User:TracerFox/Runescribe

Runescribe

A knight in shining white armor raises his shield and speaks a word, and a formation of glowing runes appears on his shield, blasting away his foes.

A feral orc traces a few lines across the arcane markings on his chest, and his arms swell to become those of a bear before pouncing upon his foes.

A frail old man in blue robes quickly traces a few lines in the dirt and draws forth a torrent of flame to consume the pursuing goblins.

Rune Smiths are masters of the arcane art of Rune Carving, allowing them to make magical effects at any time without preparation. However due to the time required to carve or draw the runes themselves Rune Smiths tend towards a more martial path, with runes adorning their armor and weapons, and sometimes, their bodies.

Rune Magic

Rune magic is an odd sort compared to the other types in Dungeons & Dragons, it has no spell slots, no mana, no level. It can be cast and used at any time, and that makes it powerful. However runes are fickle, and the slightest mistake can cause them to backfire. That is why only those trained in the use of runes are ever able to use them properly, and not just anyone with a bottle of ink and a quill.

Rune Smiths see rune magic as an insight into the world's workings, and there are as many theories as to why simple markings hold such power as there are Rune Smiths in the world.

Versatility of Runes

Part of the draw of runes over other forms of magic is the versatility. While runes are inherently less powerful than other forms of magic, they can be used at any time without fear of being unable to replicate your feats later in the day. They also provide a way for the Rune Smith to express their exact desires by allowing them to pick and choose what each runic array can accomplish. There are two types of runic arrays: superficial and carved. Superficial runic arrays are drawn on surfaces with paints, ink, chalk, or other similar methods of art and writing. They are fast to inscribe but typically don't last long, disappearing after they've completed their goal. Carved runic arrays are more permanent markings, requiring time and care as the Rune Smith scratches lines on or gouges trenches into the desired surface.

Creating a Rune Smith

A Rune Smith is a follower of an esoteric art not known to many. They are working to rediscover one of the oldest forms of magic. What moves your Rune Smith to experimenting with these arcane markings? Is it for personal power? Is it to further the knowledge of the world? Is it to bring magic to the ungifted?

Quick Build

You can make a Rune Smith quickly by following these suggestions. First, Intelligence should be your highest ability score, followed by Strength if you plan to go into the Runic Knight tradition, Dexterity if you plan to go into the Arcanist tradition, or Constitution if you plan to go into the Fleshcarver tradition. Second, choose the sage background.

Class Features

As a Rune Smith you gain the following class features.

Hit Points

Hit Dice: 1d8 per Rune Smith level
Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + Constitution modifier
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d8 (or 5) + Constitution modifier per Rune Smith level after 1st

Proficiencies

Armor: Light armor, Medium armor, Shields
Weapons: Simple weapons, Hand crossbow, Heavy crossbow, Maul, War pick, Warhammer
Tools: Choose two from: Calligrapher's supplies, Jeweler's tools, Mason's tools, Painter's supplies
Saving Throws: Intelligence, Wisdom
Skills: Choose two from: Arcana, History, Insight, Medicine, Nature, Religion

Equipment

You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your background:

• (a) Leather armor, a light crossbow and 20 bolts or (b) Scalemail armor and a war pick or (c) Chainmail armor
• (a) A martial weapon or (b) Two simple weapons
• (a) Calligrapher's supplies or (b) Painter's supplies
• (a) Jeweler's tools or (b) Mason's tools
• (a) Explorer's Pack or (b) Scholar's Pack

Table: The Rune Smith

Level	Proficiency Bonus	Features	Rune Points	Components Known
1st	+2	Array Inscription (Triangle)	3	5
2nd	+2	Runic Tradition	5	6
3rd	+2	Array Augments	7	7
4th	+2	Ability Score Improvement	9	8
5th	+3	Bonus Effect	12	11
6th	+3	Runic Tradition Feature	14	12
7th	+3	Array Inscription (Square)	16	13
8th	+3	Ability Score Improvement	18	14
9th	+4	Bonus Target	20	15
10th	+4	Runic Tradition Feature, Runic Recovery	23	19
11th	+4	Array Augments	25	20
12th	+4	Ability Score Improvement	27	21
13th	+5	Array Inscription (Pentagon)	29	22
14th	+5	Runic Tradition Feature	31	23
15th	+5	Bonus Trigger	34	27
16th	+5	Ability Score Improvement	36	28
17th	+6	Array Augments	38	29
18th	+6	Array Inscription (Hexagon)	40	30
19th	+6	Ability Score Improvement	42	31
20th	+6	Runic Tradition Feature, Bonus Effect (2)	45	35

Array Inscription

At 1st level, you have unlocked the secrets of rune magic, an ancient magic art thought to have been lost to time. You start off knowing only how to properly inscribe the most basic of runic arrays: those in the shape of a triangle, capable of containing three components. You learn how to inscribe runic arrays in the shape of a square with four components at 7th level, a pentagon with five components at 13th level, and a hexagon with six components at 18th level.

