[quote=@Forsythe][b]Basic Magic[/b] Basic magic, available to every character, works by combining runes to get the desired effect. Much like crafting, you may ask a GM for the runes required for a spell or a list of runes known by your character to create the desired spell yourself, or simply attempt to activate a random sequence of runes to see what happens. Advanced magic, available to well-practiced mages, does not rely on runes to cast. Consult the characters tab for more information.[/quote] I intend to create a character who is a seasoned practitioner of the arcane arts. Should I concern myself with runic magic? I would like to understand the concept, if for no other reason, than for my character to serve as a mentor to a younger mage. There is also the possibility that my old elven mage to have a few runes left over from a bygone era. This raises another question. How long does a rune retain its magical properties? Is there a shelf life? Are runes effective indefinitely until consumed? Once consumed are they simply rocks to be discarded? Or possibly recast to possess magical properties again? Is there way of distinguishing various types of runes from others that serve different purposes? How many different types of runes are there? What material is used to create a rune? Are they stones? Blocks of wood? Or something else? Can they be a random material? Are certain materials used for specific purposes? [quote=@Forsythe][b]Runic casting[/b] Runestones can be used directly for casting, not only as a source, but also to form a spell, by activating the runes in a sequence. The basic spell always contains an action, object, target and guidance type runes, which can be combined and enhanced by modifier type runes. Modifier runes are placed before the augmented rune. A special modifier rune is the 'add' rune, which allows for coupling more runes or spells together.[/quote] It appears that a basic runic spell will require at least four separate runes, each of which serves a specific purpose. One rune, is created to generate a specific action. A second rune is created to designate a specific purpose (objective) for the spell/runestone. A third rune is used to identify the target or recipient of a spell. The fourth rune designates some form of guidance, which I do not understand. How does a rune [i]guide[/i] a spell? What exactly is the purpose of a modifier rune? How does that work and what sort of spells are cast upon the runes to make them enchanted for the purpose of creating spells? It almost sounds like we are casting spells upon runestones in order to create spells? Is that right? [quote=Public Spellbook]1. Spells consist of at least one action, object, target and guidance type runes 2. Each rune can be preceded by a [i]modification[/i] rune 3. Add(itional) runes can be used to couple multiple runes together for combining either specific runes or entire spells. 4. Not using one of the mandatory runes will randomize its slot 5. Not using more than one rune will not work 6. Unleashing magic charge without any focus results in omnidirectional blast with completely random effect.[/quote] What exactly is a modification rune? I assume the word Add in item 3 above is short for additional? Are they similar to modification runes? I must assume that all spells require the basic four runes; action, object, target and guidance. If a caster has only three runes, what effect would that have on the spell Item 5 implies that a caster MUST employ at least two runes to be successful. If that is true, how can a spell be cast with fewer than four? Item 6 states a spell with no direction creates an omni-directional effect; much like a radio wave. Is the word direction in this statement used in place of [i]guidance[/i]? Regarding the public spellbook (excel), tab [i]Runes[/i], column C [i]“Rune”[/i], could you define each term listed? They might appear common as I thought they would, but some are different and may cause confusion. The Example Spells do help to understand. I assume you will include several more? [quote=@Forsythe][b]Other casting methods[/b] Wizards that have practiced a spell with runes long enough will eventually learn to cast the spell using merely a source that is not a runestone, often using incantations or motion of one's body as aid before achieving true mastery of casting with just a thought. A sufficiently capacitous receptacle may not hold just an aspect of a spell like a runestone, but an entire spell. Such an item can be activated by a novice to cast even the greatest of spells.[/quote] The word, “capacitous” is generally used in legal writings. I believe the word you intended is capacious? Meaning, “capable of containing a great deal?” I hope you forgive me for pointing this out. I don't mean to sound pedantic. The word, “Capacitous” caused some confusion. With my intention of using a more experienced mage, I do intend to write a spell book for my character. The book should contain each spell with the required runestones as well as the method for casting the spell with hand gestures, or some tool like a wand or staff and some somatic phrase. Some spells may be newer to the character and require the runes, while others have been in the book for decades and may not require that level of detail. Please correct me if I am wrong or expand my understanding on some of the areas, I am trying to figure out. Thank you. [@Starlance]