Greetings to those who seek enlightenment. I [Ghost Tiger] have chosen as my next topic of summary the Rock of Storms Rune-workings known as the Runes of the Storm Father. I would like to stress that this is only the briefest and most novice of introductions. My [Ghost Tiger] notes are comprised from interviews, practical experience, and what few texts I could find. This is not intended as an insult, but a humble attempt to help qualify the scribing of these advanced runes.

I [Ghost Tiger] will summarize the terms for those who are unfamiliar with Imperial quantifiers:

• A readied magic is one that is cast first in preparation,than held until it is activated and discharged.
• Activation is the release of magic.
• An Instant magic is one that has but one condition to be completed.
• A “packet” of energy is the concentrated force that the inner will workings of sorcery produce. Various shades of yellow which may reflect the source of the magic or a reflection of what is produced inside of the caster.
• A Ward is a sort of protection that encircles the target with the intention of preventing other magics or changes from taking place.

As I [Ghost Tiger] have been able to determine, these runes were passed down from the deities or gods of the Rock of Storms. Apparently they are very old and the gods themselves (or at least the Storm Father) has since changed in perspective. The runes are not actually the alphabet used by the Rock of Storms people, but they do bear some resemblance. I [Ghost Tiger] have only a passing understand of them and an actual scholar of the Rock of Storms (or Skiern as they are called) would be best to describe the difference. I’ve [Ghost Tiger] heard that the Runes (capital R) were given first to man so that he may grow and take his rightful place. And the runes (lower case r) grew out of that for man to record his deeds. While anyone from the Rock of Storms may learn runes, or “Runes” a Skiern specializes in the “Runes” and makes a study of them in order to pass them along to others. Skalds, who seem to play the part of both record keepers, entertainers, and a sort of “battle chanter” do not always or often utilize runes. Most of their history is passed down verbally and it seems only the most important of items are recorded as they use stone or wood to do so, thus the event needs to match the effort it takes.

It is important to note the difference in professions among the people of the Rock of Storms despite there being only a few. It is a sign of respect to them. I [Ghost Tiger] have noted 5 professions, Warrior (or berserker, although this seems to be a variation of a warrior), Skiern, Skald, Crafts person, Home Keeper, sailor/fisherman, hunter. While it appears that the people of the Rock will all do what is needed, they seem to move towards what they are best at. Interestingly, there does not seem to be an order to this and a clan or tribe will make do with more or less of something (if for example there were not enough crafters but an excess or fishermen). I [Ghost Tiger] will strongly note, that all people from the Rock of Storms are expected to fight so be careful. Drawing the wrath of a Skiern or Skald does not mean they will not pull out a sword or ax to use against you.

It bears noting, that there are 3 distinctions among the actual Runes, they are “Marks”, “Signs”, and “Runes”. I [Ghost Tiger] am not sure about the technical difference between “Marks” and “Runes” but “signs” do not seem to have a written component. Instead some other mark or sign upon the caster indicates they are active, which typically are colored lines drawn down the face. The colors seem to be important (as noted below). The words spoken seem to be more important than the actual shape of the “Runes” or “Marks”. While a Skiern has very specific runes that are drawn, I’ve [Ghost Tiger] made a comparison and they are not all identical between the Skierns. This would lead me [Ghost Tiger] to believe it is more the intent and will of the caster as opposed to the actual insignia.

In an effort to better classify these “Runes” I [Ghost Tiger] have split them into two groups, those that help warriors prior to battle entitled “Battle Preparation”, and those that help them during or after battle entitled “Battle Restoration.” I [Ghost Tiger] have yet to learn of any other grouping or classification. This includes (strangely in my [Ghost Tiger] mind) no actual order to the “Runes” themselves. This may be due to a geographic or clan breakdown in the actual agreement of history or a sign of the chaos typical of this harsh world. Another intersting note is that there are at two Runes which claim to be from the “All-Mother” one of the three deities of the world. It is not apparent if these runes were assumed from the All Mother, or utilized by her and later taught. These could also just be names given that better fit the concept of the god(s). If this is the case, it begs the question, how much influence the mortals of the Rock of Storms have on the magic and gods of their world. I’ve [Ghost Tiger] listed what would appear to be conditioning or coinciding rituals with each will working. This is my [Ghost Tiger] own classification and it should be noted that no Skiern has ever indicated there is an order or coupling of learning either.

BATTLE PREPARATION

Mark of Steel Turning (spell)

Type

Readied

Requirements

Caster cannot hold a weapon. Doing breaks the concentration for any remaining charges.

The words spoke to focus the mind are:

“I know a mark of power that turns back steel; in the thick of battle, if need be great enough, enemy swords will make no wounds.”

The words used to activate that magic:

“Your flesh will turn back steel.” while making the appropriate mark.

When this spell is spoken, the caster gains their Mastery in uses. When the caster draws the rune on the target and speaks the activation words, they grant the target metaphysical protection. As with all magical protections, this spell does not seem to add upon itself or other sources of protection, instead simply replacing the original effect.

Brothers to Battle (Ritual)

Wrestle, Spar, or play the Game of Boasting with 2 or more storm-brothers or sisters for at least 10 minutes.

