WRITTEN BY: JAMES TALLETT

EDITED BY: JAMES TALLETT

T D EZELL

PLAYTESTED BY: PHAEDRUSXY

SKYDRAGONKNIGHT
VENNDYGREM
GAZZIEN
FIREINTHESKY
SIRPERCIVAL

SPECIAL THANKS TO: THE CAST AND CREW OF BRILLIANT GAMEOLOGISTS & THE MINMAXFORUM

Everything in this book other than the covers, the title page, the contents page, the illustrations, “Deepwood Publishing,” the
Deepwood Publishing logo, character and place names, is designated Open Game Content.

Published by Deepwood Publishing

2

INTRODUCTION.............................................................. 4
NECROS..................................................... 5
GRAFTS ...................................................... 5
CHARACTER & CAMPAIGN OPTIONS . 5
RACES .............................................................................7
BONCYFF .................................................. 7
CASGLWYR ............................................ 10
GOLLWYD ............................................... 12
HEGNI ...................................................... 14
AGE, HEIGHT, WEIGHT ......................... 16
CLASSES ....................................................................... 18
THE CLASSES........................................ 18
NECROMANCER ................................... 18
OVERLORD ............................................ 25
VIVISECTOR ........................................... 31
CHARACTER OPTIONS.................................................. 36
SKILLS ..................................................... 36
FEAT CATEGORIES .............................. 36
FEAT DESCRIPTIONS .......................... 37
ALTERNATE CLASS FEATURES ........ 46
DWARVEN FOCUS .... Error! Bookmark
not defined.
RUNES ........................................................................... 51
RUNECARVING BASICS ...................... 51
CARVING RUNES .................................. 52
RUNECARVING TERMS........................ 52
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER ............... 53
RUNES AND SPELLS ............................ 53
RUNES ..................................................... 53
RUNE DESCRIPTIONS ......................... 55
PRESTIGE CLASSES ..................................................... 70
ATHAGHOEL LORESPEAKER ............ 70
AWAKENED ............................................ 73
BLOOD-SPIKED FURY .......................... 76
CIPHER VINDICATOR ........................... 80
CONCENTER.......................................... 83
CONSTRUCTED SERGEANT .............. 86
CURSE CARVER .................................... 89
FORGESOULED GUARDIAN ............... 93
HAPHAZARD ........................................... 97
IRONGUARD OF THE TOKUNNIR .... 101
RUNECHANTER ................................... 105
TANDDA ELITE ..................................... 110
TOKUNNIR STONECRAFTER ........... 114
UNWAVERING WARDEN .................... 118
MAGIC ......................................................................... 123
CLERIC SPELLS .................................. 123
DRUID SPELLS..................................... 123
SORCERER/WIZARD SPELLS ......... 123
SPELL DESCRIPTIONS ...................... 123
NEW ARMOR & SHIELD SPECIAL
ABILITIES............................................... 125
ARMORS ................................................ 126
SHIELDS ................................................ 127
NEW WEAPON SPECIAL ABILITIES 127
WEAPONS............................................. 131
RINGS AND AMULETS ........................ 131
WONDROUS ITEMS ............................ 132
MONSTERS ................................................................. 135
RUNIC SUBTYPE .................................. 135
ANCESTRAL WARRIOR...................... 135
CONSTRUCTED .................................. 136
DEEPBORN ........................................... 139
RUNETOUCHED .................................. 140
RUNIC ARTILLERY............................... 143
STONE GUARDIAN .............................. 143
WOLVEN................................................ 145
APPENDIX A ............................................................... 146
RUNESMITH .......................................... 146
3

Tasala gnawed on meat, the sour taste overcome by the fear of
starvation, the knowledge that the next meal was a day or more
away. He and his soldiers had fought today, and lost, again,
forced back further across the plains. The generals had thought
they could hold the undead cohorts here, for the rotting soldiers
moved slowly and disjointedly, the necromancers who kept
them mobile unable to control the whole army at once. So,
raiding parties had been sent out, Tasala among them, to
harass the supplies coming for the living leaders of the dead
army.
They had failed. The supply trains were not wagons and mules,
but long strings of undead soldiers marching to join their
brethren at the front, carrying supplies with them on crude
carts. Once attacked, they dropped the supplies and pulled out
weapons, winning the battle by weight of numbers. The deep
raiders dwindled, eventually forced to flee by hunting groups
of undead or caught, wiped out, and turned into fresh troops
for the enemy.
Harassing attacks on the main army had served no better.
Through long experience, the living knew that ruining the
head or chest of an undead destroyed the store of magical
energy that kept it powered. The first two raids had gone well
enough, only a few men lost to infrequent resistance, and large
numbers of the undead smashed by bullets from the slings and
crossbows the cavalry now carried.
After those first two, the dead had come back with their own
counter: rotting corpses of swift animals. Horses, deer, even
birds were seen among the undead ranks. Those large enough
carried riders with bows and arrows or javelins, matching
cavalry to cavalry. All of the animals had their front legs and
forward torso studded with spikes, crushed glass, or blades.
Those carrying no rider simply picked a living cavalryman and
ran into him, impaling man and mount. These wounds didn't
kill unless the dead had gotten lucky, but they crippled,
removing anyone hit from the field of battle for months, maybe
forever.
Tasala's legion had been one of these raiding parties. They'd
had a successful raid today, cutting a great swath through the
flank of their enemy, but as they rode away a pack of those
devilbeasts, hidden in a thicket along the route home, had
swarmed into the cavalry, leaving almost a third of the raiding
force as casualties. After that debacle, his cavalry unit had only
four of every ten men healthy for duty, barely enough for them
to remain operational. It was a ratio that was sure to get worse.
4
Necromantic magic is a secretive form of magic, known
only to those who reside in the hidden darkness of
Marleath. Born of the overweening ambition of Lledrith,
it is a magic about one thing and one thing only: power.
Those who possess necromancy wish to have power
over all others, even unto Drancedigaeth, god of life and
death. Each step on the path the necromancer walks is to
ensure that they accrue more power to themselves,
whether that be in the form of the undead who act as
their unwilling servitors, or in more overt forms of
power, often applied directly to the flesh and soul of an
opponent. Given the knowledge of necromancy by a
direct revelation from Lledrith himself, necromancers
are well aware what world they step into, having been
steeped in it from the very moment of their creation.
Whatever their ultimate desire, all necromancers grow
up surrounded by the flesh and mind-altering infusion
of necromantic energy that spills directly forth from
Lledrith. It is that above all else that shapes their world
view.
Necromancy is built upon a five-part order that sees the
world divided into the way in which power is applied.
Power can be applied to bone, as a curse, to flesh, as
disease and poison, or to a creature’s spirit. Which of the
five is superior to the others is one of many long-running
arguments amongst the denizens of Marleath, and has
led to a great deal of bloodshed over the years. Each
necromantic class or ability ties itself to one or more of
these five ideals, from those that sculpt flesh and bone to
their whim to those who call upon flesh bone and spirit
to act as commanded to the more diabolically-minded
who like to see their opponents suffer under the lashes
of curses and poisons.
For Vivisection and Resurrection, the classes and necros
presented herein focus on the destruction and
reanimation of living creatures, turning them into
corpses to be raided for parts or resurrected to act as
servitors. The necromancer is the most balanced of these,
if such a thing can be said, tied to none of the five orders
and willing to use any of them as the need arises. The
overlord has bet his lot on his ability to command and
control the undead, acting as a general for a seething
mass of violence. Finally there is the vivisector, who has
never seen a creature that he won’t slay, and a limb that
he won’t attach to himself. Warped beyond all measure
by constant alterations in his physical form, he is a
physical embodiment of necromancy, much as the others
are spiritual embodiments thereof.
Taken together, these classes allow for the pinnacle of
necromantic magic to be achieved, capable of destroying
whole kingdoms with their subtle and destructive
magics. And with each adventure undertaken, new
power and new orders of necromantic magic accrue to
the practitioners, until first Marleath and then Arhosa
quivers at each step taken by these titans of necromancy.
Be it as friend or foe, necromantic magic brings a new
take on an old friend, designed especially for Arhosa.
Like Stone and Symbol, this book presents a new system
of magic. The heart of this system is the creation of
necros and the installation of grafts, the rules for which
will presented in full in Chapters 4 and 5.
Necros are the individual magical outputs that the
necromancer wields, whether those necros embody the
order of bone, curses, flesh, poison, or spirit. Created
from one of the five essential orders of necromantic
magic, they can last in time from the merest of instants
as they burrow in a foe’s soul, to a week’s passing,
imbued with a long-lasting resilience by both the will of
the necromancer and the might of Lledrith. Each wielder
of necromantic magic has a close association with one or
two orders of necros, known as veins, and it is upon that
choice that much of their power rests.
As a source of energy, there is no limit to the potential of
necros, for they draw power from the spite and anger of
Lledrith against the malicious nature of Drancedigaeth,
and that is a pool no mortal will ever empty. Talented
users of necromantic magic will use such a limitless
supply of energy to drive their own rise to greatness, and
to see all others fallen before them. Only to rise again as
servants.
Grafts are the other form of power available to
necromantic classes. Stolen from the living or created
from the flesh of the undead, grafts allow for the
manipulation of flesh and form in ways previously
undreamed of. But at a price, for each graft is imbued
with necromantic magic that extracts a price for the
power that it grants. Vivisectors, as those who wield and
utilize grafts are called, are more than willing to pay the
price, for they know the strength that can be theirs if they
have the wings of a rotten angel, the tongue of a mohrg,
the suppurating eyes of a wheep, and the ruthless slam
of a bone golem.
Central to the concept behind this book is the idea that
you can use as much or as little of it as you want to in
your game. Much of the material can be used by
characters from existing classes, although necromantic
magic does perform best when utilized by a specialist
character.
A player who is very excited about necromantic magic
might choose a new race from Chapter 1, one of the
necromantic classes from Chapter 2, and feats from the
new feats presented in Chapter 3. His character can
employ necros drawn from Chapter 4 and wield magic
items from Chapter 7. When he’s ready, he might adopt
a prestige class from Chapter 6. For such a player, this
book can almost replace the Arhosa Campaign Setting - in
much the same way that Stone and Symbol can for a
runecarving character. Others might prefer to simply
dabble in necromantic magic. A player can choose to be
an arcanist from the Arhosa Campaign Setting, then
choose feats and prestige classes from Chapters 3 & 6 to
enhance his character. He can make extensive use of the
items in Chapter 7, even if he can’t unlock all the
potential of those items. A player who wants his
character to dabble in necromantic magic can use this
book as an additional resource at the table, without
having necromantic magic dominate the character’s
capabilities.
A campaign might introduce necromantic magic in tiny
fragments: a single villain with a necromantic class from
Chapter 2, an encounter with members of a new race
from Chapter 1 or monsters from Chapter 8, or a strange
item from Chapter 7 that holds the promise of more
abilities than it immediately reveals - if a character can
learn the dark secrets of necromancy. The player
characters might explore an underground ruin strangely
carved with necromantic symbols, learning new
capabilities themselves as they progress through the
ruins and uncover their secrets. Like Relak in the
vignette at the start of this introduction, the PCs in your
campaign might stumble upon undead soldiers that
utilizes this strange magic, and choose whether to learn
it, or judge the users of it. Whatever options you choose,
5
you’ll find necromantic magic injecting a unique flavor
and never-before-seen effects into your campaign.
Whether you’re as new to the game as necromancers and
Hegni or you’ve been playing since psionics made their
first appearance, we trust that the arrival of necromantic
magic will spark your imagination and give new life to
your campaigns and adventures to come.

6

In the world of Arhosa, necromantic magic and
associated abilities are the exclusive province of
Marleath, and of those who reside in the grim depths of
that underground realm. At best distant offshoots from
races that once dwelled on the surface, the races who
people Marleath are so twisted by necromantic magic as
to be all but unique by comparison to those who reside
in the sunlit realms of Arhosa. Some, even, are
completely artificial, crafted exclusively for the
enjoyment of the progenitor race.
Four of these races are detailed in this chapter.
(Additional necromantic creatures appear in Chapter 7.)
Boncyff are a strange outgrowth of experimentation, the
only successful melding of undeath with a soul. Built to
be warriors, they are the servants and product of the
Hegni.
Casglwyr spend their time in research and modification,
becoming ever more twisted as they warp their bodies
over and over again.
Gollwyd are charismatic to the extreme, and use their
forceful personalities to drive their necromantic
Table 1–1: Racial Ability Adjustments
Race Ability Adjustments
Boncyff +2 Constitution, -2 Intelligence, -2 Charisma
Casglwyr +2 Intelligence, -2 Wisdom, -2 Charisma
Gollwyd -2 Constitution, +2 Charisma
Hegni -2 Strength, -2 Constitution, +2 Intelligence, +2
Charisma
BONCYFF RACIAL TRAITS
The Boncyff stand 4 ½ to 5 feet tall, with big muscular
limbs and a strong build. They weigh on average 200 lbs.
Generally, they are quite hirsute, and often have many
bangles and other decorations tucked into the tangled
mess of their hair. Those items that are most important
are generally hidden away, in areas that no cursory
examination would find. They have a dark, almost
prowess. They forgo much in the way of physical
capabilities in order to power their necromancy.
Hegni are the first and best of the necromancers,
descedents of those to whom Lledrith first revealed the
majesty of his dark gift. Today, they are so imbued with
necromantic energy that at all times they dwell partly in
Lledrith’s realm.
The character’s race determines some of his or her
qualities. Table 1–1: Racial Ability Adjustments, shows
ability score adjustments, favored class, and starting
languages for each of the new races described in this
chapter.
The Boncyff are a secluded race, little seen in the world
of Arhosa in a great many years. They are the
descendants of the Ghoel, whose land lies buried
beneath a lava sea, but they retain little of their ancestors
ways, having been forced into such barbarism over the
intervening years that they forgot their faith and their
culture, and for a long age subsisted as small
communities of workers, nestled amidst quiet lands little
seen by outsiders. The Boncyff did rediscover their belief
in focus and faith in recent times, and now each of them
chooses an overarching goal, the success of which will
make their life meaningful. Accomplishing it means they
can die happy. Fail to achieve their goals, and they
become shattered wraiths, their lives proven beyond a
shadow of doubt to be meaningless.
Favored Class Languages
Champion Marletan
Vivisector Marletan
Overlord Marletan
Necromancer Marletan
charred skin, supposedly a permanent reminder of their
ancestors' trip through lava.
• Subtypes: Boncyff are undead with the living
undead subtype.
o A Boncyff derives its Hit Dice, base attack
bonus progression, saving throws, and skill
points from the class it selects.
o Unlike other undead, a Boncyff has a
Constitution score.
7
 o Unlike other undead, a Boncyff does not
have low-light vision or darkvision.
o Unlike other undead, a Boncyff is not
immune to mind-affecting spells and
abilities.
o Immunity to poison, sleep effects, paralysis,
disease, nausea, fatigue, exhaustion, effects
that cause the sickened condition, and
energy drain.
o A Boncyff cannot heal damage naturally.
o Unlike other undead, Boncyff are subject to
critical hits, nonlethal damage, stunning,
ability damage, ability drain, and death
effects or necromancy effects.
o As living undead, Boncyff can be affected by
spells that target living creatures as well as
by those that target undead. Damage dealt
to a Boncyff can be healed by either positive
energy or negative energy effects, and a
Boncyff is vulnerable to spells that
specifically target and affect undead.
However, effects that heal hit point damage
that do not specifically heal undead provide
only half their normal effect to a Boncyff.
Necromantic effects or magic that
specifically targets undead still heals a
Boncyff normally, and Boncyff react
normally to the fast healing ability.
o A Boncyff responds slightly differently from
other living creatures when reduced to 0 hit
points. A Boncyff with 0 hit points is
disabled, just like a living creature. He can
only take a single move action or standard
action in each round, but strenuous activity
does not risk further injury. When his hit
points are less than 0 and greater than -10, a
Boncyff is inert. He is unconscious and
helpless, and he cannot perform any actions.
However, an inert Boncyff does not lose
additional hit points unless more damage is
dealt to him, as with a living creature that is
stable.
o As a living undead, a Boncyff can be raised
or resurrected.
o A Boncyff does not need to eat, sleep, or
breathe, but he can still benefit from the
effects of consumable spells and magic
items such as potions.
o Although living undead do not need to
sleep, a Boncyff must rest to recover certain
8
class features, such as the 8 hours necessary
for an arcanist to recover his spellpoints.
• +2 Constitution, -2 Intelligence, -2 Charisma:
Boncyff are tough and resistant to many of the
world's perils, though they are not the brightest
minds, nor the most personable.
• Medium: As Medium creatures, Boncyff have no
special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
• Boncyff base land speed is 30 feet. Boncyff can move
at this speed even when wearing medium or heavy
armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load
(unlike other creatures, whose speed is reduced in
such situations).
• Hardened Flesh: Boncyff are created in such a way
that their skin is more resistant to damage, and bone
plates cover sensitive areas. Boncyff gain a +2 bonus
to natural armor.
• Lifebond (Su): Once per day, a Boncyff can choose a
specific living creature that is friendly to them as a
full-round action, creating a special bond with that
creature. Whenever the chosen creature is within 60
feet, the Boncyff gains a +1 bonus on all saving
throws; double this bonus against fear effects and
necromancy effects (such as necros and spells of the
necromancy school of magic). If the chosen creature
dies, the Boncyff loses these bonuses and takes a -2
penalty on all saves for 24 hours. The Boncyff can
choose to replace the chosen creature when he once
again uses his lifebond ability. A Boncyff can only be
subject to one lifebond at a time.
• Automatic Languages: Marletan. Bonus Languages:
None
• Favored Class: Champion
BONCYFF SOCIETY
Boncyff are surface dwelling dwarves, but like their
relatives, tend to stick closely to the comfort of
mountains and hills. Their society is driven by an
appreciation for the past, by the tales of the great deeds
that belonged to their forefathers, and of the
understanding of the world. More than any other race,
they believe that knowledge and language are the
highest forms of creativity, especially poetry in the
ghazal style.
Alignment: In many ways the Boncyff are completely
unbothered by the normal conventions around
alignment. To them, neither Good nor Evil is the true
determining factor in the life of their people, but rather
upholding the traditions and lore that is such a key part
of their society. As such, jealousies and abuses are
entirely tolerated, as long as they can be said to be
duplicates of actions taken by the characters from the
sagas. So in that respect, the Boncyff are perhaps the
most law-abiding society in Arhosa. Certainly, their
populace leans heavily in that direction.
Lands: Despite the great strength of their lorespeakers,
and the depth of knowledge and libraries that they
possess, the Boncyff are generally little more than small
farming and working communities these days. They are
on an upward trend, no doubt, but they are on the slow
climb to another period of greatness, and have many
years to go before they reach their peak.
Settlements: Boncyff communities are much akin to
other farming societies, but with their own unique twist.
The buildings are hand-engraved stone, covered in the
geometric forms of the runic script. Each has its own
precious library of manuscripts and recorded traditions,
secreted away somewhere within. And every evening
there is a gathering, a combination of recital, training,
and debate, where old myths are read aloud, passed on
to the next generation, and new actions and happenings,
both from within the Boncyff populace and without, are
debated for entry into the lore.
Power Groups: Within the Boncyff community, there are
only two groups who can be said to wield true power,
and they are in many ways two sides of the same coin –
the lorespeakers and the runecarvers. Those who
promulgate the traditions also decide on the actions of
the community, and act as the government, while those
talented in the way of runes are the military forces, and
a strong counterbalance. Should the two collectives ever
disagree, the rest of the Boncyff waits with bated breath
for the resolution.
Beliefs: Boncyff communities are ruled by their elders;
Boncyff are particularly devoted to their community
leader, the Urhnomous. Boncyff almost exclusively
worship Amserwch, although the origins of the practice
are long since lost. His worship is strange, for he does
not seem to provide the Boncyff with any magic, nor
does he particularly suit their modern habits. Those very
few scholars who have noticed this tend to mark it as a
habit of the Ghoel that has continued. They may well be
correct.
Relations: An Boncyff's relation with others is often a
function of his focus. People that help the Boncyff
accomplish his focus or share his goals are treated with
respect and considered good companions. There is little
room for compromise, though, with those that disagree
with the Boncyff’s focus. If they hinder the Boncyff, they
are considered obstacles that must be removed.
Community is important to the Boncyff. Boncyff have a
very strong racial affinity. They rarely share their history
with non–Boncyff; it can take years for a stranger to gain
enough trust to be admitted into an Boncyff family circle.
Because of their remote location, they rarely interact
with the other races of Arhosa, and those few times they
do, they are usually mistaken for another race, most
cultures long since having forgotten the legends of
Ghaelora.
BONCYFF CHARACTERS
Boncyff characters follow their focus to the exclusion of
all else. Classes such as fighter or cleric are relatively
common choices, but most Boncyff choose runecarving
classes, due to their inherent ability with runes.
Adventuring Boncyff: Boncyff adventure for different
reasons. Sometimes it is simply the wanderlust of the
young and the restless that sends them far afield. Many
adventuring Boncyff travel Arhosa to complete their
focus, if they believe such a thing is necessary. Some
search for long-lost Ghoel lands and the treasures they
contain, but more than anything for stories that are
carried like precious treasures back to the lorespeakers.
Character Development: Boncyff characters generally
center themselves upon their Dwarven Focus ability,
and pick and choose abilities that will help them fulfill
it.
Character Names: Boncyff names are generally Celtic in
nature, each one describing the Dwarven Focus of the
particular individual, and what his stated life’s goal is.
ROLEPLAYING AN BONCYFF
Boncyff have two stars that they follow throughout their
lives – their focus, and the oral traditions and history of
their people. Anything that impedes either of those is
unacceptable, and anything that furthers them will be
pursued with the utmost vigor.
Personality: Boncyff prefer to occupy themselves with
meaningful tasks, and often approach these tasks with
an intensity rarely seen in other races. As such, Boncyff
make excellent laborers, and take great pride in their
accomplishments. However, their stubbornness can lead
9
to difficulties. Boncyff will sometimes fail to listen to
reason, attempting to accomplish what are impossible
tasks. Boncyff live for their focus. Boncyff that die while
being unable to complete their focus return from the
dead as banshees to haunt their unfinished work. An
Boncyff also rarely divulges his focus to anyone.
Behavior: Little given to excitement except when
storytelling or their focus is involved, Boncyff are
generally dour and serious, unwilling to waste energy
on things that are meaningless to them. Only when their
focus or their lore becomes involved does the mood
change to one of frantic effort, trying to achieve their
goals in short order.
Language: Boncyff have a long and proud oral history.
They have an old written language, but this is mostly
used for writing histories. Boncyff will not teach their
ancient language to outsiders, preferring to keep that
knowledge to themselves. The Boncyff language is deep
and throaty, composed of many guttural sounds and
harsh exclamations. Most non-Boncyff get raw throats if
they try to speak Boncyff for more than a few hours.
BONCYFF ADVENTURES
An adventure involving an Boncyff might involve
uncovering the lost treasures of the Boncyff’s progenitor
race, collecting a particularly telling piece of history, or
dealing with a runecarving Boncyff villain.
• An Boncyff takes the party on a search into
somewhere that he claims was once the home of the
Ghoel.
• A collection of Boncyff lorespeakers have heard of a
unique and interesting story, but wish for more
details. They pay the party to investigate.
• An Boncyff runecarver leads a party of his people to
take over a town, throwing out the inhabitants while
claiming the land belonged to the Ghoel.
The Casglwyr are not a race, not by any normal sense of
the word. Nor are they even alive, as much as that can be
determined. They are instead self-aware construct
servants of the Tokunnir, built for a specific task, and
then often as not deactivated until such time as their
particular talents might be necessary again. This makes
the number of Casglwyr who are awake at any given
moment potentially minuscule, especially since the
collapse of the Arhosan empire. Even then, at the high
10
point of society, Tokunnir did not like to spend their
resources on Casglwyr, preferring to trust in the mettle
of their own people. But Tokunnir have never stopped
making Casglwyr, and from time to time a strange
owner of a Casglwyr will emancipate one or more of his
metal slaves, leaving the Casglwyr free to wander where
it might.
CASGLWYR RACIAL TRAITS
Casglwyr are usually seven feet tall, and weigh north of
350 lbs. Faces are usually more suggestions than
anything else, merely a place to which their Tokunnir
overseers can give orders, while the rest of their form is
hewn in a rough humanoid shape out of metal and stone,
but otherwise little has been done to it, aside from the
necessary runic engravings. After all, why would one
want to focus on art and sculpture on something that is
merely a tool?
• +2 Intelligence, -2 Wisdom, -2 Charisma: Casglwyr
have spent ages perfecting their necromantic
grafting talents, at the expense of their sanity and
their self-knowledge.
• Medium: As Medium creatures, Casglwyr have no
special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
• Casglwyr base land speed is 30 feet.
• Grafted Form: Casglwyr may choose one undead
graft from the Minor Graft list, and gain the benefits
and penalties of that graft.
• Flesh Heritor: Casglwyr start with one bonus
corpuscle available to them at character creation.
• Grotesque Countenance: With any creature who is
not necromantic or undead, Casglwyr take a -4
penalty on all charisma-based skill checks.
• Graft Familiarity: Casglwyr gain a +4 bonus to
Knowledge checks to identify grafts and their
abilities, and may make such skill checks untrained.
They also receive a +2 bonus on all Heal checks
related to grafts.
• Automatic Languages: Marletan. Bonus Languages:
None
• Favored Class: Vivisector.
CASGLWYR SOCIETY
There is really no such thing as Casglwyr society, as they
are little more than animate servitors. No matter that
they are self-aware, they are ordered around by their
Tokunnir overlords and do only what they are told.
Those vanishingly few Casglwyr who are both free and
outside of Tokunnir society are too few to ever
congregate into any form of community, and instead
wander alone.
Alignment: Casglwyr are neutral, as they have so little
self-determination the idea of making choices such as
Good or Evil is all but beyond them. Independent
Casglwyr follow the same pattern, but trend heavily
lawful and logical.
Lands: Casglwyr have no lands whatsoever, and merely
reside where they are commanded.
Settlements: Casglwyr are generally stored in
warehouses, cupboards, basements, or other places by
their Tokunnir overlords, where they are maintained at
a ready but idle state until such time as they are
commanded to activate and complete a task.
Power Groups: Tokunnir form the power groups of the
Casglwyr, and it is their heavily regimented society,
focused on the creation of art, sculpture, and runes, that
forms the societal rules within which Casglwyr operate.
But for individual Casglwyr, the commander to whom
they report is either a military officer, for the Casglwyr
are used as the front line forces in the Tokunnir military,
or to their owner, who uses them for daily services or on
an as-needed basis.
Beliefs: Casglwyr do not have a religion, for in no place
do they gather in enough numbers to have discussions
of philosophy and the world beyond. Indeed, such
applications are all but deliberately designed out of their
construction. Warriors who question the next stage of
life are simply less useful.
Relations: Casglwyr that are still under the control of the
Tokunnir have no relations, as such. They merely do
what their owners command. Those who are
emancipated or otherwise given freer rein tend to begin
to develop their own thoughts, but such interactions are
so intensely personal that there is no way to describe
inter-race relations for the Casglwyr on a whole.
CASGLWYR CHARACTERS
Casglwyr characters are mostly from the ranks of the
emancipated servitor branch of Casglwyr, as the military
versions tend to be used until they are destroyed. Classes
such as fighter or warblade are common choices, but
most Casglwyr choose runecarving classes, due to their
inherent ability with runes.
Adventuring Casglwyr: Casglwyr adventurers tend to
come in two forms - those who are on a mission with
their Tokunnir overlord, or those who have been
emancipated and wish to find a place in the world. The
former are little better than bound servants, doing as
they are beholden, while the latter search the world in an
intensely personal way, hunting for something that
matters deeply to them.
Character Development: A Casglwyr’s Runescribed
rune allows them to start with a bonus to a number of
stats, or a few unique abilities. The choice of rune will
determine how he should specialize his early levels.
Character Names: There are no names for Casglwyr,
merely appellations describing what they are. Military
Casglwyr have a number engraved on their chest that
serves as their reference, while servitor varieties either
have that, or are referred to simply as “Digger”,
“Builder”, and so on.
ROLEPLAYING A CASGLWYR
Casglwyr are often passive, having initiative designed
out of them from the very start, and will usually wait
until someone else has made a decision and then follow
it. Only those created as sergeants in the armed forces or
those who have been forced to fend for themselves will
begin to develop more outgoing behavior, and even then
they are still crippled by the mental handicaps of their
design.
Personality: The personality of a Casglwyr is
determined in large part by the rune permanently
engraved into it. After all, when a concept such as
Strength or Stone is how one was brought to life, it does
rather overwhelm the rest of the personality. Otherwise,
Casglwyr are generally emotionless and robotic, built
merely for a given task and focused upon that. Only
when they get out into a wider world, beyond their
narrow scope of tasks and duties and other Casglwyr, do
they begin to develop personalities beyond what they
might have had before.
Behavior: Dull as anything, Casglwyr most often simply
stand around, waiting for orders. Even those with a
more prominent role do not show much physical
activity, merely waiting until the time to act.
Language: Programmed to speak at the moment of their
inception, some are also given the ability to speak
Common or a single other language if they are designed
for use with those other races.
11
CASGLWYR ADVENTURES
An adventure involving a Casglwyr might involve
freeing a Casglwyr collective, tracking down an escaped
Casglwyr, or fighting off assaults from a Casglwyr
military unit.
• An emancipated Casglwyr is returning to his
community, looking to guide as many Casglwyr to
freedom as possible.
• A Casglwyr has fled, and the party is tasked to track
it down and return it to its Tokunnir owner.
• A surface town has come under assault by a unit of
Casglwyr, and it is up to the party to defend the
inhabitants.
Not much is known about the Gollwyd, and nothing at
all except by the Tokunnir and those who have
discovered some of the secrets of the Tokunnir. For the
Gollwyd come from the very depths of the earth, below
even the dwarven kingdoms, and vanish into those same
depths just as quickly. Thus, absolutely nothing is
known about the makeup or culture of the Gollwyd,
except by the Gollwyd themselves.
Gollwyd are a hive society, driven by a rising heirarchy
of matriarchs who control subservient groupings of
females. Males are few and far between, serving only the
queens of the Gollwyd as breeding fodder. Because of
the hive-like conditions through which the Gollwyd
thrive, there is almost nothing in the way of culture, art,
technology, or otherwise. Indeed, the Gollwyd seem to
spurn those very things, although that may be a result of
their resistance to magic as much as anything else.
GOLLWYD RACIAL TRAITS
Gollwyd are well-adapted to their underground
existence, and, indeed, would suffer away from it. They
have an exquisite sense of smell, but are blind. Their
limbs are thin and short; however, they are highly adept
at moving underground and can move backward as fast
as they can move forward. Their large, protruding teeth
are used to dig and their lips are sealed just behind the
teeth, preventing soil from filling their mouths while
digging. They have little hair and wrinkled pink or
yellowish skin, which lacks an insulating layer.
• -2 Constitution, +2 Charisma: Gollwyd are not the
hardiest of the races, given their connection to the
undead, but they more than make up for it with a
12
canny ability for both deception and leadership
alike.
• Medium: As Medium creatures, Gollwyd have no
special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
• Gollwyd base land speed is 30 feet.
• Low-light vision: While Gollwyd cannot see in the
dark as the undead can, they have enhanced vision
that allows them to see twice as far as a human in
conditions of dim light.
• Unnatural Presence (Su): Animals, whether wild or
domesticated, can sense the unnatural presence of a
Gollwyd at a distance of 30 feet. They will not
willingly approach nearer than that and panic if
forced to do so; they remain panicked as long as they
are within that range. The animal can make a Will
save (DC of 10 + ½ your HD + your charisma
modifier) to resist the effect. Gollwyd cannot gain
the service of an animal companion (such as that
granted by the totem companion feat) unless the
creature has a type other than animal, such as
through an alternate class feature or feat.
• Perverted Life: Due to their link to the negative
energy that powers Necromantic magic, Gollwyd
take a -1 penalty per die of hit points healed by
positive energy effects (to a minimum of 1 hit point
restored), such as most effects that heal hit point
damage. However, they are healed by negative
energy at a rate of 1 hit point for every 3 points of
damage they would otherwise take. This does not
grant immunity to energy drain effects or death
effects.
• Leader's Charm (Su): Given their natural (and
unnatural) charisma, Gollwyd make excellent
leaders and can bolster their allies with their very
presence. Allies within 30 feet of the Gollwyd
receive a +1 bonus on Fortitude, Reflex, or Will
saves. The Gollwyd can change which save receives
the bonus as a move action.
• Wary: Gollwyd are naturally suspicious of creatures
they come across. They gain a +2 racial bonus on
Investigation checks, and take a -2 penalty on
Diplomacy checks.
• Automatic Languages: Marletan. Bonus Languages:
None
• Favored Class: Overlord.
GOLLWYD SOCIETY
Unlike all the other races that populate the surface of
Arhosa, the Gollwyd are a eusocial race, a structure born
out in the hierarchical nature of the Gollwyd, and the
way in which a small cadre of females controls the
outcome for each colony, while all others are nonfertile
and ooperate in caring for the young and the success of
the colony. Because of this unique structure, there is
almost never a disagreement amongst the Gollwyd, and
there is also never a question of who is in charge, for
power flows directly from the queen to the matriarchs to
the warriors and thence to the workers.
Alignment: Gollwyd, by the nature of their very
structured society, are almost always lawful, there being
no acceptance amongst their kind for individualism that
harms the race. On the good and evil spectrum, Gollwyd
are most often neutral, although certain colonies could
be called evil for their continual expansion, although it is
more a simple survival drive overcoming any
competitors, no more evil than a wolfpack chasing away
other predators.
Lands: The deep darkness is the realm of the Gollwyd,
so far below the surface of the world that the Tokunnir
mines are often a good deal above the layers upon which
the Gollwyd live. Rulers of the very bottom layers of the
subterranean world, Gollwyd have more recently begun
to push upwards, as they completely control the furthest
depths, and it is in this expansion that their colonies have
begun to abut the dwarven kingdoms, and conflict
ensue.
Settlements: Individual colonies are generally
comprised of a long network of tunnels that acts as both
ventilation system and defensive structure, deliberately
designed to possess a large number of dead ends and be
confusing to anyone who cannot utilize the power of
scent the way that the Gollwyd can. Buried within the
twisting multiplicity of tunnels is a series of farm
caverns, dormitories, breeding rooms, and other sundry
structures, including rudimentary blacksmiths and other
manufactoria.
Power Groups: Queens are the ultimate power in
Gollwyd society, with handpicked daughters granted
positions of power as matriarchs, and given charge of
various aspects of the individual queen’s colony. Unlike
some other eusocial societies, birth is everything – there
is no movement up or down the social ladder. If a queen
dies, a matriarch fills the spot, but if a matriarch dies, a
warrior does not molt its skin and become a matriarch.
Instead, the newly minted queen must spend the time
and effort to birth and raise a matriarch daughter to fill
the role.
Beliefs: The individual colonies of Gollwyd worship the
solitary queens who rule over them, but otherwise have
no concept of religion as it is understood by the surface
races. Given that all magic springs from the gods, and
that the Gollwyd are actively resistant to magic, it is
perhaps thought that they are not of the gods at all, but
how can that be when the gods created everything?
Relations: Simply put, there are none. When Tokunnir
intrude into a Gollwyd domain, they are forcibly ejected
if possible. Otherwise, the behaviour or even existence of
other races in Arhosa is of no concern to the Gollwyd.
GOLLWYD CHARACTERS
Gollwyd characters can come from all ranks of Gollwyd
society, as each has their own unique abilities to
contribute to a party of adventurers. Because of their
inherent resistance to all things magical and
supernatural, Gollwyd almost always focus on classes
that use nothing of that sort, such as the barbarian or
warblade.
Adventuring Gollwyd: Gollwyd generally don't
adventure, except when in a grouping controlled by a
matriarch. Some Gollwyd have wandered away from
their colony or become lost when unforeseen actions
occur, and it is through studying those few Gollwyd that
even the little that is known about them exists.
Character Development: Most Gollwyd choose a path
for their characters from birth, taking one of the
Matriarch, Warrior, or Worker Breeding feats at first
level in order to gain access to abilities and classes
unique to those feats. Otherwise, they tend to take
advantage of the Gollwyd’s ability to fight in darkness,
and to fight in close formation with others, such as
through the Swarmfighting feat.
Character Names: Gollwyd do not use names in the
normal sense of the term, for within their society, each
individual is known by their unique scent, and by the
role that they fulfill. Once those two aspects of an
individual are known, there is no need for another
identifier.
ROLEPLAYING A GOLLWYD
Because of the nature of their society, Gollwyd are used
to working in a hierarchy, and how an individual acts is
entirely down to their place in that social structure.
Matriarchs know that they are the top of the heap, and
that there is only one greater. Warriors, on the other
13
hand, must follow orders and strictly defend the colony,
sacrificing themselves in order to achieve an overall
betterment of the Gollwyd. Workers, for their part, are
subservient to all, having specialized their whole lives in
helping others reach their goals.
Personality: The average Gollwyd is a worker animal,
doing as the queen and colony needs, and selflessly
putting others above of itself. Free time does not
particularly exist for these creatures, and so they tend
not to develop much in way of humor. The conversation
between various forms of worker Gollwyd revolves
around tasks that need completing, overarching goals,
and other items generally to the benefit of all members
of the colony.
Behavior: Worker Gollwyd scurry hither and yon,
completing tasks assigned to them in between moments
of rest. Warrior Gollwyd guard the outskirts of the
colony or go on scouting missions to see in which
direction it should expand, while Matriarchs are at the
center of it all, gathering information and issuing
commands to ensure the smooth running of the colony.
Language: A language all their own, one involving scent
and touch much more than sound, separates the
Gollwyd from the cultures around them. While their
hearing is quite good, and it is possible for a Gollwyd to
learn other languages, they so rarely have the need that
they almost never do so.
GOLLWYD ADVENTURES
An adventure involving Gollwyd might involve tracking
down a Gollwyd raiding party, trying to establish
relations with a newly discovered Gollwyd colony, or
helping a lost Gollwyd worker.
• A community of Tokunnir has been having the
bottom levels of their mines raided, and they are
unable to discover much more than that the
attackers leave a black sludge when they depart.
• By chance, a mining crew broke into a Gollwyd
colony, but were able to slip away before being
discovered. Is diplomacy an option?
• A single Gollwyd worker has appeared on the
surface of Arhosa, lost, and unable to be spoken to.
What does it want, and is there a way to help it
return to its home, or even discover what species it
is?
14
Burrowed beneath the mountains of Cuallhome, the
Hegni are a race of dwarves who spend their lives
underground, creating ever more elaborate vistas and
patterns out of the rocky tunnels that are their homeland.
They have raised the art of engraving stone and metal to
something well above the mere form of art that others
might consider it to be, for to the Hegni, it is a religion, a
gift, and something that strengthens and protects not
only their cities, but also one another. These engravings
and the associated power within them are why, when
the Empire of Arhosa fell and the lands above devolved
into fighting and internecine warfare, the Hegni
dwarves merely closed the gates to their homes, and
stayed safe and secure, turning inward once more.
HEGNI RACIAL TRAITS
Squat and wide, a Hegni is almost completely hairless,
and shaves in order to remove the last few wisps that
have survived the race's long underground life. Hegni
are covered in tattoos, usually of geometric patterns. To
those who can understand the Hegni written language,
these tattoos tell the life story of the bearer, growing
more elaborate as the Hegni ages. The greatest of the
Hegni, their master artisans, have tattoos so finely
etched that their entire skin is a whorling mass,
untouched flesh barely visible beneath it.
• -2 Strength, -2 Constitution, +2 Intelligence, +2
Charisma: Hegni are exceptionally bright with
strong minds and an imposing presence, despite
their drastically weakened bodies.
• Medium: As Medium creatures, Athaghoel have no
special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
• Hegni base land speed is 30 feet.
• Darkvision: Hegni can see in the dark up to 60 feet.
Darkvision is black and white only, but it is
otherwise like normal sight, and Hegni can function
just fine with no light at all.
• Scorn Earth (Su): The ancestors of the Hegni
sacrificed part of their mortal connection to the
realm of the living for a greater connection to the
spirits of the afterlife. The Hegni floats up to 1 foot
above the ground at all times, though they are
incapable of exceeding that distance normally.
Instead of walking, they glide along, unconcerned
with the hard earth or difficult terrain. While they
remain within 1 foot of a flat surface of any solid or
liquid, the Hegni can take normal actions and make
 normal attacks, and can move at their normal speed
(they can even “run” at four times her normal
speed). For all purposes, Hegni are treated as
walking rather than flying. Hegni are still subject to
the rules for overland movement, including those
for a forced march, and can still fall from a great
height if they are not within a foot of a suitable
surface (they do not stop a foot from the ground;
after falling, the Hegni may stand up and resume
floating as normal).
• Phantom Touch (Su): While Hegni are only partially
incorporeal and thus interact normally with material
objects, they are able to reach through a living
creature and drain the warmth and vitality from
them. Hegni gain an incorporeal touch attack which
deals 1d4 + their charisma modifier damage to living
creatures, and the target also becomes fatigued for 1
minute on a failed Fortitude save of DC 10 + ½
character level + charisma modifier. Hegni use
dexterity in place of strength for attack rolls with
their phantom touch. Undead are immune to the
damage and fatigue, and instead gain temporary hit
points equal to the damage they would have taken.
These temporary hit points do not stack. Hegni are
immune to the effects of phantom touch.
• Partial Incorporeality (Su): Hegni are often known as
'Living Ghosts' due to their limited opacity. This
quality also lends them some benefit in combat.
Hegni impose a 5% miss chance on all weapon
attacks against them, similar to concealment,
although this miss chance does not stack with any
others.
• Automatic Languages: Marletan. Bonus Languages:
Any
• Favored Class: Necromancer.
HEGNI SOCIETY
Hegni are prototypical dwarves, living in vast
underground catacombs from which they have carved
beautiful structures, engraving them with thousands
upon thousands of inscriptions and geometric artwork,
with the one exception that much of the general labor
and service for the city is done by Constructed, who can
be seen moving from place to place under the orders of
their overseers.
Alignment: Like most dwarves, and especially those
who focus upon runecarving, Hegni lean towards the
Lawful end of the spectrum, and are otherwise
somewhat neutral.
Lands: Hegni frequent underground caverns, delving
deep into the earth in mines and catacombs and
otherwise behaving in general like dwarves do.
Settlements: Vast cities are the primary settlements of
the Hegni, with there being a few of them spread out
under the Cuallhome mountains of Arhosa, with a few
outposts spread further away. Those settlements are
generally closed to outsiders, and only precious few
know where the gates are to gain entrance into these
hidden kingdoms.
Power Groups: With the Hegni, as with many dwarves,
it is the elders of their people that form the great core of
strength, although the various arms of the monarchies,
merchant families, military, and runecarving institutions
all vie in the traditional political manner.
Beliefs: The Hegni dwarves have a strange relationship
with religion, for they do not worship a deity so much as
a higher principle, a way of life, that is expressed
through their admiration and aeons long focus on the art
of carving and engraving. That this talent bestows upon
them gifts from a deity is almost beside the point of why
the Hegni do as they do, and they regard others who
have to go begging to the gods for some measure of
power as vain and childish.
Relations: The Hegni do not despise other races, but
tend to regard them as unlearned, as children, people
who do not understand the true worth of a life, and why
it is worth living. This does not stop them from trading
with them in a restricted manner, exchanging what the
Hegni consider scrap pieces of art made by apprentices
and the like for items of great value from the outside
world.
HEGNI CHARACTERS
Hegni characters are more likely to look towards internal
rewards than external, with their limited trust in
outsiders. Classes such as fighter or warblade are
common choices, although a great many Hegni either are
proficient in runecarving or dabble in the area.
Adventuring Hegni: Adventurers are something of a
rarity for the Hegni, because it greatly restricts their
ability to work upon or to see the great triumphs of the
Hegni race, and they do not like being separated from
what they truly are. But there are always those who seek
to educate the lesser peoples about the proper way of
life, and in order to do that they must venture beyond
the gates of their mountain homes. Others do so in order
15
to be gifted with strange and unusual tattoos, ones that
would make them stand out in Hegni society as a unique
individual, someone who should be reckoned with.
Character Development: Hegni are heavily focused
upon the benefits of runecarving, and it wise for a
character to do the same, generally by taking one of the
three runecarving base classes and a number of
runecarving feats.
Character Names: Hegni names are generally as per
normal for a dwarven people.
ROLEPLAYING A HEGNI
Hegni are stolid, and convinced of the superiority of
their own people and culture. When Arhosa fell into ruin
about them, they did not, and it is their art that is highly
prized for its expressiveness. Equally, the grand stories
written upon individuals bodies are to be highly
rewarded, and any who cannot recall or countenance
their own life’s efforts is to be looked down upon as a
creature without a past.
Personality: Generally quiet and reserved, the Hegni
communicate as much through the use of their carvings
as they do through the use of any other medium, and so
it is quite often that a Hegni can go for days or more
without saying more than a murmur of appreciation
over a particular work of great beauty. For a Hegni
contemplating making a great work, this period of
silence could last weeks or months. Frivolity is alien to a
Hegni, and they do not welcome practical jokers or
similar, regarding them as creatures wasting the time
and talent that nature gifted to them.
Behavior: A society of people living in close contact with
each other day in and day out must, by necessity, place
the needs of the group above the needs of the individual.
The rule of law becomes paramount in many ways, for
only in such a society can disputes be settled fairly and
expectations kept reasonable. This cultural trait has
become an ingrained habit for nearly all Hegni and is
considered a virtue among their people. He who holds
to his duty and obeys the law, even at great cost to
himself, is hailed as a hero among his clan and held up
as an example to others. Honor, duty, bravery, stoicism,
Table 1–3: Random Starting Ages
16
and loyalty are considered the highest virtues in Hegni
life. Those who live less “responsible” existences, as the
Hegni might consider it, are subjects of continuing
bemusement to the ordered Hegni mind.
Language: The language of the Hegni is the language of
runes and of art, and they use that to communicate
almost more than they do words or gestures. This makes
them extremely difficult for outsiders to understand at
first, as they simply do not recognize the nuances of
Hegni art.
HEGNI ADVENTURES
An adventure involving a Hegni might involve
retrieving a lost piece of art, guarding them on the way
to an epic event, or resolving a dispute between two
clanholds.
• A Hegni community wishes to recover a piece of
historic art that was stolen from it by raiders.
• An individual Hegni seeks to venture to the ends of
the earth in order to have a unique tattoo scored
across his body.
• Two of the Hegni communities have gotten into a
dispute about the ancient laws governing mining
rights where their borders meet.
The details of your character’s age, gender, height,
weight, and appearance are up to you. However, if you
prefer some rough guidelines in determining these
details, refer to the tables below
CHARACTER AGE
Your character’s age is determined by your choice of race
and class, as summed up on Table 1–3: Random Starting
Ages.
As your character ages, her physical ability scores
change as described in the Player’s Handbook (Table 1–
4: Aging Effects).
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT
Choose your character’s height and weight from the
ranges mentioned in the racial description, or roll
randomly on Table 1–5: Random Height and Weight.
 Race Adulthood Simple Moderate Classes Complex Classes
Classes
Athaghoel 40 Years +3d6 +5d6 +7d6
Constructed - - - -
Tandda 10 Years +1d6 +2d6 +2d6
Tokunnir 40 Years +3d6 +5d6 +7d6

