Runesmith

The Runesmith is a keeper of ancient secrets, a scholar of forgotten symbols, and a craftsman of mystical power.  They understand that true magic resides not just in arcane words, but in the potent resonance of runes and the power of the spoken word (galdr).  While not a spellcaster in the traditional sense, the Runesmith imbues objects and inspires allies with protective wards, enhances weapons with fleeting power, and can subtly influence the world through their deep connection to primordial energies.

Runesmiths are meticulous and deeply learned individuals, often found in ancient libraries, secluded workshops, or traveling to uncover lost lore.  They are rarely frontline fighters, preferring to support their allies with tactical enhancements and environmental manipulation.  Their reputation is built on their knowledge of ancient symbols and their ability to bring latent power to bear.  They may carry a set of carving tools, ink, or a collection of small, carved bones or stones used in their practices.

A Runemsith has intelligence as their prime requisite.  A Runesmith must have an intelligence of at least 14.  A Runesmith with an intelligence score of 16-17 gains +5% to earned experience points; a score of 18 gains +10%.  A Runesmith fights as a thief and saves as a magic-user.  Runesmiths may only use light armor but no shields, and may use hand and throwing axes, daggers, clubs, hammers, and staves.

Rune Crafter:   As an action, a Runesmith can quickly carve or activate a minor rune on a single non-magical object, weapon, or piece of worn armor they can touch. This rune’s effect lasts for 1 round unless specified. The Runesmith has a number of uses per day as indicated on the table. Only one rune can be active on a single item at a time. The Runesmith chooses one of the following effects:

• Rune of Striking: On a weapon. The next attack made with this weapon gains a +1 bonus to hit OR +1 bonus to damage (player’s choice).
• Rune of Shielding: On worn armor. The wearer gains a +1 bonus to AC against the next incoming attack.
• Rune of Illumination: On an object. The object sheds dim light in a 10-foot radius for 1 turn.
• Rune of Silence: On an object. The object dampens sound within a 10-foot radius, making it difficult to hear through (requires a difficult intelligence ability check to hear anything within). Lasts 1 turn.

Lore of Runes: The Runesmith has an innate connection to ancient symbols. They can automatically read and understand any non-magical runic inscription. They gain a +2 bonus to Intelligence checks made to decipher complex or magical runic texts, scrolls, or ancient languages. At 5th level, they can attempt a difficult intelligence ability check to identify the properties of a magic item that prominently features runic markings (once per item).

Galdrmaster: As an action, a Runesmith can utter a short, potent Galdr (a powerful chant or incantation) to affect a single creature within 30 feet who can hear them. The Runesmith has a number of uses per day as indicated on the table. The Runesmith chooses one of the following effects:

• Galdr of Distraction: The target must make a wisdom ability check. If failed, they suffer -4 on their next attack roll or ability check within the next round, their focus broken by the distracting chant.
• Galdr of Bounding: The target must make a strength ability check. If failed, their movement speed is halved for 1 round, as the Galdr subtly binds their limbs.

Rune of Protection: Once per day, as an action, the Runesmith can carve a complex protective rune into a piece of worn armor. For the next 1d4 rounds, the wearer gains a +1 bonus to all saving throws. This rune radiates a faint, calming light, and creatures that strike the wearer with natural weapons (claws, teeth) take 1 point of minor spiritual feedback damage (non-magical, does not reduce HP below 1).

Elemental Weaving: Once per day, as an action, a Runesmith can call upon localized natural forces to subtly influence the environment within 30 feet. They choose one of the following effects:

• Gust of Wind: A strong gust of wind (up to 30 mph) blasts a 10-foot wide, 30-foot long line, capable of knocking over small, unsecured objects, or making ranged attacks through it suffer -4 to hit.
• Icy Patch: A 10-foot square of ground becomes slick with ice. Creatures moving through it must make a dexterity ability check or fall prone.
• Minor Tremor: A small tremor shakes a 10-foot radius area, potentially causing loose stones or debris to fall (GM‘s discretion) or making creatures within it make a dexterity ability check or lose their next action.

Master Runesmith: The Runesmith’s mastery over runic power is profound. They gain a permanent +1 bonus to their intelligence score (cannot exceed 18). Additionally, their Rune Crafter abilities (Rune of Striking, Rune of Shielding) increase to a +2 bonus.

Stronghold and Followers: Upon reaching 13th level, a Runesmith may establish a stronghold, typically a well-fortified workshop, an ancient cairn, or a secluded, rune-marked shrine. This stronghold will attract a number of loyal followers (as per standard Basic Fantasy RPG rules for a Sage).