Runestones
Runestones are gemstones used as foci for the magic contained within the sigils engraved onto them by runesmiths. A prized export of dwarven society, they are sold to wealthy adventurers and mercenaries as a means of empowering their arms and armor. In a world where magic items are increasingly rare, the dwarves work with typical industry to meet an ever-expanding demand.
Using Runestones
The following rules apply to the use of runestones:
- In order to use a runestone, it must first be affixed to a piece of equipment with the runic tag. Only equipment with the runic tag can channel the magical properties of runestones.
- A creature must be attuned to the item to gain the benefits of an affixed rune.
- A maximum of one runestone can be affixed to a piece of equipment at a time.
- A runestone can be removed from a piece of equipment, but it is destroyed in the process.
- For magical effects created by runestones, your spell attack modifier and spell save DC use the ability modifier of the weapon used for the attack.
Awarding Runestones
Awarding runestones should follow the general guidelines for awarding magic items found in the Dungeon Master's Guide and Xanathar's Guide to Everything when planning treasure rewards. Here are a few ways to integrate runestones into your campaign:
- Runestones can be found in treasure hoards, shops, or offered as quest rewards either alongside or in lieu of magic items of an equivalent rarity.
- They might only be available through a recognized guild—such as the Runesmith's Guild—or other trading house, and supply may be restricted to qualifying persons or locations.
Identifying Runestones
Runestones are identified in a manner similar to identifying magic items. Simply handling a runestone causes a strong sense of its identity to echo in a character's mind. For example, touching a runestone engraved with the tempest rune might cause the hair on your neck to stand on end as visions of battle and thunderstorms flash through your mind. As the runes are based on modern Dwarvish, those able to read Dwarvish can comprehend their general meaning, which may provide clues about the runestone's nature and properties.
The identify spell immediately reveals a runestone's properties. You can also learn its properties over the course of a short rest while maintaining physical contact with it, or by succeeding on a DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana) check using a set of runesmith's tools.
Tags
References
- 5e - Supplemental - The Complete Armorer's Handbook v2.pdf