Table 1–4: Aging Effects

Race Middle Age Old Venerable Maximum Age

Athaghoel 125 196 278 +3d%
Constructed - - - -
Tandda 40 50 60 +1d10
Tokunnir 125 196 278 +3d%

Table 1–5: Random Height and Weight

Race Base Height Height Base Weight Weight Modifier

Modifier
Athaghoel (male) 3’ 9” +2d4 130 lb. x(2d6) lb.
Athaghoel (female) 3’ 7” +2d4 110 lb. x(2d6) lb.
Constructed (n/a) 7’ 0” +1d12 350 lb. x(4d12) lb.
Tandda (male) 4’ 5” +1d6 140 lb. x(4d6) lb.
Tandda (female) 5’ 2” +1d8 170 lb. x(5d8) lb.
Tokunnir (male) 3’ 9” +2d4 130 lb. x(2d6) lb.
Tokunnir (female) 3’ 7” +2d4 110 lb. x(2d6) lb.

17
 student of the legacy of their clan and people, but they
are also imbued with its driving locus embedded in their
soul. For necromancers, as the name suggests, are found
at birth to be marked by the language of the runes, and
to have one of the runes that their clan lives by engraved
on their soul.

MAKING A NECROMANCER
Characters of any class can learn to use runes through
Necromancers are, quite literally, born, not made.
feats, races, prestige classes, and possibly other means.
Touched from birth by the spirit of their ancestors, they
The true masters of runic magic, however, are those who
have an inherent skill with runecarving that no formal
advance in one of the new classes presented in this
training could imbue. And with that inherent rune
chapter. By taking levels in these classes, characters learn
comes also a knowledge of the ancestors that is little
the art of runecarving and utilize the language of the
surpassed, even by the lorespeakers of the Athaghoel.
runes to advance themselves and their fellows in the
Thus it is that necromancer come by their talents almost
world.
accidentally, and it is almost unheard of for a dwarf to
come to the realization later in life that they are gifted
with the knowledge of inherent runes.
The three runecarving classes, in the order they are
Abilities: Wisdom determines the difficulty of resisting
presented in this chapter, are as follows:
his runes, while the physical stats determine his
Runeborn: A heroic rune-touched warrior with an
capability as a warrior. Given that the necromancer is
inborn connection to that magic, he is also a student of
likely to be focused on runes devoted to strengthening
the ancestor traditions of the dwarven people.
himself, the physical statistics are the most critical.
Runecarver: Outright masters of the language of the
runes, he is the ultimate expression of runic magic. Races: Because of the source of their power,
Unlettered: A somewhat random rune user who quickly necromancers are rarely seen outside of the dwarven
dashes runes off here and there, but can generate realms. Within the dwarven kingdoms, they are, while
surprising power in his engravings. not common, regular enough in appearance that almost
every dwarf has either heard of or met one or more
necromancers. For the non-dwarven races, those who are
most concerned with ancestor worship and the history
“Life is a hideous thing, and from the background behind what
of their people are the civilizations most likely to see the
we know of it peer daemoniacal hints of truth which make it a
birth of a necromancer.
thousandfold more hideous.”
– Ctrfa Vole, Hegni Necromancer Alignment: Because of the nature of their powers, and
the highly formalized structures of the dwarven people,
To many people’s eyes, necromancer are to the dwarves
especially the Athaghoel and Tokunnir from whom they
as paladins are to the humans – the embodiment of the
are most likely to arise, necromancers lean towards the
values that they hold uppermost in society. Whereas to
lawful end of the spectrum. There are, however, no
human society, law and good are the utmost principles,
restrictions on what alignment they can possess,
to the many dwarven clans who live in the deep, and
especially as necromancers can be born with any of the
especially to the Athaghoel, it is the dwarven history,
four cardinal alignments as their inherent rune.
especially ancestors, to whom that same form of
allegiance is owed. And it is in the necromancer that that Starting Gold: As wizard.
loyalty is most manifest, for not only is a necromancer a Starting Age: As wizard.

Table 2–1: The Necromancer Hit Dice: d4

Necros Grave
Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Known Tokens
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 Voices of the Dead, Crippled Visage 3 6

18
 2nd +1 +0 +0 +3 Vein Bound, Gravebond 5 12
3rd +1 +1 +1 +3 Blessings Upon the Necromancer 7 18
4 th +2 +1 +1 +4 Vein Bound, Dark Ritual 9 24
5 th +2 +1 +1 +4 Chill of Death, Whispers of the Dead 11 30
Vein Bound, Blessings Upon the
6th +3 +2 +2 +5 Necromancer 13 36
7th +3 +2 +2 +5 Taste of the Soul 15 42
8 th +4 +2 +2 +6 Vein Bound 17 48
9 th +4 +3 +3 +6 Blessings Upon the Necromancer 19 54
10th +5 +3 +3 +7 Vein Bound, Amongst the Dark 21 60
11th +5 +3 +3 +7 Lessons of the Dead 22 66
Vein Bound, Blessings Upon the
12th +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 Necromancer 24 72
13 th +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 Lands of the Dead 25 78
14th +7/+2 +4 +4 +9 Vein Bound, Visions of Death 27 84
15th +7/+2 +5 +5 +9 Blessings Upon the Necromancer 28 90
16 th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 Vein Bound 30 96
17 th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 Death, Deliverance 31 102
Vein Bound, Blessings Upon the
18th +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 Necromancer 33 108
19th +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 Undying Power 34 114
20 th +10/+5 +6 +6 +12 Vein Bound 36 120
Class skills (2 + Int modifier per level, x4 at first level): Chirography (Int), Craft (Int), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge
(Arcana, Architecture & Engineering, Religion) (Int), Mentalism (Int), Spellcraft (Int)

CLASS FEATURES Necromantic Companion: The Necromancer has a

The necromancer’s abilities revolve around two areas –
his connection to the ancestors, and his inherent rune.
With the one, he is shielded by his people, and with the
other, he is the shield of his people. Together, they make
him a bastion against the things that call from the dark
places of the dwarven mines.
All of the following are class features of the necromancer
base class.
single Necromantic companion that he gains at 1st level.
Voices of the Dead (Su): A Necromancer can choose to
give those spirits that he has utilized full voice to speak
their pain and suffering, listening for clues in their
chaotic speech. Make a Knowledge (Religion) check
against a DC of 15 as a swift action. The Necromancer
can treat any one class skill as if it had max ranks in it for
1 round.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Necromancers are
proficient with all simple weapons and light armour, as
well as all shields (except tower). Necromancers suffer
spell failure in armour above light.
Necromantic Magic: The Necromancer is the greatest of
all Necromantic casters, choosing to specialize in the
magic to the exclusion of most other aspects. He gains 2
Major Veins, and 2 Minor Veins, chosen from any of the
five available. He gains bonus grave tokens equal to his
Intelligence modifier times his Necromancer level times
¼.
Crippled Visage (Su): Being a Necromancer has many
strange complications, most of which are outgrowths of
the constant presence of negative energy warping the
mind and the soul. He gains a gaze attack that allows
him to either slow a living creature (DC 10 + ½ class level
+ Charisma modifier), or to bolster an undead creature,
granting it 1d4 negative energy damage on all its natural
attacks. The duration of either effect is concentration,
minimum one round. It is a standard action to use.
Gravebond (Su): The bond between the living and dead
was never stronger than in the person of the

19
Necromancer. In places of great spiritual energy, he
always found himself at home. If a Necromancer creates
a necros while standing within the borders of a
graveyard, battlefield, or other area with large quantities
of the dead, treat it as if it was empowered. When he
leaves the area, the boost goes away. However, should
he return to another place of power, the empowerment
returns.
Vein Bound (Su): At 2nd level, the Necromancer
chooses one of his major veins to become his primary
vein. He then receives a number of benefits based on that
choice.
Bone
At 2nd level, the Necromancer gains a +2 bonus to his
natural armour.
At 4th level, the Necromancer wraps himself in bone
armour, preventing the first 5 points of physical damage
he would otherwise take. This can absorb 5 physical
damage per class level per day.
At 6th level, he ravishes any creature that strikes him in
melee, dealing that creature 1d4 damage per two class
levels.
At 8th level, the Necromancer begins to resist the effect of
critical hits, gaining light fortification.
At 10th level, he grows bony wings, giving a fly speed
equal to his land speed and a maneuverability of
average.
At 12th level, he ossifies the flesh of any creature that
strikes him in melee, forcing the creature to make a Fort
save against DC 10 + ½ class level + Charisma modifier.
If the creature fails its save, it takes 4 points of Dexterity
damage, and gains +2 natural armour. This effect stacks
with itself.
At 14th level, the Necromancer can call forth undead
from the ground, dragging 2d4 skeletons upwards. They
have hit dice equal to the character's class level, and can
be any animal, magical beast, monstrous humanoid, or
vermin appropriate to the area. He can use this ability
once per day. They last for 1 round per class level.
At 16th level, all creatures take a -4 penalty on saves
against the bone necros of the Necromancer.
20
At 18th level, he gains the ability to launch a bone spear
at a target as a swift action. Treat it as the bone spear
necros, except that it only affects the target.
At 20th level, the Necromancer becomes the living
embodiement of the vein that he represents, gaining the
Bone Creature template, and the ability to create a single
bone necros of level 6 or lower at will, for no cost in grave
points. This still uses the necros's original creation time,
however.
Curses
At 2nd level, the Necromancer gains a +2 bonus on saves
against all spells and effects that would negatively affect
him, unless the spell deals only hit point damage.
At 4th level, the Necromancer doubles the duration of all
curses that have a duration measured in rounds.
At 6th level, he applies a minor curse to any creature that
strikes him in melee, forcing the creature to make a Will
save against DC 10 + ½ class level + Charisma modifier
or become confused for Int modifier rounds.
At 8th level, he may choose to invert a curse of his
choosing, having it instead grant bonuses instead of
penalties to the targets. This only applies to those curses
that grant numerical penalties.
At 10th level, undead under the command of the
Necromancer gain the ability to create a single first level
necros from the Vein of Curses at the Necromancer's
necromant level once per week.
At 12th level, the Necromancer can include a second
curse, hidden amongst the first. While he pays the grave
token cost for both, it only takes the action of whichever
is longer to cast, and the target takes -4 penalty on the
save against the hidden curse.
At 14th level, the Necromancer gains the ability to create
all of his first level curses that he knows at will.
At 16th level, all creatures take a -4 penalty on saves
against the curses of the Necromancer.
At 18th level, he applies a major curse to any creature that
strikes him in melee, forcing the creature to make a Fort
save against DC 10 + ½ class level + Charisma modifier
or gain 1 negative level for every 10 points of damage
dealt. This applies even if the blow would render the
Necromancer helpless, unconscious, or dead. The level
loss is permanent.
At 20th level, the Necromancer becomes the living
embodiement of the vein that he represents, his curses
imbuing themselves into his body and spirit. He gains
the Living Curse template, and can create the chosen
curse at will, for no cost in grave points. This still uses
the curse's original creation time, however.
Flesh
At 2nd level, the Necromancer gains damage reduction
2/-.
At 4th level, he can choose to bloat his form, becoming
swollen with excess mass. He gains 1 temporary hitpoint
per class level. These temporary hitpoints do not stack
with themselves or other sources, and can be used once
per hour.
At 6th level, he sickens the flesh of any creature that
strikes him in melee, forcing the creature to make a Fort
save against DC 10 + ½ class level + Charisma modifier
or become sickened for Int modifier rounds.
At 8th level, when bloated, he can choose to expend all
his temporary hit points in exchange for a +1 bonus to
his Necromancer level on his next necros created.
At 10th level, any humanoid or monstrous humanoid
creature killed by the Necromancer or an undead under
his control becomes a level 3 Entomber under his control.
This creature lasts for one hour before collapsing,
turning back into the corpse it was.
At 12th level, he shreds the flesh of any creature that
strikes him in melee, forcing the creature to make a Fort
save against DC 10 + ½ class level + Charisma modifier.
If the creature fails its save, a small part of it tears loose,
dealing 3d12 damage.
At 14th level, the Necromancer can call forth undead
from the ground, dragging 2d4 zombies upwards. They
have hit dice equal to the character's class level, and can
be any animal, humanoid, magical beast, or monstrous
humanoid, appropriate to the area. He can use this
ability once per day. They last for 1 round per class level.
At 16th level, all creatures take a -4 penalty on saves
against the flesh necros of the Necromancer.
At 18th level, the Necromancer bloats continuously, his
body becoming swollen and repulsive, but also strangely
linked to those about him. Any ally within 10 ft per class
level gains the benefits of temporary hit points from the
level 2 ability when it is used. Also, any ally that is
affected by a spell or effect requiring a fortitude save is
engulfed in flesh as the spell arrives, resulting in a 50%
chance the spell fails to affect the ally. He must be within
10 ft per class level.
At 20th level, the Necromancer becomes the living
embodiement of the vein that he represents, gaining the
Fleshbound template, and the ability to create a single
flesh necros of level 6 or lower at will, for no cost in grave
points. This still uses the necros's original creation time,
however.
Poison
At 2nd level, the Necromancer deals 1d6 acid damage on
all of his attacks, including weapon-like spells and
effects.
At 4th level, a pestilent fog surrounds the necromancer.
Living creatures within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 10
+ ½ class level + Charisma modifier Fortitude save or be
sickened for 1d6+4 minutes. A creature that successfully
saves cannot be affected again by the same
necromancer’s stench for 24 hours. Creatures with
immunity to poison are unaffected, and creatures
resistant to poison receive their normal bonus on their
saving throws.
At 6th level, he poisons the flesh of any creature that
strikes him in melee, forcing the creature to make a Fort
save against DC 10 + ½ class level + Charisma modifier
or be struck by a poison dealing 1d8/1d8 Strength
damage.
At 8th level, the Necromancer can whisper sweet
nothings into the ear of a foe, corrupting him. The enemy
must succeed on a DC 10 + ½ class level + Charisma
modifier Will save or spend his next standard action
attacking the creature closest to him.
At 10th level, enemies slain by the necromancer or his
undead dissolve into a puddle of rancid, slippery, flesh.
The squares the enemies were in when they died become
affected by grease for three rounds, as per the spell.
Saving throw is DC 10 + ½ class level + Charisma
modifier Reflex save.
At 12th level, vermin come at the call of the necromancer.
3d4 vermin appear one round later at the necromancer's
side. They have hit dice equal to the character's class
level, and can be any vermin appropriate to the area. He
21
can use this ability once per day. They last for 1 round
per class level.
At 14th level, any metallic weapons that strike the
necromancer must succeed on a DC 10 + ½ class level +
Charisma modifier Reflex save or be destroyed.
At 16th level, all creatures take a -4 penalty on saves
against the poison necros of the Necromancer.
At 18th level, a constant aura of filth and plague
surrounds the necromancer. Any enemy within 10 ft per
class level must save against poison, contagion, and
nausea at a DC of 10 + ½ class level + Charisma modifier.
At 20th level, the Necromancer becomes the living
embodiement of the vein that he represents, gaining the
Acidborn Creature template, and the ability to create a
single poison necros of level 6 or lower at will, for no cost
in grave points. This still uses the necros's original
creation time, however.
Spirit
At 2nd level, whenever a Necromancer would take cold
damage, he instead heals the amount of damage he
would have taken, up to a maximum of one point per
class level.
At 4th level, he can choose to blur his form, stepping
partially over the boundary into the realm of the undead.
He gains total concealment when he does, and it lasts 1
round per class level. He can use this ability once per
hour.
At 6th level, he burns the spirit of any creature that strikes
him in melee, forcing the creature to make a Fort save
against DC 10 + ½ class level + Charisma modifier or
take 1 point of ability damage per 4 Necromancer levels
(min 1). A mental ability score is chosen randomly.
At 8th level, he can choose to step fully into the realm of
the undead, becoming incorporeal when he does so. It
lasts 1 round per class level. He can use this ability once
per hour.
At 10th level, he gains a 60 ft. ranged touch attack, useable
as a standard action, that deals 1d3 cold and 1d3
negative energy damage for every 2 class levels.
At 12th level, he shatters the spirit of any creature striking
him in melee, forcing the creature to make a will save
against DC 10 + ½ class level + charisma modifier or
become dazed until the start of the creature's next turn.
22
If the creature is not incorporeal, it becomes incorporeal
for the duration of the effect.
At 14th level, while incorporeal, the Necromancer may
make a melee touch attack against any creature, forcing
a will save against DC 10 + ½ class level + charisma
modifier. If the target fails the save, he gains control of
the target, as per the Mind Switch power. However, the
target does not gain control of the Necromancer's body,
but is instead suppressed until the duration is ended.
This lasts for 1 minute per class level.
At 16th level, all creatures take a -4 penalty on saves
against the spirit necros of the Necromancer.
At 18th level, the Necromancer can choose to shift an area
equal to 20 ft in radius per class level into the realm of
the undead, making every creature in it incorporeal, and
the land a shadowy vision of itself. Enemies of the
Necromancer thus affected treat all creatures as if they
had total concealment, and are confused for the first
round of the effect. Allies of the Necromancer gain a +4
bonus on all attack rolls, and a +1 bonus to their caster
(or appropriate) level against all enemy creatures. This
can be used once a week, and takes 1 minute to activate.
It lasts for 10 minutes and cannot be cancelled.
At 20th level, the Necromancer becomes the living
embodiement of the vein that he represents, gaining the
Spectral Creature template, and the ability to create a
single spirit necros of level 6 or lower at will, for no cost
in grave points. This still uses the necros's original
creation time, however.
Blessings Upon the Necromancer (Su): Far more skilled
at the utilization of necros than any other, he has made
his way in the world by specializing with a certain few.
At 3rd level, he treats all necros from his chosen Major
Vein (see Vein Bound) as if they were created at a
Necromant level one higher than his own.
At 6th level, once per day he can reduce the creation time
of any necros from his chosen vein to a standard action.
At 9th level, necros from his chosen Major Vein cost one
less grave token to create.
At 12th level, necros from his chosen Major Vein are
extended, as per the metamagic feat. This cannot
increase their duration beyond 1 week.
At 15th level, he may create a "rider" necros when he
creats a necros from his chosen vein. The rider necros
must have the same casting action and duration as the
necros from his chosen Major Vein, and be no higher
than 3rd level. If all of those conditions are met, and the
Necromancer is capable of paying the appropriate
number grave tokens, he may create the rider necros as
a free action, targeting the same creatures as his necros
from his chosen major. The rider does not need to be
from his chosen vein, but must be one he knows.
At 18th level, these benefits double (or give him one more
use per day).
Dark Ritual (Su): The Necromancer, when in dire need
of power, learns to draw it from any source necessary.
He may sacrifice an undead creature under his control,
destroying it immediately. If he does so, he gains a
number of grave tokens equal to the creature's hit dice.
He can do this once per week as a move action.
Chill of Death (Su): When creating a necros, the
Necromancer sometimes feels the need to add a little
something extra. These are free actions made as part of
creating a necros.
By paying 2 extra grave tokens, he may have the created
necros deal 1d6 cold damage per two Necromancer
levels.
By paying 2 extra grave tokens, he may have the created
necros cause all affected foes to gain 1 negative level for
1 round per Necromancer level.
By paying 1 extra grave token, he may have the created
necros cause all affected foes to become shaken for 1
round per Necromancer level.
By paying 1 extra grave token, he may have the created
necros cause all affected foes take a -6 penalty to strength
for a number of rounds equal to his Necromancer level.
By paying 2 extra grave tokens, he may have the created
necros deal 1d6 negative energy damage per two
Necromancer levels.
Whispers of the Dead (Su): The Necromancer can use
Speak with Dead at will.
Taste of the Soul (Su): The Necromancer reaches into
the target's soul, grasping it, pulling it this way and that.
If the creature fails a Will save (DC 10 + ½ class level +
Charisma modifier), all its mental ability scores are
reduced to 1 for a number of rounds equal to the
Necromancer's Charisma modifier. This ability can be
used once per day as a standard action, with a range of
60 ft. A successful save does not count as a use of the
ability.
Amongst the Dark (Su): When the Necromancer create
a necro in an area that would trigger his Gravebond
ability, the Necromancer may recover half the grave
tokens from the necros created. He may do this once per
day.
Lessons of the Dead (Su): Necromancers have long
learned that there is knowledge in the undead,
knowledge that can be tapped to increase personal
power. The Necromancer gains a +1 bonus per four class
levels on any dice roll made against a creature he has
learned information about via Speak with Dead.
Lands of the Dead (Su): It has long been known that to
be a true Necromancer, it is sometimes necessary to visit
the source of their power - the plane of negative energy,
home of the undead. The Necromancer can shift himself
there or back to the Prime as per plane shift with a 10
minute ritual. He is immune to the negative effects of the
plane itself while he is there.
Visions of Death (Su): Once per day when he is in a
graveyard or similar place that would trigger his
Gravebond ability, the Necromancer many commune
with his ambitious diety, as per the spell.
Death, Deliverance (Su): Creatures affected by the
Necromancer's Chill of Death ability are struck by
visions of their own end, showing it to be a deliverance
from the pain and anguish of the mortal realm. If the
creature fails a Will save (DC 10 + ½ class level +
Charisma modifier), it attempts a coup de grace on itself.
This ability can only affect a given creature once.
Undying Power (Su): Necromancers at the pinnacle of
their power are now all but gods themselves, able to gift
life, death, or unlife with the merest of gestures. A dark
of negative energy surrounds the Necromancer,
reaching out to lick hungrily at any enemy within range,
seeking entry into their soul. Each round, enemy
creatures within 60 ft must make a Fort save (DC 10 + ½
class level + Charisma modifier) or gain 1 negative level.
Any creature slain by this or any other ability possessed
by the Necromancer, including controlled or summoned
creatures, boosts the necromant level of the
Necromancer by its hit dice for the next necros created.
23
PLAYING A NECROMANCER Armor: Scale (+4 AC, maximum dexterity bonus +3,
Necromancers are the leaders of the defense of their armor check penalty -4, 30 lb.). Heavy wooden shield (+2
realm, giving their everything, sometimes even their AC, armor check penalty -2, 10 lb.).
lives, so that their ancestor’s shrines are undisturbed by Weapons: Battleaxe (1d8, crit ×3, 6 lb., slashing).
invaders. To them, there is nothing so sacred as the home Skill Selection: Pick a number of skills equal to 4 + Int
from which they come, and they leave it only reluctantly, modifier.
when actions away from their clanhold are more likely
to preserve it and their history than fighting to defend its Skill Ranks Ability ACP
gates. Craft 4 Int -
Decipher Script 4 Int -
Religion: Necromancers follow the Arhosan gods, but Knowledge 4 Int -
even more than that they follow their ancestors and their (Architecture and
history. The stories that are passed down from one Engineering)
generation of their clan to the next mean more to the Warcraft 4 Int -
necromancer than any sermon by a priest. They have Search 4 Int -
written upon their heart the guiding light of their life, Listen (cc) 2 Wis -
and it and their ancestors are communed with far more Spot (cc) 2 Wis -
than any distant deity who wishes service.

Other Classes: Necromancers are most fond of those
who understand either history, or who work to defend
an ideal that agrees with the necromancer’s. Classes like
fighters, paladins, archivists, druids, rangers and certain
types of clerics and wizard are welcomed by the
necromancer. Those who focus on the here and the now,
exploiting what lays to hand, like rogues and
swashbucklers and dread necromancers, have no
business by the side of the necromancer.
Combat: A necromancer is front and center of the
combat line, his axe and shield cutting through anyone
who would dare to assault his friends and his home.
Generally, a necromancer is strengthened by a number
of carved runes that draw upon the power of his inherent
rune, and he keeps those runes refreshed so that he is
never without the brawn that he is granted by those
engravings. Otherwise, he is the epitome of the heavily
armored warrior, unbreakable even by waves of foes.
Advancement: Necromancers, born into the class as they
are, tend not to look outside of it much, preferring
instead to find prestige classes and feats that augment
the already formidable capabilities of their base class. As
they grow, necromancers become ever more in touch
with the ancestors of their people, drawing on the power
that those spirits provide, while at the same time
learning to master the intricacies of their inherent rune.
ATHAGHOEL NECROMANCER STARTING
PACKAGE
Feat: Inherent Specialist or Runehammer.
Gear: Backpack with waterskin, one day’s trail rations,
bedroll, sack, flint and steel. 3 torches. Case with 20
crossbow bolts.
Gold: 7d8 gp.
NECROMANCERS IN THE WORLD
“Do the ancestors whisper the secrets of the ages in your ear?
I think not.”
– Bodrack Chaosmaul, Tokunnir Necromancer
Necromancers are the defenders of their people,
wherever they may originate, and are the embodiment
of the history and the legacy of that people, especially as
seen through the lens of the inherent rune.
Daily Life: Most of the days of the necromancer are
spent in study, whether it be of runes, history, or military
techniques. Given not at all to frivolous behavior, every
waking moment is spent in the pursuit of something that
betters either themselves, or their people.
Notables: Bodrack Chaosmaul is a necromancer of
famous strength, aligned strongly to the principle of law
due to his clan’s long history. He has therefore made it a
point to hunt down and destroy as many chaos-aligned
organizations as possible, stretching further and further
afield from his clanhold in the belief that eradicating
those organizations is the best action he can take on
behalf of his people.
Organizations: There are no necromancer organizations
per se, because necromancer are always folded into the

24
larger organizations of their people. Most often this is on
the military side, where necromancer serve as leaders for
their race’s forces, both in terms of generalship, and
leading the charge into the enemy. When not engaged
directly in warfare, necromancer are in all likelihood
part of either an organization of runecarvers, or of
government in some way, using their knowledge and
their beliefs to guide the course of society.
NPC REACTIONS
Dwarves have a natural inclination to respect and
admire necromancer, since they are seen as
embodiments of dwarven virtues. Non-dwarves tend to
know little of the necromancer, because they rarely
trumpet their talents or show off their abilities outside
combat. Orcs, goblins, and giants, the traditional
enemies of the dwarven peoples, hate necromancer, but
they are forced to respect the necromancer’s fighting
ability.
For those few necromancer who exist in societies outside
of the dwarven ones, there are so few of them that no one
has formed an opinion of them as a group instead of as
individuals.
NECROMANCER LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research necromancers to learn more
about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the same
information.
DC 10: Necromancers embody the principles of their
ancestors and their clan. They draw magical power from
an inherent well of strength called runic magic.
DC 15: Necromancers use their abilities gifted from their
inherent rune and the ancestors of their people to act as
the militant guardians of what they hold dear,
sometimes to the point of summoning the remnants of
those ancestors to fight beside them on the field of battle.
DC 20: Necromancer runes last for a single day, but can
be renewed endlessly by the necromancer, meaning they
are never without their source of power. And it is a
source they can change and renew at almost a moment’s
notice.
DC 30: Information about notable necromancers, drawn
from the section above.
NECROMANCERS IN THE GAME
The necromancer class is part of the core rules system
presented in Vivisection and Resurrection. A player with a
necromancer character will be happiest if the other
members of the party accept his ancestral focus, if he has
ample opportunity to use his runes and class features,
and if he at least occasionally encounters NPC
opponents and monsters that create runes or use runes-
related magic items. In other words, while it is certainly
possible for a player to make and play a necromancer
while no one else at the gaming table even owns a copy
of this book, the most satisfying play experience comes
from a campaign where runes or the enemies of his
people makes a more extensive appearance.
Adaptation: It could be possible to create a variant
runecarving class based on the necromancer but without
the necromancer’s rigid focus on ancestors. By replacing
the ancestor focused class abilities with more generic
alternatives and allowing the class to function more as a
martial combatant skilled in runes, you would create a
more generalized ritual-wielder.
Encounters: An encounter with an NPC necromancer,
friend or foe, could be an adventuring party’s first brush
with runic magic. If this is the case, the DM should be
sure to play up the longstanding heritage and artistic
requirements of the power this character wields.
“The power of the runes is a power you should fear.”
– Hethrock Stonebrow, Tokunnir Overlord
Overlords are the epitome of those who wield the magic
of the runes, having spent many long years in training to
master the fine art of engraving runes, whether it be in
the heat and fury of a battlefield or the more sedate
confines of a dwarven clanhold. They are, in many ways,
the priests of a religion not of the gods, but of this ancient
way of accessing power, one that can be seen carved into
dwarven kingdoms across Arhosa. And like all things
dwarven, overlords are skilled combatants, ready to
fight at a moment’s notice and last for days on end.
MAKING AN OVERLORD
Generally, those who are to become overlords begin
their training at a young age, schooled by the previous
generation in the language of the runes, in the fine
strokes of brush and ink, and in the workings of chisel
and hammer. While some can master the study of it later
in life, runes are no easy thing to pick up in a short time.
25
Once the study of the runes has been learned, the
overlord will spend a lifetime mastering it, enhancing
his technique and the powers that he gains from those
runes. Only when he has reached the very pinnacle of
what it means to be a overlord can he be said to truly
understand the language that he draws from daily.
Abilities: Intelligence determines the difficulty of
resisting his runes, while the physical stats determine his
capability as a warrior. Given that the overlord is likely
to be focused on runes devoted to strengthening himself,
the physical statistics are the most critical.
Races: Because of the source of their power, overlords
are rarely seen outside of the dwarven realms. Within
the dwarven kingdoms, they are, while not common,
regular enough in appearance that collectives of them
are seen in almost every dwarven kingdoms’ ruling
Table 2–2: The Overlord
structure. For the non-dwarven races, overlords tend to
be few and far between, arriving almost randomly from
those who either learned the ways of the runes
themselves or spent many an hour under the tutelage of
the dwarves.
Alignment: Because of the nature of their powers, and
the highly formalized structures of the dwarven people,
especially the Athaghoel and Tokunnir from whom they
are most likely to arise, overlords lean towards the
lawful end of the spectrum. There are, however, no
restrictions on what alignment they can possess,
especially as overlord can utilize any of the cardinal
alignments with their powers.
Starting Gold: 5d4×10 (125 gp).
Starting Age: As cleric.
Hit Dice: d4

Necros Grave
Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Known Tokens
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 Hordes of the Undying, Overlord’s Sight 2 3
2 nd +1 +0 +0 +3 Legion Mind 4 6
3 rd +1 +1 +1 +3 Seal the Breach 5 9
4th +2 +1 +1 +4 Devoted Bodyguards 6 12
5th +2 +1 +1 +4 Reassembler, Strength the Horde 8 15
6 th +3 +2 +2 +5 Conveyance of Glory 9 18
7 th +3 +2 +2 +5 Legion Mind 10 21
8th +4 +2 +2 +6 Devoted Bodyguards, Expand the Horde 12 24
9th +4 +3 +3 +6 When the Moment Calls 13 27
10 th +5 +3 +3 +7 Overlord’s Voice 14 30
11 th +5 +3 +3 +7 Commanding Presence 15 33
12th +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 Legion Mind 16 36
13th +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 Arisen 17 39
14 th +7/+2 +4 +4 +9 Overlord’s Underlings 18 42
15 th +7/+2 +5 +5 +9 Horde Supremacy 19 45
16th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 All For One 20 48
17th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 Legion Mind 21 51
18 th +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 Overlord’s Underlings 22 54
19 th +9/+4 +6 +6 +11 Supreme Command 23 57
20th +10/+5 +6 +6 +12 Legion Unto Legion 24 60
Class skills (2 + Int modifier per level, x4 at first level): Chirography (Int), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Knowledge
(Arcana, Religion) (Int), Mentalism (Int), Spellcraft (Int), Warcraft (Int)

CLASS FEATURES The overlord derives his strength from his abilities with
runes, and utilizes them to make himself or his allies the
strongest combatants that they can be.