A runic array consists of three major components: The trigger, which determines when the runic array activates; the target, which determines who or what the runic array will affect when it activates; and the effect, which determines what happens when it activates. Each of these consumes one of a runic array's component slots, and a runic array without at least one of each component will not activate. Additional trigger components combine with each other to produce more complex triggers, additional target components combine with each other to either produce more specific targets or a wider array of targets, and additional effect components combine with each other to produce more powerful or varied effects. All components are detailed at the end of the class description.

Rune Points. Runes are works of art infused with magic, and more powerful runic arrays can be quite taxing to inscribe when done in a pinch. You have a number of rune points equal to your Rune Smith level, as shown in the Rune Smith table. Certain triggers, targets, components, and class features can increase the number of rune points it costs to inscribe more complex runic arrays. Once you can inscribe more complex runic array, square runic arrays cost a base of 1 rune point to inscribe. Pentagon runic arrays cost 3 points, and hexagon runic arrays cost 6. You regain 1 rune point at the start of each of your turns. Whenever you inscribe a runic array, you must expend all required rune points at the moment you begin to inscribe it, and while you are inscribing a runic array you do not regain rune points. You can never attempt to inscribe a runic array that costs more rune points than you have. If an object is inscribed with a runic array that costs 5 or more rune points, the object is considered magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical damage.

Runic Array Components. The number of different ways you know how to inscribe the various types of runic arrays is represented by the total number of component options you know, as shown in the Rune Smith table. Each trigger you know counts toward this total, each target you know counts toward this total, and each effect you know counts toward this total. Each time you gain a level in this class, you may change one of the components you know with a different one. If you die, all runic arrays you created start consuming uses at a rate of 1 use at dawn each day.

Rune Limit. When you inscribe a runic array, you put a small part of yourself into the runic array itself, empowering it and making it the deadly work of art it is. The maximum number of runic arrays you can have inscribed at once is equal to your Intelligence modifier plus your proficiency bonus (minimum of 1). If you try to inscribe more runic arrays than your maximum, your oldest runic array fades away and disappears instantly. If you try to inscribe a single item with more than three runic arrays, nothing happens. The size of the runic array is irrelevant when you are inscribing runic arrays on objects such as rocks, swords, papers, hats, etc.

Runescribing Ability Intelligence is your inscription ability for your runic arrays, since the power of your runic arrays relies on how accurately you can create the individual runes from memory. You use your Intelligence whenever a rune effect refers to your runescribing ability. In addition, you use your Intelligence modifier when setting the saving throw DC for a runic array you inscribe and when making an attack roll with one. Even though the given harmful rune effects call for a saving throw, your DM might call for an attack roll in certain situations, so both are listed.

Rune save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Intelligence modifier

Rune attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your Intelligence modifier

Inscription Materials
Material	Uses	Inscription Time
Dirt/Gravel/Parchment/Sand/etc.	1	1 action
Leather/Wood/etc.	2	3 actions
Stone	2	1 minute
Common Gemstones (Quartzite, Pearl, Obsidian, Coral, Lapis, etc)	4	1 minute
Semi-Precious Gemstones (Jade, Opals, Amber, Topaz, Amethyst, etc)	7	1 minute
Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald	11	1 minute
Diamond	16	1 minute
Common Metals	8	+6 hours
Gold	10	+8 hours
Silver	12	+10 hours
Mithril	25	+10 hours
Adamantine	20	+24 hours

Other materials and substances not on this list are up to your DM to determine the exact statistics for those materials. The specific type of gem used is irrelevant: only the value of the gem matters, and the value given is the minimum value of gem required for an inscribed runic array to have those statistics. Conversely, the value of the metal is irrelevant: it's the type of metal that matters, such that gold weapons and armor are more effective at holding runic arrays than iron or steel. Objects with runic arrays inscribed into them do not experience normal wear and tear from regular use, including soft metals that would normally bend or break if used as weapons or armor.

