Runic Lore

Author a member of The Spirit Wolves (server dont recall)

Hey there. Well this is a guide a wrote on one of my favourite warcraft lore areas, runes and ley lines. The lore itself is vague and wide spread so I spent a considerable amount of time researching and pulling all the available information together. As my character is a runecaster it helped me to perfect my RP but also provide my guild with some information on the lore behind it should they be interested. I have tried to reword it as simply as possible, all information in this guide is taken from RPG books, Wowwiki or various other sources of Warcraft lore and I do not claim to own the information presented. The gathering of information took roughly 2 months of research and I spent a week writing and re-writing this, so I hope I got it as accurate as possible xD Sorry for it being a little Tauren heavy in parts but it was written for my guild which of course is Tauren only ^^ hope those with reading stamina find it interesting and sorry for the length of it!

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Runes

'A rune is an arcane symbol inscribed on a creature, surface, or object'
If a rune is not empowered with arcane it is simply a pattern or drawing and has no magical qualities.
The use of runic power is not something that comes naturally and takes strong will and keen intelligence to learn. Much study and dedication is needed to master such ancient magics, therefore being an art available to the few that seek it out.

To understand Runes, one must first look at the lore of Ley Lines. Ley lines are lines of power that criss-cross their way around Azeroth. These lines hold great power and are said to have been harnassed to create moonwells, portals and some believe even the great floating city of Dalaran. They are sources of deep, powerful and most importantly NATURAL magic.

Ley Lines

The easiest way to think of Ley Lines are as the arteries of Azeroth, supplying energy and vitality across Azeroth. Areas greatly effected by these ley lines are often revered and even feared by the races of Azeroth, areas such as Moonwells, areas considered haunted, where death has tainted the flow of energy, and even natural sites of immence elemental powers that shamans consider sacred.
However most cultures focus on areas where the lines meet or cross, seeking these areas to tap into the most powerful source of energy. Runic readers and other studiers of runes however, understand that these meeting points or crosses in the lines are not its most important source of power. Rather they look to the patterns formed within the lines themselves, which resemble letters in a strange and ancient alphabet. These are referred to as runes.
Between these great Ley lines are many smaller webbing lines of power, connecting each Ley line and pulsing with subtle power. Ley walkers and those with keen magical powers or who have studied runes, seek these areas out.

There are many Ley Line locations throughout Azeroth, some of these sadly do not appear in game.

Kalimdor

The ley line pattern of Restoration can be found in the Moonglade in the Valley of Dulvarinn. The rune pattern derived from the ley lines increases resistance to poisons and diseases, and is able to heal wounds at double the normal rate.
The ley line pattern of Beast can be found in the Vale of Beasts in Ashenvale. The rune pattern derived from the ley line is the source of all the beast mark spells.
Stonetalon Mountains has two known ley line patterns. Mount Farview is the location of ley line pattern, the pattern of Awareness. The rune pattern which is derived from the ley line amplifies the senses of the caster. (Can't find this one in-game, Maybe Cliffwalker Post or strong possibilities are the rock formations SE of Krom'Gar Fortress)
Another ley line pattern can be found in the Great Maze, known as the Stone pattern. The rune pattern derived from the ley lines can be used to increase resilience of the caster. (Located in the canyons, so eroded now just appears as rock formations)
The indigenous tauren created a camp south of Mirkfallon Lake, built upon ancient ley lines in the Stonetalon Mountains. It is perhaps due to these ley lines that the elementals are drawn to the area around the Charred Vale. (Sun Rock Retreat)
Near the windswept plains of Mulgore, there is a series of hot springs that house the ley lines that originate the healing pattern. The rune pattern derived from the ley lines doubles the natural healing rate of healing spells. (Feralis hot springs)

Of course there are many in Eastern Kingdoms and Northerend.

