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I was curious if there was a class or prestige that went by the name of Rune Caster or something that specialized in runes? I am reading a really great book series "The Twilight Giants" by: Troy Denning. In the book there is a Verbeeg(giant-kin) named Basil who is a rune caster. I really like the rune like spells and traps, especially how he makes rune arrows that explode when a command word is said.
So if anyone would know of a sort of caster like this or has some suggestions of how to make a rune based caster I would be really grateful because my friends and I are starting "The Savage Tides" campaign in a short while-about two weeks-and I either play a Wu Jen or whatever a rune caster is if I can find one. I trust that all of the posters here have some good suggestions, I'll check back later.
Your friend,
Sir Smashes Alot
I was curious if there was a class or prestige that went by the name of Rune Caster or something that specialized in runes? I am reading a really great book series "The Twilight Giants" by: Troy Denning. In the book there is a Verbeeg(giant-kin) named Basil who is a rune caster. I really like the rune like spells and traps, especially how he makes rune arrows that explode when a command word is said.
So if anyone would know of a sort of caster like this or has some suggestions of how to make a rune based caster I would be really grateful because my friends and I are starting "The Savage Tides" campaign in a short while-about two weeks-and I either play a Wu Jen or whatever a rune caster is if I can find one. I trust that all of the posters here have some good suggestions, I'll check back later.
Your friend,
Sir Smashes Alot
Well I'm not sure I have seen anything that does what you want to do. Without my books in front of me the only two I can think of are the Geomancer PrC from the Complete Arcane and there is a PrC from Dwarves in the Races of Stone that does runes. I would just play a wizard or sorcerer and pick spells that have that rune feel and slightly change how you cast them. Really it could all be in the description, like drawing a rune in the air as magic missles spring fourth from the rune.
The Geomancer comes from the Complete Divine. I think that he means the Geometer from the Complete Arcane. There is also a PrC from one of the Dragon magazines (Dragon 328) that has some runecasting ability but it is limited to dwarves.
Races of Stone has a Runesmith PrC for arcane casters. The Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting has a Runecaster PrC for divine casters.
I guess I'm going to have to check out the Races of Stone. Thanks everyone for the information so far. Just wondering, before I go looking at it, is it limited to a certain race and does it seem under powered in your opinions? Thanks again for the info everyone.
Your friend,
Sir Smashes Alot
Arcana Unearthed had a whole class revolve around that, but its not DnD per se. Different magic system.
This post has been no help at all has it? :)
The FRCS has the runecaster as a divine PrC, and its updated in the Player's Guide to Faerun.
However, WAY back when the Twilight Giants books came out, the class in question was actually from the HR series of books, namely the "Vikings" one, back in the 2nd edition days.
The Geomancer comes from the Complete Divine. I think that he means the Geometer from the Complete Arcane. There is also a PrC from one of the Dragon magazines (Dragon 328) that has some runecasting ability but it is limited to dwarves.
Yep that was the PrC I meant. I knew it was Geo something. ;)
OMG! I know exactly what you're talking about. There was a class in the 2nd Edition Norse Campaign Setting (a green softcover book) called Runecaster. They were essentially a fighter who as they went up levels learned runes, and as you said most of the runes were inscribed on weapons or people for a buff effect or on objects as traps. I thought it was awesome and ran one as a PC (a dwarf) when I was in high school.
The book is at my parent's house halfway across Australia, but I'd really like to get my hands on it now because it was a great book. I remember Trollkin was a PC race. I also have the Celts Campaign book which was also awesome, and is sitting on the shelf with the Norse one 12 hours away...
EDIT: KnightErrantJr mentioned it above, sorry I didn't notice. I am totally going to ring my folks and ask them to post the books to me so I can convert them and throw a runecaster at the PCs. Muhahahaha!
Those HR series books rocked. It's a real shame we'll never see sourcebooks like those for the current edition of D&D.
Heh . . . the PC race from the Vikings book was the Trollborn . . . Trollkin were a horrible Saturday morning cartoon . . .
I just got races of stone. It's similiar, but not what your thinking. Maybe because it's a dwarf only class and its carved on only weapons. I say the Forgotten Realms book is you best bet.