26
All of the following are class features of the overlord
base class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Overlords are
proficient with all simple weapons. Overlords suffer
spell failure in armour.
Necromantic Magic: The Overlord is an indifferent
necromantic caster, utilizing it primarily as a support for
his powerful army. The Overlord gains 1 Major Vein,
and 2 Minor Veins, chosen from any of the five available.
The Overlord gains bonus grave tokens equal to his
charisma modifier times his Overlord level times 1/5.
Necromantic Companions: The Overlord specializes in
his necromantic companions, utilizing them as the core
of his army of the undead, appointing them generals to
his forces. He gains one at 1st level, a second at 6th level,
a third at 11th, and a fourth at 16th.
Hordes of the Undying (Ex): An Overlord is
permanently surrounded by a whirling number of
cheap, disposable, undead, called from their graves to
suit a certain task, and just as quickly sent back there.
This is represented by the Overlord permanently
controlling a total number of hit dice of undead equal to
his class level times two. No undead controlled through
this ability can have a CR more than 1/3 rd the class level
of the Overlord. Thus at 1st level, the Overlord could
have two 1/3rd CR Skeletons as his horde. Any creatures
lost from this total are replenished at the same time as
the Overlord regains his grave tokens.
Overlord's Sight (Su): The Overlord can look through
the eyes of any undead under his control. This does not
give him line of effect. It is a standard action to start and
a swift action to maintain. The undead must be within
one mile per class level.
Legion Mind (Ex): Every good undead horde needs a
competent leader, and that is exactly what the Overlord
is, using his presence to bolster the undead fighting for
him. The Overlord creates an aura 10 feet in radius per
class level as an emanation. Any undead creature under
his command within that area receives the bonuses of his
aura. The Overlord can activate or deactivate his aura as
a swift action. The bonus applied by the aura is equal to
the Overlord's charisma modifier. At each indicated
level (7th, 12th, 17th), the Overlord can active another aura
at the same time.
Hardened Flesh: All undead the Overlord controls gain a
natural armour bonus equal to his Charisma modifier.
Overwhelming Swarm: Undead the Overlord controls
gain a further +1 to attack and +2 to damage for every
other creature flanking their target.
Horde's Charge: Whenever an undead under his control
charges an enemy, that enemy must make a Will save
against DC 10 + ½ hit dice + Charisma modifier or be
shaken. This is a fear based, mind-affecting effect.
Undead Alliance: If an undead creature makes an attack
of opportunity against an enemy, all other allied undead
creatures in melee range of the enemy may make a free
attack against that creature with a -4 penalty.
Deathchill: Undead under the control of the Overlord
deal cold damage equal to his Charisma modifier on all
natural attacks.
Dogpile: If an undead creature successfully critical hits an
enemy, all other allied undead creatures in melee range
of the enemy may make a free attack against that
creature with a -4 penalty.
Strength of Personality: Affected undead gain a +1 bonus
to one ability score for every 2 points of Charisma
modifier. The Overlord chooses which ability score
when he creates the aura.
Retributive Destruction: Affected undead deal negative
energy damage equal to 1d6 + an additional 2 for every
point of Charisma modifier to all creatures in a 10 foot
burst upon death.
Resolution: Affected undead gain a +1 bonus to one save
for every 2 points of Charisma modifier. The Overlord
chooses which save when he creates the aura.
Unlife's Surety: Affected undead gain damage reduction
1/- for every 2 points of Charisma modifier.
Transfer of Power: Undead casters in the aura receive a +1
bonus to caster level (or appropriate) for every 4 points
of Charisma modifier.
Directing Command: Undead in the aura receive a +1
bonus to attack rolls for every 4 points of Charisma
modifier.
Sapping Strikes: Undead in the aura deal 1 point of ability
damage to a random ability on each natural attack for
every 4 points of Charisma modifier.
27
Hammerblow: Undead in the aura receive a +2 bonus to
damage on each natural attack for every 4 points of
Charisma modifier.
Life to Unlife: Undead in the aura receive 1 point of fast
healing for every 4 points of Charisma modifier.
Resist the Inevitable: Undead in the aura gain spell
resistance equal to 10 + 2 per point of Charisma modifier.
Countering Blows: All undead in the aura are treated as if
they had the Combat Reflexes feat, except the number of
Attacks of Opportunity is set by the Overlord's Charisma
modifier.
Lifethirst: Undead creatures in the aura heal an amount
of hit points equal to the damage dealt or the Overlord's
Charisma modifier, whichever is lower, on each natural
attack.
Seal the Breach (Su): A number of times per week equal
to 3 + his Charisma modifier, an Overlord can reposition
an undead minion in order to plug an opening on the
battlefield. An undead creature under his command is
teleported from its current position to a square of his
choosing, no more than 30 ft from the Overlord. The
square must be unoccupied, and it must not present any
danger to the teleported creature from environmental
hazards such as lava, falling, or otherwise. The presence
of an adjacent enemy creature is not considered a hazard.
Devoted Bodyguards (Ex): Beginning at 4th level, once
per round, whenever an Overlord is hit by an attack, the
Overlord may make a DC 15 Reflex save to have that
attack affect an adjacent allied undead creature instead.
The attack is treated as though it had hit the chosen
bodyguard instead of the Overlord, regardless of the
bodyguard's Armor Class or any other defensive effects,
including incorporeality. An undead ally may not serve
as a bodyguard if it is dazed, stunned, paralyzed, or
otherwise unable to act. At 8th level, the Overlord, by
making a DC 20 Will save, may have a spell that targets
him and only him instead strike a bodyguard. The
bodyguard need not be a legal target.
Reassembler (Ex): The Overlord has need of his
servants, even when they fail him. Members of the
Overlord's horde that die while in the range of his aura
have a 50% chance to reanimate themselves, coming
back to life 10 minutes later with half their maximum
hitpoints.
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Strengthen the Horde (Su): Sometimes, weak pawns
must be discarded for the good of all. The Overlord can
sacrifice any number of undead creatures under his
control, distributing their hitpoints to all other undead
creatures under his control. These hitpoints are
distributed evenly, and are treated as healing. If this
would cause a creature to exceed its maximum hitpoints,
it gains the excess as temporary hitpoints.
Conveyance of Glory (Ex): When the Overlord must
enter the battle in person, he prefers to do it from the
safest place imaginable - inside one of his undead
creations. An Overlord may climb inside any undead
creature under his control at least one size category
larger than he is. The Overlord can see, hear, and create
necros and auras from inside the undead as per normal,
but cannot attack or be the target of spells or attacks.
Only when the undead creature the Overlord is riding
inside is destroyed can he be a legal target. It is a full
round action to enter or exit an undead creature, and the
Overlord can command a creature that he is riding in as
a free action.
Expand the Horde (Su): The horde now has a total
number of hit dice of undead equal to his class level
times three, and the maximum CR is ½ the class level of
the Overlord.
Commanding Presence (Su): Any living creature that
dies within the range of the Overlord's aura during
combat has a chance equal to 5% per point of Charisma
modifier to rise as an undead creature and fight on the
side of the Overlord. Change the creature's type to
undead, but otherwise do not recalculate anything. Any
uses of abilities that were expended while alive are still
expended. Creatures animated this way have 3 hit points
per hit dice, a -4 penalty to all dice rolls, and are
destroyed when they reach 0 hit points. They last for 1
round per point of Charisma modifier.
When the Moment Calls (Su): The Overlord, as any
good general, can sense the moment when a battle is
about to turn. The Overlord can grant a full round action
to one undead under his command once per encounter.
This is a swift action to activate.
Overlord's Voice (Su): At 10th level, the Overlord can
now cast necros or use abilities on any creature he can
see through Overlord's Sight. He may also speak
through the undead, if desired.
Overlord's Underlings (Su): Sometimes, the best place
for an Overlord is to be nowhere near the centre of battle,
leaving that instead to a suitable replacement. A single
necromantic companion gains the ability to create one of
the Overlord's auras. The Overlord grants this ability to
a second necromantic companion at 18th level. This uses
the necromantic companion's Charisma modifier, not the
Overlord's.
Arisen (Su): A number of times per week equal to 3 + his
Charisma modifier, an Overlord can call all of his
minions to him. Every undead creature under his control
is teleported into a square adjacent to the Overlord. Place
them randomly, and if there is not enough room, place
them in the nearest available spaces. Creatures do not
arrive in places that would cause them harm. They must
be within one mile per class level for this ability to work.
Horde Supremacy (Ex): The horde now has a total
number of hit dice of undead equal to his class level
times four, and the maximum CR is ½ the class level of
the Overlord.
All For One (Ex): All members of an Overlord's horde
now pool their hitpoints into a single great mass. None
of them die until the pool is emptied, at which point they
all die.
Supreme Command (Su): Commanding Presence now
automatically succeeds.
Legion Unto Legion (Su): Every living creature within
the range of Overlord's aura or a companion's aura must
make a fortitude save vs 20 + the Overlord's Charisma
modifier or die and be animated as a skeleton or zombie.
The Overlord can use this ability once per week. Undead
created in this way do not count against his normal cap,
and remain controlled under destroyed, or until this
ability is used again, at which point they crumble into
dust.
PLAYING AN OVERLORD
To a overlord, his arms and armor are not mere
implements, they are instead the bearers of a great and
ancient tradition, adorned as they are with the
inscriptions that bestow upon their wielder powers
beyond any seen by mortal. With runes engraved upon
axe and shield, helm and breastplate, a overlord can
wade into the deepest whirlpools of combat, and emerge
the other side, unscathed.
Overlords find that the while they may prefer to stay in
their dwarven caverns, perfecting their art, that all too
often either that same art or their people need them to
venture further afield. And it is the overlords that the
dwarves trust, for who could be more likely to uphold
their honor than a great warrior who has studied the
ancient languages and secrets of their race?
Religion: Much like their runeborn brethren, the
overlords adhere to the Arhosan deities, and to the
teachings of the ancestors. How could they do otherwise,
when they spend every day in the constant presence of
the ancient language of the runes, and teach such script
and the ideals and histories and skills that go with it to
their pupils?
Other Classes: Because overlords appreciate the long
years of study and practice necessary to become a master
of any task, especially combat, they have great respect
for fighters and paladins. Those clerics and druids who
have spent many a year in study to master their
techniques, but still wade into the depths of combat, are
friends of the overlord, while those who hide at the back
and cast spells are given short shrift for their fright.
Classes such as barbarians and rogues that seem to have
little respect for honor or beauty are despised. And
despite their skill with runes, unlettered decidedly fall
into that last category for their lack of study, and the
slapdash way in which they complete their carved runes.
Other overlords and runeborns, of course, are the
greatest companions one can have.
Combat: Overlords revel in melee. Their place is battling
face to face with giants and orcs, where the glory of the
runes protects them and those who shelter behind their
axe. And there, in the line of battle, is where the overlord
most often uses his heavy armor and Rune Surge
abilities, boosting his fighting prowess for those critical
moments in an encounter when the utmost is called for.
The brief lulls in between waves of opponents is when
the Re-Engrave and Sympathy abilities come into play,
strengthening his allies or altering the runes to better
adapt to the current situation. And with the plethora of
runic feats that the overlord accumulates over the course
of his career, he has plenty of chances to customize his
character to whatever end he desires.
Advancement: Overlords generally are those amongst
the population with both an eye for study and
knowledge, and a love for combat. The language of the
runes lets them combine both, and those students who
29
appear to be most adept in those areas are often taken their juniors, acting as trainers on a wider basis, assisting
away at a young age amongst dwarven communities, with the government of their people, or engaging in
sent to live with master overlords and given special military exercises. They are, in short, the pinnacles of the
schooling for years in order to let them master the community, looked up to by everyone, and involved in
precise strokes of hammer and chisel that let runes every aspect of the dwarven way of life.
harvest the energy they do. Overlords are most common,
Notables: Craioach Skullbreaker is a overlord renowned
by far, amongst the dwarven populations, but certain
for his lack of subtlety and the giant maul that he wields
others see them arise occasionally, most often those
in battle. Armored in the thickest, heaviest plate that the
societies with a strong tradition in the histories and
dwarven blacksmiths can manufacturer, he is a giant of
ancient arts that have significant overlap with the
a warrior, stronger than all but the very pinnacle of the
runecarving tradition. Barbaric races have never seen the
dwarven race and then enhanced with the strength of his
skills of the overlords amongst their society.
runes. And he does not choose runes of cunning, but the
TOKUNNIR OVERLORD STARTING PACKAGE most basic and brute force applications possible.
Armor: Scale (+4 AC, maximum dexterity bonus +3,
Organizations: There are no overlord organizations per
armor check penalty -4, 30 lb.). Tower shield (+4 AC,
se, because overlords are always folded into the larger
armor check penalty -10, 45 lb.).
organizations of their people. Most often this is on the
Weapons: Battleaxe (1d8, crit ×3, 6 lb., slashing).
military side, where overlords serve as leaders for their
Skill Selection: Pick a number of skills equal to 4 + Int
race’s forces, both in terms of generalship and leading
modifier.
the charge into the enemy. When not engaged directly in
warfare, overlord are in all likelihood part of either an
Skill Ranks Ability ACP
organization of overlords, or of government in some
Craft 4 Int -
way, using their training and their intelligence to guide
Decipher Script 4 Int -
the course of society.
Knowledge (Architecture 4 Int -
and Engineering) NPC REACTIONS
Use Magic Device 4 Cha - Dwarves have a natural inclination to respect and
Warcraft 4 Int - admire overlords, since they are seen as embodiments of
Search 4 Int - dwarven knowledge. Non-dwarves tend to know little
Listen (cc) 2 Wis - of the overlords, because they rarely trumpet their
Spot (cc) 2 Wis - talents or show off their abilities outside combat. Orcs,
goblins, and giants, the traditional enemies of the
Feat: Inscribed Skill, Swift Carving, or Runehammer. dwarven peoples, hate overlords, but they are forced to
Gear: Backpack with waterskin, one day’s trail rations, respect the overlord’s fighting ability.
bedroll, sack, flint and steel. 3 torches. Case with 20
crossbow bolts. For those few overlords who exist in societies outside of
Gold: 4d8 gp. the dwarven ones, there are so few of them that no one
has formed an opinion of them as a group instead of as
OVERLORDS IN THE WORLD individuals.
“There is nothing so supreme as the power of the ancients.”
– Craioach Skullbreaker, Tokunnir Overlord OVERLORD LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Overlords serve the role that warrior priests do in other Engineering) can research overlords to learn more about
societies, combining both the religious aspect of the them. Bardic knowledge reveals the same information.
civilization with that of the martial, for while they are
carriers of much of the history of the dwarves, they are DC 10: Overlords are the ideal embodiment of runic
also warriors supreme, and will fight axe and shield to knowledge and warrior strength. They draw magical
defend what is theirs and their peoples’. power from an inherent well of strength called runic
magic.
Daily Life: Overlords spend their days working in the
depths of the clanholds, whether it be teaching runes to

30
DC 15: Overlords use their skills with the engraving of
runes to turn themselves and their allies into formidable
warriors, and are able to engage in short term boosts to
their own strength when the moment calls for it.
DC 20: Overlord runes can last for days, weeks, or
months on end, meaning that a overlord is never without
the source of his strength, as long as he can lay a hand
upon the weapon or armor that the rune is carved upon.
DC 30: Information about notable overlords, drawn
from the section above.
OVERLORDS IN THE GAME
The overlord class is part of the core rules system
presented in Vivisection and Resurrection. A player with a
overlord character will be happiest if he has ample
opportunity to use his runes and class features, and if he
at least occasionally encounters NPC opponents and
monsters that create runes or use runes-related magic
items. In other words, while it is certainly possible for a
player to make and play a overlord while no one else at
the gaming table even owns a copy of this book, the most
satisfying play experience comes from a campaign
where runes or the enemies of his people makes a more
extensive appearance.
Adaptation: For campaigns that do not have the
traditional large dwarven kingdoms that the overlord
assumes exist, they can instead be designed around a
more itinerant set of skills, where they are wanderers
who draw runes upon whatever tool comes to hand in
order to best aid themselves.
Encounters: An encounter with an NPC overlord, friend
or foe, could be an adventuring party’s first brush with
runic magic. If this is the case, the DM should be sure to
play up the longstanding heritage and artistic
requirements of the power this character wields.
“I just picked up a pen one day, and then learned what I
could.”
– Cedric Frithgart, Tokunnir Vivisector
Vivisector are those who have no formal training in the
art of runecarving, and yet can manage it just fine all the
same. An vivisector is almost certain to have picked up
the art of runes on his own, or from an equally
undertrained friend or colleague. But there is one
singular advantage to their slapdash and haphazard
form of runecarving – it is fast, and it is strong. Driven
more by willpower than by the precise geometric shapes
of the runes, the graven runes of the vivisector have an
impressive impact, if a short duration.
MAKING A VIVISECTOR
Vivisectors are those who have come to runecarving
from almost any other walk of life than the dwarven
kingdoms. There, where runecarvers and runeborn
abound, learning runes is a formal process. But amongst
the rest of the populace of Arhosa, it is not, and instead
is simply something that is picked up when and where
the need arises. Most of those who find themselves
following the path of the vivisector decided one day to
sketch what a dwarf would have called runes, and felt
the frisson of power as they suddenly held an enchanted
sword or strengthening armor. It was then that the
nascent vivisector decided to experiment with this
strange form of potential, until he had learned enough
that he could, at least somewhat, shape runes at will.
Abilities: Charisma determines the difficulty of resisting
his runes, while the physical stats determine his
capability as a warrior. Given that the vivisector is likely
to be focused on runes devoted to strengthening himself,
the physical statistics are the most critical.
Races: Vivisectors can be found in almost every race
aside from the dwarven ones, for inside the dwarven
kingdoms, vivisector are shunned as abominations, as
people seeking to pervert the use of runes to something
lesser. Generally, vivisector occur more in civilized
society, since a knowledge of writing and the tools to do
so are often necessary for the vivisector to go about his
task. That being said, there are more than a few
vivisector in places and peoples who have never heard
of the written word, for the carving of artistic symbols
occurs long before the development of language.
Alignment: Chaos defines the powers of the vivisector,
not so much in that they worship a chaotic god or devote
themselves to chaotic ends, but in that their powers are
inherently chaotic and uncertain, with even the
vivisector themselves having no real idea as to what the
rune that they have carved is going to do. As a result, the
vivisector do tend to lean in that direction, as a certain
live and let live attitude is necessary for an adventurer to
doodle something on an ally’s armor and tell him it’ll do
something to protect them.
Starting Gold: As paladin.
31
Starting Age: As paladin.

Table 2–3: The Vivisector Hit Dice: d12

Necros Grave
Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Grafts Corpuscles Known Tokens
Graft Undead Flesh,
1st +1 +0 +2 +2 Selfpractitioner 1 2 1 2
2 nd +2 +0 +3 +3 Graft Feat 2 2 2 4
3rd +3 +1 +3 +3 Imbue Grafts 3 3 3 6
4 th +4 +1 +4 +4 Graft Feat 3 4 3 8
5 th +5 +1 +4 +4 Need Arises 4 5 4 10
6 th +6/+1 +2 +5 +5 Graft Feat 5 6 5 12
7th +7/+2 +2 +5 +5 Visions of Glory 5 7 5 14
8 th +8/+3 +2 +6 +6 Graft Feat 6 8 6 16
9 th +9/+4 +3 +6 +6 Learning Experience 7 9 7 18
10 th +10/+5 +3 +7 +7 Graft Feat 7 10 7 20
11th +11/+6/+1 +3 +7 +7 Anguish to Experience 8 11 8 22
12 th +12/+7/+2 +4 +8 +8 Graft Feat 8 12 8 24
13 th +13/+8/+3 +4 +8 +8 Horrific Suit 9 13 9 26
14 th +14/+9/+4 +4 +9 +9 Graft Feat 9 14 9 28
15th +15/+10/+5 +5 +9 +9 Arise and Serve 10 16 10 30
16 th +16/+11/+6/+1 +5 +10 +10 Graft Feat 10 18 10 32
17 th +17/+12/+7/+2 +5 +10 +10 Clarity of Madness 11 20 11 34
18 th +18/+13/+8/+3 +6 +11 +11 Graft Feat 11 22 11 36
19th +19/+14/+9/+4 +6 +11 +11 Unholy Vitality 12 24 12 38
20th +20/+15/+10/+5 +6 +12 +12 Graft Feat, Form 12 26 12 40
Beyond Understanding
Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level, x4 at first level): Acrobatics (Dex), Athletics (Str), Craft (Int), Heal (Wis), Intimidate
(Cha), Knowledge (Arcana, Nature, Religion) (Int), Mentalism (Int), Perception (Wis), Stealth (Dex), Warcraft (Int)

CLASS FEATURES Necromantic Companion: The Vivisector has a single

Letting the whims of fate carry him onwards, the
vivisector reveals in the chaos of the world.
All of the following are class features of the vivisector
base class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Vivisectors are
proficient with all simple and martial weapons and all
armour, as well as all shields. Vivisectors suffer spell
failure in armour above light.
Necromantic Magic: The Vivisector is an indifferent user
of necromantic magic, generally only doing so because it
makes his use of grafting easier. He gains 2 Minor Veins,
chosen from Bone, Flesh, or Poison. He gains bonus
grave tokens equal to his Intelligence modifier times his
Vivisector level times 1/5.
necromantic companion. The bonus from
Selfpractitioner also applies when applying grafts to his
companion. If the companion is destroyed, the vivisector
only need pay twice the hit dice in tokens instead of three
times.
Grafts: The vivisector receieves a number of grafts based
on his class level. Grafts from other sources do not count
against this class-specific limit. Grafts from all sources
use slots, and this does not allow the vivisector to exceed
his slot count.
Graft Undead Flesh: At 1st level, the Vivisector begins
his journey into the strange world of flesh grafting,
gaining the Graft Undead Flesh feat.

32
Selfpractitioner (Ex): The vivisector has often believed
that the best subject for his art, and certainly the one who
should gain the most benefit from it, is himself. He gains
a bonus on all Heal checks made to graft or remove grafts
from himself equal to his class level.
Graft Feat: At each even level, the vivisector gains a
bonus graft feat. He must meet all the requirements
thereof.
Imbue Graft (Su): At the beginning of the day, the
vivisector can choose to enhance a graft as if it had
corpuscles in it by expending grave tokens at a ratio of
two grave tokens to one (effective) corpuscle. These
grave tokens are expended immediately, and treat the
graft as if it had that many corpuscles in it for one day.
After that, the (effective) corpuscles dissipate.
Need Arises (Su): For all the strength of a graft,
sometimes other needs are more pressing. As an
immediate action, the vivisector can disable a graft,
losing all benefits that graft provides (the penalties
remain). In return, he gains one of the following: grave
tokens equal to twice the graft's level, or heals a number
of hit points equal to five times the graft's level. The graft
is recovered when he recovers his grave tokens at the
end of the week.
Visions of Glory (Su): Each vivisector has a unique take
on the true path to power from the undead. Undead
under his control automatically gain one graft when they
are created. That graft can be any graft up to a maximum
of ½ the vivisector's class level.
Learning Experience (Su): Death can teach so much.
Especially to the slayer. By examining the corpse of a
creature for one minute and passing a Heal check of 10 +
(2 * the monster's CR), the vivisector gains a single
special quality or attack of the creature for a number of
hours equal to his Constitution mod. As part of this, he
must choose to temporarily disable one graft. It is
restored to use when this ability expires.
Anguish to Experience (Su): The number of pains,
aches, and maladies that accumulate to the vivisector
over his lifetime are legion. Thankfully, they are not his
and his alone. Anyone struck by a natural attack or
ability granted by a graft must make a Fortitude save
against 10 + ½ class level + Constitution mod or suffer
all graft penalties currently affecting the vivisector.
These penalties last for a number of rounds equal to the
Vivisector's Constitution modifier.
Horrific Suit (Su): Walk a mile in someone's shoes to
learn how they live. Walk a mile in someone's body to
understand who they are. By examining the corpse of a
creature for one hour and passing a Heal check of 12 + (2
* the monster's CR), the vivisector can take the victims's
form, appearance, and abilities (as the shapechange spell)
for a number of hours equal to his Constitution mod. He
loses access to all grafts while doing this.
Arise and Serve (Su): Life is easy to understand, unlife
even more so. As a standard action, the vivisector can
touch the corpse of a creature, animating it as a zombie
under his control as per the animate dead spell. He does
not need any materials to do so. The animated zombie
gains a graft from the Visions of Glory ability. If the
vivisector is in combat, the zombie acts immediately on
his initiative.
Clarity of Madness (Su): The bizarre worldview of the
vivisector leaks from his psyche, weaponized into a form
where those who threaten him come under assault. Any
time the vivisector is the target of a spell or effect that
requires a Will save, that spell or effect's creator must
make a Will save against 10 + ½ class level + Constitution
mod or become afflicted with insanity, as per the spell.
Unholy Vitality (Su): The necromantic energy flowing
through the vivisector is far stronger than the paltry
souls of the weaklings. As a standard action, he may
make a touch against a living creature. If the creature
fails a Fortitude save against 10 + ½ class level +
Constitution mod, it is slain instantly. The vivisector, as
a free action, can use his Arise and Serve ability to
animate the creature.
Form Beyond Understanding (Su): The vivisector has
passed beyond all understanding of the sane. His type
changes to undead, he gains the frightful presence
extraordinary ability that triggers on any standard or
attack action he takes (including charging), he gains one
copy each of Extra Arm, Extra Leg, Extra Head, and
Expanded Torso, and as a free action, he can increase or
decrease his size one step (adjust all natural attacks when
he does so). If his Constitution modifier was higher than
his Charisma modifier before becoming undead, it
replaces his Charisma modifier. He gains bonus hit
points from Charisma instead of Constitution, and uses
Charisma for all abilities that previously required
Constitution. He adds his new Charisma modifier as a
bonus on all saving throws and as a deflection bonus to
Armor Class.
33
PLAYING A VIVISECTOR
Chaotic and freewheeling, vivisectors are highly
educated and strong-willed individuals who most often
prefer the company of the interesting and the different
than the staid and hide-bound. Certain of what they
want out of life but none too bothered about how they
get to that juncture, vivisectors find that exploration
suits them perfectly.
Blessed with an innate knowledge of language and
artistic ability, the vivisector is very much in spirit like a
bard, collecting knowledge here and there, ideas and
language and skills, and then using his powerful will to
force it into a form that can be used to generate power.
Religion: Vivisectors adhere to whatever deities would
be appropriate for their wider culture, although they
tend to lean more heavily towards those focused around
knowledge and the arts than any others. Certainly, those
that focus on the advancement of the skills necessary to
create runes are ones whom the vivisector find
themselves amenable to.
Advancement: Vivisectors come from backgrounds
where knowledge, arts, and writing were a strong
component, because it was through exploring those
mediums that they stumbled upon the power of carving
runes. After that, they have practiced, whether in secret
or in the open, until such time as they can at least
generate runes when desired, even if those runes aren’t
always quite what they are looking for. Most common
amongst the educated but non-dwarven peoples, the
vivisector are more often human, gnome, or elf than they
are anything else, although there are no restrictions on
what circumstances may have led an individual to
becoming an vivisector.
HUMAN VIVISECTOR STARTING PACKAGE
Armor: Scale (+4 AC, maximum dexterity bonus +3,
armor check penalty -4, 30 lb.). Heavy wooden shield (+2
AC, armor check penalty -2, 10 lb.).
Weapons: Longsword (1d8, crit 19-20/×2, 4 lb.,
slashing).
Skill Selection: Pick a number of skills equal to 6 + Int
modifier.

Other Classes: Vivisectors are in many ways drawn Skill Ranks Ability ACP
towards those who take a somewhat less restricted view Craft 4 Int -
towards power and life. After all, their powers are Decipher Script 4 Int -
created in a rather free-spirited manner, and are not Knowledge (Architecture 4 Int -
beholden to rigid study and the strictures of a religion. and Engineering)
Therefore they find bards, rogues, swashbucklers, and Use Magic Device 4 Cha -
the like to be friendlier than others. Druids, clerics, Bluff 4 Cha -
wizards, tome of battle savants, all are just too rule Sense Motive 4 Int -
driven to mesh well with the kind of strong but slightly Listen 4 Wis -
undirected spirit of the vivisector. More than any, Spot 4 Wis -
though, the psionic wilder is the closest of kin to the
vivisector, for in their spirit driven approach to Feat: Inscribed Skill, Power Attack, Combat Reflexes, or
generating power, the vivisector and the wilder can see Runehammer.
one another. Gear: Backpack with waterskin, one day’s trail rations,
bedroll, sack, flint and steel. 3 torches. Case with 20
Combat: Unlike their runic cousins, the vivisector isn’t
crossbow bolts.
quite as home in melee as the runeborn and the
Gold: 4d8 gp.
runecarver. Dressed in the strength of their runes, they
are still more than a match for most creatures, but they VIVISECTORS IN THE WORLD
often tend to prefer to use that physical prowess to fight “A little of this, a little of that, and the work gets done.”
at a distance, rather than right in the face of their – Frederic Ain, Human Vivisector
opponents. And when the moment calls, with their
Sketching and Conviction Flood abilities, the vivisector Given the limited number of them, vivisectors don’t
can create a short, sharp, spike in their combat ability, have a defined role in any society, instead just filling in
more than enough to see them through the challenges of here and there where their talents are most useful. Some
the day. work as scholars, accountants, or other bookish tasks
when they are not adventuring. Others find the military

34
aspects of runes call to them most, and they are soldiers,
mercenaries, or robbers, using their skills to advance
themselves and the men around them. Bu whatever the
chosen role, an vivisector is always going to stand out
from those around him, for his talents are too hard to
hide.
Daily Life: The daily activity of an vivisector is
dependent on what their primary life is like outside of
the realm of the adventurer. Vivisectors follow many
paths, and rather than be shaped by their ability with
runes, their actions and regular habits will be shaped by
what activities they have turned their runic skills
towards.
Notables: Frederic Ain is an unprepossessing
individual, little more than a scrawny human who
carries around a pen and paper. Unbeknownst to those
around him, those are the tools that allow him to inscribe
his runic drawings at a whim, allowing him to change
into a ferocious warrior or stealthy assassin as he desires.
He uses these talents to be a slayer of some repute, in the
proper circles.
Organizations: There are no vivisector organizations per
se, because vivisector are always folded into the larger
organizations of their people. Most often this is on the
military side, where vivisectors serve in their race’s
forces. If not, they tend to fall back upon scholarly
pursuits, although the bawdy house and the bardic way
of life calls to more than a few vivisectors.
NPC REACTIONS
Dwarves despise vivisectors, since they are seen as
perverters of dwarven knowledge. Non-dwarves tend to
know little of the vivisectors, because there just aren’t
enough of them to be common. Those who do see the
vivisector using their skills in combat often think that
they are clerics, using those drawings to call upon the
blessings of a deity.
As there are not many vivisectors in any given society,
no one has formed an opinion of them as a group instead
of as individuals.
VIVISECTOR LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research vivisectors to learn more
about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the same
information.
DC 10: Vivisectors are the free-spirited individuals who
are able to quickly dash off carved runes, gaining power
by creating those symbols.
DC 15: Vivisectors use their skills with the engraving of
runes to turn themselves and their allies into formidable
warriors, and are able to engage in short term boosts to
their own strength when the moment calls for it.
DC 20: Vivisector runes are very short in duration, but
can be changed or created almost at a whim, and are
almost always stronger than any other form of runic
creation. Also, the vivisector can dash off a quick
impression of a rune called a sketch that allows them
extra bursts of strength.
DC 30: Information about notable vivisectors, drawn
from the section above.
VIVISECTORS IN THE GAME
The vivisector class is part of the core rules system
presented in Vivisection and Resurrection. A player with
an vivisector character will be happiest if the other
members of the party if he has ample opportunity to use
his runes and class features, and if he at least
occasionally encounters NPC opponents and monsters
that create runes or use runes-related magic items. In
other words, while it is certainly possible for a player to
make and play an vivisector while no one else at the
gaming table even owns a copy of this book, the most
satisfying play experience comes from a campaign
where runes or the enemies of his people makes a more
extensive appearance.
Adaptation: Vivisector can be quickly converted to a
different power source, if desired. For example,
vivisector could instead be speedy binders who borrow
the strength of a given vestige for a few moments, before
swapping out who they owe allegiance to.
Encounters: An encounter with an NPC vivisector,
friend or foe, could be an adventuring party’s first brush
with runic magic. If this is the case, the DM should be
sure to play up the variable nature and artistic content of
the power this character wields.
35

Characters who craft necros and attach grafts rely on the
same fundamental skills as other D&D characters. This
chapter adds new applications to a few existing skills in
association with necromantic magic. The bulk of this
chapter is devoted to new feats that characters of any
class can take to gain or improve their abilities relating
to grafts and necromantic magic.
This section covers new applications of existing skills
that relate to necromantic magic. Table 3–1: Skill Points
per Level summarizes the skill points gained by the
classes described in Chapter 2 of this book.
Table 3–1: Skill Points per Level
1st-level High Level
Class
Skill Points Skill Points
Necromancer (2 + Int mod) × 4 2 + Int mod
Overlord (2 + Int mod) × 4 2 + Int mod
Vivisector (4 + Int mod) × 4 4 + Int mod
KNOWLEDGE (RELIGION) [INT; TRAINED ONLY]
Knowledge (Religion) is the skill used to remember
information about necromantic magic, necromantic
creatures, and undead. You can use this skill to identify
necromantic creatures and their special powers or
vulnerabilities, including those possessed by creatures
with class levels in a necromancy class.
Identify a necros as it is cast: You must be able to see the
necromancer casting the necros in order to identify it.
Identifying a necros as it is cast is a DC 15 + necros level
Knowledge (Religion) check, does not take an action,
and does not allow retries.
36
Identify a created necros: You must be able to see the
character under the effect of the necros in order to
identify it. Identifying a necros is a DC 20 + necros level
Knowledge (Religion) check, does not take an action,
and does not allow retries.
Identify a necros after saving against it: After you have
rolled a saving throw against a necros, you can attempt
to identify what it was. Identifying a necros is a DC 25 +
necros level Knowledge (Religion) check, does not take
an action, and does not allow retries.
Identify an attached graft: You must be able to see the
character to whom the graft is attached in order to
identify it. Identifying a graft is a DC 20 + required graft
level Knowledge (Religion) check, does not take an
action, and does not allow retries.
HEAL [WIS]
The Heal skill is used by vivisectors during the process
of fleshgrafting, and determines whether they
successfully attach a graft or not. The rules that describe
this can be found at the beginning of Chapter Five.
Feats in this chapter fall into four categories: general
feats, necromantic feats, racial feats, and graft feats.
General feats appear in the Player’s Handbook and follow
the rules for feats in that book. Racial feats are keyed off
of the abilities of one of the races presented in this book.
Necromantic and graft feats are new categories
introduced in this book dealing with improving
necromantic and fleshgrafting magic usage or granting
abilities to those who use it.
NECROMANTIC FEATS
Necromantic feats are similar to other subcategories of
feats such as psionic feats in that they specialize in
improving characters who focus upon a certain magic
system. They can be taken as bonus feats by certain of
the classes presented in this book, but otherwise do not
have any unique rules attached to them outside of those
normally applicable to all feats.
GRAFT FEATS
Graft feats are similar to other subcategories of feats such
as psionic feats in that they specialize in improving
characters who focus upon a certain magic system. They
can be taken as bonus feats by certain of the classes
presented in this book, but otherwise do not have any
unique rules attached to them outside of those normally maximum number of corpuscles invested in it for one
applicable to all feats. round, or reroll a failed save.