Runic Array Size

Also at 1st level, you know how to inscribe different sizes of runic arrays. Because of the time and energy larger runic arrays require to be inscribed, larger runic arrays are not only more powerful but can activate more times. The Runic Array Size table below details the exact additional cost, inscription time, and effects amplification of larger runic arrays.

The only limit on how large a runic array can be is on how many rune points you can spend towards making a larger runic array. Runic arrays larger than Gargantuan cannot be more powerful and therefore do not have a larger cost associated with them. Any effects of the rune that has targets treat the edges of the runic array as the origin points for the effect, and as the starting points for the ranges or radii of any trigger components.

Runic Array Sizes
Image Size	Runic Array Point Cost	Inscription Time	Additional Uses	Effects Multiplier
Tiny	0	x1	0	x1
Very Small (5x5 area)	0	x2	1	x1
Small	0	x3	2	x1
Medium	1	x4	2	x2
Slightly Large (10x10 area)	2	x6	3	x2
Large	3	x8	3	x3
Mostly Huge (15x15 area)	5	x10	4	x3
Huge	7	x13	5	x4
Somewhat Gargantuan (20x20 area)	9	x16	7	x4
Gargantuan	11	x20	9	x5

Runic Traditions

At 2nd level, you specialize your talents into one of the three traditions of the Rune Smith: the Arcanist, the Fleshcarver, or the Runic Knight, each detailed later in the class description. Your choice grants you features at 2nd level and again at 6th, 10th, 14th, and 20th level.

Runic Array Augments

At 3rd level, you discover a new way of improving the runic arrays you inscribe: magical augmentation. By adding extra symbols along each edge of the runic array, you increase the potency of the runic array itself. Each runic array may only have a single augment, but this modification can drastically change the way your runic array behaves. Different modifications increase the runic array point cost of inscribing a runic array by different amounts. You learn 2 augments of your choice from the list below, and you learn one more at 11th level and again at 17th level.

Adaptive Array (Costs 5 rune points)

This runic array has one additional component slot.

Careful Array (Costs 1 rune point)

Friendly creatures have advantage on their saving throw against this runic array's harmful effects, and hostile creatures are unaffected by helpful effects.

Distant Array (Costs 2 rune points)

This runic array has all ranges and radii doubled.

Empowered Array (Costs 2 rune points)

Each die rolled for the effects of this runic array has its result increased by 2.

Personal Array (Costs 1 rune point)

This runic array will not activate until you fulfill its trigger requirement.

Regenerative Array (Costs 10 rune points)

For each day that this runic array isn't used (except passive-trigger runes), it regains one use.

Reinforced Array (Costs 5 rune points)

This runic array has twice as many uses.

Tiny Array (Costs 4 rune points)

The size of this runic array is Tiny (2.5x2.5 feet) but otherwise keeps all size modifiers.

Ability Score Increase

When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.

Bonus Effect

At 5th level, you learn how to improve the complexity of your runic arrays without having to increase their cost. By adding more intricate elements to the array you may add an additional effect. The additional effect does not have to be the same as the first effect, but must still be an effect component that you know. At 20th level, you may give the runic array a second bonus effect component.

Bonus Target

At 9th level, the runic arrays you inscribe can be more easily modified to pick and choose what they affect. When you inscribe a runic array you can more carefully design its target components, giving it an additional target. The additional target does not have to be the same target as the first target, but must still be a target component that you know.

Runic Recovery

Starting at 10th level, you recover 1 additional rune point at the start of each of your turns.

Bonus Trigger

At 15th level, the conditions under which your runic arrays activate are more varied. When you inscribe a runic array you can now combine two trigger component sigils into one slot, giving it an additional trigger. The additional trigger does not have to be the same trigger as the first trigger, but must still be a trigger component that you know.

Rune Smith Traditions

The key difference between any two traditions is the ways in which the runes are used. While all Rune Smiths can draw some symbols in the dirt to create a magical effect, the differences in technique and collected knowledge make the different traditions unique to each other, even to the point of one Rune Smith not recognizing another as a true practitioner of rune magic.

