for their magic holds its power for days or months, not seconds or minutes.
Free spirited in nature a runemage rarely is bound to a single area, quest or purpose. Choosing instead to scour the face of Elindra striving to find others worthy of their craft and seeking lost information and new runes. Hit Die: d8
Requirements
To qualify to become a runemage a character must fulfill the following criteria: Skills: Knowledge (Arcana) 5 ranks, Profession (Artist) 5 ranks Special: The character must etch a preservation rune over his heart, this rune serves as the focus for all his runemagic.
A character must receive special training before selecting a level in this class. This training can only be provided by another runemage. There are rumors however of scrolls of instruction that are left to the children of runemages when the parent knows they are travelling to their demise.
Class Skills
The runemage's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are: Bluff (Cha), Craft (Int), Disguise (Cha), Heal (Wis), Knowledge (Arcana) (Int), Linguistics (Int), Listen (Wis), Perception (Wis), Profession (Wis), Rune Etching (Int), and Survival (Wis). Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier
Class Features
All of the following are class features of the runemage prestige class. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Runemages gain no proficiency with any weapon or armor. Rune Etching: A runemage etches arcane runes. A runemage may never know more than his Intelligence modifier * 5 in actual runes. A runemage is limited in the number of runes he may have active at any given time. Each active rune consumes "rune energy" and a runemage may never have more runes active than he has rune energy. Each rune has a rune energy cost. The runemage begins play with 5 points of rune energy plus 1 additional point for each point of his Charisma or Intelligence modifier (whichever is higher). Each time he gains a level he increases his rune energy pool by 3.
Each rune mage begins play with 2 runes + 1 for each point of his Intelligence modifier + the preservation rune. He learns a new rune every level or from instruction by another runemage as a wizard learns new spells from a spellbook. Runes: At level 1 a runemage is able to etch arcane runes. When he reaches level 3 he can etch augmented runes and when he reaches level 5 he can etch enhanced runes. Decipher Script: A runemage is very good at understanding runes. When using the Linguistics skill to determine the meaning of any runes he may add his class level to the check. Note that he may not add his class level to the check if he is trying to determine the meaning of anything other than a rune-based message. Preservation Rune: The first rune a runemage learns is the preservation rune and before he can begin unlocking the magic of runes he must first successfully etch upon himself a permanent preservation rune. This process is tiring and exacting work. However, when completed he gains the effects of a core preservation rune permanently. This allows the runemage to remain alive up to Con score +5 hit points. A runemage may not opt to forgo this process as he must have his preservation rune etched upon his heart before he can unlock the power of rune magic. Upon reaching level 3 he is able to upgrade this rune to a permanent augmented preservation rune allowing him to live to Con score +10 hit points and when he reaches level 5 he upgrades the rune to a permanent enhanced preservation rune allowing him to live to Con score +15 hit points. Slow Aging: The constant work with arcane magic causes the ageing process to slow. When a runemage reaches 5th level 2 years must pass before he ages 1 year physically. He still gains mental stat benefits of reaching old age and beyond at the normal rate.
Runemagic
Runemagic is an ancient, and sometimes thought primitive, form of magic. Runemagic is generally considered subtle and lacks much of the flare of other magical types. Runemages long ago discovered that by etching magical writing upon the body, or objects, supernatural effects could be generated. The most basic of these effects can be seen in simple things such as strengthening the arms of a man or reinforcing a door, making it much more difficult to open. More complex runemagic can cause a man to live long past the time when his body should have died or lay an explosive trap upon a box so that when it is opened by anyone other than the runemage it erupts, consuming it’s contents and very often anyone unfortunate enough to be nearby.
Runemagic is not “cast” in the sense that the runemage must speak a certain phrase of words, paying close attention to the intonation of his voice, or making specific gestures with his hands; rather runes are etched upon the surface to be “runed.” Although runes can be etched on any surface by far the most common is the body of the runemage himself. Etching a rune is most commonly done through the use of paintbrushes and using paints enriched with alchemical substances.
A runemage at his work will often be surrounded by scores of different paints and paintbrushes, deep in concentration as he carefully paints (etches) each line of the rune. Even a single mistake will spoil the rune, forcing him to start the long process anew. The process is not only time consuming it is tiring for the runemage, who often toils for hours etching even the simplest of runes. Once complete however, if done perfectly, the magic of the rune will hold for days and even weeks before finally fading away and forcing the runemage to etch the rune anew.
Rune Energy
Etching a rune is draining upon the runemage in more ways than simply the physical exertion required to etch the rune. Every rune etched by a runemage is empowered through the energy of the magic and the energy of the etching runemage. While the rune slowly consumes the arcane energy the energy of the runemage is locked in the rune until the rune expires. The time it takes for the rune to expire depends on the etching runemage (see below for additional details on rune durations).
Each runemage has a pool of “rune energy” that represents how many different runes he can have etched at any given time. A runemage who has etched so many runes that he has no rune energy left cannot etch additional runes until such time as he has regained some of his power.
In the description of each rune a rune energy cost is listed. This cost varies from rune-to-rune and based on the rune effect (see Rune Effects below). More powerful effects drain more rune energy and less powerful effects require less rune energy.
Available rune energy is based on the Charisma or Intelligence of the runemage (whichever provides the greater bonus). The higher his ability score the more rune energy he will have available to him. As he practices his art he gains additional rune energy as well. If the runemages ability score should be raised (or lowered) his rune energy pool is adjusted as appropriate. Additionally the feat “Increase Energy” increases a runemage’s available rune energy.
Most runes are given a cost in rune energy of at least “1” though some are listed with a cost of “Negligible.” Such runes do not typically count against the rune energy available to a runemage. At any given time a runemage may have a number of runes equal to his total rune energy pool active with a cost of Negligible. Should he decide to etch such a rune after he has reached his limit the rune energy cost raises to 1. The runemage may a number of runes now equal to two times his energy pool with a cost of Negligible. If he goes above his rune energy pool again the cost raises to 2. That pattern continues.
For example, Wrellin is a runemage with a rune energy pool of 5. At any given time he can, for no rune energy cost, have 5 runes active with a negligible cost. These 5 runes do not in any way affect his rune energy pool. Should he wish to etch a 6th rune with a cost of negligible the cost for that rune to his rune energy pool becomes 1.