If you want I'll work up a PrC for you. What kind of abilities do you want it to have? Obviously a focus on spells with a runic component. It seems like you want it to have a Nordic feel, is that accurate?
If you want I'll work up a PrC for you. What kind of abilities do you want it to have? Obviously a focus on spells with a runic component. It seems like you want it to have a Nordic feel, is that accurate?
Actually that is what I thought would feel like, all Nordic and what'not. But you don't need to go making up a PrC unless you really want to. If I did create one or you created one it would probably have somethings about traps with runes, being able to give weapons certain bonuses for a short while...not to mention runes with some good battle control.
Of course my DM would have to approve but since he just posted above (Onrie) I guess he will already know. Maybe instead of making a whole new PrC or using some current ones, we could perhaps change the rune caster class from 2nd Edition to 3.5? I don't know how difficult that would be because I never gamed during 2nd Edition, but it probably can't be too hard. Either way, I'm really hoping this entire rune caster class can work out in some way or another. We'll just have to see where the post goes.
P.S.: That prestige class would be really great but I don't really want to have to make it, if you want to make it, that'd be great! But you don't need to spend your time on it unless you feel like it. I hate forcing people to do stuff that they don't need to...
Sir Smashes Alot
I once designed a Class called the Rune Flinger.
Basically, imagine a guy with a stamp, who puts a nice picture of a bunny on your forehead.
Now, chance the guy with a big, burly Troll, the stamp with a 3-pound rock thrown at your face and the bunny by a magic 'Mark of Pain' or other type of Spell.
That's basically what a Rune Flinger does. It had some minor balance issues but I could fix those and show you the works, if you like?
He would work magic through carving a rune in a rock, and then 'stamping' the Rune onto living tissue or an item by contact (touch at first, thrown after a few levels) His Runespells all revolved around a buff or debuff with a duration.
I'm not sure that's what you're looking for, but if you like the idea, I'll put in these here boards for you :)
Its no trouble, creating PrCs is something I do for fun. I'll get started on it tonight and will probably have it done and posted here for review by Monday.
Maybe instead of making a whole new PrC or using some current ones, we could perhaps change the rune caster class from 2nd Edition to 3.5? I don't know how difficult that would be because I never gamed during 2nd Edition, but it probably can't be too hard. Either way, I'm really hoping this entire rune caster class can work out in some way or another. We'll just have to see where the post goes.
I don't want to steal Arctaris' thunder but I may be able to help with the 2nd Ed conversion. Like I said I don't have the book, but here's how he'd work from memory:
In 2nd Ed the Runecaster was sort of like a Fighter with some magical ability, so I would make him as a 20 level Base Class based either on the Duskblade (with a different spell list) or the Paldin/Ranger/Hexblade model and make the Runes he learns Class Features rather than spells.
He has to have d10 or d8 hit dice, be able to wear any armour and have the Fighter BAB, so anything that makes him more of an arcanist (like the Geometer PrC) is out if you want to keep the flavour of the 2nd Ed class.
If you go the Duskblade way (probably the easiest) I'd say replace the Armoured Mage features with this:
RUNE MAGIC
The Runecaster uses Runes, not spells. Though arcane magic (and based on INT) Runes do not have complex somatic components and so do not provoke arcane spell failure. They must however be applied to a subject or an item to function.
And Arcane Attunement (level 1) with this:
RUNE STONES
Every Runecaster has a set of personal stones carved with Runes of Divination. Once per day the Runecaster can read the rune stones. This has the effect of an Augury spell.
SPELL LIST
The spell list should have things that buff like Bull's Strength, and things that add energy damage like shocking grasp. Also traps and curses, and if I remember my Norse myths some deception/shape changing spells would fit well too. Maybe even some Runes of undead control for evil runecasters.
Anyway it's a start :)
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Here is a rough draft of the PrC. If it seems a little under- or overpowered let me know and I'll tweak it.
The Runecaster
Prerequisites: Spell Focus (Evocation)
Decipher Script 8 Ranks, Spellcraft 5 Ranks,
Knowledge (Arcana) 3 Ranks
Must be able to cast at least 2 spells with a
runic component.
