Practitioners of Rune Magic are called Scribes, and the spells they learn are called Scripts. Scribes do not need to prepare their Scripts. Every learned Script has a certain number of uses per day, determined by the level of the script and the Scribes character level.
Scribes can also learn scripts of any level they are capable of casting, provided they know at least one script of one level lower. However because lower level scripts can be cast more often, and therefore provide more Runic Charges knowledge of sufficient lower level scripts is encouraged. The schools of Rune magic are slightly different and are called Designs. There are six Designs of Scripts as opposed to the eight Schools of Spells:
- Alteration, which changes objects or living creatures.
- Creation, which create or assemble.
- Destruction, which manipulate destructive energies.
- Invocation, which call upon the energies and creatures of nature.
- Manipulation, which alter and control fundamental forces of reality.
- Revelation, which concern the mind and knowledge.
Runic Charges are the big difference compared to the normal magic system of Pathfinder. Whenever a Scribe successfully casts a Script some residual power remains in the resulting runic scripts. The charges a Scribe has collected can be used to Overload another Script the Scribe casts. The kind of Charge gained and its effect when overloading a Script depends on the Design of the original Script it comes from.
A final notable difference is that Scripts are cast by speaking words of mystic power, whereupon runes manifest upon the Scribe’s equipment. This means that all Scripts have a verbal components, but also that none have any somatic components. Scripts can therefor be cast in heavy armor or when fully bound, so long as the Scribe in question can speak clearly.
The difference between spellcasting and rune casting are simple, but do play very differently. Casting Scripts is not only about what is needed now, but also about what you want to cast later. It also help in keeping lower level Scripts relevant at higher level.
Rune Magic is an ancient form of magic, some even claim all alphabets are derived from ancient Runic scripts. Many different Runic scripts have been found in the Shattered Worlds, and the modern traditions of various cultures, organizations and scribes are usually derived from one or more of these ancient sources.
Scribes are usually found as part of scholarly organizations, especially magicians guilds or the local geomancy boards. Most prefer peace and quiet for studying and applying their craft. But to many the lure of ancient and lost runic lore is enough to entice them into becoming adventurers, where their knowledge and magical powers often prove highly valuable. For many expeditions to lost lands and ancient ruins a skilled scribe is essential for dealing with the great works created by the prior inhabitants of such locales.
Rune magic can be used to enchant personal equipment, but it excels at creating large scale and long lasting effects, so called great works. Even the most rural and unlearned of geomancers know some basic runic scripts to maintain the local leylines.
Some scholars speculate that the symbols of Rune Magic are the written form of Truenaming, with a single symbol encompassing long string of True Speech. Of course established scholars of Rune Magic and Truenaming alike scoff at the idea their art is connected to the other’s fumbling efforts.
Floating ruins recently came to a stop above the city, and is now slowly lowering itself towards the ground. Skilled scholars and brave adventurers are needed to investigate the runic scripts that direct the ruins, before it lands on the city.
The geomancy workings that have controlled the flow of the river Reischir for ages are failing. The local geomancers have build upon the oldest parts for centuries, and little knowledge of them remains.
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