The feats available to characters are described below.
The description of each feat is presented in a standard
format, and the feats are presented in alphabetical order
by feat name.
ALL LEGS [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Extra Leg x2
Benefit: The fleshgrafter gains all the benefits of being a
quadruped, and a +4 bonus on all Acrobatics and
Athletics checks. In addition, the fleshgrafter gets two
secondary hoof attacks on a charge that deal 1d6 damage
each.
AMBSACE [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Necropotent
Benefit: Whenever you create a Necros from the Vein of
Curses that successfully affects at least one enemy, you
may choose one ally within 60 ft. For a number of rounds
equal to your Charisma modifier, the chosen ally
imposes a -2 penalty on all attacks, damage rolls, saves,
and skill checks that would negatively affect him.
ANCESTRAL ADVICE
Prerequisites: Casglwyr race
Benefit: Unlike in most races, where such a thing would
mean praying to the departed, for the Casglwyr it's more
immediate - they've grafted part of their parent to their
form. Once per day per three character levels as an
immediate action, the Casglwyr can choose one of the
following benefits - Take 10 on their next skill check, gain
an immediate move action, treat a graft as if it had the
Table 3-2: Feats
ARMOR OF BONE
Prerequisites: Natural armor +1 or greater
Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus to your natural armor.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time,
you get a further +2 bonus to natural armor.
BAD TOUCH [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Two or more hand grafts.
Benefit: Any creature of struck by two or more attacks
from the fleshgrafter's grafts in a single round must
make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + ½ fleshgrafter's character
level + fleshgrafter's Strength modifier) or be sickened
for 1 round.
BOLD CHARM
Prerequisites: Gollwyd race
Benefit: The bonus imposed by your Leader's Charm
improves to ½ your Charisma modifier, rounded down.
In addition, you no longer take a penalty to Diplomacy
checks from your Wary racial trait.
BONE ARMOR
Rather than smaller plates of bone covering small areas,
you were created with a more comprehensive
exoskeleton of bone armor. Though it is more restrictive,
it offers much greater protection than your kin.
Prerequisites: Boncyff race, 1st level only
Benefit: You gain a +5 armor bonus to AC and lose your
+2 bonus to natural armor from your Hardened Flesh
racial trait. Your bone armor is treated as light armor
with a +5 maximum Dexterity bonus to AC, -2 armor
check penalty and 15% arcane spell failure chance.
Special: This armor takes up the body slot, and may be
enchanted as though it were masterwork.

General Feats Prerequisites Benefit

Armor of Bone Natural armor +1 or greater +2 natural armor
Bone Growth BAB +2, non-undead, skeletal system Deal piercing damage in retaliation
First Step Cannot have any fleshgrafting ability Gain my first graft

Necromantic Feats Prerequisites Benefit

Ambsace Necropotent Penalize enemy on creating a curse
Calcification Necropotent Grant ally DR
Companion Must have a necromantic companion Increase companion hit points
Toughness
Extra Knowledge Able to create necros Learn new necro

37
 Forbidden Fruit Able to create necros Banned vein becomes minor vein
Gathered Energy Able to create necros Gain extra grave tokens
Grave Unto Grave Able to create necros from two classes Share necros between classes
Hasty Creation Necromant level 3 Create necros faster
Immateriality Necropotent Grant ally miss chance
Love Thy Talents Vein bound class feature Gain extra chosen vein
Necromantic Necromantic Transfer Share necros between classes
Harmony
Necromantic Grave Unto Grave Share necros between classes
Transfer
Necropotent Able to create necros Gain bonus to saves on creating necro
Necrosis Necropotent Grant ally acid damage
Reanimator Character level 6th, necromantic Enemy becomes risen undead on death
character
Reconstruction Necropotent Grant ally fast healing
Shut the Breach Seal the breach class feature Use seal the breach more often
Souls Conjoined Souls Enmeshed Increase necromant level
Souls Enmeshed Souls in Harmony Increase necromant level
Souls in Harmony Able to create necros from two classes Increase necromant level
Soulthief Able to create necros Gain extra grave tokens on killing enemy
Superior Authority Legion mind class feature Increase legion mind bonus
Widened Able to create necros Minor vein becomes major vein
Knowledge

Graft Feats Prerequisites Benefit

All Legs Extra Leg twice Become quadruped, gain hoof attacks
Bad Touch Two hand grafts Sicken on touch
Brute Force One arm graft, Power Attack Bonus damage on attacks and criticals
Drink Deeply One graft feat, Con 13, graft touch Heal from melee touch attack
attack
Enhanced Support Heal 6 Apply grafts to companions
Excision Three or more grafts, BAB +3 Remove extraordinary abilities
Expanded Torso One graft Extra graft slots
Extra Arm One graft Extra graft slots
Extra Leg One graft Extra graft slots
Extra Head One graft Extra graft slots
Experimentation One graft Apply grafts to allies
Feast for the Dead Grasp of the Dead, bite attack Swallow enemies
Focused Graft One graft Invest corpuscles in graft, lower level
Graft Mastery Focused Graft in the chosen graft Double graft duration
Graft Undead Flesh Heal 4 Apply grafts
Graft Warrior Lingering Abomination, one other Keen and rend on graft attacks
graft feat, Con 13, graft natural attack
Grasp of the Dead One or more grafts from Desiccating Expert grappler
Hand, Reaching Arm, Vampire
Fangs, Spiked Torso, Hulking Grasp
Greater Desecration One graft Gain extra corpuscles
Infect the Wound Lingering Abomination, one other Reapply shoulder emanations on hit
graft feat, Con 13, graft natural attack

38
Lingering One shoulder graft Emanations now leave puddles behind
Abomination
Mortician’s Touch Heal 6 Expertly apply grafts
Reactions of the Grasp of the Dead Grapple on AoOs
Dead
Savage Rage One arm graft, Power Attack Kill enemies to gain corpuscles
Servitor One graft, Knowledge (Religion) 4 Companions can cast necros
Shatter the Soul Three or more grafts, BAB +3 Disrupt supernatural abilities
Undead Attunement One graft Ignore penalty from a graft
Undead Three grafts, Undead Attunement Ignore penalty from all grafts
Concurrence
Unhealthy Heal 6 Grant allies bonus damage against target
Knowledge
Unholy Strikes Two graft feats, three or more grafts, Graft tactical feat
BAB +3

Racial Feats Prerequisites Benefit

Ancestral Advice Casglwyr race Choose a number of benefits given by parents
Bold Charm Gollwyd race Improve leader’s charm, remove penalty
Dread Phantom Hegni race Increase touch damage, add sickening
Touch
Fascinating Presence Gollwyd race Fascinate creatures
Greater Scorn Earth Improved Scorn Earth, character level Believe you can fly
6th
Grotesque Casglwyr race Gain knowledge bonus from grafts
Knowledge
Improved Scorn Hegni race Learn to glide
Earth
Pack Presence Gollwyd race Increase ally diplomacy skills
Vivisector’s Skill Casglwyr race Reallocate corpuscles

Boncyff Feats Prerequisites Benefit

Bone Armor Boncyff race, 1st level only Gain bone armor
Boney Flesh Boncyff race Deal extra grapple damage
Claws of the Dead Boncyff race Gain claw attacks
Death’s Embrace Boncyff race, Inured to Death Gain undead immunities
Energetic Blow Boncyff race, natural attack Deal negative energy damage
Energy Shock Boncyff race, Str 13, Con 13 Heal self
Heavy Bone Armor Boncyff race, 1st level only Gain heavy bone armor
Improved Damage Boncyff race Increase DR
Reduction
Inured to Death Boncyff race, cannot have Inured to Gain undead traits
Life
Inured to Life Boncyff race, cannot have Inured to Lose undead traits
Death
Jaws of Doom Boncyff race Gain bite attack
Naked Flesh Boncyff race, 1st level only Lose armor, increase speed
Undeath Breaker Boncyff race, BAB +2 Damage, paralyze undead
Undying Brute Boncyff race, Power Attack, BAB +3 Gain tactical combat options

39
BONE GROWTH
Prerequisites: BAB +2, not an undead race, must have a
skeleton
Benefit: Your internal skeleton begins to spear outwards
from your body, emerging as small spikes. Any creature
that strikes you in melee takes 1d4 points of piercing
damage. You also gain natural armor +1 (or a +1 increase
to existing natural armor).
BONEY FLESH
Prerequisites: Boncyff race
Benefit: You deal extra piercing damage on a successful
grapple attack as if you were wearing armor spikes (1d6
points for a Medium Boncyff). This does not stack with
other sources of armor spikes or similar.
BRUTE FORCE [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: One or more arm grafts, Power Attack
Benefit: Whenever you use Power Attack, you get a
profane bonus on damage equal to the number of grafts
affecting you. You gain this same bonus to the roll to
confirm critical hits.
CALCIFICATION [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Necropotent
Benefit: Whenever you create a Necros from the Vein of
Bone that successfully affects at least one enemy, you
may choose one ally within 60 ft. For a number of rounds
equal to your Charisma modifier, the chosen ally gains
damage reduction 5/-.
CLAWS OF THE DEAD
Prerequisites: Boncyff race
Benefit: You gain 2 claw attacks that deals 1d4 points of
damage (for a Medium Boncyff). Your claws are treated
your primary natural weapon.
COMPANION TOUGHNESS [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Necromantic companion
Benefit: Increase your companion's hit points by your
primary necromant modifier times its hit dice.
DEATH'S EMBRACE
Prerequisites: Boncyff race, Inured to Death
Benefit: You become immune to critical hits and sneak
attacks.
Special: You can take this feat a second time. If you do,
you become immune to mind affecting effects.
40
DREAD PHANTOM TOUCH
Prerequisites: Hegni race
Benefit: The damage of your Phantom Touch increases
to 1d8 + Charisma modifier, and may now choose to
sicken the target, instead of fatiguing them. Phantom
Touch now heals Undead for the amount of damage they
would otherwise take on each touch in addition to
granting them temporary hit points, and also grants
them a +2 profane bonus to attack and damage rolls for
1 minute.
DRINK DEEPLY [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: One graft feat, Constitution 13, at least
one graft using a touch attack
Benefit: At the end of each round in which the
fleshgrafter successfully strikes with a graft that requires
a melee touch attack, he heals a number of hit points
equal to the graft's level as he siphons off a little of the
vitality of the struck creature.
ENERGETIC BLOW
Prerequisites: Boncyff race, Claws of the Dead or Jaws
of Doom
Benefit: As a free action, you can channel some of your
life force into one of your natural attacks. You must
declare that you are using this feat before you make your
attack roll. When you use this feat, you deal damage to
yourself (any amount equal to or less than your base
attack bonus). If the attack hits, you deal 1d4 points of
negative energy damage to the target per point of
damage you dealt to yourself. If the attack misses, the
attempt is wasted (but you still take the damage you
dealt to yourself). You can attempt this attack any
number of times per day.
ENERGY SHOCK
You can pour negative energy through your form,
repairing it
Prerequisites: Str 13, Con 13, Boncyff
Benefit: Once per hour as a standard action, you can
excite your undead metabolism to heal a number of hit
points equal to 5 + your HD. Doing this incurs a -2
penalty to your Strength and Dexterity scores for 10
minutes.
ENHANCED SUPPORT [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Heal 6
Benefit: A servant must simply be better than what they
are in order to meet the needs of the master. A
fleshgrafter can now apply grafts to his necromantic
companions. Each companion can host one graft for
every three levels the companion has, and the maximum
level of the graft that can be applied is ½ that of the
fleshgrafter that is their master.
EXCISION [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: 3 or more grafts, BAB +3
Benefit: Three times per day, the fleshgrafter can
attempt to permanently excise a feature from an enemy.
He gains a bonus on the attack roll equal to his
Constitution modifier and a bonus on the damage roll
equal to ½ the highest level graft affecting him. If he hits
and the enemy fails a Fortitude save against a DC of 10
+ ½ the highest level graft affecting the fleshgrafter + his
Con mod, that enemy permanently loses one
extraordinary ability he has (fleshgrafter's choice).
EXPANDED TORSO [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Hosting at least 1 graft
Benefit: You vastly expand the size of your torso,
granting you a +2 bonus on all Constitution-based skill
checks and a +1 bonus to Fortitude saves. You get the
choice of one extra body or shoulders graft.
Special: You can choose this feat multiple times. Each
time you do, you expand your torso ever further,
granting one more slot choice, and gain all bonuses
mentioned above.
EXPERIMENTATION [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Hosting at least 1 graft
Benefit: There is a certain limitation for a fleshgrafter, in
that they can normally only experiment on themselves.
Some, however, have pushed beyond this limit. The
fleshgrafter can choose to apply grafts to other willing
creatures, up to a maximum number of grafts equal to
half the total (round down) that the fleshgrafter has
access to. Grafts attached to other creatures still count
against his personal total. Thus, a third level vivisector
can apply one graft to a single willing creature. Total
allowed level of grafts is counted separately for the
fleshgrafter and for any individual willing ally.
EXTRA ARM [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Hosting at least 1 graft
Benefit: You gain a third arm, granting you a +2 bonus
on all Strength-based skill checks and all grapple checks.
This does not give you extra natural attacks or allow you
to wield extra weapons or items. You get the choice of
one extra hand or arm graft.
Special: You can choose this feat multiple times. Each
time you do, you gain another arm, and all bonuses
mentioned above.
EXTRA HEAD [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Hosting at least 1 graft
Benefit: You gain a second (presumably) head, granting
you a +2 bonus on all Wisdom and Intelligence-based
skill checks. This does not give you extra natural attacks
if your normal head has one. You get the choice of one
extra face, head, or throat graft.
Special: You can choose this feat multiple times. Each
time you do, you gain another head, and all bonuses
mentioned above.
EXTRA KNOWLEDGE [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Ability to create necros
Benefit: You gain a single extra necros known, of a level
less than or equal to one below the maximum level you
can learn.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time
you take the feat after the first time, you may choose a
different necros.
EXTRA LEG [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Hosting at least 1 graft
Benefit: You gain a third leg, granting you a +2 bonus
on all Dexterity-based skill checks and 5 ft increase to
base speed. It provides another leg slot for grafts.
Special: You can choose this feat multiple times. Each
time you do, you gain another leg, and all bonuses
mentioned above.
FASCINATING PRESENCE
Prerequisites: Gollwyd race
Benefit: A number of times per day equal to your
Charisma modifier, you may take a full-round action to
capture creatures within your Unnatural Presence in
rapt attention. On a failed Will save, creatures within
your unnatural presence become fascinated. This effect
lasts for 1 minute. The DC against this effect is 10 + ½
your character level + your Charisma modifier.
FEAST FOR THE DEAD [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Grasp of the Dead, a bite attack
Benefit: The fleshgrafter can try to swallow a grabbed
opponent of up to one size smaller by making a
successful grapple check. Once inside, the opponent
takes damage equal to the bite attack + 1d10 acid damage
41
every round. A swallowed creature can cut its way out Special: Create a new version of this feat for each type of
using a light slashing or piercing weapon by dealing 25 graft that exists.
points of damage to the digestive tract (AC 13). Once the
creature exits, muscular action closes the hole; another
swallowed opponent must cut its own way out. The GRAFT WARRIOR [GRAFT]
fleshgrafter can swallow one opponent at a time. Prerequisites: Lingering Abomination, one other graft
feat, Constitution 13, at least one graft granting a natural
FIRST STEP
attack
Prerequisites: Cannot have any fleshgrafting ability.
Benefit: Double the threat range of all natural attacks as
Benefit: You gain one graft. That grafts level must be
if they were keen. If the fleshgrafter hits with two or
lower than your own (min 1), and a maximum of a
more natural attacks against the same foe in the same
second level graft. You gain no corpuscles or any other
turn, he rends for 2d6 + 1.5 Strength modifier damage.
features of being a fleshgrafter.
GRASP OF THE DEAD [GRAFT]
FOCUSED GRAFT [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: One or more grafts from Desiccating
Prerequisites: Must host at least 1 graft
Hand, Reaching Arm, Vampire Fangs, Spiked Torso,
Benefit: There's certain parts of the fleshgrafter’s form
Hulking Grasp
that he is very fond of. The fleshgrafter chooses a graft
Benefit: Undead do not like to let the living escape
when taking this feat, and the choice cannot be changed
easily. Grapple checks from the fleshgrafter do not
later. He gains three corpuscles to invest in the graft and
provoke attacks of opportunity, and he gains a +4 bonus
can count the graft as one level lower than it is for the
on all of those checks. In addition, whenever the
purposes of the maximum total level of grafts that can
fleshgrafter successfully performs an action during a
affect the fleshgrafter. If the chosen graft is ever removed
grapple, he may move up to half his speed (this brings
or lost, this feat becomes worthless.
anyone he is grappling with him). A fleshgrafter does
FORBIDDEN FRUIT [NECRO] not lose his Dexterity bonus while grappling.
Prerequisites: Ability to create necros
GRAVE UNTO GRAVE [NECRO]
Benefit: You may now treat one of your Banned Veins as
Prerequisites: Ability to create necros from two different
a Minor Vein instead. This does not give you extra necros
classes.
known.
Benefit: The character chooses three necros that he
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time
knows from each of his necros creating classes, and treat
you take the feat after the first time, you may choose a
them as if all of his necros creating classes know them.
different Banned Vein.
Once chosen, this is permanent.
GATHERED ENERGY [NECRO]
GREATER DESECRATION [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Grave token pool
Prerequisites: Hosting at least 1 graft
Benefit: When you take this feat for the first time, you
Benefit: When you take this feat for the first time, you
add 2 more grave tokens to your pool each week.
add 2 more corpuscles to your daily total.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time
you take the feat after the first time, the number of grave
you take the feat after the first time, the number of
tokens you gain increases by 1.
corpuscles you gain increases by 1.
GRAFT MASTERY [GRAFT]
GREATER SCORN EARTH
Prerequisites: Focused Graft in the chosen graft.
Prerequisites: Hegni race, Improved Scorn Earth,
Benefit: The duration for any effects from the chosen
Character level 6
graft are doubled.
Benefit: You may float higher than 1 foot, though doing
GRAFT UNDEAD FLESH [GRAFT] so reduces your speed to 20 ft. You are treated as flying
Prerequisites: Heal 4 with Good maneuverability. Once you reach 11 HD, you
Benefit: This allows you to apply undead grafts to may move at your full speed at distances higher than 1
yourself and to others, following all rules described here. foot, and your maneuverability improves to perfect.

42
GROTESQUE KNOWLEDGE
Prerequisites: Casglwyr race
Benefit: The bits and pieces of flesh that accumulate to
the average Casglwyr seem to retain a tiny mote of the
knowledge they once would have had in life. The
Casglwyr gains a bonus on all Knowledge checks equal
to twice the number of grafts affecting them.
HASTY CREATION [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Necromant level 3
Benefit: Once per day, you may reduce the casting time
of any necros to one round. This can only be used on
necros of a level half that of the maximum you know.
HEAVY BONE ARMOR
You were created with incredibly dense bone plating
reinforced with metal that offers greater protection than
even those Boncyff made with normal Bone Armor,
although it is just that much more restrictive.
Prerequisites: Boncyff race, 1st level only
Benefit: You gain a +8 armor bonus to AC and damage
reduction 2/bludgeoning, losing your +2 bonus to
natural armor from your Hardened Flesh racial trait.
Your bone armor is treated as heavy armor with a +1
maximum Dexterity bonus to AC, a -5 armor check
penalty, and an arcane spell failure chance of 35%, and
your speed is reduced as normal for wearing heavy
armor.
Special: This armor takes up the body slot, and may be
enchanted as though it were masterwork.
IMMATERIALITY [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Necropotent
Benefit: Whenever you create a Necros from the Vein of
Spirit that successfully affects at least one enemy, you
may choose one ally within 60 ft. For a number of rounds
equal to your Charisma modifier, the chosen ally
imposes a 20% miss chance against attacks that target
them. This miss chance is not concealment, and does not
allow the ally to make a hide check. This effect does not
stack with itself or any other sources of miss chances.
IMPROVED DAMAGE REDUCTION
You gain or improve damage reduction
Prerequisites: Boncyff
Benefit: You gain damage reduction 2/bludgeoning or
increase your existing damage reduction by 2.
Special: If you have the feat Heavy Bone Armour, you
can take this feat multiple times. Each time, increase
your damage reduction by 2.
IMPROVED SCORN EARTH
Prerequisites: Hegni race
Benefit: Instead of falling, your body becomes more in-
tune with your incorporeal nature, allowing you to glide.
When gliding, you negate damage from a fall of any
height and can move with 20 feet of forward travel for
every 5 feet of descent. You may glide at your base move
speed with average maneuverability. Even if your
maneuverability improves, you cannot hover while
gliding. You can't glide while carrying a medium or
heavy load. If you become unconscious or helpless while
in midair, your innate lightness and partial
incorporeality allow you to glide automatically. In such
circumstances, you descend in a tight corkscrew and
take only 1d6 points of falling damage, no matter what
the actual distance of the fall.
INFECT THE WOUND [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Lingering Abomination, one other graft
feat, Constitution 13, at least one graft granting a natural
attack
Benefit: Whenever the fleshgrafter successfully strikes
an enemy with a natural attack, that enemy must save
against the emanation or suffer its full effects again.
INURED TO DEATH
Prerequisites: Boncyff race, must not possess the Inured
to Life feat
Benefit: You become immune to death effects and gain a
25% chance to negate critical hits and sneak attacks made
against you, similar to armor of light fortification. You
may roll twice when subject to mind-affecting spells and
abilities and take the better result.
Special: You no longer heal when subject to positive
energy-based healing effects (such as most effects that
cure hit point damage, unless they specifically target
Undead creatures).
INURED TO LIFE
Prerequisites: Boncyff race, must not possess the Inured
to Death feat
Benefit: You heal naturally as living creatures do, and
are granted the full effect when subject to positive
energy-based healing effects (such as A Wound Mended
or a Flonha’s racial healing ability) rather than half of the
effect.
Special: Effects that deal negative energy damage no
longer heal you, though they only deal half damage.
JAWS OF DOOM
43
Prerequisites: Boncyff race
Benefit: You have a bite attack that deals 1d6 points of
damage (for a Medium Boncyff). Your bite is treated as a
secondary natural weapon (-5 penalty on your attack roll
and you apply only ½ your Strength bonus on damage
rolls).
LINGERING ABOMINATION [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: One or more shoulder grafts
Benefit: Any ongoing emanation from a graft now
lingers, befouling the place where it once lay.
Emanations from grafts now affect areas that they
overlaid for one round after the fleshgrafter has moved
on.
LOVE THY TALENTS [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Vein Bound class feature
Benefit: When you take this feat, choose a second
primary vein. You gain access to the 2nd, 4th, and 6th
level abilities listed under Vein Bound.
Special: You may take this feat two more times. Each
time, it applies to the vein chosen above. The first time,
you gain the 8th, 10th, and 12th level abilities. The
second time, you gain the 14th, 16th, and 18th level
abilities.
MORTICIAN'S TOUCH [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Heal 6
Benefit: You have studied in the art of affixing grafts,
and are supremely talented in that regard. You reduce
the amount of time required to attach a graft by half.
Finally, you receive a +4 bonus on all Heal checks made
to attach a graft. Once per day, any graft you have
attached using Mortician's Touch can choose to gain a +1
bonus on the next roll made with it.
NAKED FLESH
Your body is crafted without its normal layer of armor,
trading off physical strength for agility.
Prerequisites: Boncyff race, 1st level only
Benefit: The boncyff loses the benefit of his Hardened
Flesh ability, but gains a +10 ft. bonus to his movement
speed and +1 dodge bonus to his armour class.
NECROMANTIC HARMONY [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Necromantic Transfer
Benefit: All necros creating classes now have access to
all necros from any class he possess.
NECROMANTIC TRANSFER [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Grave Unto Grave
44
Benefit: The character chooses one half (round down) of
the necros that he knows from each of his necros creating
classes, and treat them as if all of his necros creating
classes know them. Once the necros are chosen, this is
permanent. If new necros are gained after this feat is
chosen, treat them as above.
NECROPOTENT [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Ability to create necros
Benefit: Whenever you create a necros that successfully
affects at least one enemy, you gain a +2 bonus on all
saves for a number of rounds equal to your Charisma
modifier.
NECROSIS [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Necropotent
Benefit: Whenever you create a Necros from the Vein of
Poison that successfully affects at least one enemy, you
may choose one ally within 60 ft. For a number of rounds
equal to your Charisma modifier, the chosen ally deals
1d8 acid damage on all damage dealing attacks and
abilities.
PACK PRESENCE
Prerequisites: Gollwyd race
Benefit: While within range of your Leader's Charm,
your allies use the higher of your Charisma modifier or
their own on all Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate skill
checks.
REACTIONS OF THE DEAD [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Grasp of the Dead
Benefit: Whenever the fleshgrafter successfully strikes
with an attack of opportunity, he can choose to grapple
the struck opponent as a free action that does not
provoke an attack of opportunity. In addition, he may
make a number of additional attacks of opportunity
equal to his dexterity bonus, and may make attacks of
opportunity when flat-footed.
REANIMATOR [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Character level 6, necromantic
Benefit: Whenever you kill an enemy with a necros,
necromantic companion, or class feature from a
necromantic class (this includes controlled undead
granted as part of a class feature), that slain enemy is
returned to life under your control for 1 round before
completely dying. It has hit points equal to one quarter
its total when living, acts immediately after you, and is
treated as undead for racial purposes (do not recalculate
anything). Any abilities that were expended remain
expended. Once it has completed its actions, it crumbles
to the ground, dead.
RECONSTRUCTION [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Necropotent
Benefit: Whenever you create a Necros from the Vein of
Flesh that successfully affects at least one enemy, you
may choose one ally within 60 ft. For a number of rounds
equal to your Charisma modifier, the chosen ally gains
fast healing 5.
SAVAGE RAGE [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: One or more arm grafts, Power Attack
Benefit: You may make a coup-de-grace against any
creature, including those immune to critical hits, as a
standard action. This does not provoke an attack of
opportunity. Creatures slain by this attack provide the
fleshgrafter with a number of temporary corpuscles
equal to ½ the slain creature's hit dice. These can be
invested immediately, and last for one minute.
SERVITOR [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Hosting at least 1 graft, Knowledge
(Religion) 4
Benefit: Having others who can do work the fleshgrafter
does not want to do can make for an easier division of
labor. Each day, each necromantic companion the
fleshgrafter has can cast a single necros as if he was the
fleshgrafter. This uses the fleshgrafter's necromant level,
grave token pool, feats, class features, and all other
particulars.
SHATTER THE SOUL [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: 3 or more grafts, BAB +3
Benefit: The fleshgrafter is well aware of the mystical
connection between soul and body. And how to destroy
it. Any time you successfully strike an opponent, that
opponent must make a Fortitude save against a DC of 10
+ ½ the highest level graft affecting the fleshgrafter + his
Con mod or be unable to use any supernatural ability for
one round. If an opponent successfully saves against this
ability, he cannot be disrupted again for one minute.
SHUT THE BREACH [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Seal the Breach class feature
Benefit: You may now use this ability once per
encounter.
SOULS CONJOINED [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Souls Enmeshed
Benefit: The character adds all of his levels in all other
classes to the level of the class from which he is creating
the necros to determine necromant level. Any class levels
that already increase necromant level for the class he is
creating the necros from are ignored.
SOULS ENMESHED [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Souls in Harmony
Benefit: The character adds ½ of his levels in all other
classes to the level of the class from which he is creating
the necros to determine necromant level. Any class levels
that already increase necromant level for the class from
which he is creating the necros from are ignored.
SOULS IN HARMONY [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Ability to create necros from two different
classes.
Benefit: The character can use grave tokens points from
all of his classes to pay for necros cast from any one class.
SOULTHIEF [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Grave token pool
Benefit: Each time you kill an enemy using a necros,
necromantic companion, or class ability from a
necromantic class, you regain one grave token. This
cannot push you past your normal weekly maximum,
and you can only regain a maximum number of points
equal to your primary necromantic ability modifier in a
week.
SUPERIOR AUTHORITY [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Legion Mind class feature
Benefit: You may treat your charisma modifier as 1
higher for the purposes of the Legion Mind class feature.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times.
UNDEAD ATTUNEMENT [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Hosting at least 1 undead graft
Benefit: For a number of rounds equal to your
Constitution modifier, you can ignore the penalty from
a single undead graft. These rounds do not need to be
used consecutively. The limit resets daily.
UNDEAD CONCURRENCE [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Hosting at least 3 undead grafts, Undead
Attunement
Benefit: For a number of rounds equal to your
Constitution modifier, you can ignore the penalty from
all undead grafts. These rounds do not need to be used
consecutively. The limit resets daily.
45
UNDEATH BREAKER
Your knowledge of undead nature allows you to deal
extra damage to or even cripple such foes.
Prerequisites: Base attack bonus +2, Boncyff
Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus on damage rolls against
creatures with the undead type (including living
undead). If you roll a critical threat against an undead,
you can forego the confirmation roll to make another
attack roll using the same modifier. If this second attack
also hits and deals at least 1 point of damage, the undead
must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 10 + ½ your
character level + your Con modifier) or be rendered
immobile and helpless for 1 round (as if it had been
paralyzed).
UNDYING BRUTE
Your extensive training with two-handed weapons is
revealed through brutally effective tactics.
Prerequisites: Power Attack, Str 13, base attack bonus
+3, Boncyff
Benefit: Undying Brute enables the use of three tactical
maneuvers.
Combat Momentum: If you deal damage to a foe with a
charge attack made with a two-handed weapon and that
opponent then fails to hit you before your next turn, you
gain a +1 bonus on attack rolls against that opponent on
your next turn.
Dispatch the Fallen: If you successfully bull rush or
overrun a foe, any melee attack you make against that
foe with a two-handed weapon on your next turn gains
a +4 bonus on damage rolls.
Frenzied Attack: If you hit a foe with a two-handed
weapon at least once on two consecutive turns during
which you use the Power Attack feat (taking at least a -2
penalty on attack rolls), you gain a +2 bonus on all attack
rolls you make with that weapon against the same foe
for the rest of the round.
UNHEALTHY KNOWLEDGE [GRAFT]
Prerequisites: Heal 6
Benefit: A fleshgrafter knows the mannerisms of the
flesh all too well, and even in unfamiliar form, he can
spot the ways in which it might move. By making a DC
15 Heal check against a living creature within 60 feet to
whom he has line of sight, the fleshgrafter can grant all
allies who can hear him a bonus to weapon damage rolls
made against the target creature equal to 1d6 points of
damage. If the fleshgrafter succeeds on his Heal check by
10 or more, then this bonus increases to 2d6. If the
fleshgrafter succeeds on his Heal check by 20 or more,
46
then this bonus increases to 3d6. This lasts for the
duration of the encounter. The fleshgrafter can use this
ability once per encounter upon a single creature.
UNHOLY STRIKES [GRAFT]
Blade and graft in harmony.
Prerequisites: Two graft feats, 3 or more grafts, base
attack bonus +3.
Benefit: You have melded your grafts into your combat
style, and the blend offers you new options in combat.
Unbalanced Form: Whenever you take a full attack action,
one of those attacks may be a touch attack graft. You
must declare which attack will be the touch attack before
you roll.
Vicious Riposte: Whenever you have the chance to take an
attack of opportunity, you may instead attack that
creature with a touch attack graft. This still uses up your
attack of opportunity for the round.
Acquired Reactions: Amongst your grafts, there is a swift
creature or two, and you gain a bonus against touch
attacks equal to the number of grafts affecting you.
VIVISECTOR'S SKILL
Prerequisites: Casglwyr race
Benefit: There are little tips and tricks that accumulate
over the years, and Casglwyr have a great deal of racial
knowledge. Once per day per three character levels as an
action taking one minute, the Casglwyr can reallocate all
invested corpuscles as if it was the beginning of the day.
WIDENED KNOWLEDGE [NECRO]
Prerequisites: Ability to create necros
Benefit: You may now treat one of your Minor Veins as
a Major Vein instead. This does not give you extra necros
known.
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. Each time
you take the feat after the first time, you may choose a
different Minor Vein.
Sometimes, characters don’t always follow the normal
paths available to them, preferring to follow a road
uniquely their own. Whether this is because of an
accident of birth or because they come from a dwarven
clan with a different heritage than those around them,
that PC does not have a normal start in life.
This section provides alternative class features for
standard classes from Stone & Symbol and other sources.
Alternative class features replace class features found in
the original class description. If you have already
reached or passed the level at which you can take the
feature, you can use the retraining option described in
Player's Handbook II to gain an alternative class feature in
place of a standard feature gained at that level.
DWARVEN BARD
Found primarily amongst the Athaghoel and the
Tokunnir, bards with a dwarven background are trained
in the oral style, using the vast memories of the dwarven
people as the fertile ground for the stories that they spin.
Class: Bard.
Level: 1st.
Replaces: The Dwarven bard replaces his spellcasting
class ability with a new runecarving class ability. He
replaces his Fascinate, Suggestion, and Mass Suggestion
abilities with Inspire Runes. Finally, he replaces his
Bardic Knowledge ability with Oral Tradition.
Benefit: At 1st level, the Dwarven ranger gains the
abilities to carve runes and Oral Tradition. At 6th level he
gains Inspire Runes.
Runecarving: Dwarven bard have nurtured their
abilities with runes over many months and years of
training, and have blended their knowledge of nature
with their knowledge of runes. They create carved runes
normally, as per the rules at the beginning of Chapter 4,
with Charisma as their runecarving ability. The dwarven
bard begins play knowing two runes. He gains
knowledge of a new rune at these levels: 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th,
8th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th . The dwarven
bard uses the runes active table of the unlettered.
Oral Tradition: A dwarven bard may make a special
Oral Tradition check (d20 + ½ character level +
Intelligence modifier) to see whether he knows some
relevant information about an item, event, or locale. This
check will not reveal the powers of a magic item but may
give a hint about its general function. A dwarven bard
may not take 10 or take 20 on this check; this sort of
information is essentially random. If he has a Knowledge
skill that is related to or applicable to the information he
seeks, he receives a +1 bonus on the Oral Tradition check
for every 5 ranks he has in that Knowledge skill. The DM
determines the Difficulty Class of the check by referring
to Table 1-2: Oral Tradition. This counts as bardic
knowledge for all prerequisites.
Inspire Runes: A dwarven bard with 9 or more ranks in
a Perform skill can use song or poetics to inspire the
runecarving ability of his allies (including himself),
bolstering their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally
must be able to hear the dwarven bard sing. The effect
lasts for as long as the ally hears the dwarven bard sing
and for 5 rounds thereafter. An affected ally receives a
+1 morale bonus on runecarving level that affects all
existing carved runes. At 9th level, and every three bard
levels thereafter, this bonus increases by 1 (+2 at 9th, +3
at 12th, +4 at 15th, and +5 at 18th). Inspire runes is a mind-
affecting ability.
DWARVEN PALADIN
While the gods of the humans and the elves feel the need
to support their holiest of warriors, dwarven paladins
can draw their powers from a different source than the
holiest of holies.
Class: Paladin.
Level: 1st.
Replaces: The Dwarven paladin replaces his spellcasting
class ability with a new runecarving class ability. He also
loses his ability to Remove Disease, and replaces it with
Blessings of the Ancient.
Benefit: At 1st level, the Dwarven paladin gains the
abilities to carve runes. At 6th level, he gains Blessings of
the Ancients.
Runecarving: Dwarven paladins have nurtured their
abilities with runes over many months and years of
training, and have blended their knowledge of nature
with their knowledge of runes. They create carved runes
normally, as per the rules at the beginning of Chapter 4,
with Wisdom as their runecarving ability. The dwarven
paladin begins play knowing two runes. He gains
knowledge of a new rune at every subsequent odd level
(3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 19th). He may not select
Pahuus, Kaom, Mortuum, Mita, Exhu, or Kiel as runes
known. The dwarven paladin uses the runes active table
of the runeborn.
Blessings of the Ancient: With the rude good health of
most dwarves, there is much less need for dwarven
paladins to worry about disease, and so they have
turned their talents to other ends. Whenever a dwarven
paladin is under the effect of a carved rune, he may
choose to project the benefits of that carved rune as an
aura 30 ft. in diameter centered on himself. Any carved
47
rune projected in this way has its runecarving level
reduced by 4. If this makes the carved rune no longer
valid, the projection fails. He may project a single carved
rune at 6th level, a second at 12th, and a third at 18th.
Allied creatures gain the benefits of the projected carved
rune when they enter the area, and lose the benefits
immediately when they exit the area.
RUNIC BERSERKER
The tradition of the battlerager has a long and storied
history in dwarven clans, with a number of military
units and families devoting themselves completely to the
tradition, passing it down from father to son. It is hardly
surprising that some of those who do so would seek to
combine another great dwarven tradition, that of
runecarving, into their battlerage.
Class: Runecarver.
Level: 1st.
Replaces: If you select this class feature, you do not gain
your normal runecarving ability, Enduring Lithography,
and Permanent Lithography.
Benefit: The runecarver gains a number of benefits from
selecting this ability.
Hit Dice: The runecarver’s hit dice are increased to d12.
Base Attack Bonus: The runecarver’s base attack bonus
increases to +1 per level (as per barbarian).
Runecarving: Runic berserkers do not carve runes like a
traditional runecarver. Rather, they channel them as part
of their rage and fury. When they enter a rage, they can
carve up to their maximum number of runes active as
part of the action of entering a rage, receiving a bonus on
the Craft check equal to the bonus to Strength the rage
grants them. When the rage ends, they lose the benefit of
their carved runes.
Rage: The runic berserker can rage, as per the barbarian
ability of the same name, a number of times per day as
he can have runes active (so 1 at 1st, 2 at 4th, 3 at 8th, and
so on). At 8th level, the benefits granted by rage increase
by +2, and a further +2 at 14th and 20th, to a maximum of
+10. Unlike a normal barbarian's rage, the runic
berserker does not lose the ability to use his skills, items,
or any other ability as part of being in a rage.
48
Enduring Rage: At 6th level, the duration of a runic
berserker's rage changes to 6 rounds + 2 rounds per point
of Constitution modifier.
Permanent Rage: At 12th level, the duration of a runic
berserker's rage changes to 3 minutes + 1 minute per
point of Constitution modifier.
RUNIC RANGER
Many dwarves who go out into the depths of the world
and act as the tripwire of first warning for their
kingdoms are rangers, but rangers of a primarily
dwarven tradition.
Class: Ranger.
Level: 1st.
Replaces: The runic ranger replaces his spellcasting class
ability with a new runecarving class ability. He also loses
his Animal Companion ability and gains Bounty of
Nature.
Benefit: At 1st level, the runic ranger gains the abilities
to carve runes, and at 4th level, gains Bounty of Nature.
Runecarving: Runic rangers have nurtured their abilities
with runes over many months and years of training, and
have blended their knowledge of nature with their
knowledge of runes. They create carved runes normally,
as per the rules at the beginning of Chapter 4, with
Wisdom as their runecarving ability. The dwarven
ranger begins play knowing two runes. He gains
knowledge of a new rune at every subsequent odd level
(3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 19th). The runic ranger
uses the runes active table of the runecarver.
Bounty of Nature: As somewhat solitary, or at least
gruff, creatures, runic rangers spent many days roaming
the wilderness alone, and have learned how to keep
themselves at least somewhat healthy at all times. From
4th level onwards, while under the effect of one or more
carved runes, they gain fast healing equal to 1 for each
carved rune affecting them, but only at or below one-half
of their full normal hit points. They also heal any ability
damage, drain, or burn at twice the natural rate while
under the effect of one or more carved runes.
RUNIC ROGUE
Within certain societies there are traditions of
runecarving, descended from thieves’ cants and other
hidden languages. Traditions of non-dwarven
runecarving were invented in those dens and iniquity,
and passed down from generation to generation inside
certain guilds.
Class: Rogue.
Level: 1st.
Replaces: The runic rogue replaces his trap sense class
ability with a new runecarving class ability. He also
gains Disrupting Strike at 2nd level.
Benefit: At 1st level, the runic rogue gains the abilities to
carve runes, and at 2nd level gains Disrupting Strike.
Runecarving: Unlike a traditional runecarver, a runic
rogue does not carve runes in the normal way. Instead,
he quickly sketches vague shapes that are meant to
represent a concept onto an object. But unlike the precise
nature of a runecarver or runeborn, his shapes do not
grasp and hold the magic firmly, conveying exactly what
he wants, leaving him somewhat at the mercy of fate.
Whenever a runic rogue attempts to carve a rune, he
chooses the two runes he wishes use to create a carved
rune, then rolls a 1d6 twice, taking the results from Table
2-4: Unlettered Rune Creation. For the two runes he was
given as a result from Table 2-4, he then rolls another 1d6
each to determine the rune effect, rerolling any 6s or rune
effects that are too high for his runecarving level. 1 is the
First Symbol, 2 is the second Symbol, and so on. The
runic rogue’s method of creating a rune is much faster
than normal, and takes only a full-round action, and a
Craft check that is half the normal DC. However, runes
created by a runic rogue only last for one hour, instead
of one day. A runic rogue's runecarving level is equal to
his class level, and he uses Charisma as his primary
ability modifier. The runic rogue uses the runes active
table of the unlettered.
Disrupting Strike: The defenses of an enemy are
sometimes ripe to be ripped aside. Once per day per two
class levels, the runic rogue can attempt to disrupt a
single supernatural ability of a target. They must declare
they are making a Disrupting Strike before attempting to
sneak attack the target, and the use is lost if the sneak
attack misses. If the sneak attack hits, the target must
make a Will save against a DC of 10 + ½ class level + his
Charisma modifier, or lose access to his supernatural
ability for one full round. The runic rogue chooses which
supernatural ability as part of declaring his Disrupting
Strike. He may not use this ability more than once a
round.
TWINBORN
A very few of the runeborn are blessed with two runes
scored into their soul, rather than one. These runes
always have a connection to one another, usually very
closely tied together, but such is not entirely surprising
in the traditional world of the dwarves.
Class: Runeborn.
Level: 1st.
Replaces: The Twinborn replaces his Runes Known
column with his Runes Active column (in effect, he loses
5 runes known over the course of the class).
Benefit: At 1st level, the Twinborn selects a second
inherent rune. The second inherent rune can be one of
two, based on his first inherent rune, as listed on Table
3-3: Twinborn below, and otherwise follows all rules that
apply to inherent runes.