Arcanist

More closely connected to the arcane forces that govern the magical laws that rune magic is bound to follow, arcanists delve deeper into the study of rune lore than any others, seeking knowledge and seeing patterns where others fail to find the logic and order that arcanists strive to exemplify in their runes. Arcanists use their vast knowledge of the general functions of magic to create runes that can cast spells normally used by other magic users. The only distinction between a Rune Smith arcanist and a wizard is that the arcanist never learned how to properly cast a spell, and has only just now discovered that they don't need to: the runes will do it for them.

Inscribe Spells

At 2nd level, you learn how to inscribe the arcane symbols for spells into your runic arrays as effects. Anytime you would learn a new component, you may instead choose a spell from the wizard's spell list to learn. The spell must be of a level for which you would have spell slots for if you had spell slots. For example, an 5th-level arcanist could learn spells of 3rd level or lower. You can also learn cantrips using this feature.

When you inscribe a spell runic array, you do not choose any effect components. Instead, the spell consumes a number of the runic array's component slots equal to the spell's level (a minimum of 1) and any remaining component slots must be filled with trigger and target components. The spell usually defines its own targets, so keep in mind that the effects of a spell and its target may not be compatible with the desired target components. The spell runic array also costs a number of rune points equal to the spell's level. The Bonus Effect feature can contribute component slots towards the maximum level of spell the runic array can be inscribed with. Spells in runic arrays you inscribe use your runescribing ability for attack rolls and saving throw DCs.

If the runic array is inscribed with a spell that requires concentration, you must maintain concentration on the runic array for as long as the runic array remains active, as though concentrating on the spell. Any spellcasting ability checks the runic array's spells require are made by you using your Intelligence modifier. If a spell has a negative effect on you (such as the wish spell running the chance that you may never be able to cast it again, as described in the spell description), you suffer those effects when you start inscribing the runic array. If you would inscribe a spell runic array on a type of material or at a size that grants it more than one use, you suffer the negative effects for each use the runic array has. If the spell requires you to make a choice when cast, you make the choice when the runic array activates.

A spell runic array can be inscribed with multiple spells, and even multiple copies of the same spell. The runic array must have one trigger component and one target component for each unique spell, and the triggers cannot be the same for different spells within the same runic array. If you inscribe multiple copies of the same spell, the spell is instead cast at a higher level as proportionate to the number of copies of that spell the runic array is inscribed with. For example, inscribing a runic array with three copies of the magic missile spell will cast it as though it were cast using a 3rd level spell slot.

Quick Inscription

At 6th level, your memorization of runic arrays and their components allows you to more quickly inscribe them without the fear of making a mistake. You may spend an additional rune point per component of the runic array you wish to inscribe to inscribe the runic array as a bonus action. You may not use this feature to inscribe more than one runic array in a turn, and your reaction cannot be used to inscribe a runic array if you use this feature.

Empowered Runes

Beginning at 10th level, the runic arrays you inscribe can more easily accommodate spells as effect components. Each runic array you inscribe is considered to have one additional component slot for the purpose of determining the maximum total levels of spells the runic array can be inscribed with.

Innovative Inscription

At 14th level, your ability to memorize new runic array components allows you to recall components you may have forgotten, or even temporarily figure out how to create new components. When you inscribe a runic array, you may choose any one component from the list of Rune Components (but not any spells from the wizard spell list) to use for that runic array. Once you use this feature, you must finish a long rest to do so again.

Exceptional Runes

Starting at 20th level, you have become so in tune with the powers you use to inscribe your runic arrays you can inscribe new runic arrays with ease. You regain one additional rune point at the start of each of your turns, and each time one of your runic arrays fades away you regain one rune point. In addition, each runic array you inscribe is considered to have one additional component slot for the purpose of determining the maximum total levels of spells the runic array can be inscribed with.

Flesh Scribe

Flesh scribes imbue their own or other's very bodies with the power of runic arrays, either through the use of tattoos or by gouging scars into the recipient's body. This simulates the process of carving a runic array into rocks or gems, and can be a very painful experience, so most rune smiths shy away from this path and its potentially more sinister practices. This is not to say that all flesh scribes are inclined towards evil: the process of giving empowered tattoos to willing volunteers is just as noble as that of a runic knight creating enchanted armor for their companions, or of a paladin or cleric using their divine powers to protect the innocent and smite the evils of the land.

Body Inscription

When you choose this tradition at 2nd level, you learn how to impart the arcane powers that control your runic arrays into the very bodies of creatures, whether it's yourself or others who receive the runic arrays. You add Flesh to the list of materials you can inscribe runic arrays into, adding it to the same row as "Leather/Wood/etc". You also add Tattooed Skin/Shell to the row containing "100gp Gem or Gemstone" and Finely Tattooed Skin to the row containing "Common Metals". Runics arrays that you inscribe on creatures cannot be larger than the creature's size, and each creature other than yourself can only have one runic array inscribed on it at a time. You can have up to three runic arrays inscribed on your own body, and the total size of the runic arrays on your body cannot exceed your own size (for example, if your size is Large, you can have up to three Medium runic arrays, but if your size is Medium or Small, you can instead only have one Medium or Small runic array, or up to three Tiny runic arrays). Whenever you inscribe a runic array into the flesh or shell of a creature, the creature takes 1d4 necrotic damage for each rune point spent, and its hit point maximum decreases by that amount until the runic array fades. A runic array inscribed onto the skin of a creature through the use of tattoos has no such ill effect. You may only inscribe runic arrays onto the skin of or into the flesh or shell of a willing creature or a creature that cannot move. Creatures with the restrained and unconscious conditions are examples of creatures that cannot move, and your DM may rule that other conditions or effects apply. For the purpose of runic array effects, a creature's skin counts as armor and a creature's unarmed strikes and other natural physical weapons count as weapons. A 1-ounce bottle of ink has enough ink to inscribe eight Tiny runic arrays, two Small or Medium runic arrays, or half of a Large runic array. Creatures cannot have runic arrays larger than Large inscribed on or in them.

Innate Rune

Starting at 6th level, you have a runic array permanently inscribed into your own body. You can choose whether this runic array takes the form of tattoos or scars. Either way, you suffer no ill effects from this runic array. The runic array is a Tiny Triangle runic array, and you choose which components from those that you know it uses. You may also choose one of your runic array augments for the runic array. The runic array has three uses, does not fade away when it runs out of uses, and regains all expended uses when you finish a long rest. The runic array does not count against the total number of runic arrays you can have or against the number of runic arrays you can have on yourself. Each time the maximum shape of your runic arrays increases, the shape of your innate runic array increases as well, and any features that allow you to grant extra components to you runic arrays applies to your innate runic array. There is no cost in rune points associated with this runic array, but the cost in rune points of inscribing an identical runic array cannot exceed the maximum number of rune points you have. Each time you gain a level in this class, you may change one of the runic array's properties (such as components used, or the augment used) for another one of the same kind.

Forced Carving

At 10th level, it becomes easier for you to inscribe runic arrays into creatures. It takes 1/3 less time to carve a runic array into flesh or shell or to tattoo a runic array onto a creature's skin, and an unwilling creature merely has to have a speed of 0 for a runic array to be inscribed on it. In addition, other creatures can have a second runic array inscribed on them, which can only be a Triangle runic array.

Lifeforce Runes

At 14th level, the tattoos and scars that constitute the runic arrays on your own body take power from your very life force. You gain a second innate runic array from the Innate Rune feature. This runic array does not have a limit on how many rune points can be spent on an identical runic array, but you hit point maximum decreases by 2 for every 1 point above rune point maximum the second innate runic array goes. In addition, you can spend 3d4 of your hit points to use either of your innate runic arrays after they've expended their last use, and there's no limit to how many times you can spend hit points in this way.

Master of Flesh

Starting at 20th level, you have superior control over the runic arrays you inscribe, to the point where you can control other creatures using your runic arrays. Any creature that has one of your runic arrays inscribed on it is charmed by you, and as an action during your turn you can cast dominate monster on a creature that has one of your runic arrays inscribed into its flesh or shell, without expending a spell slot or material components. If the creature succeeds on its save, it is no longer charmed by you and is immune to this feature for the next 24 hours, or until you inscribe a new runic array on it.

Runic Knight

Rune Smiths that chose to specialize as runic knights use their knowledge to empower the gear they use to further protect themselves and their allies with protective runic arrays or to more easily strike down their foes with powerful enchantments. More similar to artificers than wizards, runic knights inscribe their runic arrays on weapons, armor, and other objects, for the most part, preferring the more personal use of a long-lasting runic array to that of a quickly-drawn runic array on the wall, ground, or even a piece of parchment. To a runic knight, the runic array is an integral part of their style of combat, imbuing them with fantastical powers and magical abilities for constant use. The only drawback is the time it takes to make their equipment, for as soon as the runic array fades, the very gear the runic knight relies upon has turned into a pile of dust, forcing them to remake the very things they require from scratch.

