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If you're like me, the idea of runes as some sort of protomagic really doesn't make sense. Calling it protomagic suggests that it's just something people used before the good stuff (more powerful, easier to use, etc.) was discovered, and that sort of flavor restricts the design space something awful. Instead, I'm making runes different, but not inherently inferior.
Interjection Games' Ultimate Runesmithing aims to make the following distinction between classic arcane magic, and rune magic.
Arcane magic - Draw energy, shape it, and sling a spell.
Rune magic - Create a rune. Later, draw energy and channel it into the rune, which slings the spell for you.
What makes a runesmith unique among arcane spell classes?
1 - A runesmith's runes can make temporary magic items, and lots of them!
2 - A runesmith's actual "spell" runes are always AoE effects.
3 - A runesmith wears armor and is not subject to arcane spell failure, as he does the fancy motions ahead of time when he makes his runes.
4 - A runesmith's dependency on gear means he's temporarily more helpless than a wizard when separated from his equipment, though all it takes is a few scraps of cloth and some blood drawings to get back in business.
The runesmith will launch April 29th for $7.99, but Patreon backers will get it early at only $5! Backers at the $10 level or higher can have a rune with their choice of flavor added into the system, but this offer is, of course, limited by the looming release date.
You can visit the IG Patreon for rune summary lists, the full archetype text, and more.
Do Want! I've been fascinated by Runes ever since I read the appendix on them in The Lord of the Rings.
Hey, awesome! I'm glad to supply, but be aware my work is significantly more light-hearted than old JRR, excluding Tom Bombadil. In fact, just imagine this as Tom Bombadil's take on runes. It can't be too far off.
Ultimate Runesmithing contains about... 5,000 words of base class and archetypes, then about 20,000 words of runes. It doesn't cover all the bases, but I fought hard to make multiple playstyles light up. Chief among the ones I forced into place is the fact that a runesmith can turn an entire party into low level arcane tricksters with gear runes, though a runesmith will underperform personally if he throws that much of his power at other people.
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As a supporter I'll leave my testimonial here:
Participating in this patreon is like sitting in Research & Development meetings as well as in management meetings, being able to make suggestions and actually have the CEO take you seriously (instead of the usual "who's this joker?" expression they normally have). He may accept your suggestion, part of it, or turn it down, but you get an honest answer and actually feel like you're contributing to a creative process.
If you want a in-depth look into independent publishing, or become a tangential participant in the scene, this is a great place to be.
The least you get from this project is a great product with a nice discount. Highly recommended!