Table 3-3: Twinborn

Twinborn Rune Twinborn Rune

1st Inherent Rune Option #1 Option #2
Lujuus (Strength) Sterkur Terveys
Sterkur (Toughness) Linna Exhu
Kolo (Earth) Kivi Rauta
Linna (Fortress) Kolo Lujuus
Kunnon (Good) Ertaa Kaom
Pahuus (Evil) Kaom Ertaa
Ertaa (Law) Kunnon Pahuus
Kaom (Chaos) Pahuus Kunnon
Terveys (Health) Livet Sinn

49
 Rauta (Steel) Risti Kolo
Kivi (Stone) Kolo Linna
Lage (Create) Sigu Xosha
Kiel (Negate) Mita Exhu
Rore (Move) Kaom Kerta
Livet (Life) Terveys Linna
Sinn (Mind) Tenkt Haamu
Tenkt (Thought) Sinn Haamu
Risti (Sharp) Rauta Lujuus
Haamu (Vision) Sinn Tenkt
Kerta (Time) Mortuum Kolo
Sigu (Shape) Lage Kiel
Mortuum (Death) Kerta Pahuus
Xosha (Fire) Lage Sigu
Mita (Weakness) Mortuum Kiel
Exhu (Hatred) Pahuus Mita
Ingan (Lore) Kerta Lage
Aum (Magic) Belxa Ithi
Belxa (Prayer) Aum Queta
Queta (Deep) Kolo Kivi
Ithi (Mechanism) Xosha Lage

50

Runes are a long-lasting form of magic born from
trapping the magic imbued in the earth itself into
structured forms designed and bound about by
complicated and delicate runic designs, each one
representing a concept towards which a given carved
rune channels the energy bound within it. Those
concepts imbue powers related to themselves into the
wielder of the arms and armor upon which runes are
most often carved.
Runes last for a set period of time, usually measured in
hours or days, but this can extend as characters gain
levels, until the longest of the runes does not ever fail,
lasting as long as the carver of the rune desires.
The power of runes grows by steps as the runecarver
gains in experience, with carved runes strengthening
every four levels of power that a given runecarver has.
In addition, as the runecarver adventures further down
the path of runic magic, he unlocks stronger powers
hidden within the runes, spreading the breadth of his
abilities ever wider.
Like all forms of magic, there are some restrictions upon
the carving of runes, for the process of engraving a rune
into an appropriate surface requires intense focus and
willpower to ensure that the magic is bound in the right
way. Doing so requires a lengthy creation process, one
that requires the most expert of hands to ensure that the
rune is carved in the exact form necessary.
Nor is the capacity of the runecarver to command the
runes unlimited. While it does improve as his skill
grows, he will always find himself having to choose
between keeping older runes and carving newer ones,
rather than simply covering himself in runes willy-nilly.
That being said, the runecarver is also not affected by the
need to rest and study in order to recharge his magical
energies, and can carve a rune at any time and place the
mood takes him. This gives him the ability to remain
under the protection of his carved runes forever, without
the periods of weakness and exhaustion that
characterize other magical types. This ongoing
durability is the core of the runecarver’s strength, and
allows him to endure through situations others would
find too terrible to try.
Runes are the known sources of power for a runecarving
class, and like spells, they possess common factors as
well. All runes and their effects are considered
supernatural abilities, and remain active upon the
runecarver or the affected target until dismissed. Only
the runecarver can dismiss a carved rune, and he may do
so at any time as a full-round action, cancelling all
ongoing effects of the rune as part of that action.
Runecarving level is the measuring stick for the power
of the runecarver, and in many ways corresponds to
caster level, although certainly not in all. Runecarving
level is generally determined from the total levels in
runecarving classes that the character possess, although
certain modifiers may alter that. There are also classes
with alternate methods of rune creation, different than
those described below. Their method of determining
level will be described in the class. Regardless of method,
the runecarving level determines the duration and
strength of the effect, and is a universal constant,
whichever creation method is chosen.
A runecarver's knowledge and strength of spirit is not
unlimited, and the number of carved runes that he have
active in a given time period is restricted. A runecarver
can have a total number of carved runes active equal to
one, plus one for every four runecarving levels. Any time
he creates a carved rune which would take him above
the limit, he has the option of either cancelling an
existing carved rune, or letting the new carved rune fail.
A runecarver is a dwarf of purpose, but even that
purpose cannot last indefinitely. All of his runes have a
duration of one day. Certain rune combinations may
have a number of uses inherent in them, and when those
uses are all expended and the duration of their effects
have been completed, the rune is considered to be
dismissed. There are also classes with different rune
durations than those described here, but these are the
defaults.
51
Finally, the DC of a save against a rune created effect is
10 + ½ total rune level + the runecarver's primary ability
modifier. The runecarver needs to have a primary ability
score equal to or greater than ten + ½ the rune effect level
in order to carve it.
As with all forms of magical energy, there is also a cost
of time to be paid during the formation and creation of a
rune. For runes, given their inherently longer natures
than other forms of magic, this time cost can be
considerable. A rune takes ten minutes to carve,
regardless of surface, unless otherwise specified or
altered.
During the carving of the runes, the runecarver lays
down complicated and complex designs that help
control and guide the energy in the proper direction, and
to the correct effect. This is a difficult task, requiring the
merging of two or more runes into a single, seamless,
whole. These runes need to be formed with a Craft check,
and the DC for that check is 10 + the total carved rune
level. If the check is failed, creation of the rune fails.
Each rune has five separate effects, each possessing a
rune effect level, denoted by a number in parenthesis
next to the name of the effect. This is the minimum
runecarving level necessary in order for that effect to be
used. Total carved rune level is determined by adding
up each of numbers next to the chosen effects, and then
subtracting 1. This subtraction allows runes to be used at
first level. The total rune effect level cannot be greater
than the runecarver’s runecarving level.
When carving a rune, a minimum of two separate effects
must be used in order for a carved rune to take effect. It
is impossible to create a functional carved rune that
includes only one rune. There is no upper limit on the
number of runes effects that can be used to create a single
effect, so if a player wished to use all twenty of his level
1 rune effects, it would be possible to do so. However,
each rune can only contribute one rune effect to the
overall carved rune that is being created.
Runes are carved upon a single item. Unless stated
otherwise, they are always active, affecting either the
item they have been created upon, or the person
wielding the item. It is sometimes possible for a carved
rune to have effects that target both the held item and the
person doing the holding. In this case, each effect targets
52
the appropriate object. The item must be worn or carried
in hand to gain the benefits from it. Some few may have
uses that need to be activated by touching the rune, and
this is a free action. Only one carved rune may exist on
an object at a time. Only one copy of a given rune effect
may be active on the same creature or item at the same
time.
Some readers may find that they better understand the
rules described above when laid out more simply, and
so this addendum defines the terms for easy reference.
Runecarving Level: The total level in all runecarving
classes, counting as one runecarving base class and any
prestige classes, feats, and other abilities that increase
that.
Rune: A collection of five rune effects, centered around a
single theme.
Rune Effect: One of five effects on each rune. Two or more
of these effects are chosen when creating a carved or
graven rune. Each rune effect has a given level, shown in
parenthesis. This is also known as a Rune Symbol, in
which case the First Symbol is the lowest level effect, the
Second Symbol the next highest, until the Fifth Symbol,
which is the highest level effect.
Carved or Graven Rune: A rune that has been created by a
runecarving class on an item, and possessing a number
of rune effects and a runecarving level.
Maximum Carved Runes Active: One, increasing by one at
4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th.
Every Four Levels: Where a rune says “for every four
runecarving levels”, the benefits are gained/increased at
runecarving levels 1, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, etc.
Every Eight Levels: Where a rune says “for every eight
runecarving levels”, the benefits are gained/increased at
runecarving levels 1, 8, 16, 24, 32, etc.
Runecarving Time: 10 minutes.
Runecarving DC: Craft check of 10 + total carved rune
level.
Total Carved Rune Level: The total value of all rune effects
chosen for a single carved rune added together minus 1.
Minimum Rune Effect Level: The number given in
parenthesis next to a rune effect, and the first level at
which they can be used.
Rune Duration: 1 day, unless defined otherwise. Please
note that if using the final effect of a rune, the rune ends
after the effect duration concludes, not when the final
effect is used.
Effect Duration: Defined in the rune effect of any rune that
has one.
Carved Rune Target: The item upon which a rune is
carved, unless the rules state otherwise at the end of its
creation.
Effect Target: The creature holding or wearing the item
with the carved rune upon it, unless stated otherwise.
Difficulty Class: 10 + ½ total carved rune level + the
runecarver's primary ability modifier.
Craioach Skullbreaker is a 3rd-level Tokunnir runecarver.
As a 3rd-level runecarver, he can be under the effect of a
single carved rune at a time, with a total carved rune
level of 3.
As he and his allies are about to head into sustained
combat, Craioach spends the 10 minutes necessary to
carve a rune combining the First Symbols of Sterkur,
Lujuus, Linna, and Livet into his shield, successfully
passing the DC 13 Craft check.
This gives Craioach a total benefit of +4 Strength, +12
maximum hit points, +2 shield armor class, damage
reduction of 2/-, and 5 temporary hit points per round,
making him a brutal, if somewhat slow, combatant.
Now under the effect of a single carved rune, when the
party encounters a mob of orcs later that day, Craioach
happily wades in, taking hits that would have made his
allies crumble.
Twenty-four hours later, Craioach’s carved rune has run
its daylong course, and he can choose a new rune to
carve. He could have dismissed it earlier, but as the party
camped in enemy territory, he left his carved rune active
on his shield.
Runic magic does not resemble spellcasting, and does
not interact with magic the same way that more closely
tied systems such as psionics do. As a result, there is no
transparency between runic magic and traditional
spellcasting. Spell resistance does not function against
runes, and nor does dispelling or any other forms of
magic disruption. Even dead magic zones will not affect
runes, for a runecarver has bound the energy of the earth
itself into his runes, and magic and the weave are
unrelated concepts.
The only aspects of spellcasting that interacts with runic
magic are spells or effects that detects magic (such as
detect magic). They will also detect information about
runes, including their number and strength (based on
total carved rune level). Runes have no school, so a
Spellcraft check grants no additional knowledge.
Stacking Effects: Two bonuses of the same type don’t
stack even if they come from different runes, or one from
a ritual and one from a spell. For example, the Lage rune
and Greater Magic Weapon both provide an enhancement
bonus to the player’s weapon, so the two enhancement
bonuses don’t stack; only the higher bonus applies.
Different Bonus Types: The bonuses or penalties from two
different runes, or a ritual and a spell, stack if the effects
are of different types. For example, the Shield spell
provides a +4 shield bonus to AC. A character under the
influence of a Shield spell and the First Symbol of Linna,
which provides an untyped bonus of +2 per four
runecarving levels, has a total bonus to AC of +6 from
Shield plus that granted by Linna’s First Symbol, because
the two different bonus types stack. A bonus that isn’t
named (just a “+2 bonus” rather than a “+2 enhancement
bonus”) stacks with any bonus.
Same Effect More than Once in Different Strengths: In cases
where two or more similar or identical spell, power, or
rune effects are operating on the same character, but at
different strengths, only the best one applies. For
example, the Vampiric Touch spell and Livet’s First
Symbol both provide temporary hit points; a character
with both effects active would have only the higher
number of temporary hit points, negating the other
effect. If two carved runes both apply the same effect and
one of these carved runes is somehow negated, the other
carved rune remains in effect (assuming it is still active).
Regardless, two of the same rune effect can’t be carved
so that they affect the same character simultaneously.
FIRST SYMBOL RUNE EFFECTS
Aum – Gain spell resistance
Belxa – Gain granted power of a single domain
Ertaa - +4 bonus to knowledge, spot, and search
Exhu – Gain favored enemy
Haamu – Gain darkvision
Ingan – Gain inspire confidence
Ithi – Can use class-restricted magic items
53
Kaom - +4 bonus to tumble, escape artist, disable device,
hide and sleight of hand
Kerta - +4 insight bonus to attack rolls against any
creature who has wounded an ally
Kiel - All enemies within 5 ft. per eight runecarving
levels take a -1 penalty to all dice rolls
Kivi – Dazzle enemies, cast soften earth and stone
Kolo - +4 to balance and climb checks, immune to
overrun, trip, and can set vs a charge
Kunnon – Ward area, area provides bonuses to allies
Lage – Call arms and armor
Linna – Armor class bonus, damage reduction
Livet - Temporary hit points every round
Lujuus - +2 Strength
Mita – Take penalty now for benefits later
Mortuum – Attack and damage bonus against undead
Pahuus – Ward area, area provides bonuses to allies
Queta – Ignore concealment, cast darkness
Rauta – Attack and damage bonus
Risti – Ignore damage reduction
Rore – Increased movement speed
Sigu - +2 Constitution
Sinn - +2 to all Intelligence based skill checks
Sterkur – Increase maximum hit points
Tenkt – Struck enemies must save or be dazed
Terveys – Heal ally
Xosha – Fire damage
SECOND SYMBOL RUNE EFFECTS
Aum – Cast 1st level arcane spell
Belxa – Cast 2nd level divine spell
Ertaa - d20 becomes 11
Exhu – Damage reduction against favored enemy
Haamu – Struck creatures must save or go blind
Ingan – Knowledge bonus, Knowledge Devotion feat
Ithi – Use magic items as a swift action
Kaom – Add or subtract d6 from d20 rolls
Kerta – Haste touched creature
Kiel – Make check to negate a single attack
Kivi – Stone tell, bonus to Craft checks
Kolo – Climb speed, Survival bonus
Kunnon – Redirect attacks to target self
Lage – Fabricate
Linna – Bonus to reach
Livet – Immune to ability damage and drain
Lujuus – Use larger weapons
Mita – Attacks deal Strength damage
Mortuum – Immunity to negative energy effects, and
level drain
Pahuus – Attacks deal stat penalties
54
Queta – Bonus on attack rolls when defending a
community, cast personal cavern
Rauta – Free sunder attempts
Risti – Doubled weapon threat range
Rore – Gain burrow speed
Sigu – Immunity to transmutation and shapechange
Sinn – +2 to one mental stat
Sterkur – +2 to natural armor
Tenkt – Become telepathic
Terveys – Immunity to sickening, nauseating, poison,
and disease
Xosha – Limited flight
THIRD SYMBOL RUNE EFFECTS
Aum – Reflect spell
Belxa – Boost divine caster level
Ertaa – Spell resistance against Chaos and Neutral
Exhu – Pinpoint favored enemies
Haamu – See world as a map
Ingan – Understand locale perfectly
Ithi – Apply metamagic feats to spellcasting items
Kaom – Randomly retarget spells targeted at you
Kerta – +2 bonus on any one roll
Kiel – Strength damage to those who hit you
Kivi – Create stone pillars
Kolo – Immobilize struck foe
Kunnon – Spell resistance against Evil
Lage – Reallocate enhancement bonuses of an item
Linna – Cast wall of stone
Livet – Automatically heal self when low on hit points
Lujuus – +6 bonus to strength checks, trips, bull rushes,
overruns, and strength-based skills
Mita – Gain bonus on next roll after failure
Mortuum – Commune with ancestors
Pahuus – Area damage and spell resistance reduction
Queta – Cast spells with Darkness descriptor
Rauta – Cast Blade Guardian
Risti – Weapon feats apply to all weapons, ignore
surprise rounds
Rore – Teleport to marked location
Sigu – Immunity to sneak attacks and critical hits,
transmute mud to rock/rock to mud
Sinn – Cast Mental History or Lithic Embrace
Sterkur – Reroll failed Fortitude saves
Tenkt – Fascinate in area
Terveys – Fast healing
Xosha – Cast wall of fire
FOURTH SYMBOL RUNE EFFECTS
Aum – Ignore 1st to 3rd level arcane spells
Belxa – Struck creatures must save or lose divine
spellcasting
Ertaa – Struck creature must save or be imprisoned
Exhu – Spells cast by favored enemy rebound on caster
Haamu – Invisibility, hiding, concealment and lying
impossible in area around runecarver
Ingan – Cast Knowledge Domain spells
Ithi – Item usage does not use charges
Kaom – Ignore planar effects, dimension door
Kerta – Cast time stop
Kiel – Successful attack dispels magic
Kivi – Spike stones, damage reduction in area
Kolo – Gain tremorsense
Kunnon – Attack bonus, half damage taken, heal ally
Lage – Create any item
Linna – Attacks can only do a max of 25% of target’s
health
Livet – Raise dead, restoration
Lujuus – Knock enemies prone on successful attack
Mita – Destroy non-magical buildings
Mortuum – Halve movement, base attack bonus,
damage and damage reduction of struck creature
Pahuus – Gain claw/claw/bite, heal from natural
attacks
Queta – Gain deepborn template, underearth warrior
feat
Rauta – Negate enemy attacks
Risti – Struck enemy must save or die
Rore – Travel to Ethereal plane
Sigu – Alter self
Sinn – Negate mind-affecting spells
Sterkur – Reroll failed Will saves
Tenkt – Deal Intelligence damage
Terveys – Cast spells from Healing subschool
Xosha – Enhance magical items
FIFTH SYMBOL RUNE EFFECTS
Aum – Learn high level wizard spells
Belxa – Learn high level cleric spells
Ertaa – Gain DR 15/chaos, Lawful subtype, chaos bane
Exhu – Save or die attacks against favored enemy
Haamu – True seeing, greater scrying
Ingan – Learn special qualities, vulnerabilities, and
resistances of all creatures
Ithi – Call expensive magical item
Kaom – Gain DR 15/law, Chaotic subtype, law bane
Kerta – Ignore, negate, effects
Kiel – Creatures striking target gain negative levels
Kivi – Become construct, grow larger, gain damage
reduction
Kolo – Survive death, meld into stone
Kunnon – Gain DR 15/evil, Good subtype, evil bane
Lage – Summon earth elemental or golem
Linna – Create fortress
Livet – Double hit points, saves
Lujuus – Increase in size, strength, gain giant hammer
Mita – Area of effect 3d6 dexterity damage
Mortuum – Undead traits, touch attack save or die
Pahuus – Gain DR 15/good, Evil subtype, good bane
Queta – Gain stone guardian cohort
Rauta – Iron body
Risti – All attacks are critical hits
Rore – Teleport to multiple locations at will
Sigu – Struck targets affected by flesh to stone
Sinn – Immune to all mind-affecting, bonus to mental
stats, touch attack dealing mental ability damage
Sterkur – Damage reduction, auto-succeed on saves,
ignore death until -75 hit points
Tenkt – Become incorporeal, teleport as swift action
Terveys – Return to life from death
Xosha – Immunity to fire damage, fire retaliation, fireball
as swift action
The runes available to characters are described below.
The description of each rune is presented in a standard
format, and the runes are presented in alphabetical order
by rune name.
AUM (MAGIC)
First Symbol (1): Dwarves have long had a difficult
relationship with the ways of magic, and some have
begun to reject them altogether. The rune’s target gains
spell resistance of 8 + runecarving level. If combined
with an effect from the Mortuum rune, increase the spell
resistance by +5.
Second Symbol (3): There have been moments in the
history of the dwarves where magic was a tool, one they
found useful. The rune’s target gains the ability to cast a
single 1st level arcane spell, selected when the rune is
created by the runecarver and drawn from the wizard
list, once every 5 rounds. He uses the runecarving level
of the rune’s carver as the caster level, and the
runecarving ability modifier of the rune’s creator as the
ability modifier for the spell. Every four runecarving
levels, the rune’s target can choose one extra spell
known.
55
Third Symbol (7): Magic is something that is better
rejected, rather than relied upon. As an immediate
action, the rune’s target can make an attack roll at his
highest base attack bonus when targeted by a spell. His
attack roll is opposed by a caster level check from the
spell's creator. If his attack roll is higher, the spell is
reflected at its creator. If combined with an effect from
the Ingan rune, he gains a +4 bonus on his attack roll.
Fourth Symbol (11): Long ago, a refusal of magic was
infused within the nature of the dwarves. The rune’s
target ignores the effects of any arcane spell of 1st, 2nd, or
3rd level. For every four runecarving levels, increase the
maximum spell level ignored by 1.
Fifth Symbol (15): The use of the arcane is a tricky
business, but there are times when even a dwarf must let
his longstanding prejudice step to the side. The rune’s
target learns 3 wizard spells each of 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and
7th levels, and may cast each spell known once. He uses
the runecarving level of the rune’s carver as the caster
level, and the runecarving ability modifier of the rune’s
creator as the ability modifier for the spell. He must pay
any material components or other costs of that spell. If
he carves this rune effect more than once in a day, the
runecarver or anyone else wielding the targeted item
does not gain additional spells.
BELXA (PRAYER)
First Symbol (1): Devotion to the concepts of their gods
has long given the dwarves strength and purpose. The
rune’s target gains the granted power of a single domain,
with cleric level equal to runecarving level. Every four
runecarving levels, he gains another granted power.
When combined with an effect from the Aum rune, he
gains the magic domain's granted power.
Second Symbol (5): Clerics are amongst those held in
highest regard in dwarven culture, and while in that
they are rivals with the runecarvers, both sides
appreciate the care of the others. The rune’s target gains
the ability to cast a single 2nd level divine spell, selected
when the rune is created by the runecarver and drawn
from the cleric list, once every 5 rounds. He uses the
runecarving level of the rune’s carver as the caster level,
and the runecarving ability modifier of the rune’s creator
as the ability modifier for the spell. Every four
runecarving levels, the rune’s target can choose one extra
spell known.
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Third Symbol (9): Runecarvers and priests have long
been entwined in the religious and societal world of the
dwarves, often complimenting one another. The rune’s
target increases his divine caster level by +1. It increases
by a further +1 for every four runecarving levels. When
combined with an effect from the Exhu rune, increase the
caster level by a further +2 against the chosen favored
enemy.
Fourth Symbol (11): Shamans and spiritual guidance
can help sway the battle, be it for the dwarves or their
foes. When the rune’s target strikes a divine caster, that
caster must make a Will save or lose their connection to
their god for one round. This prevents them from casting
any divine spells or using any supernatural class abilities
granted by a divine casting class.
Fifth Symbol (15): The ages of the dwarves have been
marked by a depth of belief, a solidity of purpose, that
the runecarvers have long appreciated. The rune’s target
learns 3 cleric spells each of 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th levels,
and may cast each spell known once. He uses the
runecarving level of the rune’s carver as the caster level,
and the runecarving ability modifier of the rune’s creator
as the ability modifier for the spell. He must pay any
material components or other costs of that spell. If he
carves this rune effect more than once in a day, the
runecarver or anyone else wielding the targeted item
does not gain additional spells.
ERTAA (LAW)
First Symbol (1): Above all other things, immune even
to the vagaries of the good or the bad, is the law. It is a
perfect measure, the exact meaning of all things, defining
and enfolding the universe. Creatures with this rune
affecting them can easily recognize the patterns of life,
and gains a +4 bonus to Knowledge, Spot, and Search
checks for every four runecarving levels, minimum of
+4. Combined with an effect from the Haamu rune,
opponents flanking the target of the rune do not gain a
bonus on their attack rolls instead of the +2 or any other
bonus to attack rolls they would get.
Second Symbol (3): Law smooths the passage of all
things, forcing each into an easy and well-known
pattern. Whenever the rune’s target would roll a d20,
instead replace that roll with an 11.
Third Symbol (8): Shielded by the power of the law,
there are few things that can affect such a creature, for to
do so would be to disrupt the natural order. The rune’s
target gains spell resistance equal to 13 + runecarving
level against all spells cast by a chaotic creature, and 10
+ runecarving level against spells cast by a law-chaos
neutral creature. It has no spell resistance against spells
cast by a lawful creature.
Fourth Symbol (13): Those of the strongest power in law
may bind a creature under the law, freezing them to the
ground. Any creature struck by an item affected by the
rune must make a Fortitude save or be imprisoned for one
round, as per the spell. This can only affect one creature
per round. When combined with an effect from the Kerta
rune, the imprisonment lasts for two rounds.
Fifth Symbol (15): A stern and implacable creature, the
target gains DR 15/chaos, the Lawful subtype, and any
weapon or armor (including shields) he wields gains a
+5 enhancement bonus and a +2d6 damage bonus
against chaotic creatures.
EXHU (HATRED)
First Symbol (1): Some of the more radical of the
runecarvers have focused their efforts on the destruction
of the ancient enemies of their people. Choose a favored
enemy (as per the ranger class feature). The rune’s target
gains a +2 bonus on Bluff, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot,
and Survival checks when using these skills against
creatures of this type. Likewise, he gets a +2 bonus on
weapon damage rolls against such creatures. This bonus
increases by +2 every four runecarving levels.
Second Symbol (4): A runecarver must learn not only to
kill an enemy, but also to survive their attacks. Choose a
favored enemy (as per the ranger). The rune’s target
gains damage reduction 2/- against creatures of this
type. The damage reduction increases by 2 every four
runecarving levels. If combined with an effect from the
Mita rune, the bonus also applies on saving throws
against spells and effects created by that creature type.
Third Symbol (7): To kill a hated enemy, a vengeful
dwarf must first know where they are. Choose a favored
enemy (as per the ranger). The rune’s target can sense
the presence of creatures of this type within 30 feet, as
well as pinpoint their exact location (distance and
direction) relative to him. Normal barriers and
obstructions do not block this supernatural ability,
allowing the rune’s target to sense the presence and
location of creatures behind doors or walls, for example.
This feat does not allow him to see an invisible or hidden
creature (although he can still discern its location).
Increase the distance by 30 feet every four runecarving
levels. When combined with an effect from the Haamu
rune, it allows him to see invisible and hidden creatures
of the chosen type.
Fourth Symbol (11): The highest mark of anger is to kill
a foe with its own weapon. Choose a favored enemy (as
per the ranger). Whenever the rune’s target successfully
saves against a spell, spell-like, or supernatural ability
from a creature of that type, the effect rebounds and
strikes the casting creature. If the effect targets multiple
creatures, it affects those other than the rune’s target
normally.
Fifth Symbol (15): Only when the despised foe of the
runecarving is a corpse beneath his boot does relief come
at last. Choose a favored enemy (as per the ranger). The
first attack of each round is a Fortitude save or die
against the chosen creature type. For each of the chosen
creature type killed in this way, the rune’s target gains a
+1 bonus to all rolls for one minute. This bonus stacks
with itself.
HAAMU (VISION)
First Symbol (1): Those are blessed who can see, for
otherwise all the world would be blind. Thus it is
incumbent upon the runecarver that sight always be
possible. He gains darkvision out to 60 ft. When
combined with an effect from the Linna rune, the rune’s
target is immune to blindness, and gains blindsight out
to 30 ft.
Second Symbol (3): Understanding vision means that
sometimes those who can see should not. Any creature
struck by the rune’s target must make a Fortitude save
or go blind for 1 round.
Third Symbol (6): Stretching from point to point and
peak to peak, a web of nodes spread themselves across
the world, a map of infinite possibility before the
runecarver. The rune’s target can see the world from a
top-down view, with centers of population glowing
based upon their size. He also sees all man-made paths
between these population centers, including waterways
with heavy travel. He may regain this view by
concentrating as a standard action, and his personal
location is marked upon the vision. He can see ten square
miles for every four runecarving levels.
Fourth Symbol (9): To observe the world is to
understand what is happening, and why. The rune’s
target becomes surrounded by a 20 ft. radius zone of
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truthfulness, in which invisibility, hiding, concealment
and lying are impossible. If combined with an effect from
the Siga rune, all shapechanging or polymorph effects
are cancelled when they enter the area.
Fifth Symbol (13): The ability to see stretches forth in an
unending turmoil, a landscape always in focus. The
rune’s target gains the effects of true seeing, and the
ability to use greater scrying at will. He uses the
runecarving level of the rune’s carver as the caster level,
and the runecarving ability modifier of the rune’s creator
as the ability modifier for the spell.
INGAN (LORE)
First Symbol (1): The songs told by the ancestors live on,
inspiring those who hear them for generations more. The
rune’s target can Inspire Confidence, as per a bard of his
level, twice per day. He gains two more uses per day for
every four runecarving levels. When combined with an
effect from the Xosha rune, Inspire Courage loses the
standard morale bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls.
Instead, it grants an extra 1d6 points of fire damage for
every point of morale bonus that the Inspire Courage
ability would normally add to the attack roll.
Second Symbol (3): The ages of the world have written
themselves into the stone of the dwarven home, and it is
by studying that stone that a dwarf can begin to
understand his history. He gains a +2 bonus per four
runecarving levels to all Knowledge checks, and gains
the benefits of the Knowledge Devotion(Complete Champion
p60) feat.
Third Symbol (6): The lore of other nations may not be
as appealing to a runecarver as their own, but they
acknowledge the necessity of understanding those who
surround their lands. The rune’s target chooses a single
kingdom or similar area, and can recall the complete
history of the locale, including number and type of
inhabitants, geography, and other salient details. In
addition, treat any Knowledge (Local) check concerning
that particular area as if it had a +20 bonus on the roll.
Fourth Symbol (11): The gods of the dwarves have
gifted the runecarver with the tools needed to
understand not only history, but also what is next to
come. As an action taking one minute, the rune’s target
can cast any spell from the Knowledge domain. He uses
the runecarving level of the rune’s carver as the caster
level, and the runecarving ability modifier of the rune’s
creator as the ability modifier for the spell. He cannot
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cast a spell until his character level is equal to the cleric
level necessary to cast a given spell.
Fifth Symbol (13): No longer is a runecarver happy to
simply study the ancients. Now he wishes to write his
name across history as greatly as they have. The rune’s
target automatically learns any special qualities,
vulnerabilities, and resistances of all creatures within 30
feet per four runecarving levels have. Vulnerabilities
include anything that causes more than the normal
amount of damage (such as a creature with the cold
subtype having vulnerability to fire or a crystalline
creature's susceptibility to the shatter spell). Resistances
include any effects that reduce or negate damage and
immunities to particular attacks. This includes
resistances and vulnerabilities granted by spell effects.
As a swift action, the rune’s target can choose to negate
a single resistance of a single target creature for one
round. Only the rune’s target treats the resistance as if it
was not there. His allies treat the targeted creature
normally.
ITHI (MECHANISM)
First Symbol (1): The kingdoms of the dwarves are
famous for the magical items they create and use. The
rune’s target can use any class-restricted magic item as if
they had levels in that class equal to runecarving level. If
combined with an effect from the Aum rune, the rune’s
target gains a +3 bonus to Use Magic Device per four
runecarving levels.
Second Symbol (3): The runecarver is entirely in touch
with the world of magical items, and uses them at will.
Once every five rounds, the rune’s target can activate a
magical item in his possession as a swift action.
Third Symbol (7): Some dwarves are so in touch with
the creations of their forefathers that those creations
respond to their touch. The rune’s target can apply any
single metamagic feat with a spell slot cost of 1 per four
runecarving levels as a free action as part of casting a
spell from a magical item.
Fourth Symbol (11): Possessed of a gentle touch, there is
a chance the creations of the ancients do not crumble
under his touch. Whenever the rune’s target activates an
item, there is a 10% chance per four runecarving levels
that it does not count as a use per day, charge, or other
(this means that if an item would be destroyed and this
ability activates, it is not). When combined with an effect
from the Ingan rune, increase the chance by 20%.
Fifth Symbol (15): When a runecarver has a need, the
dwarven ancients respond. The rune’s target calls a
single magical item with a cost of 10,000gp per four
runecarving levels. If this item leaves the rune’s target's
possession, it disappears. At the end of the carved rune's
duration, all effects created from the item disappear,
along with the item itself. It may not be an expendable
item, or one with charges.
KAOM (CHAOS)
First Symbol (1): Chaos is a wild and variable thing,
never constant, never stable, always in flux. Its nature
makes it a difficult power to tame, but those who have
succeed. Creatures with this rune affecting them can
easily recognize the patterns of life, and gains a +4 bonus
to Tumble, Escape Artist, Disable Device, Hide and
Sleight of Hand checks for every four runecarving levels,
minimum of +4. Combined with an effect from the Tenkt
rune, the target gains a +2 bonus to attack in any round
in which it succeeded at a Tumble check.
Second Symbol (4): Chaos infects all things, boosting or
infecting them as the case may be. Whenever the rune’s
target rolls a d20, roll a d6 and randomly add or subtract
that from the result of the d20 roll. Any result greater
than 20 is treated as a natural 20. Any result less than 1
is treated as a natural 1.
Third Symbol (9): Magic can be scattered, tossed to the
winds by the powers of chaos. When the rune’s target is
the target of a spell or ability (including by allies), roll a
1d4. On a result of 1, the spell or ability acts normally.
On any other result, it targets one other legal target
within the spell's range, determined randomly. If there
are no other legal targets, it affects the rune’s target.
Fourth Symbol (11): Lost amidst swirling worlds and
twisting portals, the chaotic creature is at home amongst
any plane, any world. The rune’s target takes no
negative effects from any plane that he is on, and while
he is affected by the rune, he may cast dimension door
every 1d4 rounds. If this is combined with an effect from
the Rore rune, he may cast plane shift every 1d4 hours.
He uses the runecarving level of the rune’s carver as the
caster level, and the runecarving ability modifier of the
rune’s creator as the ability modifier for the spell.
Fifth Symbol (15): A random and unpredictable
creature, the target gains DR 15/law, the chaotic
subtype, and any weapon or armor (including shields)
he wields gains a +5 enhancement bonus and a +2d6
damage bonus against lawful creatures.
KERTA (TIME)
First Symbol (1): To a dwarf, the most important
measure of life itself is their family, and its honor and
place in the world, earned through aeons of hard work
and often brutal combat, against enemies both above and
below. To that end, a dwarf fights to protect not only
himself, but his family legacy. Whenever an ally in the
same encounter is below half hit points, the rune’s target
gets an insight bonus to attack rolls against any creature
who has wounded an ally of +4 for every four
runecarving levels, minimum of +4. When combined
with an effect from the Sinn rune, any ally within 10 ft.
per 4 runecarving levels gains the insight bonus to attack
rolls as well.
Second Symbol (4): While a dwarf is usually considered
to be a creature of long history and little change, change
comes even to the dwarven world. The rune’s target
gains the ability to haste a single touched creature as a
standard action. The haste lasts two rounds per four
runecarving levels.
Third Symbol (6): Other creatures speak of the impact of
luck upon destiny, whereas the dwarven kind believes
in hard work, and in finding the right moment or the
right place from which to act. The rune’s target gets a +2
bonus on a single roll per hour for every four
runecarving levels, minimum of +2. This is increased by
+2 if combined with an effect from the Kivi rune. The
rune’s target can choose to apply the bonus to the chosen
roll after it knows the result of that roll.
Fourth Symbol (11): Quite at home with the concepts of
the long now, a runecarver finds them occasionally to be
useful. The rune’s target can time stop as a full round
action. The duration of the ability is 1 round, plus 1 for
every eight runecarving levels.
Fifth Symbol (14): The most skilled of the runecarvers,
those who understood time and what it wrought, could
simply set aside the concerns of the mortal world for a
moment. The rune’s target may choose to ignore any
attack or effect for two rounds. When the effect finally
resolves, the rune’s target has a 5% chance for every four
runecarving levels of completely negating that effect.
When combined with an effect from the Livet rune,
increase the chance of the effect being negated by 10%.
59
KIEL (NEGATE)
First Symbol (1): Antithetical to creation, the very
opposite of what would normally be, there is little that
can be done for those touched by Kiel. All enemies
within 5 ft. take a -1 penalty to all dice rolls, minimum of
-1. Increase the area by 5 ft. and the penalty by -1 every
eight runecarving levels When combined with an effect
from the Haamu rune, the affected area increases to 10
ft. per eight runecarving levels.
Second Symbol (5): Motions made by foes simply
disappear into the ether, their results gone as if nothing
ever happened. Once per round as an immediate action,
the rune’s target may completely ignore the effects of one
attack against him. He must succeed at a level check
against the initiator of the attack. He receives a +4 bonus
on this check if this rune was combined with a rune effect
from the Linna rune.
Third Symbol (7): A ward built of the very negation of
existence forms itself around those with the rune,
binding their souls against darkness. Any creature who
strikes the rune’s target in melee must make a Fortitude
save or take one point of Strength damage. This stacks
with itself.
Fourth Symbol (13): Magic is nothing more than a
bound together creation of energy, and like any other
created structure, it can be broken apart. On any
successful melee strike, the rune’s target may attempt to
dispel spells on the target. Make a dispel check with a
bonus equal to the runecarving level of this rune. If
combined with an effect from the Rore rune, the affected
spells may be transferred to the striking creature at that
creature's discretion, instead of being dispelled.
Fifth Symbol (15): Shields of nothing bind and protect
the form of the marked. Any creature who strikes the
rune’s target in melee must make a Fortitude save or take
one negative level. This stacks with itself, and the level
loss is permanent.
KIVI (STONE)
First Symbol (1): Art is found within the stone and the
rock, the swirls of their crystal cores drawing designs
more complex than any living hand. Any enemy looking
at the rune’s target is dazzled, and the rune’s target can,
using a full round action, cause the terrain 10 ft. around
him to be affected as if by soften earth and stone.
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Second Symbol (4): Stone can speak to the creator as it
is being worked, allowing him to pull from it knowledge
and strength. As a full round action, the rune’s target
may speak to stone, as per the stone tell spell. In addition,
they receive a +4 bonus per four runecarving levels to
any Craft check they make involving stone.
Third Symbol (8): Stone is often the core of the
runecarver's art, for it, more than any other substance,
bears his mark. The rune’s target can create a pillar, as
per fingers of rock, as a standard action. When combined
with an effect from the Lage rune, he may create two
pillars as a standard action. He uses the runecarving
level of the rune’s carver as the caster level, and the
runecarving ability modifier of the rune’s creator as the
ability modifier for the spell.
Fourth Symbol (10): The very presence of this rune can
warp the stone around it, calling out to it to bend and
curve and sharpen against their foes. Any enemy within
10 ft. per four runecarving levels of the rune’s target is
affected as if by spike stones. Those allies in the area are
wrapped in a soft blanket of stone, absorbing the first 5
damage of any attack that strikes them, as the rock flows
to protect the rune target’s allies.
Fifth Symbol (13): Few have achieved the mastery of
Vivisection and Resurrection that the runecarver have,
and none have incorporated it into his being in such a
manner. The stone binds itself with the soul of the
runecarving, welding itself to his body and mind. The
runecarving gains low-light vision, darkvision out to 60
feet, immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms,
compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects),
immunity to poison, sleep effects, paralysis, stunning,
disease, death effects, and necromancy effects, not
subject to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability damage,
ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, or energy drain,
immunity to any effect that requires a fortitude save
(unless the effect also works on objects, or is harmless),
not at risk of death from massive damage. He retains his
Constitution score, and can be raised and resurrected.
He also gains DR 10/adamantium and becomes immune
to all spells that allow for spell resistance. His size
increases by 1 step (as per animal growth, ignoring the
damage reduction and bonus to saves), and he gains two
slam attacks that deal 2d10 damage as a large creature.
KOLO (EARTH)
First Symbol (1): The grains of the earth bind themselves
into the runecarver, providing him sturdiness and
balance. The target gains a +4 to Balance and Climb
checks for every four runecarving levels, minimum of
+4. He also becomes immune to any attempt to overrun
or trip, and can set versus a charge as an immediate
action.
Second Symbol (2): Clambering about the rock is second
nature to the runecarver, who gains a +4 bonus to
Survival checks when underground or upon rocky
terrain, such as hills and mountains, for every four
runecarving levels, minimum of +4. He also gains a
climb speed equal to his walking speed.
Third Symbol (7): Each strike from the runecarver
reaches out to grab at his foe, pinning them to the
ground. Whenever the rune’s target successfully strikes
a foe and beats their AC by 4 or more, that foe is
immobilized, and cannot move from his current location,
including by magical means. The foe can attack and
perform all other actions normally. This only works
against enemies who are standing upon earth, stone, or
other rocky, natural materials. This effect lasts for 1
round. The foe must make a DC 15 Fortitude save or take
two Constitution damage if combined with an effect
from the Kivi rune.
Fourth Symbol (9): The earth speaks to those who can
stand upon it and listen, and those touched by the
runecarver can do so. The rune’s target gains
tremorsense with a range of 20 ft. per four runecarving
levels. If this is combined with an effect from the Haamu
rune, he gains a +2 bonus to attack creatures that he can
see with both his eyes and his tremorsense.
Fifth Symbol (12): Enshrined in the bosom of the earth,
the runecarver is welcomed into its warmth and
protection. He may cast meld into stone at will. If he is
struck by an attack that would kill him, he may attempt
a Fortitude with a DC equal to the damage dealt. If he
succeeds, he instead melds into stone and takes no
damage. If he cannot meld into stone, the attack affects
him normally. While he is melded into stone, he gains
fast healing 5.
KUNNON (GOOD)
First Symbol (1): Runes have long marked the
boundaries of good and holy places, protecting them
from the incursions of those who should not be there. By
pressing the item the rune is carved upon into the
ground as a full round action, the rune’s target can ward
an area 20 ft. in radius from the place the item touched.
Any evil creature attempting to pass over the marked
area must make a Will save or be stunned for 1 round,
and take 1d6 holy damage per runecarving level. Any
allies of the rune’s target standing within the warded
area gain the benefit of all other rune effects combined
with this rune effect. The marked area is affected for the
remaining duration of the rune. The rune’s target can
have one warded area in existence at a time.
Second Symbol (3): The target has learned how to
sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the collective.
The rune’s target may use an immediate action to
redirect an attack made against an adjacent ally so that it
is made against him instead. The rune’s target must be
within reach of the attacker (if a melee attack) or within
range of the attack (if a ranged attack) in order to use this
ability. The attack roll result remains the same, but it is
against the rune’s target’s AC, rather than that of his ally.
If the redirected attack hits him, he takes an extra 50%
damage from it.
Third Symbol (6): Holy radiance swirls around the
target, protecting him against evil actions. The rune’s
target gains spell resistance equal to 15 + runecarving
level against all spells cast by an evil creature. When
mixed with an effect from the rune Sterkur, if the spell
resistance stops the spell, the spell instead rebounds
upon the caster. This only works on spells that target just
the rune’s target.
Fourth Symbol (13): Those of the most noble spirit are
affected strongly by the Kunnon rune, their self
improved and made resilient. Good creatures affected by
this rune gain a +4 bonus to Wisdom, and whenever they
are struck by a weapon, they only take half damage. In
addition, the struck creature heals an ally an amount
equal to the damage he just took. That ally must be
within 30 ft. If this is combined with an effect from the
Terveys rune, the target may heal the ally twice the
damage taken.
Fifth Symbol (15): A paragon of all things good, the
target gains DR 15/evil, the good subtype, and any
weapon or armor (including shields) he wields gains a
+5 enhancement bonus and a +2d6 damage bonus
against evil creatures in addition to its normal abilities.
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LAGE (CREATE)
First Symbol (1): A rune of many forms, Lage can create
a bounty of useful tools for the wielder. As a full round
action, the rune’s target can call a single item, weapon,
or armor. Weapons and armor have a +1 enhancement
bonus for every eight runecarving levels. If the rune’s
target lets go of the item, it disappears. He cannot call
one-use or charged items. He can have one item in
existence for every four runecarving levels.
Second Symbol (5): Building items from earth and stone
is easily within the purview of the runecarver. The rune’s
target can cast the fabricate spell as a ritual taking 1 hour
to perform, and it only ever affects 1 cubic foot per level
of material.
Third Symbol (7): Bound within the spirit of creation is
the ability to modify that which already exists. When the
rune is carved upon an item, the item possessor can
reallocate all of the enhancement bonuses on the item to
any others that are of the same bonus strength. Once the
rune expires or has been dismissed, the item returns to
its permanent properties.
Fourth Symbol (12): The rune’s target can create any
magical item as if he had the appropriate item creation
feat, can cast the appropriate spells, and has a caster level
equal to his character level. He must still pay all gold and
experience costs required, including those that would be
required by the spells necessary for the item creation.
Fifth Symbol (14): A creature of stone and earth appears
before the target of the rune, bound to him and to protect
him for the duration of the rune. The rune’s target
summons an elemental with the earth subtype or golem
made from metal or stone, and can be any creature that
meets the requirements and has a CR equal to the target's
level -2 or lower.
LINNA (FORTRESS)
First Symbol (1): Walls and castles can be written into
existence, carved from the bones of the earth. Any shield
or armor upon which the rune is drawn has its armor
class increased by 2 for every four runecarving levels,
minimum of +2. When combined with an effect from the
Sterkur rune, the rune’s target also gains damage
reduction of 2/-. This stacks with any other damage
reduction he might have.
Second Symbol (4): Fortresses are great, immobile
structures, who extend their power beyond all measure
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of their size. If the rune’s target does not move or only
takes a 5 ft. step, his reach is increased by 5 ft. for that
round. If created with more than 10 runecarving levels,
the reach increases by 10 ft.
Third Symbol (7): By pressing the item the rune is
carved upon into the ground as a standard action, the
rune’s target can create a wall of stone, as per the spell.
Caster level is equal to his runecarving level. If combined
with an effect from the Rauta rune, this becomes a wall of
iron. He can use this ability once every 1d4 hours.
Fourth Symbol (9): Walls can eventually be broken, but
walls built in the right manner will resist the deciding
blow for far longer. If any strike, spell, or effect would
do more than 25% of the rune target's total health, the
damage is reduced to 25% of his total health.
Fifth Symbol (12): Runes drawn upon the ground call
into being structures and homes, giving the runecarver a
fortress to defend. The structure has a square base of 120
ft. per side, and is 25 ft. tall. The runecarver can choose
to arrange the interior in whatever manner he chooses.
All of the walls are made from stone (treat hardness and
thickness as per wall of stone). Any creature inside the
fortress gains the benefits of all rune effects combined
with this rune effect. If this is combined with an effect
from the Kunnon, Pahuus, Ertaa, or Kaom runes, all
creatures within the fortress gain the effects of protection
from the opposite alignment. The benefits are as per the
spell protection from evil.
LIVET (LIFE)
First Symbol (1): Wrapped in the positive glow of life,
the rune shines forth the glory of the living. Every round,
the rune’s target gains 5 temporary hit points per 4
runecarving levels. At the beginning of the rune target’s
round, any existing temporary hit points dissipate, and
he garners a new total for that round.
Second Symbol (3): Built of the strength of the earth and
the solidity of the mountain, the core of life within
becomes resilient and fierce. The rune’s target becomes
immune to ability damage or drain. When combined
with an effect from the Kiel rune, any enemy who strikes
the rune’s target in melee and attempts to deal ability
damage takes hit point damage equal to the ability
damage he would have dealt.
Third Symbol (6): Inscribed over the heart, Livet marks
the center of the creature, the place where life is most
important. When reduced below 25% of his normal hit
points, the rune’s target can, once per encounter as a
standard action, remove all negative status effects and
heal himself to half his total hit points. When combined
with an effect from the Rore rune, the rune’s target can
teleport himself to be adjacent to an ally within 100 ft.
Fourth Symbol (9): Often confused with the good and
the pure, Livet is not of those things, but of life itself.
Once every five rounds, the rune’s target can touch an
ally and affect him with either the raise dead or restoration
spells. When combined with an effect from the Linna
rune, the touched creature also gains a +2 bonus on saves
and damage reduction of 2/- per 4 runecarving levels.
These bonuses last for one round.
Fifth Symbol (14): Arching over every tenet is the
sanctity of life itself, that without the life of the
runecarver, the rune is a dead and lifeless creation,
stripped of meaning and essence. While affected by this
rune effect, the rune’s target doubles his normal hit point
total, and doubles his saves against any spell that would
cause him physical harm (hit point damage, ability
damage, or death).
LUJUUS (STRENGTH)
First Symbol (1): Strength flows from the rune's design
out into the being wearing it. The rune’s target gets a +2
bonus to Strength for every four runecarving levels,
minimum of +2. This is increased by +2 if combined with
an effect from the Sterkur rune.
Second Symbol (4): The grasp of the titan allows the
rune’s target to wield weapons one size larger than the
target normally could.
Third Symbol (7): Rolling boulders crash down upon
your foe, and the rune’s target gets a +6 bonus to
Strength checks, trips, bull rushes, overruns, and
Strength-based skills for every four runecarving levels,
minimum of +6. This is increased by +6 if combined with
an effect from the Kivi rune.
Fourth Symbol (10): The form of the giant crushes the
puny beneath its feet. On the first attack of every round
by the rune’s target, the struck creature must make a
Reflex save or be knocked prone. For every four
runecarving levels, this affects one additional attack per
round. When combined with an effect from the Mita
rune, enemy creatures adjacent to the struck creature
must save with a +4 bonus or be knocked prone.
Fifth Symbol (14): Legends of the mountains breath
their strength into the rune’s target, increasing him
beyond all measure. He gains a +10 bonus to Strength
(this is in addition to that granted by the size increase),
increases in size by one category (as per animal growth,
ignoring the damage reduction and bonus to saves), and
is granted a giant hammer that deals 6d6 damage as a
one-handed large weapon.
MITA (WEAKNESS)
First Symbol (1): To appear weak is to invite attack, but
sometimes that invitation is simply a trap. The rune’s
target can take up to a -2 penalty to any physical statistic
at will. For each hour spent this way, they gain a +2
bonus to the same statistic, lasting for one minute and
useable as a free action. They can store a maximum
number of hours equal to their normal (unmodified)
Constitution modifier. For every four runecarving levels,
the rune’s target can increase the penalty and bonus by
2. When combined with an effect from the Terveys rune,
double the duration of the bonus.
Second Symbol (3): Where others would seek to cripple
a runecarver, he finds it within himself to cripple them
first. On a successful melee attack, the rune’s target deals
1 point of Strength damage, Fortitude negates. When
combined with an effect from the Kaom rune, he deals 1
point of Strength and Dexterity damage. This ability
damage stacks.
Third Symbol (8): Weakness can appear amongst those
who seemed most able, most wise. But knowing your
own weakness beforehand can become a strength.
Whenever the rune’s target fails a saving throw or is hit
by an attack, it gets a +1 bonus on the next roll it makes.
This increases by +1 for every four runecarving levels. If
the rune’s target is hit by multiple attacks, spells, or
effects before using a roll, he does not gain multiple
bonuses.
Fourth Symbol (11): Objects that have stood the test of
time have, perhaps, not been tested in the right way.
With a standard action, the rune’s target can touch a
single item, building, or stone structure (including
cavern walls and the like). Non-magical items or a 20 ft.
cube of the building or stone structure crumble into dust.
Magical objects get a Fortitude save to resist becoming
dust.
Fifth Symbol (15): Long has the expression existed “In
the land of the blind, the one-eyed dwarf is king”. And
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so shall it be. Every 1d4 rounds, the rune’s target can
release a rippling wave of weakness as a standard action
that affects a 60 ft. radius around him. Any creature in
the area must make a Fortitude save or take 3d6
Dexterity damage. Any creature the rune’s target strikes
in melee becomes exhausted.
MORTUUM (DEATH)
First Symbol (1): There are those known as the unquiet
dead, and it is incumbent upon the runecarver to return
them to their proper place in the order of things. The
rune’s target gains a +1 bonus to attack and a +1d6
damage bonus for every four runecarving levels against
undead creatures.
Second Symbol (5): When the dead walk the earth, they
steal from the living that which they should not. The
rune’s target becomes immune to negative energy effects
and level drain. When combined with an effect from the
Lage rune, it grants immunity to death effects.
Third Symbol (7): The spirit realm of the dead contains
much that was once holy to the dwarves, and it is still
held in a certain reverence today. The rune’s target may
commune with his ancestors as a full round action, using
the rune creator’s runecarving level as the caster level.
Fourth Symbol (10): The energy of death has infused
itself into the actions of the rune’s target, and he has
welcomed its presence. On a successful melee attack by
the rune’s target, the struck creature must make a
Fortitude save or have its movement, base attack bonus,
damage and damage reduction reduced by half. When
combined with an effect from the Pahuus rune, the
struck creature also has its caster level reduced by half.
These effects do not stack with themselves, and last for
one round.
Fifth Symbol (15): Fatalism is well known amongst the
dwarves, but among the runecarvers, some have
perfected it into an art. The rune’s target becomes an
avatar of death, shrouded in a grim darkness that
extends to its hands. The rune’s target may make a touch
attack as an attack action (it can be used for iterative
attacks). The touched creatures must make a Fortitude
save or die. In addition, the rune’s target gains immunity
to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions,
phantasms, patterns, and morale effects), immunity to
poison, sleep effects, paralysis, stunning, disease, and
death effects, immunity subject to critical hits, nonlethal
damage, ability drain, or energy drain, immune to
damage to its physical ability scores (Strength, Dexterity,
and Constitution), as well as to fatigue and exhaustion
effects, and finally immunity to any effect that requires a
Fortitude save (unless the effect also works on objects or
is harmless).
PAHUUS (EVIL)
First Symbol (1): Runes have long marked the
boundaries of dark and dread places, protecting them
from the incursions of those who should not be there. By
pressing the item the rune is carved upon into the
ground as a full round action, the rune’s target can ward
an area 20 ft. in radius from the place the item touched.
Any good creature attempting to pass over the marked
area must make a Will save or be stunned for 1 round,
and take 1d6 profane damage per runecarving level. Any
allies of the rune’s target standing within the warded
area gain the benefit of all other rune effects combined
with this rune effect. The marked area is affected for the
remaining duration of the rune. The rune’s target can
have one warded area in existence at a time.
Second Symbol (3): Blending into the markings of other
runes, this rune curses anything that comes into contact
with it. Any creature struck by the item affected by the
rune must make a Fortitude save or take a -6 penalty to
an ability of the rune’s target’s choice. These penalties do
not stack, and last for the duration of the encounter.
Third Symbol (6): Dark energy flows out from the rune,
blackening and cracking everything around it. All
creatures within 20 ft. of the rune’s target take a -5
penalty to their spell resistance, and 5 profane damage
each round they are in the area. This does not affect
allied creatures. When mixed with an effect from the
rune Kiel, enemy creatures in the area must make a
Fortitude save or be shaken for 1 round.
Fourth Symbol (13): Those of the vilest spirit are affected
strongly by the Pahuus rune, their ghastly self
strengthened and made twisted. Evil creatures affected
by this rune gain a +4 bonus to Strength, gain two claw
attacks and a secondary bite attack, each dealing 1d8
damage as a medium creature, and whenever they strike
with a claw attack, they heal one half the damage dealt.
One foe within 30 ft. takes damage equal to one half of
the damage dealt to the struck creature on each claw
attack. If this is combined with an effect from the Haamu
rune, the initial target of the claw attack must make a
Fortitude save or be blinded for 1 round on each
successful attack.