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Ley Walkers

It is said that those who choose to study Ley lines eventually discover something more than they expected. Ley Walkers are those who have learnt to harness the power of the threads of energy that connect each Ley Line. They can feel its energies pulsing throughout Azeroth, acting like blood capillaries running from the heart. Ley Walkers are extremely powerful, being able to draw upon this power and weld it, to both heal and protect. Rather than draw upon their own powers, they are able to draw it from the very world they inhabit. They draw power from the Ley Lines themselves, using the Ley Threads to perform incredible acts of magic, being grounded yet connected to every location and living thing upon Azeroth. In the past, many druids, shamans and priests of Elune have managed to harness this power, mostly Night Elves or Tauren. Most see Ley Walkers as simple magicians. In Rune based priestly orders or societies of magicians such as the Kiron Tor however, this art is highly respected. Others see the art of Ley Walking simply as moronic babbling by crackpots.
It is worth me noting that I do not suggest this to be a wise choice for roleplaying, simply as the limitations and dangers of such powers may be difficult to address.
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'Inscribers are arcanists who have discovered the strange arts of rune-casting; a technique for channeling the arcane energy inherent in the world without the risk of arcane corruption.'
Inscribers are sometimes also referred to as Mystics, due to their ability to connect with the very powers flowing through the land. Unlike the Runemasters, Inscribers, as the name suggests, 'inscribe' their art of rune casting onto objects, others and even animals rather than themselves. Many see them as an uncomfortable balance between the 'pure' arts of runecasting and the more tainted magics of mages and warlocks.
An Inscriber has the ability to create and empower runic symbols, usually individual symbols rather than entire patterns like runemasters. They are often seen with a book or journal, to which they write down runic symbols and spells learnt, as the channeling and creating of such runes often needs to be logged due to the complexity of them. Inscribers are known to create runes for single use spells, enchant weapons or armor, create runes for prediction and even paint or tattoo others with runic symbols to enhance certain powers. Inscribing requires much study of the art of runes, something not every mind is open to. Through the study of arcane and Ley Lines, any creature with the knowledge of runes may be able to learn it. Taurens have long been connected with Runemasters, more recently some Tauren have adapted the art of inscription, being able to empower objects and even predict events by tapping into the power of Ley Lines.

The Inscription proffession DOES NOT make that person an Inscriber but rather referred to as a 'scribe'. Niether is an Enchanter an incriber either. While scribes employ a degree of knowledge concerning rune magic (as evident by their creation of glyphs), they are not themselves versed in the secrets of rune-casting and rune-channeling in the unique way that inscribers are.

How about Enchanters?

Enchanters are those who enchant normal items to give the items magical abilities or enhance already magical items. They also destroy magical items in order to get materials to enchant other items. Although they must channel arcane magics as runecasters do, it is a far more primitive and simpler, less demanding form of casting, usually using materials and herbs to help them. With no knowledge of runes, enchanters use different methods to enchant items and armor, using arcane along with natural ingredients to enhance certain qualities in such items. Unlike runecasters, the creation of enchantments does not require the casters energy source and therefore is not draining upon him. Also unllike runecasters, enchanters are not able to 'tap into' the power of ley lines, rather they draw arcane powers from items they destroy, holding the energies within their bodies until ready to redirect the energy into a new object.

Wait...so Tauren can learn arcane?

Of course. Tauren frown upon such magics abused by races such as the Blood Elves. However, Runemasters are greatly respected amoungst Tauren and runes have been a part of their culture for as long as can be remembered. All Tauren may learn arcane, providing they are physically able (some may simply not have the ability or head for it). HOWEVER! Remember that if your character can perform arcane to keep it limited as a Tauren. Yes a warrior can learn arcane, he can learn to empower his weapon by channeling arcane into it. He is still a warrior, yet he can use a small amount of arcane to aid him in simple ways. If he learns to channel it, freezing his enemies, shooting bolts of magic and master teleportation, is he still a warrior or does he become a mage?
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Runemaster

