Editing Runecaster (section)

==Using Runes==
Actually using a rune, of course, is a much more involved process than simply scribbling it out. To be effective, a rune must be specially modified to fit the circumstances surrounding its use (even a slightly different situation might mean different truths are at stake in the casting). This is yet another reason why anyone can scrawl out a rune, but only a highly trained adept can summon forth its power.

Scribing a rune is a three-step process known as ''skapeng'' (or "shaping" in Common). 

The first step is the ''gormeng'' (or "planning"). During this stage, the caster begins to concentrate upon the necessary essential truths and modifies the rune's ideal image in his mind's eyes in accordance with the circumstances of the cast.

The second step is the ''skrapeng'' (or "scraping"), during which the rune is actually carved, drawn or inscribed.

The third and final step is the ''virkreng'' (or "activation"); only now does the caster begin to summon forth the rune's power. Activating a shaped rune is often a tricky task requiring intense concentration. Some casters write little poems or recitations to speak over their shaped runes and help them maintain the mental fortitude necessary for activation. Others are so experienced or determined that no such aids are necessary. The final step in any activation is wetting or "baptizing" the rune to release its energies; any nonpoisonous liquid is quite suitable for this purpose (ale, water, blood or even saliva will do). Any rune not baptized within five rounds of its shaping loses its potential and becomes useless. After baptism, the caster makes a save vs spell (known as an "activation roll"); if the save succeeds, the rune is successfully activated, whilst if it fails, the rune's power fades and the caster must begin all over again.

The exact amount of time it takes to shape a rune varies with the complexities of the forces involved. In some ways, rune shaping is like spellcasting. If the caster is significantly interrupted (surprised, attacked, etc.) during the shaping, all his work is lost and the entire process must begin all over again. While shaping runes that take more than a single day, the caster is allowed to eat and sleep normally, but any major diversion from his work (such as training, rushing off to adventure, defending his home against attack) is considered an interruption.

No special tools or items are necessary to shape most runes - any old carving knife, stylus, or quill will do. Some runecasters claim that specially enchanted implements add power to their runes, but most runemasters disbelieve such tales.

Unlike other forms of magical writing, once a rune has taken effect, it does not disappear. Once its effects are exhausted, however, the rune becomes an ordinary carving or inscription with no magical capabilities whatsoever.

To renew the rune's power, the caster must shape it all over again. Unless otherwise specified, assume that all runes may be used one time only, though the rune may stand ready in an activated state for years before its power is called upon.

Note that at any give time, a runecaster may keep a number of active runes equal only to his level. Should the caster shape more runes, the power automatically fades from one or more of the runes he shaped earlier (earliest runes shaped are the first to fade). This means, for instance, that a 10th-level runecaster can shape only 10 exploding arrow runes before charging into battle.