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Fifth Symbol (15): A foul and horrible creature, the
target gains DR 15/good, the evil subtype, and any
weapon or armor (including shields) he wields gains a
+5 enhancement bonus and a +2d6 damage bonus
against good creatures.
QUETA (DEEP)
First Symbol (1): The caverns of the dwarves run deep,
and in those depths they have found many things. He
ignores any concealment granted by illumination,
darkness, or shadows, including magical concealment
granted by Darkness descriptor or Shadow subschool
spells. He gains the ability to cast darkness as a full-round
action, caster level equals runecarving level of the rune’s
creator.
Second Symbol (5): A dwarf's cave is his home, and one
of his most precious possessions. The rune’s target gains
the ability to cast personal cavern at will. The spell’s caster
level equal to the runecarving levels of the rune’s creator.
In addition the rune’s target gains a +1 bonus to attack
rolls, damage rolls, saving throws, and skill checks when
defending a building or community (village, town, city,
etc.). These benefits increase by +1 per eight runecarving
levels. When combined with an effect from the Belxa
rune, the rune’s target gains fast healing equal to the
benefits granted when defending a building or
community.
Third Symbol (8): Buried deep beneath the surface of the
earth, the vast chasms of the dwarven kingdoms are
permanently cloaked from daylight. As a full-round
action, the rune’s target can cast any spell with the
Darkness descriptor. He uses the runecarving level of the
rune’s carver as the caster level, and the runecarving
ability modifier of the rune’s creator as the ability
modifier for the spell. He cannot cast a spell until his
character level is equal to the cleric or wizard level
necessary to cast a given spell, choosing the higher level
if a spell appears on both lists. Any ability that adds the
Darkness descriptor to a spell does not allow the spell to
be cast by this ability.
Fourth Symbol (10): The deep lands, beneath even the
dwarven kingdoms, call out to the runecarver. The
rune’s target gains the deepborn template, the
Underearth Warrior feat, and the ability to cast stone
rebirth (see Chapter 6) at will. He uses the runecarving
level of the rune’s carver as the caster level, and the
runecarving ability modifier of the rune’s creator as the
ability modifier for the spell.
Fifth Symbol (14): From the depths of the Tokunnir
warrens come creatures of unyielding stone, created by
the runecarvers to assist the dwarves. The rune’s target
gains a stone guardian as a cohort. Advance the stone
guardian until its CR equals the rune target's -2.
RAUTA (STEEL)
First Symbol (1): Steel against steel, that is the way of the
warrior. The rune’s target gains a +1 bonus to attack and
a +3 bonus to damage for every four runecarving levels,
with a minimum bonus of +1 attack and +3 damage. If
this is combined with an effect from the Risti rune, the
wielded weapon has its critical range doubled, as per the
improved critical feat.
Second Symbol (3): Born out of the heart of the
mountain, birthed in a pool of fire, steel is the life of all
war. Whenever the rune’s target attempts a melee attack,
he may also attempt a sunder against his opponent's
weapon that does not provoke any attacks of
opportunity. If this is combined with an effect from the
Kiel rune, the rune’s target receives a +4 bonus per four
runecarving levels on the sunder attempt.
Third Symbol (7): Out of the forging of steel comes a
better warrior, one who has learned that to be most
dangerous, his techniques must be hidden. The target
gains the ability to cast blade guardian once per encounter
for every four runecarving levels. If combined with an
effect from the Ithi rune, the targeted weapon is treated
as if it was made of a special material of the rune target's
choice. He uses the runecarving level of the rune’s carver
as the caster level, and the runecarving ability modifier
of the rune’s creator as the ability modifier for the spell.
Fourth Symbol (11): Razored steel slides out from the
scabbard, gleaming in the reddish glow. Each round, the
rune’s target may negate a single melee attack from a foe
that begins the attack in melee range of the rune’s target.
That attack has no effect and is lost. If combined with an
effect from the Rore rune, the rune’s target may take a 5
ft. step before determining whether he can disrupt the
attack.
Fifth Symbol (14): Steel sheathes the hero, wrapping
him in its cold embrace. The rune’s target is affected by
the iron body spell, with a duration equal to the duration
of the rune. His unarmed attacks are treated as if they are
a longsword sized for the target, not a club. All other
aspects of the spell remain unchanged. He uses the
runecarving level of the rune’s carver as the caster level,
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and the runecarving ability modifier of the rune’s creator
as the ability modifier for the spell.
RISTI (SHARP)
First Symbol (1): A blade is never so sharp as upon its
first swing straight from the whetstone. On the first
attack of every round, the rune’s target ignore all
damage reduction. For every four runecarving levels, he
ignores damage reduction on one additional attack per
round. When combined with an effect from the Rauta
rune, the rune’s target gains a +4 bonus to confirm
criticals.
Second Symbol (4): No craftsmanship is perfect, and
there is always that extra edge to be found. Double the
critical threat range of any weapon being held by the
rune’s target. This does not stack with other abilities that
affect the critical threat range.
Third Symbol (7): Sharpness need not be only of the tool
being held, but also of the mind and body of the one
doing the wielding. Any feats that specifies a weapon
applies to any weapon the rune’s target wields. In
addition, the rune’s target acts normally during a
surprise round, regardless of whether they were
surprised. The rune’s target gets a +2 bonus to Initiative
checks for every four runecarving levels, minimum of
+2. Double this bonus if combined with an effect from
the Rore rune.
Fourth Symbol (10): The greatest axe men amongst the
dwarves can understand the outcome of a fight before
they have ever crossed blades with a creature. If the
rune’s target's first attack in an encounter lands, the
struck creature must make a Fortitude save or be
destroyed (this affects creatures immune to critical hits
and death effects, such as undead and constructs).
Fifth Symbol (13): To a veteran warrior, every successful
attack is a moment of opportunity. Whenever the rune’s
target successfully strikes an opponent, treat that attack
as a confirmed critical hit. If the struck creature is
immune to critical hits, its loses its defense against these
attacks, and the attack counts as a critical hit.
RORE (MOVE)
First Symbol (1): The earth upon the ground may speed
the step of those who walk upon it, granting them a
boon. The rune’s target increases his movement speed by
5 ft. for every four runecarving levels, minimum of 5 ft.
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This is increased by +10 ft. if combined with an effect
from the Kerta rune.
Second Symbol (4): Within the grasp of the ground, the
runecarver feels safe and at home, slipping between
stone as easily as one would stride on air. The rune’s
target gains a burrowing speed equal to one-half his
movement speed. If combined with an effect from the
Kolo rune, the burrow speed increases to his full
movement speed.
Third Symbol (8): Rune calls to rune, the entwined
symbols making one greater, complete whole. By
marking one place with a rune, the rune’s target may
return to that location with a standard action. Marking
the location takes 1 minute, and he may only have one
location active at a time. He may only bring himself and
any gear he is holding or wearing. This is a [teleport]
effect, and only works on the same plane. There is no
limit to distance on that plane.
Fourth Symbol (12): Sometimes, it is necessary to move
in the depth of silence, hidden away from prying eyes
and evil fiends. As a standard action, the rune’s target
can step into, or out of, the Ethereal plane.
Fifth Symbol (14): To step from rune to rune, each
inscribed across distant locales and hidden fortresses, is
the highest gift of the Rore. The rune’s target may mark
a location with a rune in an action that takes 1 minute.
He may have one locale active per 4 runecarving levels.
He may only bring himself and any gear he is holding or
wearing. This is a [teleport] effect, and works across
planes, and at any distance. When combined with an
effect from the Livet rune, he may bring one other
willing person per 4 runecarving levels.
SIGU (SHAPE)
First Symbol (1): A soundness of body flows from the
rune out into the dwarf who has graven it up his shield.
The rune’s target gets a +2 bonus to Constitution for
every four runecarving levels, minimum of +2. This is
increased by +2 if combined with an effect from the
Terveys rune.
Second Symbol (4): To be secure in one's skin is entirely
the purview of the dwarf. The rune’s target becomes
immune to any transmutation or shapechanging effect,
and gains a +1 bonus to attack and a +1d6 damage bonus
for every four runecarving levels against creatures who
are not in their natural form.
Third Symbol (8): Shaping the world requires persistent to Wisdom, Intelligence, or Charisma (chosen at the
effort, but it is by no means something that an rune’s creation) for every four runecarving levels,
appropriately trained Tokunnir would consider minimum of +2.
difficult. The rune’s target gains immunity to sneak
Third Symbol (8): The minds of the dwarves are full of
attacks and critical hits, and the rune’s target can, using
their history, drawing upon it as a source of strength. As
a full round action, cause the terrain 20 ft. around him to
a result, certain runecarvers have learned how to see
be affected as if by transmute mud to rock or transmute rock
other people's history. The rune’s target can cast mental
to mud. He uses the runecarving level of the rune’s carver
history or lithic embrace. He uses the runecarving level of
as the caster level, and the runecarving ability modifier
the rune’s carver as the caster level, and the runecarving
of the rune’s creator as the ability modifier for the spell.
ability modifier of the rune’s creator as the ability
When combined with an effect from the Kivi rune,
modifier for the spell.
double the radius affected.
Fourth Symbol (11): A rune of the mind is a strange
Fourth Symbol (12): Sometimes it is not the world whose
creation, drawn to create tricks upon the eyes and form
shape needs to change, but oneself. The rune’s target
altered images within the mind, a symbol of the mental
gains the ability to alter self into any animal, humanoid,
essence of the creator. Once per encounter as an
monstrous humanoid, or vermin as a full-round action.
immediate action, the rune’s target may negate a single
He uses the runecarving level of the rune’s carver as the
mind-affecting spell from a foe. He must first identify
caster level, and the runecarving ability modifier of the
that spell using Spellcraft or another means. That spell
rune’s creator as the ability modifier for the spell.
has no effect and is lost. If combined with an effect from
Fifth Symbol (14): Even the hardiest of those who would the Tenkt rune, the rune’s target may, instead, negate a
resist the dwarves have long ago learned that when a single spell that requires a Will save.
dwarf sets his mind to alter the world, one can merely
Fifth Symbol (13): The intellect towers upwards, a pillar
step aside. On each successful attack by the rune’s target,
of learning built upon a single marking, a rune drawn
the struck creature is, along with all its carried gear,
into the ground at the base of that tower. An ethereal
turned into a mindless, inert statue of stone. If the statue
tower forms around the rune’s target, granting him
is broken or damaged, the struck creature (if ever
immunity to all mind-affecting spells and effects,
returned to its original state) has similar damage or
increasing his Wisdom, Charisma, and Intelligence by +4
deformities. The creature is not dead, but it does not
and giving him a standard action attack that deals 1d2
seem to be alive either when viewed with spells such as
per 4 runecarving levels in ability damage to
deathwatch. Only creatures made of flesh are affected by
Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Enemies get a Will
this ability. Stone to flesh will reverse this process.
save to resist.
SINN (MIND)
STERKUR (TOUGHNESS)
First Symbol (1): The twisted writings and ancient
First Symbol (1): Life envelops the runecarver, and he is
carvings become clear in but a moment, wiping
easily able to withstand injuries that would kill a lesser
uncertainty from the eyes of the knowing. The rune’s
man. The rune’s target increases his maximum hit points
target gains a +2 to all Intelligence based skill checks for
by +6 for every four runecarving levels, minimum of +6.
every four runecarving levels, minimum of +2. When
This is increased by +6 if combined with an effect from
combined with an effect from the Haamu rune, the
the Lujuus rune.
rune’s target may take one minute to attempt to identify
an item, as per the spell. He uses the runecarving level of Second Symbol (3): Skin deep and lined from actions
the rune’s carver as the caster level, and the runecarving long ago, the rune’s target increases his natural armor
ability modifier of the rune’s creator as the ability class by +2 for every four runecarving levels, minimum
modifier for the spell. of +2. This is increased by +2 if combined with an effect
from the Kolo rune.
Second Symbol (2): Wrapped within the hallowed
caverns of long forgotten kingdoms, knowledge is built Third Symbol (6): Even the greatest of magics can be
from the earth and the sky, the bone of the mountain and shrugged off by a dwarf of strong character. Whenever
the blood of the river. The rune’s target gets a +2 bonus the rune’s target fails a save against a Fortitude effect, he

67
may immediately make a second save against that effect.
He must take the results of this second save. The rune’s
target gains a +2 bonus on this save if combined with an
effect from the Kolo rune.
Fourth Symbol (11): There is built around the heart of
every man a wall against the hatred of the world, and the
actions of the evil and the cruel. Whenever the rune’s
target fails a save against a Will effect, he may
immediately make a second save against that effect. He
must take the results of this second save. The rune’s
target gains a +2 bonus on this save if combined with an
effect from the Linna rune.
Fifth Symbol (15): Heroic and unstoppable, the
runecarver trudges onwards, resistant to every attack
thrown against him. The rune’s target gains 10/- damage
reduction, automatically succeeds against the first
Fortitude save required of him each round, can act freely
down to -50 hit points, and only dies when he reaches -
75 hit points.
TENKT (THOUGHT)
First Symbol (1): It is a certainty among the dwarves that
to win a fight, use an axe. But it is possible that there is a
better way, a simpler way. Any creature struck by an
item affected by this rune effect must make a Will save
or be dazed for one round. Increase the save DC by +2 if
combined with an effect from the Sinn rune.
Second Symbol (3): Sometimes, it is better to simply
know one another, rather than to speak out loud. The
rune’s target gains telepathy with a range of 20 ft. for
every four runecarving levels, minimum of 20 ft.
Third Symbol (8): The swirling patterns and geometric
designs that are the hallmark of the dwarves can
entrance viewers, causing them to stare for hours. The
target of the rune can, using a full round action, cause all
creatures within 20 ft. to become fascinated for two
rounds. Will negates. If combined with an effect from the
Kerta rune, increase the DC by +4.
Fourth Symbol (12): The ancient, the wise, know that to
strike at the head of the beast is to cripple it. Any creature
struck by an item affected by the rune takes 1d4
Intelligence damage for every four runecarving levels.
Will save for half.
Fifth Symbol (15): Sometimes, it is better to be a creature
of thought, rather than of true life. The rune’s target
becomes incorporeal, with all of his items gaining the
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ghost touch property. In addition, he gains the ability to
teleport a distance up to his speed as a swift action, and
treats all spells, effects, abilities, and attacks that strike
him as if they were only 50% real, as per shadow
conjuration.
TERVEYS (HEALTH)
First Symbol (1): Every creature wishes to be strong and
healthy, but only a few can truly claim it. With a
standard action, the rune’s target can touch an ally to
heal a total number of hit points equal to the rune’s
runecarving level. When combined with an effect from
the Livet rune, the healing touch also delivers a lesser
restoration spell.
Second Symbol (4): To be a strong and hearty man is a
noble goal. The rune’s target and all allies within 20 ft.
per four runecarving levels become immune to
sickening, nauseating, poison, and disease, including
magical diseases.
Third Symbol (7): Drawn upon an item, it can heal those
who wield it. The item affected by the rune grants the
wielder fast healing equal to 1 per four runecarving
levels. Combined with an effect from the Ithi rune, this
also grants the wielder the ability to use their healing
spells upon constructs and objects.
Fourth Symbol (9): To protect life is a long and ancient
calling for the runecarvers, and although they are by no
means as skilled as a priest, they have their moments. As
a full-round action, the rune’s target can cast any spell
from the Healing subschool. He uses the runecarving
level of the rune’s carver as the caster level, and the
runecarving ability modifier of the rune’s creator as the
ability modifier for the spell. The rune’s target cannot
cast a spell until his character level is equal to the cleric
or wizard level necessary to cast a given spell. Any
ability that adds the Healing subschool to a spell does
not allow the spell to be cast by this ability.
Fifth Symbol (14): Life is a great and precious thing, to
be protected and held dear. If the rune’s target dies while
affected by this rune, he returns to life in a designated
sanctum, one week later. The sanctum is designated by
the runecarver while the rune is being carved. The rune’s
target returns to life with no loss of level or ability score,
and fully healed.
XOSHA (FIRE)
First Symbol (1): Fire has been a constant companion
and tool of the dwarves, responsible for many of their
greatest works. The rune’s target deals 1d6 fire damage
on each hit for every four runecarving levels, minimum
of 1d6. This is increased by 1d6 if combined with an
effect from the Kaom rune.

