History of the Runic

Runics are the Visionaries of Ashriel. They believe whole-heartedly in the power of dreams. That within dreams your spiritual path can be found. In order to better understand the symbols in their dreams and those of others, many embark on a pilgrimage seeking knowledge of other lands and peoples. If one pursues such a path, then at the time of eternal sleep, they will break the cycle of Fennlor and reach paradise in Elthuywn’Mira. Those who fail to find their spiritual path will be reborn into a new life until the cycle is broken. It was rumored that there were once Runics capable of entering a dream-like mirror of Erandur through the mastery of the runes.

Runic - Runics are one of the few magic-users to not directly draw from the flows of Mana surrounding the planet. Instead, their powers come from ancient runes left from the time when gods and mortals lived together. The runes act as a conduits for harnessing the flows of Mana. Therefore, the spells are dependent on the runes of the user. The act of bonding with a rune is called "attachment." The bond between the user and the rune directly effects the power of the spells. If the bond is strong enough it could be possible for the user to absorb the powers of the rune, a rare feat only possible after true mastery of a rune. Powers from a mastered rune will remain with the user even after the rune has been removed.

Founder - Ashriel
Races - Araeoin, Aralune, Auglaur, Aylan, Chobin, Darondwe, Dhranli, Erutan'Aldir, Erutan'Eryne, Erutan'Nosrel, Hyurin, Melusine, Mendalisse, Mycenidar, Naiathan, Rhemir'Bahle, Rilekuei, Sidari, Stome, Tameidrin

Rank 1 Title - Artificer
Rank 2 Title - Theurgist
Rank 3 Title - Diviner

While the true origin of the Runes is perhaps not-known by anyone, the accept theory relates them as fragments of the seals that kept the gods in protective slumber for centuries, perhaps millennial. That alone brings up too many questions that cannot be answered, even by the gods themselves I'm sure. However, during the time of 'Kamuri,' the Divine Silence, the gods of Erandur were entombed in crystalline chambers scattered around the planet. One day, for reasons yet unknown, one of the seals, that of Lateus, the Goddess of Time, the oldest and questionably most powerful of the gods broke; it shattered unleashing streams of energy and light. One by one the rest followed creating a magnificent explosion of color and power, as if the sky itself was a blaze with vibrant purples and calm blues, fiery reds danced into brilliant golds and greens. Of course, that is just speculation at best, there was no existence at the time of their awakening. I digress, as the eruption of color and power cooled, the fragments of those seals fell to the planet's surface and the Runes were born.

Runes are classified into three tiers, the first and most common, are 'Nama Maishi,' followed by 'Sizen Maishi' and the last, most powerful are the 8 'Sijun Maishi.' The process of attaching a rune is essentially the same, with all three types. The Runes are symbols that represent power and act as a conduit to channel the flow of Mana that weaves around the planet.

Nama Maishi ~ These runes are the smallest fragments and most readily available. It seems they can be found almost anywhere, embedded in rock, or a tree, I have even seen some under water. Mastery of Nama Maishi is fairly common, and one cannot advance through the guild without successfully mastering at least one. I don't think that is too much to ask, in the wrong hands Runes can be quite dangerous. Many people forget, that even Nama Maishi, while not the strongest, are living beings. In order to "attach" a rune, one must first, find the source of rune. With the invention of Rune Crystals, this became much less of an issue, as you could absorb a copy of the rune with the crystal and preserve it for later usage. However, not all Nama Maishi react to the Rune Crystals, some require more precious stones. The bond formed connects our will, with that of the rune, for some this becomes a difficult battle of strength that not all win, but that is the relationship between us, that is how we learn, and share our existence. Not all runes, like all species, however there does seem to be a sort of balance that exists, it makes you wonder how could some power create something so calculated, that appears to be so accidental.

Sizen Maishi ~ Sizen Maishi seem to have no reaction  whatsoever to any Rune Crystal or gemstone. If you wish to attach Sizen Maishi, you must do it in person. It doesn't sound that difficult, but surely you must realize those runes do not just exist in plain sight. These runes vary in size and shape, and are much stronger than Nama Maishi. In order to attach any Sizen Maishi, you must find its source in Nature. Some are sacred to certain tribal species, naturally it is rare for anyone to just give anything sacred to them away to strangers.

Sijun Maishi ~ The 8 Sijun Maishi represent the largest and most powerful Runes in existence. Each of the Sacred Elements are represented: Time, Illusion, Water, Earth, Air, Fire, Light, Shadow. We believe that they are shards from the elder deities, hence their incredible power. As with many things, power, and risk go hand in hand. The Sijun Maishi, present a rather interesting scenario. Attaching a full portion of any Sijun Maishi, seems to well lets just say, things don't end well for those wishing to undertake such a challenge. As mentioned before, all runes have a will of their own, and it is our job to either subdue and conquer that, or create a relationship of equality. Everyone who has sought Sijun Maishi has gone mad from its power.  However, unlike other runes, they can successfully and safely be attached if taken in a smaller fragment. The Eight Sijun are housed and protected in their respective temples. It is customary upon reaching the rank of Diviner to visit one of the temples and pay respect to at least one of the Sijun Maishi. All runes came from the same seals, they are all one, even in their variety, their shape and form, color and power, in the end, they are all one, they are all attached to Sijun Maishi.

Excerpt taken from `Gylphs, Symbols and Runes; History of the Runics'
by Diviner Sionna Felwhisper