Hit Dice: d4
Class Skills: Concentration, Decipher Script, Forgery,
Knowledge (Arcana), Spellcraft, Use magic Device
Skill Points per Level: 2+Int modifier
The Runecaster
Base
Attack
Bonus Saves Special Abilities
Fort Ref Will
+0 +2 +0 +2 Runic Weapon 1/day, Runecast,
Runic Specialization, 2 Runes
known
+1 +3 +0 +3 Runecast, Runic Knowledge,
Suppress Rune 1/day, +1 caster level
+2 +3 +1 +3 Runic Weapon 2/day, Runecast,
4 runes known
+3 +4 +1 +4 Runecast, Runic Knowledge, Suppress
Rune 2/day, +1 caster level
+3 +4 +1 +4 Runecast, Runic Weapon 3/day,
6 runes known
Runic Specialization: You cast all spells with a runic component at +1 caster level for all level related effects.
Runic Weapon: To a maximum of three times per day you can lose a spell slot or a spell prepared to scribe a rune on a weapon. This weapon gives the weapon an enhancement bonus equal to the level of the spell slot given up. This bonus is picked at the time of scribing from the list of special weapon abilities from the DMG. It takes 5 rounds x the level of the spell slot given up to scribe this rune. This enhancement lasts 1 minute per level of the spell slot given up.
Runecast: You can cast a spell of a level up to your Runecaster level into a rune that is triggered when a preset condition is met. The spell cannot be from the Illusion, Divination, Abjuration or Transmutation schools. The condition can be as simple as “go off when someone reads the rune” to as complex as “go off when a paladin reads this rune”. There can be up to three different conditions. Each condition beyond the first adds 5 rounds to the scribing time. Scribing a Runecast spell takes a number of rounds equal to 5 times the level of the spell. It costs 10 XP times the level of the Runecast to scribe the rune in addition to 20 gp in special ink.
Runic Knowledge: At the 2nd and 4th levels a Runecaster can either add a number of spells with a runic component to his spellbook or his list of spells known equal to his Intelligence modifier.
Suppress Rune: To a maximum of twice per day a Runecaster can suppress a spell with a runic component for a number of rounds equal to his Runecaster level with a successful Spellcraft check. To use this ability a Runecaster must be aware of the rune.
Runes: At the first, third and fifth levels the Runecaster gains knowledge of a number of runes with great arcane power. He can scribe these runes a number of times per day equal to his Runecaster level plus his Intelligence modifier. These runes cost 20 gp worth of special ink to scribe and take 5 rounds to write. The saving throw is equal to 10+the Runecaster level + the primary spellcasting ability (Int for Wizards, Cha for Sorcerers). All runes last for a number of rounds equal to the Runecaster level +spellcasting ability modifier. These runes must be scribed on a person’s skin like a tattoo to be effective unless otherwise noted. A subject can have only 2 runes active on them at any given time. If they exceed this number than the two most recent runes stay in effect while the rest fade.
Rune of Protection: This rune grants a +4 bonus to the subject’s
Armor class.
Rune of Health: This Rune grants the subject 10 temporary hit
points.
Rune of Strength: This rune grants the subject a +2 bonus to
strength.
Rune of Dexterity: This rune grants the subject a +2 bonus to
dexterity.
Rune of Fear: This rune forces all opponents within 10 feet to make
a DC 14 Will save or become shaken for the duration
of the rune as long as they can see it.
Rune of Skill: This rune gives the subject a +2 bonus on all skill
checks.
Rune of Speed: This rune grants a +10 bonus to the subject’s speed.
Rune of War: This rune grants a bonus on the subject’s base attack
bonus equal to Runecaster’s level. The subject’s base
attack bonus cannot exceed their Hit Dice.
Rune of the Rogue: This rune allows the subject to sneak attack as
a first level rogue. If cast on a Rogue it
increases the damage done by their sneak
attack by 1d6.
Rune of the Healer: The subject of this rune can use the Lay on
Hands ability as a Paladin of their level.