Mark of War Weirding (spell)

Type

Readied

Requirements

Caster must hold at least one weapon. Failure to do so drops the remaining uses of this spell.

The words spoke to focus the mind are:

“I know a mark of power called War’s Weirding; as my kinsmen go to battle, I only need scribe it upon them, and they will return victorious.”

The words used to activate that magic:

“War’s weirding is known to you.” while making the appropriate mark.

When this spell is cast, the caster gains their Mastery in uses of this spell. When the caster draws the rune upon a target and speaks the activation words, they increase the target’s maximum Battle Prowess, for two hours. What this has been witnessed to do is allow a skilled warrior to strike with a fierce strike of power once more.

The Land Thirsts (Ritual)

Draw blood from an arm with a dagger, while chanting for about 1 minutes, causing a self-inflicted wound.

Rune of Standing Stones (spell)

Type

Readied (Touch)

Requirements

Caster must hold a runestone, else all remaining uses are lost.

The words spoke to focus the mind are:

“I know a rune of power that is the strength of standing stones; no useful object will be destroyed; no axe or sword will break in battle.”

The words used to activate that magic:

“This (object) shall stand as the stones.” while making the appropriate mark.

When this spell is cast, the caster gains their Mastery in uses of this spell. When the caster scribes a rune on an item and speaks the words used to activate that magic:, it protects that item against effects that would Break, Shatter, or Destroy it.

Pride in Skilled Hands (Ritual)

Formally give an item crafted by your own hand to another, reciting its creation and attributes for about 1 minute. If this item comes back into your posession somehow, this ritual is Fouled until you make an identical version of the item, and sacrifice both to the Storm Father, all at once.

Rune of Thunder’s Might (spell)

Type

Unique, an instant effect on the weapon that is held till used.

Requirements

A melee weapon

The words spoke to focus the mind are:

“I know a rune that calls the Stormfather’s rage; this (weapon) will strike down its foes with the (mastery)-fold might of thunder.” while making the appropriate mark.

When this spell is cast and after 1 minute of concentration, the enchanted weapon gains the caster’s Mastery in activations. The wielder of the enchanted weapon can, at will, expend an activation to deliver a Lightning Strike of a strength equal to twice that of a normal strike for one melee attack, which is expended regardless of whether it hits or not. Any normal defense can be used against this attack as if it were a mundane powerful Strike. As with all enchantments, this spell will not build upon itself, and simply replaces a duplicate effect.

Honor the All-Maker (Ritual)

Defeat (take down) a worthy (armed and dangerous) foe in single combat, with no assistance whatsoever. If the duel lasts less than 3 seconds, the ritual fails.

Rune of Severed Bonds (spell)

Type

Instant but only for the caster.

Requirements

Caster must wear a large bracelet of rune-marked ivory, wood, or leather.

The words spoke to focus the mind are:

“I know a rune of power that is the severing of bonds; my chains and fetters will break and fall useless; none shall halt my passage.”while making the appropriate mark on the bracelet.

When this spell is cast, the caster becomes immune to Bind, Shackle, Slow, Fear, Fascination, and Calm effects. As well, a caster under the effects of this enchantment may enter all Circles of magic and magical constructs freely (generally), and can ignore any hostile effects of such. Any effect which stops them from attacking others or using hostile spells, however, is unchanged. Rune of Severed Bonds lasts for 1 hour per point of Mastery

• I [Ghost Tiger] have listed the Circles and Enchantment effects which are affected by this spell that I [Ghost Tiger] have witnessed. I [Ghost Tiger] will not vouch for the safety of any other test. Note that beneficial effects from Circles do not seem to be prevented.

Ring of the Fair Ones

Immune to sleep effect Sixfold Inferno Barrier

Immune to damage House of Jade and Marble

May enter freely, but only if this enchantment’s Mastery level exceeds the Mastery level of the House’s casting.

The Huntsman’s Gift (Ritual)

Formally offer for about 1 minutes, to the great Storm Father, a pelt, fangs, horns, or other harvested item from an animal or monster; these need not be harvested by yourself.

Rune of Hatred’s Name (spell)

Type

Unique, an instant effect on the weapon that is held till used.

Requirements

The caster must hold the enchanted weapon or carry it on their person at all times, and it must be have both the target’s name and the rune actually written on the weapon.

The words spoke to focus the mind are:

“I know a rune of power that pays the boatman’s price; with hatred I scribe my foe’s name upon this (name of weapon); they will hear the ravens calling.” The true name of a person

The words used to activate that magic:

“(target): I strike you with (2 x mastery)-fold hate!”

When this spell is cast, the caster enchants a weapon to do twice their Mastery in magic damage for a single hit against the truly-named target of the spell. In order to cast this spell, the caster must concentrate for 1 minute, and then they must draw the actual rune and the name of the target upon their weapon. The Rune lasts until it is used. If the words used to activate that magic is called out against a person with the wrong true name, then the spell is expended with no effect. If the weapon finds its target and hits, even on a shield or a weapon, the target immediately suffers twice the caster’s Mastery in damage that no armor will protect against, directly to their chest. The caster may only have one such weapon enchanted at a time; if they cast this spell while bearing a weapon that already has it, the original enchantment is lost or replaced.