Finally some runes are listed as having a rune energy cost of “None.” Most often these are runes with an instantaneous effect such as the erase rune that causes all text on a page to simply vanish. Other runes of this type are runes used to protect objects, such as explosive runes. These runes fall under the same rules as "Negligible".
The runemage may never have more rune energy invested into a rune than his runemage level times 3 and adds his class level -1 to this cap.
Rune Effects
Runes can be etched in three different manners depending on the desired effect and the power of the runemage etching the rune. The different rune effects are: core, augmented and enhanced. Core runes are the most basic runes and can be etched by any runemage. Core runes consume less rune energy than more advanced forms of runes. Augmented runes are more complicated and require more advanced runemages to etch. They are also more potent in their magical powers. Enhanced runes are the most potent of runes and only the most experienced runemages are able to etch such runes.
Most runes can be etched in any of the three fashions, though some runes have no augmented or enhanced effect.
When the runemage selects a rune to etch he must also determine whether he will etch the rune in its core, augmented or enhanced fashion. This will determine the difficulty of etching the rune and the amount of rune energy that must be spent to etch the rune.
Most runes have a rune energy cost similar to the following: 1 point, 3 points, 5 points or 1 point, 2 points, 3 points. This shows the cost of the rune at each level. The first number is the cost of the core rune effect, the second the cost of the augmented rune effect and the third the cost of the enhanced rune effect.
Etching a Rune
To etch a rune the runemage must have access to the object or being upon which he will do his work. The surface to be runed can often affect the difficulty of the task (it is much more difficult for example to etch a rune onto a furry surface rather than clear skin). If the object to be runed is mobile it must be still during the etching process, etching a rune on an unwilling recipient is nearly impossible.
Once the surface is readied the runemage must gather his materials and select the rune he wishes to etch. The time spent etching the rune will directly affect the duration (see Rune Duration below for additional details) as well as the difficulty of the etching the rune. With painful precision the runemage then begins to paint the rune on the surface using paints that he has enriched with alchemical substances. This process is long and tiring, often leaving the runemage drained of energy and in need of rest.
When he has completed the rune he must succeed at a Rune Etching skill check (see the skill Rune Etching for details) to determine if the etching was successful. Assuming the process was successful the magic of the rune instantly becomes active and the runemage deducts the appropriate amount of rune energy from his pool of available energy. If a runemage attempts to etch a rune requiring more rune energy than he has available, or that would put him over the limit of his available energy, the etching automatically fails.
Rune Duration
Each rune is listed with a duration that varies, often from 1 day to 30 days. When a runemage sets out to etch a rune he must determine the length of time he wishes the rune to remain active. This will determine how long it takes to etch the rune. The “Etching Time” is always listed with exactly the same number of entries as the “Duration” and the position of each are related.
A runes etching time is typically listed as follows: Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.). The number preceding the parenthesis "( )" is the duration of the rune when the time spent etching it is equal to the number within the parenthesis. These values are irrespective of the rune level (core, augmented, enhanced). In the above example if the runemage spent 8 hours etching the rune it would last for 30 days. If he spent only 1 hour etching the rune it would last only 1 day.
For example, Wrellin wishes to etch an Augment Ability (Strength) rune that will last for 10 days. The Augment Ability rune is listed with an etching time of: 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.). He would need to spend 4 hours etching the rune for it to last 10 days.
Once a rune has been etched it must be allowed to run its course before it expires. A runemage cannot decide to “un-etch” the rune in an attempt to regain the rune energy (but see the erase rune). It cannot be dispelled in any fashion though its effects can be suppressed (see Countering Runes below).
Active & Passive Runes
Most runemagic is passive rather than active, which is to say it activates itself when needed and requires no outside force activating it. A small minority of runes are not passive but must be activated before functioning. Runes granting strength, fortifying a doorway, enhancing natural senses are all examples of passive runes. Active runes, though few, are often those meant to cause some type of harmful effect, such as the rune piercing cry that, when activated, generates a sonic eruption intense enough to shatter wood and stone.
Activating a non-passive rune takes concentration and is a standard action that provokes an attack of opportunity. A concentration check can be used to avoid the attack of opportunity as if the rune were a spell (treat core runes as 2nd level spells for this purpose, augmented runes as 4th level spells and enhanced runes as 6th level spells).
Passive runes activate themselves when necessary. A rune that enhances the hearing of a man will lie dormant until something occurs outside the natural hearing of the runed being and then the runes instantly activate themselves and bring the sound to the runed creature. Likewise with the rune of feather fall, it lies dormant on the runed being until he finds himself free-falling when the rune activates and slows his descent.
Runes, while dormant, appear to be nothing more than tattoos or paintings on a body or object. When the magic is activated however the runes will take on a light glow, often blue though this depends on the runemage. The runes will shine more brightly as more magic is drawn from them and then, when not active, slowly return to their dormant state. On a human for instance a runemage might etch runes of strength. While not exerting himself in any manner the runes simply look like incredibly intricate tattoos. When the man begins to exert himself beyond the realm of his own physical power the runes begin to glow softly. The more he exerts himself beyond his ability the more they glow until, if he stretches the power to its maximum they shed enough light to see by in a dark chamber. When he stops exerting himself the light of the runes slowly fades away until, over the course of several minutes, they return to their original appearance, that of intricate tattoos.
Rune Location & Stacking
Runes only function when etched on the appropriate surface or location. Runes that affect a living, animated or undead creature must be etched upon specific areas of their body. Other runes can be etched on objects, sometimes on specific areas of the object and other times anywhere upon the object. Each rune has a listing for location that specifies where the rune must be etched.
Runes placed on bodies usually specify a body part, such as an arm, leg or torso. Runes placed on a person’s head will often be localized to the area around the eyes, ears or mouth for example. In order for the rune to function it must be etched in the appropriate location. Failure to do so will cause the automatic failure in the etching of the rune.
Furthermore runes are listed as being either stackable or not stackable. This becomes important when the runemage wants to etch more than one rune on a being or object that already has a rune in the required location. A rune that is not stackable cannot have another non-stackable rune etched in there location. At any given time an area may have up to two stackable and one non-stackable rune upon it or 3 stackable runes. Regardless of whether a rune is stackable or not only 3 runes may be etched on any given location at one time. The rune effect (core, augmented, enhanced) has no affect on the number of runes in a given location.
For example, Wrellin wishes to etch an augment ability (constitution) rune. This non-stackable rune must be etched on the torso. After placing the rune he later decides he also wants to add a Resist Magic rune. This stackable rune must cover the entire body; he is able to etch this rune as currently he has only 1 non-stackable rune on his torso. Later still he chooses to add a Regeneration rune. This also is a stackable rune that covers the torso. He is able to add this rune as well, bringing his torso to its maximum rune coverage (2 stackable and 1 non-stackable runes). Should he later yet decide he wants to add a Protection from Weapons rune he will not be able to do so even though the rune is a stackable rune. It covers the entire body and his torso is already runed at its maximum capacity.
Countering Runes
Once etched a rune cannot be dispelled through any magical means (the erase rune is an exception to this rule but only for the runemage that etched the rune initially). The rune will persist until such time as its duration expires. Although the rune itself cannot be dispelled the effects of the rune can be suppressed.
The counter rune is a special rune unlike other runes. Alone the rune does nothing, however it can be etched overtop of an existing rune and suppress the magic of the original rune. Counter rune is one of the most difficult of all runes for a runemage to learn and use regularly as each rune he wishes to counter requires that the counter rune be etched in a different manner. For this reason the runemage must either know the rune he is countering or succeed at a Knowledge (Arcana) check DC 25.
Once a counter rune has been successfully etched the magic of the original rune becomes dormant for as long as the counter rune remains in effect. If the counter rune was etched with a duration longer than the original rune both expire when the original rune expires. If the counter rune was etched with a shorter duration then the original rune resumes its normal effect after the Counter Rune expires.
Other means to temporarily dampen the effects of runemagic also exist. Any runes taken inside the effects of an antimagic zone or similar magic ceases to function for as long as it is within the area, though it resumes normal functioning again once it leaves the area. Likewise a dispel magic spell can temporarily cause a rune to become dormant. When cast the DC opposing the caster is equal to 11 + the total hit dice of the runemage that etched the rune. If successful the rune becomes dormant for 1d4 rounds.
Spell Resistance
Creatures with spell resistance have a natural resistance to some rune effects as well. Runes such as piercing cry that create a harmful magical effect can be resisted with spell resistance. To overcome spell resistance the runemage must make a caster level check (1d20 + rune caster level) at least equal to the creature’s spell resistance rating for the rune to affect that creature.
All runes are subject to spell resistance though creatures that do not wish to resist the effects of a rune are not obligated to do so. If a runemage were to attempt to etch a rune on an unwilling subject with spell resistance he would need to succeed at a spell resistance check to be successful in affecting the target. Once successfully etched, the rune remains in place (and affects the subject) until it expires.
Learning Runes
A runemage is limited to etching runes that he knows. He may know a maximum number of runes equal to 5 * Int modifier. Once he learns a rune he cannot later choose to forget the rune and learn a new one through any means other than magical forces that cause a creature to lose their memory.
Each rune is listed with an availability. Most runes are common, and can be learned in any of the means noted below. Any rune listed as rare however can only be learned through instruction, observation or study.
A runemage learns a number of new runes as he progresses in levels. He also can learn new runes through instruction, observation, study or development. Level-based: Each time a runemage achieves a new level in his class he gains a new rune. It is assumed that as he gained experience he studied and practiced his art and when he gains a new level he may select a single rune from the available runes. A runemage who learns runes only in this fashion will know a maximum of 6 runes plus 1 rune for each point of his Intelligence modifier. Instruction: The easiest way to learn a new rune is with the assistance of an instructor. The instructor must etch the rune, while the runemage watches and following the process he must succeed at a Rune Etching check (DC 20). A runemage may make 1 attempt each day to learn a rune in this manner. A runemage may opt to study with his instructor beyond the time required to etch the rune, for each additional day of study the DC on the check is reduced by 2. Observation: A runemage may attempt to learn a rune by looking at a rune currently in existence (on a person or object). To learn a rune in this manner he must study the rune for 5 hours minus 1 hour for each point of his Intelligence modifier (minimum 1 hour) and then succeed at a Rune Etching check (DC 25). He may make such a check only 1 time per observed rune. If he fails, he may retry the check again once he gains an additional rank in Rune Etching. Study: A runemage may also attempt to learn a new rune by studying material written out by another runemage. The runemage must spend 40 hours studying the written documentation and then make a Rune Etching check (DC 20). A runemage may make 1 attempt for each period of study to learn a rune in this manner. A runemage may opt to study the work for an additional 8 hours to reduce the DC on the check to 18, for each additional 8 hours spend in study the DC is reduced by 2 to a minimum of 10 (after an additional 40 hours of study). Development: A runemage may also attempt to learn a new rune by developing it through trial and error. When learning a rune in this manner he must spend a minimum of 3 months in study and practice. At the end of that time the runemage must make a Rune Etching check (DC 40). For each additional month spent in development the DC is reduced by 4 (with a minimum DC of 24). Runes created in this fashion always have an availability of rare until (and unless) the runemage shares his newly created rune widely with others.
EDIT: Added a cap to how much rune energy can be invested into any rune based on class level. Also added additional rules for negligible cost runes.
Absorb Elements Abjuration Duration (etching time): Special (8 hrs.) Location: Body Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 2 points (augmented), 3 points (enhanced) Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
The subject becomes invulnerable to damage from a specific element type. When the rune absorbs 50 points of elemental damage per rune level it is discharged. The runemage must select, at the time of etching, what element the rune will absorb (acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic). The rune persists until such time as the runemage chooses to release the magic (at which time it fades out over the course of 1 day) or the rune absorbs the given amount of energy and discharges on its own.
Note: Absorb elements overlaps (and does not stack with) protection from elements. If a subject is warded by absorb elements and protection from elements the absorption spell absorbs damage until it is exhausted. Core Effect: Absorb up to 50 points of damage from a particular element. Augmented Effect: Absorb up to 100 points of damage from a particular element. Enhanced Effect: Absorb up to 150 points of damage from a particular element.
Fortify Armor Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Object Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The runed object (which must be armor) gains a bonus as detailed below. The runed armor is not considered magical and does not need to be a masterwork item. Core Effect: Armor gains a +1 enhancement bonus. Augmented Effect: Armor gains a +2 enhancement bonus. Enhanced Effect: Armor gains a +3 enhancement bonus.
Fortify Shield Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Object Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The runed object (which must be a shield of some kind) gains a bonus as detailed below. The runed shield is not considered magical and does not need to be a masterwork item. Core Effect: Shield gains a +1 enhancement bonus. Augmented Effect: Shield gains a +2 enhancement bonus. Enhanced Effect: Shield gains a +3 enhancement bonus.
Greater Fortify Armor Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Object Prerequisites: Fortify Armor Rune Energy: 7 points (core), 9 points (augmented), 11 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The runed object (which must be armor) gains a bonus as detailed below. The runed armor is not considered magical and does not need to be a masterwork item. Core Effect: Armor gains a +4 enhancement bonus. Augmented Effect: Armor gains a +5 enhancement bonus. Enhanced Effect: Armor gains a +6 enhancement bonus.
Greater Fortify Shield Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Object Prerequisites: Fortify Shield Rune Energy: 7 points (core), 9 points (augmented), 11 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The runed object (which must be a shield) gains a bonus as detailed below. The runed shield is not considered magical and does not need to be a masterwork item. Core Effect: Shield gains a +4 enhancement bonus. Augmented Effect: Shield gains a +5 enhancement bonus. Enhanced Effect: Shield gains a +6 enhancement bonus.
Invulnerability Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Body Prerequisites: Resist Blunt, Resist Piercing, Resist Slashing Rune Energy: 7 points (core), 9 points (augmented), 11 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The runed subject becomes incredibly difficult to harm physically. When a blow strikes the runed area the runes flare to life, shedding a soft glow and turning aside the attack. The runemage may choose to etch this rune in such a fashion to make it grant damage reduction pierced by magic or damage reduction that cannot be pierced by any means. This decision is made at the time the rune is etched. In either case, the rune overlaps, and does not stack, with existing damage reduction. Core Effect: Damage reduction 5/magic or 3/-- Augmented Effect: Damage reduction 10/magic or 4/-- Enhanced Effect: Damage reduction 15/magic or 5/--
Iron Scales Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Body Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: Yes Availability: Rare
These runes, etched across the body of a subject with existing natural armor, enhance that armor and make it more resilient and resistant to attacks. The rune can only be etched successfully upon creatures with existing natural armor that is not granted from a magical source (such as spells or runes that give natural armor). The effects of the rune stack with the creatures existing natural armor. Core Effect: Natural armor +1 Augmented Effect: Natural armor +2 Enhanced Effect: Natural armor +3
Preservation Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Torso (heart) Prerequisites: Healing (special) Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
The subject gains a supernatural healing ability. When the subject is dealt a blow that would normally kill a man he instead slips into a deep, healing slumber. His heart rate and all bodily functions slow down drastically and he begins to heal. He will not awaken again until he has recovered from his deadly wounds (he awakens when he reaches 1 hit point). When the subject falls unconscious he immediately stops bleeding and begins healing.
Most runemages receive the preservation rune as part of their class. When the rune is gained in this fashion they do not need to have the prerequisite healing rune.
A character with the Diehard feat still falls unconscious after reaching -10 hit points. Core Effect: Subject must reach Con score +5 hit points before dying. Augmented Effect: Subject must reach Con score +10 hit points before dying. Enhanced Effect: Subject must reach Con score +15 hit points before dying.
Protection from Energy Abjuration Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Body Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
The subject gains a supernatural resistance to a particular energy type (acid, cold, electricity, fire or sonic). The rune provides protection only from a single energy type for each etching and that type must be specified when the rune is etched on an individual. Core Effect: Energy resistance 10 Augmented Effect: Energy resistance 20 Enhanced Effect: Energy resistance 30
Protection from Weapons Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Body Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
The runes placed across a subject’s body form a type of natural armor difficult to penetrate with physical attacks. The subject gains a natural armor rating. This rune overlaps and does not stack with existing natural armor. Core Effect: Natural armor +2 Augmented Effect: Natural armor +3 Enhanced Effect: Natural armor +4
Resist Blunt Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Body Prerequisites: Protection from Weapons Rune Energy: 1 points (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The runed creature becomes incredibly difficult to harm with blunt attacks. When a blow strikes the subject the runes flare to life, shedding a soft glow and turning aside the attack. Core Effect: Damage reduction 5/slashing or piercing Augmented Effect: Damage reduction 10/slashing or piercing Enhanced Effect: Damage reduction 15/slashing or piercing
Resist Magic Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Body Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
The subject gains a resistance to magical effects. Core Effect: Spell Resistance 5 + runemage's character level Augmented Effect: Spell Resistance 10 + runemage's character level Enhanced Effect: Spell Resistance 15 + runemage's character level
Resist Piercing Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Body Prerequisites: Protection from Weapons Rune Energy: 1 points (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The runed area becomes incredibly difficult to harm with piercing attacks. When a blow strikes the subject the runes flare to life, shedding a soft glow and turning aside the attack. Core Effect: Damage reduction 5/blunt or slashing Augmented Effect: Damage reduction 10/blunt or slashing Enhanced Effect: Damage reduction 15/blunt or slashing
Resist Slashing Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Body Prerequisites: Protection from Weapons Rune Energy: 1 points (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The runed area becomes incredibly difficult to harm with slashing attacks. When a blow strikes the subject the runes flare to life, shedding a soft glow and turning aside the attack. Core Effect: Damage reduction 5/piercing or slashing Augmented Effect: Damage reduction 10/piercing or slashing Enhanced Effect: Damage reduction 15/piercing or slashing
Offensive Runes
Spoiler
Envenom Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Special Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Rare
The runed subject gains the ability to deliver poison through natural attacks. Activating an envenom rune is a free action and once activated the rune remains in effect from the very beginning of the characters turn to the very beginning of his turn on the following round. During that time any attacks he makes with the runed area deliver a poison (effects vary by rune level). This applies to any standard attacks, attack of opportunity, etc. Creatures receive a Fortitude save to resist the effects and any creature immune to poison is also immune to the effects of this rune.
The rune is etched overtop the natural weapons of the runed creature. Core Effect: Fortitude save (DC 12 + ability modifier), useable 3 times a day; on a failed save the victim is paralyzed for 1d4 rounds. Augmented Effect: Fortitude save (DC 14 + ability modifier), useable 3 times a day; on a failed save the victim in paralyzed for 1d4 minutes. Enhanced Effect: Fortitude save (DC 16 + ability modifier), usable 3 times a day; on a failed save the victim is petrified. Anyone immune to petrifaction effects is immune to this level of the rune, although those immune to poison are not.
Explosive Runes Duration (etching time): Until discharged (1 hr.) Location: Object Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: None Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
You trace these mystic runes upon a book, map, scroll, door or similar object. The runes detonate when the object is disturbed, dealing damage to anyone within 10 feet. The individual who disturbed the object receives no save against this damage but all others who may be affected can make a Reflex save to suffer only half damage. The object the rune is etched upon also takes the damage (no save).
As the runemage you, and anyone you specifically instruct can disturb the runed item without causing it to detonate. You can only remove the rune with either an erase rune or a Disable Device check. Others can render them harmless only through the use of the counter rune.
Explosive runes cannot be traced on weapons or other similar items in an attempt to use them offensively.
Note: Magic traps such as explosive runes are hard to detect and disable. A rogue (only) can use the Search skill to find the runes and Disable Device to thwart them. The DC in each case is noted below. Core Effect: Runes detonate causing 3d6 points of damage. Search DC 25, Disable Device DC 25. Augmented Effect: Runes detonate causing 6d6 points of damage. Search DC 28, Disable Device DC 28. Enhanced Effect: Runes detonate causing 9d6 points of damage. Search DC 31, Disable Device DC 31.
Greater Runeblade Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Object Prerequisites: Runeblade Rune Energy: 7 points (core), 9 points (augmented), 11 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The runed object (which must be a weapon) gains a bonus as detailed below. The runed weapon is not considered magical and does not need to be a masterwork item. Ammunition can be etched in groups of 50 with each application of this rune. Core Effect: Weapon gains a +4 enhancement bonus to hit and damage. Augmented Effect: Weapon gains a +5 enhancement bonus to hit and damage. Enhanced Effect: Weapon gains a +6 enhancement bonus to hit and damage.
Greater Runestrike Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: See below Prerequisites: Runestrike Rune Energy: 7 points (core), 9 points (augmented), 11 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The runed area (which must be a natural weapon such as a hand, tail, mouth, etc.) gains a bonus as detailed below. Core Effect: Weapon gains a +4 enhancement bonus to hit and damage. Augmented Effect: Weapon gains a +5 enhancement bonus to hit and damage. Enhanced Effect: Weapon gains a +6 enhancement bonus to hit and damage.
Piercing Cry Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Mouth and throat Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The subject gains a supernatural ability to create a sonic attack as a standard action. The damage, area of effect, save DC and times usable each day vary with the rune level (see below). In addition to physical damage anyone caught in the radius will be struck deaf for 1d4 hours. A successful Fortitude save reduces the damage by ½ and completely negates the deafness. The runemage himself is not affected by the rune. Core Effect: 1d4 damage per runemage level (maximum 5d4), 10’ area of effect centered on the runemage, Fortitude save (DC 12 + ability modifier), useable 1 time a day. Augmented Effect: 1d6 damage per runemage level (maximum 5d6), 15’ area of effect centered on the runemage, Fortitude save (DC 14 + ability modifier), useable 2 times a day. Enhanced Effect: 1d8 damage per runemage level (maximum 5d8), 20’ area of effect centered on the runemage, Fortitude save (DC 16 + ability modifier), useable 3 times a day.
Runeblade Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Object Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The runed object (which must be a weapon) gains a bonus as detailed below. The runed weapon is not considered magical and does not need to be a masterwork item. Ammunition can be etched in groups of 50 with each application of this rune. Core Effect: Weapon gains a +1 enhancement bonus to hit and damage. Augmented Effect: Weapon gains a +2 enhancement bonus to hit and damage. Enhanced Effect: Weapon gains a +3 enhancement bonus to hit and damage.
Runestrike Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Object Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The runed area (which must be a natural weapon such as a hand, tail, mouth, etc.) gains a bonus as detailed below. Core Effect: Weapon gains a +1 enhancement bonus to hit and damage. Augmented Effect: Weapon gains a +2 enhancement bonus to hit and damage. Enhanced Effect: Weapon gains a +3 enhancement bonus to hit and damage.
Spike Growth Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Body Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Rare
This rune, which resembles multiple rough spiral designs etched at various places on the body, allows the wearer to grow jagged spikes from his skin, making unarmed attacks against the user dangerous, and adding to the affected creature’s ability to make unarmed attacks. The rune causes damage to victims in one of two methods: anyone striking the runed subject (either through grappling, through unarmed attacks or any other method of physical contact) or anyone struck by the subject (through natural attacks). Each instance causes the damage (so a monk with multiple attacks who successfully hits his opponent 5 times in a round would inflict the damage 5 times).
Activating a spike growth rune is an immediate action and once activated the rune remains active for 1 full round. Spike growth can be activated as a response to any type of touch and so will not necessarily be activated on the runed subjects initiative. When activated out of the normal initiative order it remains active until the beginning of the same initiative count in the following round. Core Effect: +1d4 damage, useable 3 times a day. Augmented Effect: +2d4 damage, useable 4 times a day. Enhanced Effect: +4d4 damage, useable 5 times a day.
Tooth and Claw Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Hands and mouth Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Rare
This rune causes the wearer’s fingernails to grow long and harden into razor sharp claws. Additionally, his teeth become pointed, long, and multi-rowed. This gives the wearer natural attacks. The claw attacks are considered the primary attack and the bite is considered the secondary.
Activating a tooth and claw rune is a free action and once activated the rune remains active for 1 hour. The damage listed below assumes the subject is Medium. Larger or smaller subjects do more or less damage based on their size. Core Effect: Claws 1d4, bite 1d6, useable 1 time each day Augmented Effect: Claws 1d6, bite 1d8, useable 2 times each day Enhanced Effect: Claws 1d8, bite 1d12, useable 3 times each day
Utility Runes
Spoiler
Arcane Mark Duration (etching time):: Permanent (1 hr.) Location: Object or forehead Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: None Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
This rune allows you to inscribe your personal rune, which can be no taller than 6 inches in height, this is the rune that guards your heart (your preservation rune). The rune can be visible or invisible and you can etch this rune upon any surface without harm to the material upon which the rune is placed. If an invisible mark is made, a detect magic spell causes it to glow and be visible. See invisibility, true seeing, a gem of seeing, or a robe of eyes likewise allows their users to see an invisible arcane mark. A read magic spell reveals the rune as well. The mark cannot be dispelled, but it can be removed by the runemage who created it or through the use of an erase rune. If cast on a living being, normal wear gradually causes the mark to fade in about a month.
Augment Ability Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: See below Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
This rune allows you to add an enhancement bonus (ranging from +2 to +6) to an ability score. At the time you etch the rune you select the ability that will be enhanced and this determines the location of the rune. Rune locations are as follows.
Ability
Rule Location
Strength
Arms
Dexterity
Legs
Constitution
Torso
Intelligence
Head
Wisdom
Head
Charisma
Head
Core Effect: +2 to an ability score Augmented Effect: +4 to an ability score Enhanced Effect: +6 to ability score
Augment Skill Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: See below Prerequisites: Augment Ability Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 2 points (augmented), 3 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
This rune allows you to add a competence bonus (ranging from +5 to +15) to a single skill of your choice. At the time you etch the rune you select the skill that will be enhanced and this determines the location of the rune. The rune location is determined by the key ability for the skill as follows:
Ability
Rule Location
Strength
Arms
Dexterity
Legs
Constitution
Torso
Intelligence
Head
Wisdom
Head
Charisma
Head
Core Effect: +5 competence bonus to skill Augmented Effect: +10 competence bonus to skill Enhanced Effect: +15 competence bonus to skill
Counter Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Over existing rune Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: See below Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
A counter rune will render an opposing rune inactive; knowledge of the opposing rune is necessary to etch a counter rune. A rune that has been countered by a counter rune continues to drain rune energy from the originating etcher.
The rune energy cost is identical to the cost of the rune that is being countered. If an enhanced skill augment rune was being countered the runemage that etched the counter rune would be required to spend 3 rune energy points. A rune can be only partially countered. If a rune mage does not have the rune energy to spend to counter the highest level effect he may choose to spend the energy to counter the core effect or the augmented effect. Successfully countering a lower level drops the effective level of the countered rune by 1 for each level countered.
For example, Wrellin wishes to counter an enhanced piercing cry rune but he has only 3 rune energy points available. He may choose to etch a counter rune over the piercing cry rune and spend 3 rune points, effectively countering 2 levels of the opposing rune. This causes the rune to continue to function, but only as if it were etched in a core manner, not an enhanced manner.
To successfully etch a counter rune the runemage must either know the rune he is attempting to counter or must make a successful Knowledge (Runes) check (as if attempting to learn an unknown rune). Once this has been done he etches a counter rune over the opposing rune and must succeed at an opposed Rune Etching check (opposed by the Rune Etching skill of the originating runemage). If this check is failed the counter rune is fails, the etching runemage does not lose any rune energy.
Erase Duration (etching time): Instantaneous (1 hr.) Location: Over existing writing or rune Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: None Stackable: n/a Availability: Common
Erase removes writing of either magical or mundane nature from a scroll or from up to two pages of paper, parchment, or similar surfaces. It cannot be used to counter an existing rune (for that a runemage needs the counter rune). Writings, be they mundane or magical, are automatically erased through the use of this rune, it also completely removes an arcane mark rune and magical spells that result in runes (such as symbol spells). To counter a spell such as a symbol with this rune, the Runemage makes a Rune Etching skill check as if he were a rogue using the Disable Device skill. A successful check indicates that the magical rune has been safely destroyed.
Furthermore a runemage can use an erase rune to discharge any rune that he has etched. This allows a rune to be removed before it runs it's entire course however only the runemage that etched the rune can erase it using the erase rune.
Feather Fall Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Torso Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: Negligible Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
The subject (which can be a person or an object) falls slowly (though faster than feathers typically do). The rate of falling is instantly changed to a mere 60 feet a round (equivalent to the end of a fall from a few feet), with no damage incurred upon landing while the rune is in effect. Should the rune expire by chance in mid-fall a normal rate of falling immediately resumes.
This rune has no special effect on ranged weapons unless they are falling quite a distance. If the spell is cast on a boulder or similar item which is then dropped form a castle wall it inflicts only half normal damage.
The rune functions only on free-falling subjects and does not affect a sword blow or charging creature for instance.
Filter Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Nose Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
The rune protects the subject and his body from noxious and toxic elements in the air. The runed creature takes no damage and no penalties from inhaled natural or alchemical poisons or effects (such as the stench of a troglodyte). He is likewise protected from magical poisons and toxins as noted below. Core Effect: Immune to airborne magical toxins or poisons of level 2 and below (such as stinking cloud). +2 circumstance bonus to saves against more powerful effects. Augmented Effect: Immune to airborne magical toxins or poisons of level 4 and below. +2 circumstance bonus to saves against more powerful effects. Enhanced Effect: Immune to airborne magical toxins or poisons of level 6 and below. +2 circumstance bonus to saves against more powerful effects.
Healing Duration (etching time): Special (1 minute) Location: See below Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: Negligible Stackable: n/a Availability: Common
The subject’s body begins to repair damage at an increased rate. The rune must be etched over an existing wound, a process that can be quite painful for the subject. Once a healing rune has been applied however all natural healing is increased. This rune stacks with other forms of natural healing (such as that gained using the Healing skill) and multiplies the end result.
A healing rune remains in effect until the wounded creature heals completely. This rune is completely non-intrusive as it relates to other runes and never is calculated against the total when considering how many runes a person may have active on them at any given time. Core Effect: Natural healing occurs at 2 times the normal rate. Augmented Effect: Natural healing occurs at 3 times the normal rate. Enhanced Effect: Natural healing occurs at 4 times the normal rate.
Hold Portal Duration (etching time): 1 hour (1 action) Location: Object Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: Negligible (core), 1 point (augmented), 2 points (enhanced) Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
This rune must be etched on a portal made of wood, metal or stone. It magically bars the portal just as if it were securely closed and locked. A knock spell or similar magic can open the portal. Core Effect: Add 5 to the DC of forcing the portal Augmented Effect: Add 10 to the DC of forcing the portal Enhanced Effect: Add 15 to the DC of forcing the portal
Initiative Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Arms or legs Prerequisites: Augment Ability, Augment Skill Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 2 points (augmented), 3 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The subject gains an ability to react to danger before he even realizes the danger exists. His natural reflexes become sharpened and he gains speed in those reflexes. Core Effect: +2 Initiative Augmented Effect: +4 Initiative Enhanced Effect: +6 Initiative
Regeneration Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Torso Prerequisites: Healing Rune Energy: 1 points (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
The subject begins healing at an accelerated rate. This healing supercedes and negates all natural healing and it occurs regardless of the activity of the subject. Any natural healing is stopped, the Healing skill or healing rune have no effect on an individual with a regeneration rune. Should the subject die the regeneration rune becomes inactive. Divine and arcane magic that heals an individual continues to function as normal on a subject with a regeneration rune. Core Effect: 1 hit point per level is regained every 8 hours. Augmented Effect: 1 hit point per level is regained every 4 hours. Enhanced Effect: 1 hit point per level is regained every 2 hours.