'Runemasters are monk-like arcane spellcaster and melee fighters who empower themselves with magical energies by inscribing runes onto their bodies. '
Runemasters were wanderers, living in the wilds, often being part of no tribe yet respected and feared by all. Runemasters can see and feel the power of Ley lines, and have come to learn that runes are not simply a symbol of power, they ARE power. A Runemaster is different from a druid. he does not tap into nature, letting the spirits of beasts and plants pass through and connect with his being. Rather he chooses to become the land, decorating his body with runic patterns that pulse energy through him, much like the Ley Lines that cover the world.
He merges brute strength with immense arcane power, his tattoos of runic symbols enhancing his skills in hand to hand combat. He has no use for weapons or armor. He is not one of trickery, rather in combat he throws himself to his enemies, using hoof and fists in fury, empowered by the arcane power that pulses through him. Runic magic is considered complex yet primitive and often shunned by many cultures. Tauren and Dwarves however hold it in much reverence and Runemasters have become something of awe and fear.
They are not simply covered in the symbols created by Inscribers, rather the tattoos of Runemasters are complex scrawling patterns, every single one linking to another in a series of never ending lines, as are the Ley Lines of Azeroth. Patterns reflect the strength of stone, the furocity of winds, or the cool wisdom of the running streams. Rather than write learnt runes, empowerments and runic patterns in a book, Runemasters simply know a few which they use often. They tattoo themselves rather than get another to do so. He also, like many other studiers of runes, can sense runic magic, often recognising another talented in the arts of runes within certain distances.
Any living creature can only have so many runes attached to their body at a time. To replace a tattooed rune is both difficult and dangerous but must be removed in order to replace it. Unlike the rest of his body, a Runemaster will have more simple patterns upon his knuckles, usually depicting strength.

Runes, as mentioned, are empowered with arcane energy. They may flicker with a glow every so often, usually glowing gold or silver. When the host, runemaster or not, taps into the power of that rune, the rune will become ablaze, glowing brightly upon the skin.

Known Runemaster patterns are as followed:

The pattern of swift water flowing over a streambed, the rune of flowing water speeds the movements of the runemaster.
The pattern that heated coals make in the air above them, the rune of glowing coals grants the runemaster bonus damage with his unarmed attacks.
The pattern left in the air by the passage of sparks from a fire, the rune of leaping sparks lightens the body and aids the jumps of a runemaster.
The pattern of mangrove roots in brackish swamp water, the rune of the mangroves grants the runemaster immunity to non-magical poisons and diseases.
The pattern of rings that develop within the trunk of an oak as it ages, the rune of the oaks grants the runemaster a natural armor.
The pattern that the energy flowing through perfectly-crafted steel creates, the rune of perfect steel is tattooed to the back of a runemaster’s hands, allowing him to deal lethal or nonlethal damage with his unarmed attacks. (He makes the choice each time he attacks).
The pattern flame leaves in the wake of grasslands fire, the rune of raging flames grants the runemaster quicker land speed.
The pattern that results from heavy starlight upon rock, the rune of starlight allows the runemaster to foresee those attacks that are aimed at him.

These are different from the rune symbols used by incribers, being elaborate and scrawling patterns rather than a simple symbol.
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Runes in the art of reading and prediction

Runic symbols have meanings and act as a sort of complex alphabet. Some who have managed to tap into the Ley lines can use small runic charms to read about certain events. These runic charms are usually created using stone, gems or wood and are often kept in small pouches close to the caster. Much in the way of Ley Walkers, someone reading runes may connect their mind to the intricate webs of the Ley Lines, connecting themselves with the world and its inhabitants. Where as someone in this state harnasses no immence powers as the Ley walkers do, they are able to feel and sense certain events, picking up on emotions, surges of power and even see predictions and images of events, directing themselves by selecting the runic symbols they place before them. During this state they often seem to not notice events around them, their minds being a part of the intricate database of the world. It is said that their minds can flow with the arcane powers, flowing through the minds and bodies of the worlds inhabitants. Some view this as superstition and its information not valuable.

