Runelord (archetype)

Runelord

(Archetype)

Rare

Classes

Wizards only

Affiliation

New Thassilon

Images of runelords (archetype)

Source: Rival Academies, pg(s). 114–118

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Pathfinder Second Edition content This article covers a term or subject that is relevant to the Pathfinder campaign setting only in the context of Pathfinder Second Edition or Pathfinder Lost Omens.

Distinct from its ancient Thassilonian meaning, a modern runelord is a wizard who specializes in the art of rune magic.

History

The re-emergence of New Thassilon and redemptive efforts of the runelord Sorshen to divorce rune magic from Thassilonian sin magic resulted in a surge of academic research in its application, as well as a redefinition of the term "runelord" from its Thassilonian association with sin magic into a more general practitioner of rune magic.

Practice

See also: Rune magic

A runelord draws power from the seven rewards of rule, but must be careful lest they succumb to their corresponding sin in pursuit of power. Mimicking the ancient Runelords, modern practitioners train with polearms and the use of aeon stones to supplement their power. They cast spells nonverbally by drawing runes in the air.

Their arcanely bonded item is always a polearm, and in place of the arcane theses of other wizards, they develop a personal signature rune that allows their weapon to function as a magical staff.