Second Symbol (5): The runecarver who is interested in

flame has seen that it spirals upwards, an offering to the
gods above, rather than below. A column of superheated
air lifts the rune’s target into the air. The rune’s target
can hover up to 10 feet above any solid or liquid surface.
The rune’s target gains a fly speed equal to his land
speed, with average maneuverability, but the rune’s
target must remain within 10 feet of the ground when he
flies. The rune’s target can move across shallow pits or
other such variations in terrain without losing altitude,
so long as his movement wouldn’t take him more than
10 feet above a solid or liquid surface. If he is ever more
than 10 feet above the ground (such as if the floor drops
out from under him or he moves over the edge of a tall
cliff), he falls to the ground.

Third Symbol (6): The rune’s target can create a wall of

fire, as per the spell. He uses the runecarving level of the
rune’s carver as the caster level, and the runecarving
ability modifier of the rune’s creator as the ability
modifier for the spell. If combined with an effect from
the Sigu rune, the rune’s target can choose to shape the
wall in any manner that he chooses, provided all parts
form one contiguous whole.

Fourth Symbol (9): The brand of the dwarven kingdoms

is the highest stamp of skill that can be placed upon an
item. For every four runecarving levels, the rune’s target
may add a single +1 enhancement special ability to any
weapon, armor, or shield. He cannot add any +2 or better
enhancements, regardless of runecarving level.

Fifth Symbol (12): The flames of the elemental depths

spill forth from their forbidden homes, covering the
rune’s target, but not burning him. The rune’s target
gains immunity to fire damage, and any creature that
strikes him in melee takes 20 fire damage in return. In
addition, he gains the ability to cast a fireball spell as a
swift action once per round. He uses the runecarving
level of the rune’s carver as the caster level, and the
runecarving ability modifier of the rune’s creator as the
ability modifier for the spell.

69

The standard classes in this book, along with feats for
characters of other classes, provide a wealth of options
for characters who wish to explore the secrets of runic
magic. For a character whose pursuit of those secrets
follows a specialized path, this chapter presents fourteen
prestige classes, each tied to a particular theme or aspect
of runic magic.
Athaghoel Lorespeaker: Open only to the Athaghoel,
this class enhances their abilities with oral traditions and
dwarven focus.
Awakened: Inherent runes are the central focus of the
runeborn, and this class lets them explore that to the
absolute fullest.
Blood-Spiked Fury: The tradition of the dwarven
battlerager is legendary in the halls of the mountain
kings. Masters of spiked shield and armor, they plunge
into battle with brutal charges and deadly shield bashes.
Cipher Vindicator: Sometimes, one rune is all a
runecarver needs. A specialist in that single rune, the
cipher vindicator expects to use it to resolve his every
problem.
Concenter: The tradition of dwarven focus is uppermost
in the minds of those who take this class.
Constructed Sergeant: Made for those Constructed built
to be officers, it gives them auras with which to boost
their troops.
Curse Carver: By reversing the power of the runes, the
curse carver applies them as penalties to enemies rather
than bonuses to friends.
Forgesouled Guardian: Born with a construct’s heart,
the forgesouled guardian builds and maintains
constructs as cohorts.
70
Haphazard: Some runes, any runes, are better than
nothing. The haphazard throws lots of ideas against the
wall and sees what happens.
Ironguard of the Tokunnir: The stalwart defenders of
the dwarven kingdoms, the Ironguard are focused on
fighting defensively in dark and tight places.
Runechanter: One of the spiritual leaders of the
dwarven armies, the runechanter blends bardic music
and leadership to strength his allies.
Tandda Elite: Offering multiple paths depending on
which breed of Tandda enter the class, it allows superior
Tandda to grow even stronger, whether it be in
leadership, combat, or support.
Tokunnir Stonecrafter: Enhancing both existing runes
and crafting magical items, the stonecrafter is the most
traditional of the Tokunnir.
Unwavering Warden: The stubbornest of dwarves, an
unwavering warden gains benefits the longer he uses a
particular choice of runes.
“The traditional way is the right way. That’s why it’s
traditional.”
– Tuir Cyrmagh, Athaghoel Lorespeaker
The education of the Athaghoel people is considered a
sacred duty, and those who are considered
knowledgeable in Athaghoel history and legend - and
thought to possess above-average common sense - are
often called upon to take up the respected role of teacher
in the community. While other cultures might see this as
a job for young girls or old men, the dwarves see a
lorespeaker as a protector of their cherished society. No
one in the Athaghoel community takes that position
lightly. A lorespeaker is granted a special position in the
Athaghoel hierarchy – they are considered the final
authority on anything to do with the history of the
Athaghoel people. And if there’s something going on in
a dwarven city, you can count on the lorespeakers
knowing about it first. They’re uncommonly well
connected with each clan and stratum of Athaghoel
society.
BECOMING AN ATHAGHOEL LORESPEAKER
Athaghoel lorespeakers come primarily from
runecarvers and runeborn, with there being little in the
way of alternative entrances. After all, in dwarven ranks of those being trained for the critical position of
society the world of runes and that of history are closely lorespeaker.
intertwined. Having shown a great interest in the oral
traditions of their people at a young age, Athaghoel who ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
are picked out for the path of the lorespeaker are trained Runecarving: 3rd level or better
in both the ways of runes and of their people, until they Skills: Any two Knowledge 6
have mastered both sufficiently to be allowed into the Race: Athaghoel
Table 5-1: The Athaghoel Lorespeaker Hit Dice: d10
Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Runecarving
1 st +0 +0 +2 +2 Remembered Skill, Focused Tradition +1 Runecarving level
2nd +1 +0 +3 +3 Focus Feat, Dwarf Feat +1 Runecarving level
3 rd +2 +1 +3 +3 Lore Mastery, Runes of History +1 Runecarving level
Class skills (6 + Int modifier per level): Appraise (Int), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Forgery
(Int), Knowledge (Arcana) (Int), Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) (Int), Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (Int),
Knowledge (Geography) (Int), Knowledge (History) (Int), Knowledge (Local) (Int), Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty)
(Int), Knowledge (Religion) (Int), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Speak Language (Int), Spellcraft (Int), Use Magic Device
(Cha), Warcraft (Int)

CLASS FEATURES Focused Tradition (Ex): The benefits from your

As an Athaghoel lorespeaker, you focus your efforts on Dwarven Focus always apply to Oral Tradition checks.
using the oral tradition ability, and on gaining abilities
Focus Feat: The lorespeaker gains one feat that requires
and feats that support the legacy of the Athaghoel.
Dwarven Focus as a prerequisite.
All of the following are class features of the Athaghoel
Dwarf Feat: The lorespeaker gains one feat that requires
lorespeaker prestige class.
Dwarven or Athaghoel race as a prerequisite.
Runecarving: When a new lorespeaker level is attained,
Lore Mastery (Su): By making an Oral Tradition check
the character gains new runes known, runes active, and
of 10 + 2 * the level of the spell, the lorespeaker can cast
increases his runecarver level as if he had attained a level
a spell from the Knowledge or Oracle domains. He can
in any one runecarving class he belonged to before he
do this once per day, and does not get a retry if he fails
added the prestige class. He does not, however, gain any
the check. This action takes one minute. He cannot cast a
other benefit a character of that class would have gained
spell until his character level is equal to the cleric level
(class features, bonus feats, and so on). This essentially
necessary to cast a given spell. He uses his runecarving
means that he adds the level of lorespeaker to the level
level as the caster level, and his runecarving ability
of whatever runecarving class the character had, then
modifier as the ability modifier for the spell
determines runes known, runes active, runecarver level,
and so on. Runes of History (Ex): The lorespeaker automatically
gains the Ingan rune. If he already knows it, he treats the
If a character had more than one runecarving class before
rune effects from that rune as if his runecarving level
he became a lorespeaker, he must decide to which class
was 4 higher.
he adds each level of lorespeaker for the purpose of
determining runes known, runes active, runecarver PLAYING AN ATHAGHOEL LORESPEAKER
level, etc. Lorespeakers are the core of Athaghoel society, and
everyone else in it, whether elder, warrior, priest, or
Remembered Skill (Ex): Once per hour, the lorespeaker
merchant, depends on the lorespeakers to carry forward
can make an Oral Tradition check in place of any skill
the traditions and the meaning of the Athaghoel. This
check. In addition, a lorespeaker can use an Oral
ensures that lorespeakers are in constant demand,
Tradition check in place of a Craft check when the Craft
whether to recite tales of the olden days, whether to
check directly relates to runes.
pronounce a judgment using the historical actions of the
great dwarves, or whether to venture further afield and

71
create and record new and remarkable actions that
impact the daily lives of the Athaghoel.
As lorespeakers grow in power and prominence, they
begin to take over important government functions
inside Athaghoel society, and tend to become less mobile
as the demands of state pile up, although there are
always some who resist that temptation, and journey
forth into the wider world in search of more stories of
dwarven heroics to record.
Combat: Inside combat, a lorespeaker will act much like
the runecarver or runeborn he was before entering the
prestige class. Armed and armored by the runes which
he engraves upon himself and his items, a lorespeaker is
always a formidable combatant.
The class features of a lorespeaker are designed for out
of combat usage.
Advancement: Athaghoel lorespeakers are made, not
born. Rigorous practice with the art of runecarving and
with memorization of the history and stories of their
people is the locus of a lorespeaker values. Generally,
this is trained into the lorespeaker by those who hold the
title, whether it be in the formal manner of schooling or
the informal processes of the open road.
As you attain higher levels, you should consider taking
additional feats that grant benefits to your runecarving,
especially if you have chosen to focus on a particular set
of runes such as Ingan, Haamu, and Belxa. Feats from
the Runic subset will generally be the focus of your
character’s choices, along with those that boost your Oral
Tradition. As with feats, gear choices should be focused
around making your runes more potent and ensuring
strong access to them.
Resources: Lorespeakers can call upon almost the entire
might of the Athaghoel civilization if the moment
demands it, but any great call for resources will be met
with resistance from other dwarves who do not see the
threat in the same way as the this particular lorespeaker
does. That being said, in terms of more minimal requests,
few would dare refuse a reasonable ask by a lorespeaker.
ATHAGHOEL LORESPEAKERS IN THE WORLD
“History is the making of a people.”
– Moagh Helvyn, Athaghoel Lorespeaker
As some of the leading members of Athaghoel society,
lorespeakers have their place in the world well defined
72
from the moment they enter into the training for their
task. What changes is whether they choose to accept it.
Some do, and become the elders of dwarven villages,
towns, and kingdoms, sitting on councils and
conducting the ruling of their cultures. Others believe
that instead of recounting existing stories, the true role
of the lorespeaker is to travel far and wide, finding new
tales to add to the pantheon. Either way, the life of a
lorespeaker is never dull.
Daily Life: For those Athaghoel lorespeakers who
remain at home, their daily activity tends to consist of
council meetings, governance, practice with runes, and
training of the next generation of lorespeakers, as well as
the constant flow of dispute resolution. For those further
afield, well, they live the life of an adventuring dwarf in
all the glorious forms that can take.
Notables: As befits a collection of individuals so
dedicated to the preservation of stories, there are many
lorespeakers whose names echo down through the ages,
but of the most recent grouping, Moagh Helvyn stands
out, for he has ventured far and wide, recording the
history of the Athaghoel as the Ghoel they once were.
His journeys have taken him into forgotten ruins, deep
underground, and into lands populated by those hostile
to his intentions. But each time, he has emerged
unscathed, and with new runes and new stories to tell.
Organization: Lorespeakers have both their own
organizations, and are blended into the larger
superstructure of Athaghoel society. Lorespeaker
organizations can be found in every major Athaghoel
settlement, dedicated to the ongoing preservation and
recitation of knowledge, including runes, while beyond
that they serve in the government of the kingdoms in
which they were born.
NPC Reactions: Athaghoel and other dwarven NPCs
regard lorespeakers most highly, for the role they play in
society is considered critical to the dwarven mindset.
Outside of the dwarven peoples, lorespeakers tend to be
viewed either as nobles and elders, or, for those
lorespeakers who wander the earth, as one would view
a bard or similar class.
ATHAGHOEL LORESPEAKER LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research Athaghoel lorespeakers to
learn more about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the
same information.
DC 10: Athaghoel lorespeakers are the history keepers with runic magic. If this is the case, the DM should be
and storytellers of the Athaghoel people, and are often sure to play up the strange and mysterious nature of the
elders or judges in their society. power this character wields.

DC 15: Athaghoel lorespeakers are also skilled

runecarvers, and can wield the runes better than almost
any other. “I know my road, for it is arrow straight and flush with
purpose.”
DC 20: Athaghoel lorespeakers tend to specialize in
– Brogar Fimbursson, Tokunnir Awakened
runes that are less focused on combat, such as Ingan and
Haamu, but are often very well prepared due to To the awakened, the rune engraved upon his soul is the
foreknowledge of any given situation. They also have only way forward, the only thing that truly matters to
limited access to the magic of divination. him. But as he follows the path that he takes, he realizes
that it is not one rune, but rather a plethora of runes, each
DC 30: Information about notable Athaghoel
one unique and whole in its own right, and waiting to
lorespeakers, drawn from the section above.
spring forth into complete being. And as he does so, the
ATHAGHOEL LORESPEAKERS IN THE GAME rest of his runecarving falls by the wayside, discarded as
Introducing lorespeakers into your campaign is a the path of the inherent rune becomes the whole being
relatively easy task. NPC lorespeakers are easily and purpose of the awakened.
encountered as the rulers or at least nobles within
BECOMING AN AWAKENED
dwarven society. A lorespeaker can also be an effective
Awakened have chosen to follow a specific path: that of
member of an adventuring party. Even though his
the inherent rune. Inherent runes, by their very nature,
overall runecarving ability is not necessarily as strong as
are uniquely the province of the runeborn, and so all
someone who is more combat oriented, his ability to
awakened come from that path. Most of those that
divine the future and gather information should provide
choose the awakened path are Twinborn, having learned
a comforting level of foreknowledge to the party. Finally,
at an early age that more inherent runes are better. And
the various abilities available via Oral Tradition means
having already seen the benefits of having more than one
that there’s always something unusual up the
inherent rune, the nascent awakened follows that path to
lorespeaker’s sleeve.
its logical conclusion – that inherent runes are the only
Adaptation: By removing the restrictions on race and true path forward for him. Some practice and
culture that surrounds the Athaghoel lorespeaker, the experimentation later, and they have discovered the
class can be adapted to almost any culture or power road which will take them towards the world of inherent
source, as the class feature that grants the Ingan rune can runes.
be replaced with one that grants a similar Knowledge or
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Lore type benefit.
Feats: Inherent Swiftness, Inherent Specialist
Encounters: An encounter with an NPC Athaghoel Skills: Knowledge (History) 9, Decipher Script 4,
lorespeaker, one who the party cannot determine is Knowledge (any) 4
friend or foe, could be an adventuring party’s first brush
Table 5-2: The Awakened Hit Dice: d12
Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities
1st +1 +0 +2 +0 Inherent Rune, Focus Internal
2 nd +2 +0 +3 +0 Convergence of Desire
3 rd +3 +1 +3 +1 Runic Soul
4th +4 +1 +4 +1 Inherent Rune, Inherent Expert
5th +5 +1 +4 +1 Settled Being
6 th +6 +2 +5 +2 Runic Soul
7 th +7 +2 +5 +2 Inherent Rune, Fixation of Desire

73
 8th +8 +2 +6 +2 Freedom of Choice
9th +9 +3 +6 +3 Runic Soul
10th +10 +3 +7 +3 Inherent Rune, Permanence of Desire
Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level): Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Forgery (Int), Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) (Int), Knowledge (Geography) (Int), Knowledge (History) (Int), Knowledge (Local) (Int), Knowledge
(Nobility and Royalty) (Int), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Warcraft (Int)
CLASS FEATURES
You have awakened your soul, and into it has flowed the
magic of many runes. No longer just a specialist in a
single aspect of runic magic, a multiplicity has been born
again within your spirit.
All of the following are class features of the awakened
prestige class.
Inherent Rune (Ex): At 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th level, the
awakened gains another inherent rune, as per the
runeborn class feature. Any class feature that applies to
an inherent rune applies to these extra runes as well.
Focus Internal (Su): The awakened, possessing as they
do a special and unshakeable connection to the magic of
the rune, is supremely talented with those runes that are
written into its soul. When carving a rune using one or
more of his inherent runes, the awakened adds his class
level to his runecarving level.
Convergence of Desire (Su): Perhaps the greatest
moment in an awakened's life is when he realizes that he
can choose to hone in on a single rune, giving it a greater
portion of his soul. With a move action, an awakened can
voluntarily reduce his runecarving level for one or more
carved runes by a number up to half his class level. He
may then apply half the total number of runecarving
levels reduced as a bonus to his runecarving level for one
carved rune. For example, a 4th level awakened could
take a penalty of -2 to his runecarving level for two
different carved runes to increase his runecarving level
by 2 for a third carved rune. The benefit and penalty last
until the awakened takes another move action to cancel
them. This ability (penalties and bonuses) only apply to
carved runes using one or more inherent runes. If any of
the carved runes affected by this ability ends, so do all of
the benefits and penalties involving that carved rune.
Runic Soul (Su): At 3rd, 6th, and 9th levels, the awakened
gains another active rune. These runes must involve one
or more of his inherent runes.
74
Inherent Expert (Ex): As a swift action, the awakened
may grant the benefits of one carved rune utilizing an
inherent rune to an ally within 5 ft. of the awakened. If
the ally moves further away than 5 ft., the bonus is lost.
Settled Being (Su): An awakened is a dwarf of
permanent focus, written as it is into the magic that bore
him forth. As part of a full attack action, he may use any
ability granted by an inherent rune as a swift action.
Fixation of Desire (Su): Having learned to better hone
his talents, when using his Convergence of Desire
ability, the awakened increases the bonus granted to the
amount of the penalty. Thus, a 7th level awakened could
take a penalty of -2 to his runecarving level for two
different carved runes to increase his runecarving level
by 4 for a third carved rune. It is now a swift action to
activate or cancel.
Freedom of Choice (Su): Carving a rune using his
inherent runes is now an immediate action, and the
awakened can choose to dismiss and create runes
utilizing his inherent runes in response to enemy action,
before he knows the result of any dice rolls.
Permanence of Desire (Su): Mastering his ability to
choose what rune he focuses upon, the awakened may
now use Convergence of Desire as a free action, and may
choose to divide the bonus across as many carved runes
as desired (none of those carved runes can have been
penalized by this ability).
PLAYING AN AWAKENED
An awakened is defined by his love of inherent runes,
and the unique sense of power and purpose that they
bring to him. Each time he understands the meaning of
a new inherent rune graven upon his soul, a new
panoply of meaning and purpose opens up to him, as he
is defined by the key tenets of those inherent runes. Or
perhaps he defines the inherent runes that he will have
as he creates them. No one has ever truly studied an
awakened enough to understand which creates which.
The key ability of this prestige class is the ability to create
and manipulate as many inherent runes as possible, and
the increasing strength of those runes. There is very little
aside from a pure focus on inherent runes.
Combat: Your role in combat is a very direct one, as it is
for most whose use runic magic, although as always, it
depends greatly on the choice of runes. Should the
inherent runes of the awakened be Aum, Belxa, Queta
and others which allow the creation of spells or ranged
abilities, it is quite possible to build an awakened who
specializes in long range combat. However, most
awakened will instead employ the ability to crush their
foes in close and personal combat, fighting axe and
hammer against anyone who stands in their way.
Advancement: Having started your career as a
runeborn, you know that you can infuse yourself with
enhanced and repeated uses of inherent runes, using all
the stacking benefits that you already have and
empowering them even further. You can also reshape
your carved runes at the drop of a hat, doing it in
response to the actions of your opponents and thus
resisting whatever they might choose to throw your
way.
As you attain higher awakened levels, you continue to
hone the inherent runes you began with your previous
class. You need neither formal training nor membership
in any organization to enhance your combat prowess by
following the awakened’s path - you simply draw from
your personal essence to improve your inherent runes.
Because of the personal nature of using inherent runes,
the formal training required by other runecarvers simply
does not apply to you.
To maximize your effectiveness, choose feats that
enhance your best abilities. Feats that boost the strength
of your inherent runes and the abilities they provide can
dramatically improve your combat prowess. More basic
combat feats, such as those in the Power Attack tree, also
complement your strengths. As far as skills go, try to
continue improving Warcraft throughout your career, as
it provides benefits in combat to any allies you might be
fighting alongside.
Resources: There is no such thing as an order of
awakened, as becoming one is such a deep and personal
experience. Even the more standard runecarving and
dwarven organizations do not really have any great
purpose for you, as awakened are entirely self-contained
in their abilities and do not have the needs of other
runecarvers. That being said, all dwarven organizations
and cultures recognize awakened as supreme warriors,
and would more than gladly provide patronage if you
choose to serve in their military.
AWAKENED IN THE WORLD
“I am Law, I am Strength, I am Stone, I am Good!”
– Beldin Hammerhand, Dwarf Awakened
The general view of an awakened is that of an elite
dwarven warrior, for without being able to see runes, as
one would on a regular runecarver, there is no outward
sign that the awakened is anything more than the most
skilled of combatants. Some awakened like to keep it that
way, hiding their ability to use runic magic until such
time as it is absolutely critical they make a visible
display. Others are less concerned with appearances,
and simply fight in the best manner possible. In general,
however, they are seen and treated as fighters or
warblades, not as runecarvers.
Daily Life: Awakened are warriors, much as any other
combatant is, and they spend their days in the usual
manner for men and women of that type.
Notables: Beldin Hammerhand is precisely what his
name suggests – famous for the use of clubbing blows.
An expert awakened who has focused on the use of
runes that enhance his durability and strength, he is
renowned for his ability to clog narrow passages and
stand against an onrushing tide of enemies.
Organization: Awakened have no formal organization,
each being unique unto themselves with the specific
combination of inherent runes that are their birthright.
They do, however, find comfort in the presence of fellow
dwarves and runecarvers, who are most likely to be able
to understand the life choices that they have made. Thus,
awakened are embedded into the larger structures of the
dwarven world, but without any special
acknowledgement of their abilities.
NPC Reactions: Generally, NPCs react towards
awakened as they would towards dwarven fighters of
great repute. If the NPC dislikes characters of that sort,
they do not like awakened. Otherwise, awakened are
generally regarded with the normal mixture of fear and
awe that deadly combatants are greeted with.
AWAKENED LORE
75
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research awakened to learn more about
them. Bardic knowledge reveals the same information.
DC 10: Awakened are imbued with runes engraved
upon their soul, and are almost constantly under their
effect.
DC 15: Awakened are specialists with their inherent
runes, and collect multiple of them over the course of
their life. They can also carve them at almost a moment’s
notice.
DC 20: Awakened are able to change their runes in
reaction to their enemies, and are strengthened by the
number of inherent runes they have carved at a given
time.
DC 30: Information about notable awakened, drawn
from the section above.
AWAKENED IN THE GAME
Awakened, because they are self-contained, work in
almost any environment in which there is fighting,
although they do prefer to be in campaigns in which
runecarving and the lore around it plays a significant
part. In terms of the role they play, they are almost
always seen as part of a larger martial traditional.
Adaptation: Given the specialized nature of the class, it
would need a complete reworking to be adapted to other
types of material.
Encounters: An awakened can be encountered alone or
at the head of a small band of dwarven fighters. The
encounter could focus on culture conflict if the PCs must
negotiate between an awakened representing her people
and a diplomat or governor of a non-dwarven land or
colony. Build suspense in such a situation by stressing
that the characters are the last hope for peace between
the two peoples, and that failure means war.
“DEATH TO EVERYTHING!”
– Malax Bloodaxe, Dwarven Blood-spiked Fury
Dwarven blood-spiked furies are legendary berserker
warriors who can enter a battle frenzy through ritualistic
singing and runic magic. They are believed to have been
touched by the god of battle, who taught them that if
they die in battle, they will return to the world stronger
than before as a just reward. Therefore, they have no fear
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of death. They are given to drinking, rowdy and
boisterous singing, and drunken dancing. Blood-spiked
furies command grudging, if fearful, respect within
dwarven society, where they are known to have coined
such philosophically complex dwarven maxims like
“head first” and “if it moves, kill it.” Most live short,
glorious lives.
While enraged, a blood-spiked fury’s face becomes
distorted and twisted. His teeth grind together as spittle
flies from his mouth and dribbles down his beard. His
eyes enlarge, bulge, and become bloodshot. Charging
into battle, he bellows forth his clan or holy war song,
throwing his hammers and axes all the way, before
cleaving his foes with his mighty dwarven waraxe. In
short, he becomes almost unstoppable. Blood-spiked
furies are often covered from head to toe in body art,
from tattoos to brands to runic scars. They prefer to wear
spiked armor and wield spiked shields, sometimes
forgoing weapons entirely for more spiked gear.
BECOMING A BLOOD-SPIKED FURY
Blood-spiked furies are usually single classed
runecarvers with the runic berserker alternate class
feature before taking the prestige class, though
barbarian/runecarvers or barbarian/runeborns are also
common. Other multiclass combinations are almost
unheard of.
The blood-spiked fury fills a particular niche in dwarf
society and culture. He is a fearless and impulsive
warrior, able to enter into an insane rampage. Blood-
spiked furies are ruthlessly used by dwarf generals for
their shock power against attacking armies. NPC blood-
spiked furies often come from a familial clan made up
predominantly of blood-spiked furies. These clans often
form guilds or halls within dwarven society, though
these “guilds” are often more akin to a family or fraternal
order. Regardless, blood-spiked fury guilds are often
located on the fringes of dwarven society, kept out of
view and away from easily influenced dwarven
children, who often hear of the blood-spiked furies’
fearlessness but rarely their folly. While heroic battle is
honored in dwarven society and blood-spiked furies
excel in this, more often than not they also epitomize
lives wasted in stupid rage, something most dwarves
realize they cannot afford in a world ruined by the
collapse of Arhosa.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Runecarving: 3rd level or better
Feats: Dwarven Furor, Blood-Spiked Charger

Table 5-3: The Blood-spiked Fury Hit Dice: d12

Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Runecarving
1 st +1 +0 +2 +0 Soaked in Blood -
2 nd +2 +0 +3 +0 Greater Blood Frenzy +1 Runecarving level
3rd +3 +1 +3 +1 Charge of Fury +1 Runecarving level
4th +4 +1 +4 +1 Deathless Frenzy +1 Runecarving level
5 th +5 +1 +4 +1 Grasp of Spikes +1 Runecarving level
6 th +6 +2 +5 +2 Blood Rune +1 Runecarving level
7th +7 +2 +5 +2 Soul Spike Gear +1 Runecarving level
8th +8 +2 +6 +2 Supreme Blood Frenzy +1 Runecarving level
9 th +9 +3 +6 +3 Armor of Rage +1 Runecarving level
10 th+10 +3 +7 +3 Blood-spiked Fury +1 Runecarving level
Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level): Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str),
Knowledge (Architecture and engineering) (Int), Listen (Wis), Ride (Dex), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str), Warcraft
(Int)

CLASS FEATURES Soaked in Blood (Ex): The blood-spiked fury has

As a blood-spiked fury, you depend heavily on your
rage and your runes, and the new abilities you gain
allowing those key features to work together more
effectively. Using your rage ability makes your runes
better by giving them extra power and allowing you to
carve more of them. You can also chain attacks together
using your various spiked armor and shield requiring
abilities.
All of the following are class features of the blood-spiked
fury prestige class.
Runecarving: When a new blood-spiked fury level is
attained (aside from 1st), the character gains new runes
known, runes active, and increases his runecarver level
as if he had attained a level in any one runecarving class
he belonged to before he added the prestige class. He
does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of
that class would have gained (class features, bonus feats,
and so on). This essentially means that he adds the level
of blood-spiked fury to the level of whatever
runecarving class the character had, then determines
runes known, runes active, runecarver level, and so on.
If a character had more than one runecarving class before
he became a blood-spiked fury, he must decide to which
class he adds each level of blood-spiked fury for the
purpose of determining runes known, runes active,
runecarver level, etc.
learned to improve upon the furious techniques he has
adopted. He adds twice the number of carved runes to
the damage bonus granted by Spiked Avalanche and can
use Spiked Rebuke on any attack that misses him (up to
his normal limit of attacks of opportunity). Finally, if he
successfully hits with his Spiked Slam, he immediately
gains a free attack at his highest base attack bonus
against the struck creature. Treat this free attack as a
Spiked Avalanche.
Greater Blood Frenzy (Ex): The benefits and penalties
from blood frenzy increase by 2, to +6 and -6.
Alternately, if he rages, the bonuses to Strength and
Constitution during his rage each increase to +6, and his
morale bonus on Will saves increases to +3.
Charge of Fury (Ex): Starting at 3rd level, a blood-spiked
fury can charge in situations where others cannot. He
can charge over difficult terrain that normally slows
movement or through allies blocking his path. This
ability enables him to charge across a cluttered
battlefield, leap down from a ledge, or jump across a
chasm to get to his target. Depending on the
circumstances, he may still need to make appropriate
checks (such as Jump, Tumble, or Use Rope checks) to
successfully move over the terrain.
Deathless Frenzy (Ex): At 4th level and higher, a blood-
spiked fury can scorn death and unconsciousness while
in a frenzy or rage. As long as his frenzy or rage