The Land Thirsts (Ritual)

Draw blood from an arm with a dagger, while chanting for at least 1 minutes, causing a self-inflicted wound.

BATTLE RESTORATION

Mark of Lingering Breath (spell)

Type

Readied

Requirements

Caster must either have a limb wound of any kind, or bear large, red runes on the backs of both their hands and on each side of their face.

The words spoke to focus the mind are:

“I know a mark of power drawn from my blood: if a warrior is pained from a wound, it will soon be cured, and their breath will linger on.”

The words used to activate that magic:

“May your breath linger on.” While drawing a red rune on the person.

When this spell is cast, the caster gains their Mastery in uses of this spell. When the caster draws a rune upon a Critical target the target is immediately Stabilized. Unlike other Runes and Marks, the ink the caster uses MUST be red.

Ancestral Rede (Ritual)

Recite the names and deeds of honored ancestors to the 10th generation for at least 5 minutes.

Rune of Living Peace (spell)

Type

Instant

Requirements

Item cannot be a weapon and must have some value (a twist or more).

The words spoke to focus the mind are:

“I know the secret rune of the All Mother, which brings living peace; this object will give (mastery)-fold aid to its holder, if they but keep it close.” while drawing a rune on the object after 1 minute of concentration.

When this spell is cast, it enchants a non-weapon item of some monetary value with the ability to accelerate healing for up to a number of hours equal to the caster’s Mastery. As long as a Stable, recovering character holds the item in their hands, any wounds that they have heal at one grade better than they normally would. Note that this spell will neither Stabilize a character, nor will it enhance the healing of someone who has not been Stabilized.

Warden of the Meek (Ritual)

Stand guard for 5 minutes over the sick, Critical, or incapacitated, without falling or allowing them to come to more harm (harm meaning any damage at all, or any hostile spell effects at all).

Rune of Hearth’s Warden (spell)

Type

Circle

Requirements

The circle must be marked by a large rune-stone.

The words spoke to focus the mind are:

“I know the rune of hearth’s warden, which gives rest to my kinsmen; where I scribe it, no spirit will cross; no little folk will bring mischief.”

All within this circle, regain lost Vitality and Prowess in five minutes instead of the usual ten. One must spend a full five uninterrupted minutes resting within the circle. Spirits, Animals, and Fairies cannot enter the circle once cast, nor are any of these beings able to attack anyone within it in melee combat. Magic, thrown, and missile attacks are unaffected, however. I [Ghost Tiger] have not seen it tested against immaterial beings, but do not see why this would matter. It has been observed that creatures that would normally be excluded from entering the circle may reside in the circle upon its creation with no ill effect. However, leaving the circle will prevent their return. This circle takes the form of a ring of yellowed ivory, scrawled with black runes and marked with a large runestone.

Calm the Least Gods (Ritual)

Formally offer for at least 1 minutes food, which must be accepted, to any combination of 3 spirits, animals or fairies, who must all be in the character’s presence at the ritual’s start.

Sign of Dying Honor (spell)

Type

Readied packet

Requirements

Caster must bear two red or black lines on their face, each of which runs from the cheekbones to the jawline.

The words spoke to focus the mind are:

“I know a sign that kills the honor of my foes; their shield-arms falter and sword-arms weaken; they forget their fathers’ names.”

The words used to activate that magic:

“By this sign, your honor shall die!”

The caster manifests their Mastery in packets. Targets affected by this spell lose the use of their Strength, unique, special, or advanced attacks; regardless of source, until they rest for 10 minutes.

Trials of Night (Ritual)

Take a lone walk for 5 minutes into the nighttime wilderness, returning unharmed (meaning not suffering from a wound or persistent condition).

Sign of Fading Power (spell)

Type

Readied packet

Requirements

Caster must bear two yellow or green lines on their face, each of which runs from the cheekbones to the jaw line.

The words spoke to focus the mind are:

“I know a sign that is the bane of skeirns and rune-makers; their power fades and their will is lost; they forget their mothers’ faces.”

The words used to activate that magic:

“By this sign, your power shall fade!”

The caster manifests their Mastery in packets. Targets affected by this spell lose their Will and may not cast spells or call upon the changes until they get 10 minutes of standard rest.

Mead Hall Revels (Ritual)

Sing, gamble, and drink copiously, reveling with friends and acquaintances for at least 15 minutes.

Mark of Rune Breaking (spell)

Type

Ward

The words spoke to focus the mind are:

“I know the last mark of power, the final cunning of the Storm Father; runes shall break against me, and none shall write my fate.” while making the appropriate mark on oneself.

With this spell up, a caster may “burn” a Runes of the Stormfather charge to resist the effects of any single magical effect. The caster can end this spell for such a resist, or to resist a single Physical attack. Mark of Rune Breaking lasts until it is deliberately ended or for a few days, whichever comes first.

Marking the Lesser Signs (Ritual)

Carefully, for 5 minutes, scrawl 12 of the lesser runes of making on your flesh, in red or black.