Rune of Elemental Resistance: This rune grants the subject
resistance to the selected type of
energy. The resistance equals the
Runecaster’s level plus 2.
Rune of Persuasion: This rune grants a +4 bonus on all Diplomacy,
Intimidate and Bluff checks.
Rune of Escape: This rune allows the subject to use an effect
similar to Dimension Door except that the
target area must be within fifty feet and visible to
the subject. This rune is expended once used.
I really like the class, thanks for posting it:)
Reading through it, I like the gold for the runes to balance out the power of low level rune casters. Of course, if you catch one unprepared they are completely screwed. Only real problem, it's not a big deal but maybe a few more skill points.
Anyway, thanks again, it looks great.
I really do like this PrC. The only problem I have with it is, as Onrie posted, if your caught off guard you really are screwed. The money cost is a good idea, and it isn't so much as to make the runes not worth it. Maybe this could-with the right adjustments-even be made into a 20 level class. But until then, this class is exactly what I'm looking for! I wish it would gain spell caster levels at lvl 1,3, and 5 instead of just in total 2 spell caster levels, because without that extra third one you can't gain 9th lvl spells. Maybe that would unbalance the class or maybe it wouldn't, I don't know, but I sure would like it more with the bonus of 9th lvl spells.
I do hope you know that even without the 9th lvl spells this is still very good and right on to what I wanted from a class, thanks for making it Arctaris. I know this is alot to ask, and I mean alot! But is there any way to make this into a full 20 lvl class? Once again no one has to do this if they don't want to. But if you can that would be extremely great. I already know some stuff it might have.
Runes known: as said above and add a couple of new runes like Dmg Reduction and fly or something else of the sort. You learn a new rune every 2 lvls.
Runic Template: At lvl 5 you may use Runic Template. Once per day when a runecaster uses a rune it also gives the subject a template like fiendish or maybe some other template weaker then that.
I don't really know if this class would work, or the rest of it, or even if the runic template is fair. But I'm just hoping it will work as a full class two. If not, I will deffinetly go with the PrC. For the full class though I would like it to be a partial meleeist like a bard, however if he is the runes will have to work differently then using spell levels because obviously if I even do get spell levels then they will be really low and the effects will be much worse. I really do hope this can work as a full class. But the PrC is still great.
Sir Smashes Alot
I did give it low skill points because thats how most other spellcasters are. However, since it doesn't seem that anyone would have an objection to more skill points I'll happily make the modification. I don't think that it would be unbalanced for them to get a caster level increase at 1st, 3rd and 5th levels and the runes known at the 2nd and 4th levels. I made casting the runes a fairly time consuming process so as to make them different from spells. The Runecaster's abilities are more suited to buffing a party before a battle or preparing an ambush than spellslinging. Upping the duration might be a way to make the runes more effective. I'll probably work up a level 1-20 Runecaster within the next week. After you've played a Runecaster please post your experience with it here so that I can know how to improve it.
I did give it low skill points because thats how most other spellcasters are. However, since it doesn't seem that anyone would have an objection to more skill points I'll happily make the modification. I don't think that it would be unbalanced for them to get a caster level increase at 1st, 3rd and 5th levels and the runes known at the 2nd and 4th levels. I made casting the runes a fairly time consuming process so as to make them different from spells. The Runecaster's abilities are more suited to buffing a party before a battle or preparing an ambush than spellslinging. Upping the duration might be a way to make the runes more effective. I'll probably work up a level 1-20 Runecaster within the next week. After you've played a Runecaster please post your experience with it here so that I can know how to improve it.
That's actually pretty good that I can test out a rune caster that you made in a short while. I will be playing a pre-made game (made by two friends) before we actually start the Savage Tides series and that will give me a chance to try one out. I think we will be lvl 12 so if I start rune caster at lvl 8(I believe that is the lowest lvl to start the PrC) I will end up at lvl 4 in it. I was, however, planning to be the cleric so maybe my DM will allow me to knowledge divine instead of arcane. Well, I will tell you how it goes.
You can qualify at the 5th level.
You can qualify at the 5th level.
Forgot your skill can go 3 above your level, woops.