Griznuq Gaming

D&D Campaigns => Threshold => Character Info => Topic started by: Phineas on February 15, 2006, 03:16:22 PM

Title: Sayer's runestones
Post by: Phineas on February 15, 2006, 03:16:22 PM
Here is an overview of Sayer's runestones:

The stones:

The stones are smooth river pebbles.  Although they vary in color, they are small and flat, and are identical in size, shape and weight.  On the obverse of a stone is a bolder marking of a symbol (the "dominant" rune), and on the reverse is a daintier marking (the "diminutive" rune).  There are 24 stones in a pouch, with three groups of stones evenly bearing the markings of the sun, moon and earth.

The runes:

The Sun is depicted by a circle centered with a dot.  It represents the mental world: the mind, skill, knowledge, organization, goals.
The Moon is depicted by a circle divided in half lengthwise.  It represents the spiritual world: the soul, emotion, social relationships, passion, energy.
The Earth is depicted by a circle divided into quarters.  It represents the physical world: the body, health, wealth, material possessions.

A dominant rune may have a positive, expansive, or active influence on a rune's attribute, while a diminutive rune may have a negative, reductive, or passive influence.

The casting of runestones:

A typical reading consists of six stones drawn randomly from the pouch and dropped from a closed fist at arm's length.  The runes are read, starting from the stones closest to the caster out to the furthest.  Equidistant stones are typically read from right to left when the stones are cast from the right hand (or left to right when cast from the left hand).

The arrangement of the cast stones are important to the reading.  Stones that lie close to the querent have a stronger impact on her than the further stones.  To a lesser degree, this is also true for those stones that lie on the same side as the casting hand.

If there are more dominant runes than diminutive runes in a reading, then the reading is a BOON.  If there are more diminutive runes than dominant runes, then the reading is a BANE.  If there are an equal amount of dominant runes and diminutive runes, then the reading is a BALANCE.  A predominant rune (multiple sun, moon or earth runes) may indicate the type of boon or bane.

Formal and informal readings:

Formal readings typically involve one person ("the querent"), and are lengthy and ritualistic.  Runestones are cast upon a prepared surface which bears a circle divided into quarters.  The querent selects her "path" by selecting a single stone or a group of stones.  Using her casting hand, those stones that may be covered with the querent's palm are areas that she may directly influence; stones that may be covered with the querent's extended fingers are areas that she may have an extended influence, and areas outside of the querent's reach are areas that may escape her influence (or they may represent areas that the querent must be willing to make sacrifices).

Informal readings ("readings in the field") are practiced commonly by Sayer.  Runestones are cast upon the any available surface and are read as a group.  While this reading form is helpful for obtaining quick advice, such simple readings lack the depth of insight that formal readings impart.

Skewed readings:

These are done with an odd number of stones (typically five).  There is never balance in skewed readings; the result is always a boon or a bane.


[size=9:4be3eb6ffb]Yeah, I spent far too much time writing this.[/size]
Title: Sayer's runestones
Post by: Phineas on February 17, 2006, 01:32:45 PM
Quote from: wildfireI'm talking about actual runestones
You'll see.  You'll all see.

::rubbing hands together in a gleeful manner::
Title: Sayer's runestones
Post by: Wildfire on February 17, 2006, 08:49:14 AM
Well, yeah I know...but with dice. I'm talking about actual runestones amigo...
Title: Sayer's runestones
Post by: Phineas on February 16, 2006, 10:58:17 PM
Quote from: wildfireWill you be doing this during a session?
What'choo talkin'bout, Willis?  I've made plenty of informal reading during our sessions!
Title: Sayer's runestones
Post by: Wildfire on February 16, 2006, 07:59:29 PM
This is great!

Will you be doing this during a session? :wink: