Rune

From PathfinderWiki
This article covers the system of letters used by some languages. For the form of magic, see rune magic. For the Thassilonian rulers, see Runelords.
Ezren reads a plaque of carved runes.
See also: Images of runes.

Runes are letterforms in some languages' alphabets, and have especially strong associations with Dwarven (shared from Petran),1 Thassilonian and its derivative languages (such as Jotun, Shoanti, and Varisian),23 and some Elven cultures4 and related traditions.

In Thassilon

The ancient empire of Thassilon placed particular importance on runes, and its founder and first king Xin innovated rune magic from bargaining with ancient creatures such as dragons and outsiders, as well as the worship of Lissala, goddess of runes.566

On items

Runes can also applied to the enchantment of items, especially weapons and armor. Etching specific runes into such items can make them supernaturally stronger, more effective, and deadlier.7 Such runes can be sold, applied, or transferred between items using a runestone.8

References

  1. Erik Mona, et al. “Chapter 5: The World” in Campaign Setting, 221. Paizo Inc., 2008
  2. Erik Mona, et al. “Chapter 5: The World” in Campaign Setting, 220. Paizo Inc., 2008
  3. Benjamin Bruck, et al. “Introduction” in Inner Sea Races, 6. Paizo Inc., 2015
  4. Erik Mona, et al. High Seas” in World Guide, 66. Paizo Inc., 2019 Spiresworn elves carve their ships with runes.
  5. Wolfgang Baur. “The History of Thassilon” in Burnt Offerings, 72. Paizo Inc., 2007
  6. 6.0 6.1 Brandon Hodge. “The Dead Heart of Xin” in The Dead Heart of Xin, 7–8. Paizo Inc., 2013
  7. Logan Bonner, et al. “Treasure Trove” in GM Core, 224–225. Paizo Inc., 2023
  8. Logan Bonner, et al. “Treasure Trove” in GM Core, 269. Paizo Inc., 2023