Runestones

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Runestones


Aura faint to strong (varies by spell level); CL varies
Slot —; Price see text; Weight —

DESCRIPTION

Runestones are small, carefully cut gemstones inscribed with intricate arcane or divine sigils that bind a single spell within their crystalline structure. Each runestone contains one spell of up to 9th level. When activated, the stored spell is released, after which the runestone’s color fades to a dull gray and it becomes nonmagical and worthless.

Unlike scrolls, runestones may be used by characters of any class, provided they possess sufficient character level to cast a spell of the stored spell’s level (as if they belonged to a class capable of casting that spell). For example, a character must be at least 5th level to activate a runestone containing a 3rd-level spell such as fireball.

Activating a runestone is a standard action that provokes attacks of opportunity, unless the stored spell’s casting time is longer, in which case that casting time applies. The spell is cast at the caster level of the creator at the time of creation. Saving throw DCs are determined as normal for a spell cast by that caster.

Runestones cannot be created using standard item creation methods alone; their construction requires specialized knowledge of rune-binding techniques represented by the Craft Runestone feat and the Craft (Runestone) skill.

CONSTRUCTION

Requirements Craft Runestone, Craft Wondrous Item, Craft (Runestone) ranks, ability to cast the stored spell

Cost to Create 50 gp × spell level × caster level + gemstone (see below) + XP cost

Creating a runestone requires a finely cut gemstone appropriate to the spell’s power. The gemstone is consumed during the crafting process.

  • Gemstone Cost: 100 gp × spell level
  • Craft (Runestone) Check: DC 15 + spell level

Failure on the Craft check wastes half the raw materials.

The creator must know the spell to be stored and must provide any material components or XP costs required by the spell at the time of creation.

PRICE

Market Price:
Spell level × caster level × 50 gp + gemstone cost (100 gp × spell level)

XP COST

XP Cost to Create:
1/25 of the total market price

SPECIAL

Runestones are considered use-activated, single-use wondrous items. They do not require deciphering like scrolls and do not risk spell failure due to armor or class restrictions. However, a character who does not meet the minimum level requirement cannot activate the runestone.

LORE

Runestones are said to have originated among ancient stone-carving cultures who mistrusted the fragility of parchment and ink. Where scrolls could burn or rot, stone endured. Early runepriests discovered that magic etched into crystal held its structure far longer than symbols scribed on vellum, leading to the first true runestones - durable, portable vessels of power.

Over time, both arcane scholars and divine artisans adopted the technique, each adding their own stylistic signatures. Arcane runestones often bear sharply geometric sigils that glow faintly when viewed in darkness, while divine runestones are smoother, with flowing script that seems almost worn by time even when newly crafted. Despite these differences, both traditions rely on the same fundamental principle: binding magical resonance into a stable lattice.

Many adventurers prize runestones for their reliability and accessibility. Unlike scrolls, which demand specialized training, runestones answer to experience rather than study. This has led to their widespread use among warriors and explorers who lack formal magical education, making them a common find in ancient ruins, battlefield caches, and the hoards of pragmatic spellcasters who value function over tradition.

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