Bonus Proficiencies

When you choose this tradition at 2nd level, you gain proficiency with smith's tools and heavy armor.

Object Inscription

Also at 2nd level, the weapons and armor you imbue with your runic arrays more easily retain the runic arrays you inscribe, giving each runic array you inscribe on them three additional uses before the runic array fades away and disappears.

Personal Runes

Starting at 6th level, some of the runic arrays you inscribe are closely linked with your very life force, allowing you to inscribe more runic arrays. You may have up to one runic array inscribed on a weapon and up to one runic array inscribed on a set of armor that don't count towards the number of runic arrays you can have inscribed. Only you may activate these runic arrays, and if you die they instantly fade away and disappear. If the runic arrays are always active (as with the Passive trigger), they remain inactive unless the objects they are inscribed upon are on your person. They still consume uses while inactive in this way.

Elemental Imbuement

At 10th level, you have learned how to make every runic array impart some kind of elemental effect on the object it is inscribed upon. Each time you inscribe a runic array on a weapon or set of armor, that runic array gains an additional Elemental effect component. You can choose which damage type is used.

Lifeforce Runes

Beginning at 14th level, the runic arrays you inscribe can be tied into the lifeforce of other creatures. A number of creatures other than yourself up to your Intelligence modifier (a minimum of 1) can choose one runic array on a weapon they are carrying or set of armor they are wearing. The chosen runic array doesn't consume uses when it activates or at the start of each day so long as the creature is alive.

Imbuement Master

At 20th level, you have mastered the art of crafted rune-empowered objects. Whenever you inscribe a weapon or set of armor with a runic array, you may inscribe an additional Triangle runic array at no extra cost. This runic array can benefit from your other features, but you must still be able to afford the runic array point cost for any additional components you wish to add.

Runic Array Components

There are a great many components of various types, purpose, and compatibility. Some components just do not work with others. For example, a runic array consisting of the Structure targeting component and the Blindness effect component will effectively do nothing, as structures (in the vast majority of cases) cannot be blinded: they don't have eyes and aren't even alive. If a runic array uses multiple copies of the same type of component, the same-type ranges and effects are combined, such as two instances of +5 feet becoming 10 feet total for both components. These modifiers are not combined when seen in different types of runic array components, such as between triggers and effects. All effect components are considered to be the same type of component for this purpose.

Triggers

Multiple copies of the same trigger can be added to a runic array. If a runic array has two or more different triggers, the trigger is the first selected trigger or the next selected trigger, and so on, whichever trigger happens first. Certain triggers can be combined to create a more specific trigger.

Destruction: This runic array activates when the object it is inscribed upon is destroyed.

Passive: This runic array is always active, and instead consumes one use at dawn each day. If combined with other triggers, the runic array becomes active or inactive when the trigger is met and consumes one use upon activation.

Time: This runic array activates every (up to) +1 days (a minimum of 1 round). If combined with other triggers, the runic array begins activating or stops activating at the chosen interval when the other trigger is met and activates immediately.

Thrown: This runic array activates when, as an action, it is thrown up to +20 feet.

Touch: This runic array activates when, as an action, a target touches this runic array.

Vicinity: This runic array activates the first time a target comes within +10 feet of this runic array during a round.

Voice: This runic array activates when, as an action, the chosen word is spoken.

Targets

All chosen targets are combined to make the runic array as specific as possible.

Creature: This runic array targets only creatures of a specific type within range. (Such as celestials, humanoids, or undead.)

Each: This runic array targets each applicable target within range. (Only compatible with another target component.)

Nearest: This runic array targets the closest creature within range.

Self: This runic array targets the object or surface it is inscribed on. (Only compatible with self effects.)

Structure: This runic array targets the nearest structure.

User: This runic array targets the creature that activated it.

Effects

All effects are combined upon activation. For your convenience, all effects are sorted into four categories: harmful effects, helpful effects, neutral effects, and self effects. If a target would be put under the same effect from either multiple runic arrays or from multiple uses of the same effect component, only the most powerful effect persists (as with spells). An effect radius and an effect range do not combine (i.e. darkness and concuss won't combine for a 20-foot radius effect area), nor do different units of time measurement. If an effect does not provide a whole number, the number is rounded down, requiring at least two copies of the same effect for the runic array to do anything. These effects can be increased based on what you and your DM come up with.