Repair Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Torso Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 points (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
This rune allows objects which are damaged or broken to slowly repair themselves. Objects which drop to less than 0 hit points can only be repaired if their pieces are readily available. (i.e. a disintegrated longsword could not be repaired). Special: Constructs who are reduced to 0 hp are rendered immobile until they repair to a point where they are at 1 or more hp. Unlike mundane objects constructs can heal any amount of damage, but can only drop to a negative number equal to their Hit Die before being permanently destroyed. Constructs which have the rapid repair ability already can drop an additional 2 points per Hit Die into the negative before being destroyed. Enhanced Effect: Object which are destroyed or damaged heal 1 point of damage per 8 hours. Constructs repair 1 hit point per Hit Die per 8 hours. Augmented Effect: Object heals 1 point of damage per 4 hours. Constructs repair 1 hit point per Hit Die per 4 hours. Enhanced Effect: Object heals 1 point of damage per hour. Constructs repair 1 hit point per Hit Die per hours.
Runelock Abjuration Duration (etching time): Permanent (1 hr.) Location: Object Prerequisites: Hold Portal Rune Energy: None Stackable: Yes Availability: Common
An runelock cast upon a door, chest, or portal magically locks it. You can freely pass your own lock without affecting it; otherwise, a door or object secured with runelock can be opened only by breaking in or by a successful counter rune, knock or dispel magic spell. Note that knock does not remove an arcane lock it only suppresses it for 10 minutes and a dispel magic spell suppresses it for 1d4 rounds. Core Effect: Add +10 to the DC to break down the door. Augmented Effect: Add +15 to the DC to break down the door. Enhanced Effect: Add +20 to the DC to break down the door.
Running Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Legs Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 2 points (augmented), 3 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The subject gains the ability to move at a swifter pace. This rune stacks with mundane sources of movement increase (such as a Monk's bonus movement) but overlaps with magical sources of additional movement (such as the haste spell or boots of springing and striding). Core Effect: Base movement +5 ft. Augmented Effect: Base movement +10 ft. Enhanced Effect: Base movement +15 ft.
Sight Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Eyes Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 2 points (augmented), 3 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The subject gains sight beyond that of a normal creature, the effects stack with each other but overlap, and do not stack with existing vision. For instance, an elf gains no benefit from a core application of this rune but an enhanced application grants him both darkvision and the ability to pierce magical darkness. Core Effect: The subject gains lowlight vision with a range equal to his standard vision. Augmented Effect: The subject gains darkvision with a range equal to his standard vision. Enhanced Effect: The subject is able to see through magical darkness with a range equal to his standard vision.
Slick Skin Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Body Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Rare
This rune causes the runed character to become incredibly slippery. This has the effect of increasing the characters Escape Artist skill and making it very difficult to begin a grapple with the runed character. Anytime an opponent attempts to start a grapple with the runed character may add the grapple bonus (shown below) to his roll to resist starting the grapple. Once his opponent has successfully started a grapple this bonus does not apply again until the next time someone attempts to start a grapple with him (although the Escape Artist bonus does apply for determining if the character can escape the grapple).
If the runed character initiates the grapple, the grapple bonus has no effect, it only becomes active when he is the target of an unwelcome grapple attack. Core Effect: Escape Artist +5 circumstance bonus, grapple bonus +5 Augmented Effect: Escape Artist +10 circumstance bonus, grapple bonus +10 Enhanced Effect: Escape Artist +15 circumstance bonus, grapple bonus +15
Soothing Hands Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Hands Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 2 points (augmented), 3 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The subject gains the ability to sooth others into a light sleep through touch. To activate the rune he must first succeed at a touch attack (assuming the target is attempting to avoid the touch). On a successful hit the subject must make a Will saving throw or fall to sleep. Subjects engaged in strenuous activity (such as combat) gain a bonus of +4 on their save. Victims who fail their save remain asleep for 1d8 hours or until they are awakened (in a normal manner such as by shaking them or a loud noise).
The soothing hands rune can only affect creatures with hit dice equal to the rune mages total class levels plus his Intelligence or Charisma bonus. For example, a level 3 runemage with an 18 Intelligence (+4) could affect creatures with 7 hit dice and fewer while a level 10 fighter, level 5 runemage with no Intelligence bonus could affect creatures with up to 15 hit dice. Core Effect: Will save (DC 12 + Int or Cha modifier), useable 3 times a day. Augmented Effect: Will save (DC 14 + Int or Cha modifier), useable 4 times a day. Enhanced Effect: Will save (DC 16 + Int or Cha modifier), usable 5 times a day.
Tribal Mark Duration (etching time): Special (8 hrs.) Location: Forehead Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point Stackable: Yes Availability: Rare
Tribal mark is a special rune that replaces the preservation rune for some runemages that originate (or learn their craft) from tribes that have wholly embraced runemagic. Each such tribe has a unique tribal mark but the mark is always etched on the forehead. A tribal mark can be etched by any runemage of the tribe and every member of the society always has the mark etched upon them. Its magic only functions if the subject is considered part of the tribe.
A tribal mark rune has several effects. The first is that it allows members with the mark to gain an awareness of another's physical and mental state out to a range of 100 feet. The runed subject can determine the physical condition of other runed subjects in the radius. The subject constantly knows whether each like-runed creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), hurt (greater than 4 hit points, but less than 50% total), stable (less than 100% hit points but greater than 50%), unhurt, undead, or neither alive nor dead (as a construct). This rune foils any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death. In addition the subject can determine the mental condition of other runed subjects. This effectively allows him to know the general mood of those around him (happy, sad, angry, glad, etc.).
Furthermore, each member with a tribal mark contributes his Charisma or Intelligence modifier and rune energy (if any) to a pool of energy that is used by the tribes runemages up to a maximum of each runemages class level. This effectively allows all runemages of a tribe to draw on both their own rune energy and the rune energy of their comrades. Tribal members that are not runemages still contribute an amount of rune energy, equal to their Charisma or Intelligence modifier, to the pool of energy used by the tribe.
Lastly the tribal mark confers a special ability on the leader of the tribe. He can command other members of the tribe. Anyone who wishes to go against the commands of the tribal leader must succeed at a Will save (DC 20 + leader's Charisma modifier + leader's class levels) to do so. Attempting to resist the command immediately causes the tribal mark to vanish from the victims head and if he successfully saves the tribal leader is knocked unconscious.