History of Runes and Runemasters:

The art of runes and the existance of runemasters dates back to the ancient times of the Titans who created rune magic. Dwarves quickly mastered the magic of runes that was taught to them, however as the years past, the art was forgotten by the dwarves. While Taurens had a period where the art of runes was nearly lost, they rediscovered it and revived the use of them. When the Alliance travelled to Kalimdor, Taurens and Dwarves ignored their differences in favour of curiosity, and the Dwarves were retaught the art of runes by the Tauren.

So what would happen to a Rune studier around runic power?

Studiers of runes would sense runes if near them and to a lesser extent may recognise other runic users. Also if in areas of Ley Lines, those with runic knowledge would feel the power and may even see a shimmering effect in the air. When inscribing runes, it is advisable for Inscribers to seek out areas concerning the type of rune they are empowering. For example, the maze in Stonetalon being a ley line of strength would aid the inscriber greatly in the creation of a rune of the same power.
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Rune types and pattern

Runes can be singular symbols or organized into rune patterns, which are not actually separate runes. Instead, each rune pattern is a large, complex rune that surrounds the individual designs of each rune within that pattern. The patterns are ongoin runic 'spells' being read almost the way you would read a book. Essentially, each rune pattern is a larger and larger pattern, the center being the core rune, which is added to in greater degrees of complexity the higher up the tree one goes.
Runes are a reflection of specific ley line patterns somewhere in the world. When energy runs through the lines of the pattern, it creates a magical effect specific to that pattern. The arcane courseing through runes is benign and free of corruption.
Runic symbols are often see drawn on various objects, not appearing to be of arcane origin. Any runic symbol not empowered by arcane energies is NON-MAGICAL. It has no effect on the object or person it is on, nor does it glow or react to its surroundings in any way.
Some tribes may believe patterns painted on their bodies may cause them to inherit strengths. However this would be tribal superstition as without arcane energies the patterns would do nothing.
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Empowering Runic Symbols

Empowering a rune refers to flooding it with arcane power. It is much like casting a spell, usually accompanied by chanting or dialect. First the rune is created, by meens of painting, tattooing, carving, etching or burning, then it is empowered by a mystic/inscriber/runecaster. This person who empowers it need not be the same person who has drawn the runic symbol. Where as spell casting allows the caster to to channel arcane power through the use of gestures, runecasters simply 'shunts' the arcane energy into the symbol. This is what allows runecasters to avoid the corruption of arcane powers as they are simply pushing it into an object rather than welding and bending it to the casters will. As the runic patterns and symbols mirror the patterns in ley lines naturally occuring in the world, the arcane magic enters the symbols freely and willingly, removing the need for the caster to force the energy to obey them in the way spellcasters such as mages or warlocks need to.
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Types of Runes

There are three terms referring to Runes, Marks, Glyphs and Sigils.

Marks

Marks refer to the inscription of a rune upon a living creature. Marks cannot be inscribed upon unwilling creatures, you could not force a runic symbol upon a person or animal, though it can be inscribed upon a helpless creature. This is due to the host having to be perfectly still for the rune to be drawn and empowered. Marks generate their effect immedietly upon completion. Can be temperary or permenent.

Glyphs

Glyphs are runes that have been inscribed upon an object. The object again must be perfectly still for the duration of the empowerment. Glyphs generate their effect immedietly upon completion. Can be temporary or permenent.

Sigils

Sigils are runes inscribed upon a surface of something that acts as the runes trigger. The area affected must be a five foot by five foot area, the first creature to enter the space is the one to trigger the runes effects. Sigils last until triggered, destroyed or erased. When activated, a sigil will always generate a thirty-foot-radius burst centered around the rune, affecting all creatures in its area.