Harmful Effects

Runic arrays with these effects can become powerful weapons of destruction.

Acidic Wave: A target within +5 feet of the runic array must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw, taking +2d6 acid damage on a failed saving throw and another +1d6 at the start of its each of its turns for +1 turns, or half as much and no additional damage on a successful one. The additional damage taken decreases by 1d6 each turn.

Blindness: A target within +5 feet of this runic array must succeed on a Constitution saving throw, becoming blinded for +1 turns on a failed saving throw.

Concuss: A target within +5 feet of this runic array must succeed on a Constitution saving throw, taking +2d10 thunder damage and becoming deafened for +1 turns on a failed saving throw, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Drain: A target within +5 feet of the runic array must succeed on a Constitution saving throw, taking +2d6 necrotic damage and having its maximum hit points reduced by the damage taken for +1 hours on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. If this damage reduces a creature's hit point maximum to 0, the creature dies.

Electricity: A target within +5 feet of the runic array must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw, taking +2d8 lightning damage and it can't use reactions until the start of its next turn on a failed saving throw, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Fire Leash: A target within +5 feet of the runic array must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw, taking +2d12 fire damage on a failed saving throw, or half as much on a successful one.

Forceful Impact: A target within +5 feet of the runic array must succeed on a Strength saving throw, taking +2d8 force damage and being pushed +5 feet away from the runic array on a failed saving throw, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Icy Wind: A target within +5 feet of the runic array must succeed on a Constitution saving throw, taking +2d8 cold damage and having its speed reduced by +5 feet for +1 turns on a failed saving throw, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Mana Sap: A target within +5 feet of the runic array must succeed on a Constitution saving throw, having +2 levels of spell slots drained. Drained spell slots are expended without any other effect, and lowest level spell slots are drained first.

Paralysis: A target within +5 feet of the runic array must succeed on a Constitution saving throw, becoming paralyzed for +0.5 turns on a failed saving throw.

Toxic Cloud: A target within +5 feet of the runic array must succeed on a Constitution saving throw, taking +2d10 poison damage and becoming poisoned for +1 turns on a failed saving throw, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Helpful Effects

Runic arrays with these effects can become powerful medicines and protective symbols.

Cover: A target within +5 feet of this runic array gains a +(+3) bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks for the next +1 minutes.

Protection: A target within +5 feet of this runic array gains a +(+1) bonus to its AC and saving throws for the next +1 turns.

Recovery: A target within +5 feet of this runic array recovers +1d6 hit points. This healing cannot bring a creature above half its hit point maximum.

Swiftness: A target within +5 feet of this runic array has its speed increased by +10 feet for the next +1 turns.

Neutral Effects

These effects are neither helpful nor harmful, nor do they have an effect directly on what they inscribed to.

Darkness: The runic array creates a +15-foot radius sphere of magical darkness centered on it for +1 minutes. (Cannot combine with Light effect.)

Flight: A target within +5 feet of the runic array is put under the effects of the levitate spell for +1 minutes.

Light: The runic array glows with bright light out to a radius of +15 feet, and with dim light for another +15 feet beyond that, for +1 minutes.

Self Effects

Runic arrays with these effects augment the objects they are on. When not uses with the Passive trigger, these effects last for 1 minute after the runic array is activated.

Ability Enhancement: Choose Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma. When worn or held by a creature, this object increases the chosen ability score by +(+1).

Durability: This object takes half as much damage, and it cannot rust or be degraded, even by magic.

Elemental: Choose acid, cold, fire, lightning, poison, or thunder. On armor, the armor provides resistance to the chosen damage type. On weapons, the weapon deals an additional +(0.5)d6 damage of the selected damage type.

Morph: This weapon becomes a different weapon, or this set of armor becomes a different type of armor. If used with the Passive trigger component, this can be done as an action.

Persistent: This runic array has 1+(+0.5) times as many uses, rounded up. (Only compatible with the Passive trigger.)

Power: This object becomes a +(+0.5) item.

Multiclassing

Prerequisites. To qualify for multiclassing into the Rune Smith class, you must meet these prerequisites: Intelligence 13

Proficiencies. When you multiclass into the Rune Smith class, you gain the following proficiencies: Light Armor, Throwing Hammer, Warhammer, one tool proficiency from the class list. ---- {{5e Classes Breadcrumb}} [[Category:5e]] [[Category:User]] [[Category:Class]]