A tribal mark costs only 1 rune energy to inscribe on a individual. If they have a modifier for Int or Cha their own energy supplies the cost. If not the energy must come from your own pool. A runemage that attempts to scribe this on anyone unwilling to receive the mark will find the rune never takes hold. A tribal mark has an effective duration of "permanent" but any tribal member can remove the mark by declaring their intent to forsake the tribe (after which the rune slowly fades over a course of 30 days) or successfully resisting the command of their leader (which causes the rune to immediately fade away).
DM's should take great care in considering allowing a character to take this rune or allowing it to be learned. One could, for example, use it in replacement of the Leadership feat with taking the feat as a prerequisite.
Wakefulness Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Head Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Common
The subject does not need as much sleep to be rested. This rune does not increase the speed of natural healing in any manner nor does it decrease the time that must be spent resting the mind and body before new divine and arcane spells can be recovered. It only affects a subject’s physical need for sleep so time must still be spent resting (though not sleeping) to recover hit points, spells, etc. Core Effect: Required sleep reduced by 50% Augmented Effect: Required sleep reduced by 75% Enhanced Effect: Required sleep reduced by 95%
Water Breathing Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Throat Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 3 points Stackable: No Availability: Common
The subject can breathe water freely. The subject does not lose the ability to breathe air.
Extra Rune [Metamagic]
You may select an additional rune from the list of runes available to runemages. Perquisite: Rune Etching 4 ranks; rune energy 1+ Benefit: Select a rune from the list of available runes. Your character now knows that rune and can use it as any other rune. Special: This feat may be taken multiple times. Each time a new rune is selected.
Increase Energy [Metamagic]
You increase your rune energy pool. Prerequisite: Rune Etching 4 ranks; rune energy 1+ Benefit: Add 3 to your rune energy pool. This additional rune energy may be used when etching arcane runes and is permanent. Special: This feat may be taken multiple times, it's effects stack.
Electric Pulse Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Arms Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: Yes Availability: Rare
The electric pulse rune discourages enemies from getting too close to the runemage. The subject of this rune can activate, in response to receiving damage, a retributive shock. If the runemage has been dealt at least one point of damage, he can deal damage to all targets nearby as a free action. Core Effect: Deal 1d4 electric damage per runemage level (maximum 5d4) + 1/8 damage received (up to two times runemage level) to all within 5 feet, usable once per day Augmented Effect: Deal 1d4 electric damage per runemage level (maximum 5d4) + 1/4 damage received (up to three times runemage level) to all within 5 feet, usable twice per day Enhanced Effect: Deal 1d4 electric damage per runemage level (maximum 5d4) + 1/2 damage received (up to four times runemage level) to all within 5 feet, usable three times per day
Utility
Rune Leap Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Legs Prerequisites: None Rune Energy: 1 point (core), 3 points (augmented), 5 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Rare
This rune allows the user to obtain a short distance teleport. The user must have line of sight and line of effect to the destination and the rune is burned into the surface of the destination. If there is no surface (i.e. the user teleports into the open air) it appears on the next surface the user touches down on. The teleport only effects the user and objects it is touching as long as the weight does not exceed its medium load. Core Effect: Teleport 10 feet per runemage level, usable once per day Augmented Effect: Teleport 10 feet per runemage level, usable three times per day Enhanced Effect: Teleport 10 feet per runemage level, usable five times per day
Greater Rune Leap Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Legs Prerequisites: Rune Leap Rune Energy: 7 points (core), 9 points (augmented), 11 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Rare
This rune allows the user to obtain a medium distance teleport. The user must have line of sight and line of effect to the destination and the rune is burned into the surface of the destination. If there is no surface (i.e. the user teleports into the open air) it appears on the next surface the user touches down on. The teleport only effects the user and objects it is touching as long as the weight does not exceed its medium load. Core Effect: Teleport 50 feet per runemage level, usable once per day Augmented Effect: Teleport 50 feet per runemage level, usable three times per day Enhanced Effect: Teleport 50 feet per runemage level, usable five times per day
Static Rune Leap Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Legs Prerequisites: Rune Leap, Electric Pulse Rune Energy: 7 points (core), 9 points (augmented), 11 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Rare
This rune allows the user to obtain a short distance teleport with shocking results. The user must have line of sight and line of effect to the destination and the rune is burned into the surface of the destination. If there is no surface (i.e. the user teleports into the open air) it appears on the next surface the user touches down on. The teleport only effects the user and objects it is touching as long as the weight does not exceed its medium load.
Upon reaching the destination, latent rune energy discharges and deals electricity damage to all within 5 feet. Core Effect: Teleport 5 feet per runemage level, dealing 1d4 per runemage level (maximum 5d4) usable once per day Augmented Effect: Teleport 5 feet per runemage level, dealing 1d4 per runemage level (maximum 5d4) usable twice per day Enhanced Effect: Teleport 5 feet per runemage level, dealing 1d4 per runemage level (maximum 5d4) usable three times per day
True Rune Leap Duration (etching time): 1 day (1 hr.), 10 days (4 hrs.), 30 days (8 hrs.) Location: Legs Prerequisites: Rune Leap, Greater Rune Leap Rune Energy: 15 points (core), 20 points (augmented), 25 points (enhanced) Stackable: No Availability: Rare
This rune allows the user to obtain a long distance teleport. The user must have either line of sight or have been to the location and the rune is burned into the surface of the destination. If there is no surface (i.e. the user teleports into the open air) it appears on the next surface the user touches down on. The teleport only effects the user and objects it is touching as long as the weight does not exceed its medium load. Core Effect: Teleport 10 miles per runemage level, usable once per day Augmented Effect: Teleport 10 miles per runemage level, usable three times per day Enhanced Effect: Teleport 10 miles per runemage level, usable three times per day
What exactly do you want? As far as I can tell, it's well made and for the most part balanced. It's interesting, but there isn't much to critique. Looks for the most part like a finished PrC. Not anything to say, really.
__________________ The Specialist PrC(WIP) An attempt to make really high skills more useful. I would love it if someone would PEACH.
"Do not meddle in the affairs of Dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup."
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Glyphstone
Start the game in a tavern. Then have the tavern attacked by horrifically over-CRed monsters and kill them all.
The real campaign begins when they wake up as spirits, and you pull out the Ghostwalk supplement.
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(Pathfinder) Runemage (PRC PEACH)