Rune Patterns are often referred to as 'families' consisting of individual symbols and elaborate patterns. These consist of runes symbolising awareness, the beast, fire, frost, healing, motion, restoration, shielding, stone, storms and striking.
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The Crafting of Runes

As a runes power is dependent on its pattern, a rune has to physically exist in order for the magic to take place. One cannot simply envisage the rune and conduct its effects accordingly. There are three types of crafted runes:

Spontaneous Runes

These are created when the runecaster hasn't the time to properly inscribe a rune upon a surface, such as in combat. All runecatsres keep small pieces of wood or stone upon them should they need to inscribe a rune spontaneously. When casting a rune, the rune-caster touches one of these runestones or runesticks, channeling the power through the rune. The rune fades from the runestone and appears on the target, appearing to be burned onto non-living objects or etched in glowing lines onto the flesh of creatures. While this is a quick and simple way of empowering runes, it is also the most fragile. Casting a spontaneous rune, unlike other runes, is only a one-step process, as placing the rune on the target and empowering it occur at the same time.

Scribed Runes

This is the preferred method of creating runes. Their range is longer and they are more difficult to dispel or destroy than spontaneous runes. Placing a scribed rune upon peson or animal requires them to be willing or helpless. Scribed runes can last for a number of days, dependent on the skill of the inscriber. ones the empowerment ends, the runic symbol or pattern will fade from the object or skin.

Permanent Runes

Permanent runes, once created are near impossible to destroy, and no amount of time will cause the rune to fade. Inanimate objects are etched, carved or burnt into, whilst living flesh must be tattooed. To create a permanent rune, the runecaster must also pass a part of their own spirit into the rune. Though the empowerment may fade from the rune, the rune remains, enabling it to simply be re-empowered at any time.
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So How do you recognise a rune?

A person or object empowered with a rune is obvious, as the runes are sprawling patterns and symbols. It may be concieled by something, such as clothing or behind tapestry, but if the rune is generating its empowered magical effect, then it will glow brightly, even through clothing and armor.
The colour of the glow depends upon the caster of the rune, but is usually gold or silver. Many creatures, especially those knowledgable of runes will also see the air ripple around the host of the rune.
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Destroying a Rune

A rune reflects the hardness and toughness equal to its power. If 'attacked' the rune simply catches the attack in arcane streams of power, causing no damage. If enough damage is dealt to destroy the rune, any excess damage is dealt to the host, person holding the object empowered, or person in close proximity.
Spontaneous runes however can be dispelled or broken easily. Permanent runes however are extremely difficult to remove and in many ways dangerous. The rune must be greatly damaged in order to destroy it, which, in the case of tattoos, often results in the host being killed.
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So now I know all this, can anyone create runes?

Anyone can draw them yes, much like every person in the world can draw a stick man. However few can draw them accurately, even fewer can empower them. It takes an open mind, a keen intelligence and a degree of dedication to achieve such knowledge. Runecasters spend their entire lives studying, perfecting their casts and rune drawings. The art is often valued, the casters themselves being cautious about who and what they empower, understanding the immence consequences reckless actions can cause.

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Information:

Due to a number of requests I will write this here. This guide was initially written for myself and my own rp, as a result I made no clear log of the hundreds of sites I visited. However, if you pick out key words such as Leywalker for example, all information is easily found on google, much of it via Wowiki/pedia. Everything within this guide was researched individually, as there is no singular source of information or guide to all mentioned which is why I wrote it :p for example you couldn't write in rune casting and get reading, enchanting, inscription etc etc all in one document, which is why it took so long to gather! I am a complete lore nut when it comes to runes so believe me to make something up would make my very brain explode :p everything mentioned can be found with slightly different wording with a simple google search....or fifty :p

http://www.wowwiki.com/Rune_magic
http://www.wowwiki.com/Runemaster
http://www.wowwiki.com/Ley_line
http://www.wowpedia.org/Nexus_War
http://www.wowwiki.com/Ley_walker etc etc etc. There are several other sites but the information is repeated as much of it is abandoned in game. Malygos quest lines also have some lore in them as well as the same if closely similar information in several rpg books. Read up on Karazhan, Black Temple, Malygos if you wish to broaden your knowledge