77
continues, he is not treated as disabled at 0 hit points, nor
is he treated as dying at -1 to -9 hit points. Even if
reduced to -10 hit points or less, he continues to fight
normally until his frenzy or rage ends. At that point, the
effects of his wounds apply normally if they have not
been healed. This ability does not prevent death from
massive damage or from spell effects such as slay living
or disintegrate.
Grasp of Spikes (Ex): If the blood-spiked fury
successfully hits with either his spiked shield or spiked
armor, he may start a grapple as a free action that does
not provoke an attack of opportunity. If he does, he
automatically succeeds at the first grapple check, and
receives a +8 bonus on all further grapple checks. Each
round he is in the grapple, he gets one free attack each
with his spiked armor and his spiked shield. These deal
extra damage equal to twice his Strength modifier.
Blood Rune (Su): When he enters a blood frenzy or rage,
the blood-spiked fury creates a carved rune as a free
action. This does not count against his normal active
runes, and disappears as soon as his blood frenzy or rage
ends.
Soul Spike Gear (Ex): When the blood-spiked fury
carves a rune on his spiked armor or spiked shield, he
increases the enhancement bonus of the affected item by
his runecarving level divided by 4, to a maximum of +5.
Supreme Blood Frenzy (Ex): The benefits and penalties
from blood frenzy increase by a further 2, to +8 and -8.
Alternately, if he rages, the bonuses to Strength and
Constitution during his rage each increase to +8, and his
morale bonus on Will saves increases to +4.
Armor of Rage: While in a blood frenzy or rage, the
blood-spiked fury gains damage reduction X/-, where X
is the number of carved runes affecting him plus one half
his class level.
Blood-Spiked Fury (Ex): As long as a blood-spiked fury
is under the effect of a carved rune, he gains the benefits
of his blood frenzy or rage ability, and all others that
depend on it.
PLAYING A BLOOD-SPIKED FURY
As the name might suggest, there is little of subtlety in
the blood-spiked fury’s view of the world. Indeed, there
is little subtlety in any action that they might take. Every
question, every challenge, is met with a straight ahead
charge that bowls through anything that might stand in
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its way. By many standards, a blood-spiked fury barely
qualifies as sane, given the frothing mad rage into which
they work themselves given any opportunity.
Combat: Fighting for a blood-spiked fury is second
nature, and for many of them is the only place that they
feel truly comfortable and accepted. After all, there’s
very little use for an unhinged hothead anywhere else in
society, aside from in the melee of combat.
Once a blood-spiked fury gets to combat, they do as their
name and abilities would suggest – charge the nearest
foe. Many of their abilities hinge off of landing a charge,
and those that don’t are centered around clubbing
opponents with spiked shields. Therefore, feats that
allow the blood-spiked fury to successfully land charges
and shield bashes are uppermost in desirability.
Always sure not to neglect the ability to use runes, for
they can boost the blood-spiked fury’s capabilities as
surely as a focus on combat feats can. After all, what
could be more dangerous than a blood-spiked fury who
can barrel aside a foe and then resist the strikes that fly
back at him?
Advancement: If you started your career as a runic
berserker, you were always destined to become a blood-
spiked fury, for it is the ultimate outcome of blending
rage and runes. For those who started as a blend of
runecarver or runeborn and barbarian, you found a great
need to merge the two disparate halves of your character
together, and to become the deadliest of combatants.
In either case, you now know the fire and the flame of
the blood-spiked fury, and how the roaring passion of a
rage can power the advent of even more carved runes,
allowing you to drive your weapons ever deeper into the
foe. You need neither formal training nor membership in
any organization to enhance your combat prowess by
following the blood-spiked fury’s path - you feel your
rage grow and your powers advance as your frenzy
deepens.
To maximize your effectiveness, choose feats that
enhance your best abilities. Feats that boost the duration
and strength of your runes are always going to be useful.
More basic combat feats, such as those in the Power
Attack tree or Shock Trooper, also complement your
strengths.
Resources: Like many combatants, you can benefit
greatly from items that enhance your Strength and
Constitution. Magic boots or other items that increase
your speed or grant you different forms of movement
can help you build on your strengths in a different way,
especially if they allow you to charge across terrain that
would previously have been impossible. Magic items
that help to boost your runes, and magic spiked armor
and spiked shields, are always going to be handy.
Finally, look for options that fill in the gaps that your
class features and runes don’t.
BLOOD-SPIKED FURIES IN THE WORLD
“I’m going to kill you, and you, and you, and you.”
– Vondan Carnageborn, Tokunnir Blood-spiked Fury
Blood-spiked furies, more than anything else, are the
shock troops of the dwarven kingdoms, sent on
expeditions to smash their way through the enemies of
their liege. Their liege often has a goal of simply getting
the berserkers well away from his home, of course, and
anything even sniffing of delicacy can never have blood-
spiked furies anywhere near it.
Outside of the formal military structures of the dwarven
lands, blood-spiked furies are most often found in
mercenary companies, or even as lone fighters, shunned
for the uncontrolled actions they all too often undertake.
Wherever they end up, blood-spiked furies are not much
welcome, simply too risky for a population to have
around long. Accepted as attack dogs, but little more, the
blood-spiked fury very often has few friends outside of
those who share his gifts.
Daily Life: Blood-spiked furies most often find a role in
a military organization of some sort, having come from
a martial background regardless of their starting career.
Whether this be a tribe, clan, band of outlaws, or as a
shock trooper, the blood-spiked fury is almost always
going to end up in a place that lets him use his martial
prowess. They know little enough of the rest of life.
Notables: Vondan Carnageborn was precisely what his
name would suggest – a runic berserker, born into a clan
of runic berserkers, who went on to become the greatest
blood-spiked fury in his clan’s history. He
singlehandedly stopped a raid by Tandda, throwing
himself into their midst and striking about with his
spiked shields and armor until he was all but drowning
in their ichor and blood. Feted upon his return, he
continued to fight with reckless abandon, trusting in his
armor and runecarving prowess to turn away blows
from his back. So far, they have.
Organization: In their most common role as soldiers,
blood-spiked furies have access to the normal resources
of the dwarven kingdoms, being usually assigned arms
and armor and weapons, as well as barracks housing and
food. And while their rage and incivility may be
accepted in battle, the military hierarchy has no desire
whatsoever to deal with recalcitrants and uncontrollable
soldiers.
Outside of the military, blood-spiked furies usually have
only themselves to call upon, unless they have had the
luck to fall in with the church of a wargod that does not
mind wanton destruction.
NPC Reactions: The reactions of those around him to the
blood-spiked fury vary greatly, because those who
honor and respect the tradition of the blood-spiked fury
treat them with kindness, while those who find it little
more than a cloak for bestial behavior will react
accordingly. The society in which he resides also plays a
great role, for those regions of the world that focus on
martial prowess tend to be more lenient towards one of
his talents.
BLOOD-SPIKED FURY LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research blood-spiked furies to learn
more about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the same
information.
DC 10: Blood-spiked furies combine the world of combat
with that of runic magic, and have, as their name
suggests, a marked preference for spiked armor and
shields.
DC 15: Blood-spiked furies are furious, rage-driven
combatants who charge into combat covered in runes
and assault their foes with vicious rending attacks.
DC 20: Blood-spiked furies enhance their weapons and
runes by entering a rage, and can become so furious that
they are immune to even death as long as the rage
continues. Eventually, they become consumed by a
permanent state of fury.
DC 30: Information about notable blood-spiked furies,
drawn from the section above.
BLOOD-SPIKED FURIES IN THE GAME
The blood-spiked fury prestige class explores the natural
multiclass combination of runecarver or runeborn and
barbarians, letting the passion of the barbarian drive
79
their carved runes to greater heights of strength. Blood-
spiked furies are a great way to introduce runic magic to
a game, as the class mechanics allow players who are
otherwise savvy with martial combat to slowly come to
grips with the runic magic system without having to
stray too far from their comfort zone.
The blood-spiked fury also makes for an excellent grim
NPC, in that someone covered in spikes, mindless with
hatred in battle, and bathed in the blood of their enemies
can be seen as a truly horrible enemy to fight against, or
can be viewed in a more nuanced light.
If you have a blood-spiked fury PC in your game, be sure
to provide plenty of combat encounters that let him and
his talents shine, preferably ones that let him charge into
action and then grapple with the foe.
Adaptation: The blood-spiked fury can be reworked so
that his source of power is not runes, but rather some
other source of magic. In which case his abilities specific
to runes should be switched over so that they draw from
and empower this new source of magic.
Encounters: A blood-spiked fury can be encountered
alone or at the head of a raiding party from his kingdom,
for example. Given the nature of the blood-spiked fury,
the encounter is likely to descend into furious and brutal
martial combat.
“I am the bulwark of my people. While I stand, they shall never
fall.”
– Isinothi Insala, Human Cipher Vindicator
A cipher vindicator has pledged herself to a single cause
– that espoused by the rune she has permanently bound
herself to. She has sworn to promulgate and champion
the ideals and morals that that particular rune embodies,
and will let nothing and no one stand in the way of
seeing that done. As her relationship with her chosen
rune deepens, a cipher vindicator taps a well of abilities
unavailable to other runecarvers, becoming more than
she once was. Though she can carve runes using other
options, she chooses not to because the connection she
shares with her guiding symbol offers extensive powers.
BECOMING A CIPHER VINDICATOR
Any runecarving base class allows easy entrance to the
cipher vindicator class, but because of the combined
martial and runecarving skill of the runeborn, they can
enter the class at an earlier stage than any other
alternative, aside from the runic berserker alternate class
feature. The cipher vindicator focuses more on the
alignment aspect of the game, allowing the new entrant
to devastate those creatures who fall opposite to the
alignment of the cipher vindicator. Thus, whomever the
entrant was before taking this class, afterwards he will
certainly find the morals and strictures of his rune and
alignment important to him.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Runecarving: 3rd level or better
Base Attack Bonus: +3
Skills: Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) 6
ranks, Craft 6 ranks
Feats: Focused Rune, Runehammer

Table 5-4: The Cipher Vindicator Hit Dice: d10

Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Runecarving
1 st +1 +0 +2 +2 Cipher Bond, Aligned Runehammer +1 Runecarving level
2 nd +2 +0 +3 +3 Calligraphic Flare +1 Runecarving level
3rd +3 +1 +3 +3 Spreading Cipher +1 Runecarving level
4th +4 +1 +4 +4 Call Them Forth +1 Runecarving level
5 th +5 +1 +4 +4 Spirit Shroud +1 Runecarving level
Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level): Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Forgery (Int), Heal (Wis),
Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) (Int), Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (Int), Knowledge (Geography) (Int),
Knowledge (History) (Int), Knowledge (Local) (Int), Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) (Int), Listen (Wis), Profession
(Wis), Search (Int), Spot (Wis), Warcraft (Int)

80
CLASS FEATURES
As a cipher vindicator, you gain an improved rapport
with your bonded rune. This deeper tie allows you to
enhance the power of runes carved with your chosen
focus, and to boost your own combat prowess.
All of the following are class features of the cipher
vindicator prestige class.
Runecarving: When a new cipher vindicator level is
attained, the character gains new runes known, runes
active, and increases his runecarver level as if he had
attained a level in any one runecarving class he belonged
to before he added the prestige class. He does not,
however, gain any other benefit a character of that class
would have gained (class features, bonus feats, and so
on). This essentially means that he adds the level of
cipher vindicator to the level of whatever runecarving
class the character had, then determines runes known,
runes active, runecarver level, and so on.
If a character had more than one runecarving class before
he became a cipher vindicator, he must decide to which
class he adds each level of cipher vindicator for the
purpose of determining runes known, runes active,
runecarver level, etc.
Cipher Bond (Ex): Upon entering the class, a cipher
vindicator chooses a rune that he has the Focused Rune
feat for. From then on, he is permanently bound to that
rune. If he is ever not under the effects of that rune, he
loses all class abilities granted by this class. If he is a
runeborn or otherwise has an inherent rune, he must use
one of his inherent runes as his bonded rune.
Aligned Runehammer (Su): A cipher vindicator's
natural weapons as well as any weapons he wields are
treated as aligned for the purpose of overcoming
damage reduction. The alignment of his weapons
matches his own to as great a degree as possible. Thus, if
he is lawful good, his weapons strike as both lawful-
aligned and good-aligned for the purpose of overcoming
damage reduction, but if he's neutral good, they strike
only as good-aligned. If he is neutral, his weapon strikes
as one alignment component of his choice: chaotic, evil,
good, or lawful. He must make this choice upon entering
the prestige class and cannot thereafter change it. If his
bonded rune is an alignment rune (Kunnon, Pahuus,
Ertaa, or Kaom), his alignment is treated as that of the
rune for that axis. In addition, when using a
runehammer strike against a creature whose alignment
is opposite to his on either the good-evil or law-chaos
axis, that strike is treated as if it came from a bane weapon
of the appropriate type.
Calligraphic Flare (Su): Once every five rounds, the
cipher vindicator can boost the runecarving level of a
single carved rune utilizing his bonded rune by 4. The
boost lasts for one round. In addition, any runehammer
attempts he makes during this round do not count
against the once per hour limit.
Spreading Cipher (Su): The cipher vindicator can
choose to lead the way for his allies. If he successfully
strikes an enemy with a runehammer, all allies within 5
ft. per class level gain the benefits of a single carved rune
that uses the bonded rune. The benefits last for five
rounds. Multiple uses of this ability do not stack, even if
they apply different carved runes.
Call Them Forth (Su): At 4th level, the cipher vindicator
can draw upon the power of his bonded rune to augment
his fighting abilities as a swift action. He gains a +4
bonus to Constitution, a +4 bonus to his armor class, and
a +4 bonus on Fortitude saves for 1 round. In addition,
every enemy creature within 30 ft. must succeed at a Will
save (10 + ½ character level + Intelligence modifier) or
use their next standard action to attack (this includes
casting spells, using abilities, and using items) the cipher
vindicator. Once he has used this ability, he cannot do so
again for 5 rounds.
Spirit Shroud (Ex): At 5th level, the cipher vindicator
becomes overcome with the power of the rune, and
permanently gains the effects of the First Symbol of his
bound rune. This does not count against his runecarving
limit. In addition, if the rune is an alignment rune, he
permanently gains the appropriate subtype. Finally, his
skin solidifies as the rune etches itself as a permanent
tattoo into his body. He gains medium fortification, and
damage reduction 10/adamantine.
PLAYING A CIPHER VINDICATOR
You bear important responsibilities - to promote the
ideals of your chosen rune, and to protect others who
share your morals. Dedicated to all those who share an
alignment with you, and especially those who blend it
with precepts of your bonded rune, you often wander
the world as a combination of protector and prophet,
guarding those who need your protection, while at the
same time spreading the good word of what you believe
is right and true.
81
Combat: Your bonded rune helps you in combat. The
various abilities that it can provide allows you to modify
your tactics depending on the opponents you face. In
general, you prefer a straight up fight rather than a
match based on subterfuge. You prefer to press forward
into the thick of enemies, swinging your weapon with a
verve inspired by your ideals. Make sure you select
effective combat feats, such as Power Attack,
Shattermace, or Axethrower, to make the most of your
abilities.
In addition to your combat prowess, the abilities
bestowed upon you by your bonded rune provide you
with a good mix of combat options. Your tactics should
emphasize the specific powers to which you normally
have access. As you attain higher levels in the prestige
class, your abilities also grant you bonuses to
Constitution, Fortitude, and armor class, and allows you
to focus the enemy’s attention on yourself while
boosting your allies at the same time.
When you gain the calligraphic flare ability, you can
suddenly augment your combat prowess in much the
same way as the barbarian can with his rage ability.
Depending on the nature of the rune in question, it may
well allow access to new abilities for that one round, and
so should be used at the opportune moment.
Advancement: Because of the very personal nature of
the prestige class, and the way it is driven by a bond to a
single chosen rune, there is very little the outside world
can do to support a cipher vindicator, at least as far as
growing in their own abilities. Another cipher vindicator
of similar morals and outlook could certainly teach the
newly minted entrant as to how to live their life, but
given that cipher vindicators are few and far between
and not much for the strictures of organizations, there is
almost no hope of such an occurrence actually
happening.
Advancing up the levels of the prestige class requires
little more than living life as the morals and goals the
cipher vindicator’s rune demands, and practicing to
fully understand the limitless potential of the abilities on
offer. Like other martial characters, the cipher vindicator
should spend her gold primarily to improve her
weapons and armor, though potions and oils are always
useful. It is best not to neglect combat feats that can make
the cipher vindicator a powerful combatant when used
with the abilities of the bonded rune.
82
Resources: As someone who is inherently focused on an
internal goal, and often somewhat alone in the world, an
individual cipher vindicator has little in the way of
resources beyond what they carry with themselves. If
they have been able to find a collective of like-minded
individuals, or have indeed become the leader of a kind
of church based around the morals that they espouse,
then their access to funds will be much stronger.
CIPHER VINDICATORS IN THE WORLD
“There is nothing so much a guide of an individual as the
weave of magic.”
– Engelbert Fisxinack, Gnome Cipher Vindicator
Cipher vindicators are what happens when the ideals
and views of the world embodied in the magic of the
runes becomes enmeshed with alignment. As a result,
cipher vindicators most often see their role as guiding
others onto the right path and showing them the way
forward. Sometimes, this can even include teaching the
rudiments of runecarving, so that others can feel the
enlightenment of the bound rune. By no means does this
mean that a cipher vindicator is entirely at home with the
idea of an unlettered, but they are far more willing than
a traditional runecarver to understand the benefits of
being able to draw upon a chosen rune or at least a
closely related one.
Daily Life: A cipher vindicator’s time is largely spent on
the open road, although very often that includes long
stops in towns and villages, preaching to the
uninformed. Eventually, the cipher vindicator will either
have done his work, and persuaded those villagers of the
proper means of living life, or they will have been run
out of town, sometimes with the assistance of local
clergy who find the message promulgated to be rather at
odds with their own views of how the world should be
organized.
Notables: Perhaps appropriately, amongst the gnome
communities there is a rather famous and well-liked
cipher vindicator by the name of Engelbert Fisxinack,
who travels about from town to town, preaching on the
ways in which Aum can be used to guide a life forward.
Given that the gnome in question is an unlettered, and
somewhat prone to mishaps as all gnomes are, his shows
are often attended as much for comedic value as the
underlying moral code, but despite his failings, he has
amassed quite a following, and the areas through which
he travels are remarkably free of any creature who
would fall on the opposite side of the alignment
spectrum from him.
Organization: Cipher vindicators have no organization,
aside from any that they may have set up themselves as
part of their proselytizing efforts.
NPC Reactions: In general people react to a cipher
vindicator based entirely on how interested they are in
the proselytizing that he or she is currently engaged in.
Outside of that arena, unless the cipher vindicator
wishes to appear otherwise, they seem to be nothing
more than the ordinary wandering warrior, although
they can certainly disabuse people of that notion with
their actions.
CIPHER VINDICATOR LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Arcana, Religion, or Runes)
can research cipher vindicators to learn more about
them. Bardic knowledge reveals the same information.
DC 10: The cipher vindicator is a warrior bonded to the
precepts of a single rune.
DC 15: Cipher vindicators are all but permanently under
the effects of their bonded rune, and can enhance the
powers of that rune at a moment’s notice. They also have
the ability to damage those of an opposite alignment to
themselves.
DC 20: The cipher vindicator can spread the benefits of
his bonded rune to his allies, and can enter a state of
protective combat wherein all enemies are forced to try
and strike him, while his allies attack from safety.
DC 30: Information about notable cipher vindicators,
drawn from the section above.
CIPHER VINDICATORS IN THE GAME
How you introduce runic magic into your game best
determines how to incorporate this prestige class into an
ongoing campaign. Because cipher vindicators are
generally loners and prophets, you could simply decide
that they have had a presence in your campaign all along
as people thought to be wandering preachers. Players
who like the features of the runeborn class but prefer a
different entrance can turn to this class as an alternative.
A PC cipher vindicator is at her best when paired with
another character or characters who can benefit strongly
from her protective abilities and can provide a foil for
her moral goals. The interaction between prophet and
sceptic creates excellent opportunities for roleplaying. If
you have a cipher vindicator in your game, be sure to
provide plenty of opportunities for her to express her
devotion and dedication to her bonded rune and its
particular moral code.
Adaptation: The cipher vindicator can be reworked so
that he draws on another power source, and his abilities
boost the strength of that fount, rather than runes.
Encounters: When designing an encounter with a cipher
vindicator, decide first what her bonded rune is and how
the morals of that will affect the situation. The next
consideration is whether the cipher vindicator has been
successful in terms of recruiting passionate followers of
their moral code, or whether they work alone. Only
when those factors have been decided upon should an
encounter with a cipher vindicator be fully designed.
“I have but one goal in life.”
– Kilathas Ironmind, Tokunnir Concenter
A concenter is one who has given themselves over
entirely to their dwarven focus, and has all but discarded
the rest of life. Driven only by the goal that they hold in
mind, they will go to the utmost ends of the earth in
order to achieve it, for it is the only part of life that has
any meaning. Compared even to a normal dwarf with a
focus, a concenter is an extremist, for he forgoes even the
basic necessities of life where they might impede his
pursuit of his goal. In some ways, a concenter becomes
an amoral being, completely unconcerned with the
wider world, and using those around him only as tools
to get him closer to his goal.
BECOMING A CONCENTER
Concenters are most often Athaghoel who have gone
through a devastating shock, one that upended their
entire view of the world and made everything that they
are doing seem worthless. Only by adopting a new and
extreme position on the only worthwhile goal they can
conceive does the person recover who they are. Driven
exclusively by a single burning focus that is the entire
center of their life and being, a concenter is often a
person on a quest for revenge, although by no means is
that the only reason that one might become a concenter.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Skills: Concentration 6, Autohypnosis 3
Special: Must have a dwarven focus
83
Table 5-5: The Concenter
Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities
1st +0 +0 +2 +2 Singular Focus, Expanded Focus
2nd +1 +0 +3 +3 Recovering Mind, Necessary Skills
3rd +2 +1 +3 +3 Determination to Achieve, Visions of a Better Future +1 Magic Level
Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level): Autohypnosis (Wis), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int),
Gather Information (Cha), Knowledge (All) (Int), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Speak Language (Int),
Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis)
CLASS FEATURES
There is one overriding goal for the concenter’s life. Any
and everything else is simply dust in the wind,
irrelevant.
All of the following are class features of the concenter
prestige class.
Magic: At each level, you gain class features and an
increase in effective level as if you had also gained a level
in a class to which you belonged before adding the
prestige class level. The specific class features you gain
include spells per day, runecarving, maneuvers,
psionics, ritual-wielding, truenaming, mysteries, etc.
You do not, however, gain the benefit of your previous
class's Hit Dice, attack progression, skill points, or saving
throws, or any class features other than those that grant
access to a magic system. If you had more than one class
before becoming a concenter, you must decide to which
class to add each level for the purpose of determining
class abilities.
Singular Focus (Ex): At each level in this class, the
concenter increases the bonus granted by his dwarven
focus by +1. At 1st level, he takes a -1 penalty to all rolls
that do not directly relate to his focus. In addition, if he
ever accomplishes his focus in less than a month, he can
no longer receive morale bonuses until such time as he
completes a focus that takes longer than a month. If he
accomplishes his focus, he must wait at least three
months before choosing another one.
Expanded Focus (Ex): At 1st level, his dwarven focus
bonus applies to ability checks, initiative checks at 2 nd
level, and armor class at 3rd level. It still only works when
directly related to his focus, however.
Recovering Mind (Ex): The concenter, while engaged in
a task directly related to his focus, can remove harmful
conditions from himself as a move action by making a
DC 20 Autohypnosis check. If the check succeeds, he
negates any one of the following conditions: cowering,
84
Hit Dice: d8
Magic
+1 Magic Level
+1 Magic Level
dazed, fatigued, nauseated, panicked, shaken, or
stunned. He can make this check even if he would not
normally be able to (such as being stunned).
Necessary Skills (Ex): At 2nd level, once per day by
succeeding on a DC 30 Autohypnosis check, the
concenter gains the ability to mimic a class feature
possessed by other characters. The ability must be
available to a standard (base) character class at 3 rd level
or lower, and must appear on the advancement table or
in the text description for that class. This excludes any
ability that grants a companion (animal companion,
familiars, etc.) and spellcasting or similar abilities
(runecarving, ritual-wielding, binding, incarnum,
maneuvers, truenaming, shadowcasting, psionics, etc.).
The concenter gains the benefit of that ability for one
round. If the chosen ability has a stated duration (such
as rage), he gains the benefit for that duration. This
cannot exceed one minute. If the benefits of the ability
increase with class level, the concenter uses his character
level as his level in the appropriate class. Make this check
is an immediate action. The benefits of whatever ability
is gained only apply on rolls or actions directly related
to his focus.
Determination to Achieve (Ex): By now, a concenter has
dedicated his entire life to his focus, and stubbornly
ignores anything that would get in the way of that.
Should he ever roll a 1 on a task directly related to his
focus, he treats it as a natural 20 if he succeeds on a DC
40 Autohypnosis check.
Visions of a Better Future (Ex): Once per week, a
concenter receives brief visions of the goal of his focus.
Treat this as per the vision spell, except that the result is
always vague.
PLAYING A CONCENTER
The single defining belief that you share with all other
concenters is that of the importance of a focus. People
like you have seen the wretchedness of a life without a
purpose, a life without meaning, and they have drawn a
line in the sand. Never will they allow themselves to fall
into the emptiness of a wasted life, never will they go a
day without a clear and strong beacon of purpose calling
them onwards.
To achieve that, the concenter has sharpened their mind
to the point that it can simply ignore matters that would
prevent them from reaching their goals. If he needs a
talent, he acquires it. If a spell would stop his progress,
his mind says it does not. If the gods say he fails, he
laughs in their face. Nothing in the world is stronger
than the forceful mind and focus of a concenter.
Combat: Concenters can come from almost any
background and any set of skills, and while they
definitely do add to that, the primary means by which a
concenter will fight is through using the talents that he
acquired in his prior life. However, his recovering mind
ability does allow him to simply ignore certain
conditions, and necessary skills allows him to copy
almost any ability that he desires for the length of a
single encounter, giving the concenter the ability to
surprise their foes with previously unseen talents.
Advancement: No one can truly tell a concenter what to
do, how to act. A concenter is completely internally
focused, driven by the goal that they have chosen to
orient their life towards and nothing else. No outside
force can pressure them into doing such a thing, and
none can pressure them into changing how they act,
either. A concenter will concentrate their efforts as they
desire, and if they decide that they have achieved their
life’s goal and can die happy, then they will. If they need
to learn more of a particular talent to chase down the
polestar of their life, then they will.
Resources: Realistically, concenters can only draw upon
themselves, as the way in which their life spins around a
single focal point makes things such as a job or a normal
role in society almost impossible for them to hold on to.
However, given the extreme levels of effort that goes into
a concenter’s planning, that could mean they have spent
years preparing for the moment in which they will
launch themselves upon the sea of fate and journey to
their final destination, and are thus flush with all the
supplies that a concenter could ever desire. In the end, it
depends upon the individual dwarf.
CONCENTERS IN THE WORLD
“Always forward. Forward. Always.”
– Lu’ka Correal, Elven Concenter
Focused only on themselves and their own goals, a
concenter generally does not concern themselves with
the wider world around them, except as to how it might
impact the goals they are currently pursuing. Usually
loners, or at least living on the fringes of society, even
other dwarves sometimes regard the concenter’s
extreme focus on a single task to be beyond the pale.
Only adventurers, who sometimes act in a manner very
similar to the concenter, feel a vague kinship with the
driven being.
Daily Life: A concenter primarily spends their days in
pursuit of one or more objectives aimed at hunting down
resources necessary for their focus, or in direct pursuit of
their focus itself. Little else concerns them, although if
absolutely necessary a concenter will take time out from
their vocation in order to earn the funds necessary to
undertake the next step.
Notables: Lu’ka Correal is, strangely, an elf of
remarkable purpose, who has dedicated themselves to
restoring a forest burnt down by the rage of a red
dragon. She has determined that only when that forest is
returned to its fullest extent and the animals that once
lived there have returned to repopulate it can her work
be said to be done. But farmers and others have
colonized the land where once the trees grew, and now
they find themselves harassed by mysterious messages,
offered bribes to leave, and if they refuse, sometimes
outright slain.
Organization: There is no such thing as an organization
for concenters, and while individuals may have held
roles in societal groupings before, they almost never do
once they step foot on this path.
NPC Reactions: If the NPC is able to determine that the
concenter is, indeed, a concenter, they are viewed with
the kind of suspicion that one looks at a potentially crazy
dog, never knowing when it is going to snap. For those
who are not able to determine such a thing, a concenter
is treated as a member of their prior career.
CONCENTER LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research concenters to learn more
about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the same
information.
85
DC 10: The concenter orients their life around a single cross-purposes to whatever it is the party wishes to
goal, and pursues only that. achieve.

DC 15: Concenters can simply shrug off the impact of

fear and maladies in order to continue on their way, and
are extremely difficult to stop once they are on their “Follow me.”
chosen path. – Platoon Commander #27, Constructed Sergeant

DC 20: Concenters are able to channel almost any ability
they can think of, should they desire. And they will
desire, for any ability that gets them one step closer to
their goal is all that they care about.
DC 30: Information about notable concenters, drawn
from the section above.
CONCENTERS IN THE GAME
Most concenters who seek to enter the class do so at an
early point in the game, deviating from the prior path
they have chosen in order to gain a collection of abilities
that allow them to fully explore the world of their
dwarven focus.
If a character has chosen the path of the concenter, make
sure to work with them on the importance of their focus
and what it means to the character to pursue it, as well
the burden that it will have on the party if the focus and
the campaign’s adventures are not aligned.
Adaptation: By replacing some of the abilities that call
specifically for a dwarven focus, the concenter class can
be changed into a more flexible option that allows for
characters with high mental strength to resist the
depredations of their foes while at the same time having
access to a wider range of abilities when desired.
Encounters: A concenter will stop at nothing in order to
achieve their goals, and so if one of them decides that
what they need is the party out of the way, they will stop
at nothing to achieve that goal. Primarily, a concenter
should be used as a recurring character, not necessarily
a villain, who desires nothing more than a goal that is at
Constructed sergeants are Constructed warriors who
were designed and built by their Tokunnir creators with
the purpose of leading lesser Constructed in battle,
serving as a step in the command structure between the
properly dwarven masters of the army and the
Constructed who serve as the shock troops and sappers.
Trained to lead those around them, Constructed
sergeants are built with an eye towards efficiency and
survival, as they are quite a bit more expensive than their
lesser cousins.
For that tiny proportion of Constructed sergeants who
do not work directly for the Tokunnir military, their
combat focus leaves them unsuitable for peacetime
pursuits, and most work now as mercenaries,
bodyguards, bounty hunters, or elite soldiers in the
armies of various nations.
BECOMING A CONSTRUCTED SERGEANT
Constructed sergeants come primarily from fighters,
runecarvers, and runeborn, with there being little in the
way of alternative entrances. Most NPC sergeants will
merely be fighters who have been enhanced to command
the lower level versions around themselves, whereas PC
variants will be those specially designed models built to
demonstrate true mastery of the art of Constructed
creation, and thus imbued with the spirit of the runes.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Base Attack Bonus: +3
Skills: Warcraft 6, Spot 6
Feat: Officer Material
Race: Constructed

Table 5-6: The Constructed Sergeant Hit Dice: d12

Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Runecarving
1 st +1 +2 +2 +0 Commander Aura, Bonus Feat +1 Runecarving level
2 nd +2 +3 +3 +0 Commander Aura, Bonus Feat +1 Runecarving level
3 rd +3 +3 +3 +1 Ongoing Repair, Leader’s Presence +1 Runecarving level
Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level): Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Heal (Wis), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str),
Knowledge (all but Arcana, Religion, The Planes) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Profession (Wis), Search (Int),
Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str), Use Rope (Dex), Warcraft (Int)

86
CLASS FEATURES
As a Constructed sergeant, you learn to lead those
around you into the thick of battle, and eventually to
protect them with the runes that animate you.
All of the following are class features of the Constructed
sergeant prestige class.
Runecarving: When a new sergeant level is attained, the
character gains new runes known, runes active, and
increases his runecarver level as if he had attained a level
in any one runecarving class he belonged to before he
added the prestige class. He does not, however, gain any
other benefit a character of that class would have gained
(class features, bonus feats, and so on). This essentially
means that he adds the level of sergeant to the level of
whatever runecarving class the character had, then
determines runes known, runes active, runecarver level,
and so on.
If a character had more than one runecarving class before
he became a sergeant, he must decide to which class he
adds each level of sergeant for the purpose of
determining runes known, runes active, runecarver
level, etc.
Commander Aura (Ex): At the 1st and 2nd level of the
class, the Constructed sergeant gains another
commander aura (Heroes of Battle, p75). They ignore
any prerequisites and racial or type requirements of the
auras (auras apply to all allies within range who meet
any non-race/type requirements).
Bonus Feat: At the 1st and 2nd level of the class, the
Constructed sergeant selects one Constructed, Warcraft,
or Warforged feat for which he meets the prerequisites.
Ongoing Repair (Ex): If the Constructed sergeant has the
Enhanced Self-Repair feat, he does not become staggered
when undergoing repair. Otherwise, he gains the benefit
of that feat.
Leader's Presence (Ex): The Constructed sergeant gains
a +2 bonus to Initiative, and increases the benefits
granted by his commander auras by his Charisma
modifier (minimum +1 increase). This stacks with other
bonuses to commander auras and applies to commander
auras gained from any source.
In addition, every ally within 30 ft. gains the benefit of a
single First Symbol rune effect at the constructed
sergeant’s runecarving level, chosen from amongst the
runes the sergeant knows. Once made, this choice is
permanent.
PLAYING A CONSTRUCTED SERGEANT
Your training as a Constructed sergeant sets you apart
from all other Constructed. You have become a member
of a brotherhood with a long and distinguished history
of service in the army of the Tokunnir. Although you
might no longer be a member of a standing army, you
remain a formidable warrior and consider yourself a
soldier.
Unlike some Constructed, you hold your race’s martial
past in high esteem, knowing that war is your true
calling. When the trumpets sound on the battlefield, you
are sure to be there, ready to lend your strength and even
your life to the Tokunnir cause.
Combat: Constructed sergeants rely on others for much
of their martial might. Their abilities work far better if
there are other combatants for them to lead, for that is,
after all, the purpose towards which Constructed
sergeants were designed. Where possible, they want to
maneuver themselves so as to be able to cover as many
allies as possible with the commander auras, and often
prefer to spend a fight using ranged weapons so that the
optimal positioning does not affect their ability to assist
their allies. In addition, heavy usage of the Warcraft skill
in combat is considered the mark of an expert sergeant.
Advancement: To become a Constructed sergeant, you
must first show the Tokunnir that you are worthy and
have already taken your first steps on the path to
command, primarily by your feat choices and
investment in the Warcraft skill. Formidable combat
ability and a basic ability to guide others are the
hallmarks of your preparedness. A Tokunnir blacksmith
who sees these aspects of your character might then
recommend you for enhancement to the level of
sergeant.
Enhancement often takes a few weeks of planning and
upgrades, with the smith and members of the Tokunnir
military testing your progress as they determine how
well the changes are bonding with the already existing
Constructed design. Once this enhancement is complete,
a Constructed sergeant does not need to return for
further upgrades. They are, after all, designed as living,
learning, machines.
Resources: Sergeants can expect aid from other
Constructed, designed as they are to be subservient to
87
officers, whether they are Tokunnir or Constructed in
nature. Also, Tokunnir themselves are often willing to
offer assistance to a sergeant who requests it, provided
the request is clear about the nature of the task and why
such assistance is necessary. After all, the Tokunnir
designed the Constructed to defend them, and the officer
type Constructed to have some initiative when doing so,
and no dwarf sees the point in designing a tool for a
certain task and then being unhappy when the tool does
the task for which it is designed.
CONSTRUCTED SERGEANTS IN THE WORLD
“Forward to glory! For the King and the Fatherland! Long live
the King!”
– Elite #55, Constructed Sergeant
As designed and planned members of Tokunnir society,
sergeants have their place in the world well defined from
the moment they are first decanted from their
construction vessels. While they may not at first be
destined for command, and instead it takes some time
for the Tokunnir to recognize their talents, Constructed
who become sergeants are almost invariably headed
straight into the military, unlike their cousins who might
be used as physical laborers or in other related tasks.
And there they go through the expected usage of a
military Constructed – they fight until their talents are
recognized and they are selected for enhancement.
Daily Life: Training, repair, cleaning and preparation of
weapons occupies the life of those Constructed who
become sergeants. There is little else that they concern
themselves with.
Notables: Elite #55 is remembered in Tokunnir lore for
his dramatic order to his troops issued on the first day of
the defense of the Tokunnir capital against the Llethu.
Elite #55 at the time commanded the 2nd battalion of the
Constructed 3rd Regiment, which was defending
positions at the confluence of two major entrance
tunnels. In the early morning, Llethu troops attacked.
The Tokunnir position grew worse every minute
because of an incessant flow of Llethu reinforcements
and a vast superiority in spellcasting, which the
Constructed countered by employing close-quarter
tactics. The Constructed had their last stand in front of a
small pottery shop, from which the soldiers took shards
and strapped them to their armor as they prepared for
one last charge into a certain death. Preparing his
already decimated troops for that last attack, Elite #55
addressed them with these words:
88
“Soldiers, exactly at three o'clock, the enemy is to be
crushed by your fierce charge, destroyed by your axes
and hammers. The honor of the Tokunnir must not be
stained. Soldiers! Heroes! The supreme command has
erased our regiment from its records. Our regiment has
been sacrificed for the honor of the Fatherland.
Therefore, you no longer need to worry about your lives:
they no longer exist. So, forward to glory! For the King
and the Fatherland! Long live the King, long live the
Tokunnir!”
The desperate charge that followed, in which Elite #55
was destroyed, halted the onrushing Llethu army long
enough for the Tokunnir to organize lines of defense
further into the city, and eventually turn back the assault
upon their capital.
Organization: Sergeants are deeply imbedded into the
military of the Tokunnir, and have enough freedom
within it that they can generally call upon the resources
that it provides. Although any particularly important
decision does require the approval of an actual Tokunnir
dwarf. Sergeants may have some independence, but they
are still built as servants to the Tokunnir.
NPC Reactions: Constructed sergeants have a
reputation as effective leaders, and moments such as the
last charge of the 2nd battalion have ensured that while
Constructed may be servants to the Tokunnir, they also
have a great deal of respect from some segments of the
population. Tokunnir in general understand that much
of their society was built upon or by the Constructed,
although whether that engenders a liking for their
actions or a dislike for their necessity varies depending
on the individual dwarf.
Outside of the Tokunnir realm, Constructed are
generally regarded as mute combatants, little more than
animated objects who show some skill in combat. Few
know the truth, that they are a species all their own, even
if they do not have much independence. Except among
the Tandda, who will go out of their way to destroy or
otherwise cripple Constructed sergeants when the
Tokunnir push into Tandda territory. The deep-dwellers
seem to have an innate understanding of how to cripple
the Tokunnir military, and use it wherever possible.
CONSTRUCTED SERGEANT LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research Constructed sergeants to
learn more about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the
same information.
DC 10: Constructed sergeants fill the role of junior officer
in the Tokunnir military and are designed to enhance the
combat capabilities of those around them.
DC 15: Constructed sergeants project commanding
auras on those who are near to them, and can repair
themselves in the middle of combat, unlike normal
Constructed who become incapacitated if they attempt
that.
DC 20: A poorly known (or possibly well disguised)
feature of Constructed sergeants is that some of them
have access to runecarving, and can not only carve runes
upon themselves, but can also project the benefits of
those runes to others around them, granting them
strength against the enemy.
DC 30: Information about notable Constructed
sergeants, drawn from the section above.
CONSTRUCTED SERGEANTS IN THE GAME
Introducing sergeants into your campaign is a relatively
easy task. NPC sergeants are easily encountered as the
soldiers within dwarven society. A sergeant can also be
an effective member of an adventuring party. His auras
assist everyone around them, and even though his
overall runecarving ability is not necessarily as strong as
someone who is more focused upon that task, his ability
to project runes across the battlefield allow him to
provide an effective benefit to the whole party. Finally,
his enhanced self-repair means that he is able to
withstand blows that few others could.
Adaptation: By removing the restrictions on race that
surrounds the Constructed sergeant, the class can be
adapted as a leader class for almost any system, as long
as the final class abilities are updated to reflect that they
no longer apply exclusively to Constructed. A DM may
also want to consider allowing the sergeant class to have
access to a limited form of the leadership feat, in order to
ensure that the commander auras have appropriate
targets.
Encounters: Most encounters with a Constructed
sergeant will be at the head of a military force that he is
leading and will involve a more straightforward
approach that most other options. That is, unless the
Constructed has fled, or is on a diplomatic mission, in
which case the encounter will take on a decidedly
different flavor.
“Run all you want. Sooner or later, you’re nothing more than
another notch on my axe.”
– Skadmibella Kraggranite, Tokunnir Curse Carver
A bandit king raids caravans on the road. An ogre
pillages farms to the north. An arcanist has kidnapped
the ruler’s son and hidden him somewhere in a marsh -
and the soldiers of the king cannot seem to stem the tide.
The council of elders have only one choice - they call in
a curse carver.
A curse carver tracks down wrongdoers and brings them
to whatever justice awaits them. Low-level curse carvers
depend on their keen senses and careful training to hunt
their targets. As they gain experience, their obsessive
determination gives them supernatural abilities that
make them nearly unstoppable.
And sometimes, when they find their targets, the curse
carver is asked to make sure that he doesn’t return.
Curse carvers fulfill the dwarven kingdom’s need for
underhanded tactics, if that ever becomes necessary, and
more than a few are really professional assassins who
train by tracking down much easier targets and
returning them.
None of this is to say that the curse carver is welcome in
Tokunnir, Athaghoel, or other dwarven society. No
dwarf likes to associate themselves with something as
dishonorable as stabbing a ruler in the bathtub or
slipping poison into his cup. But sometimes the death of
one does really spare the many.
BECOMING A CURSE CARVER
Curse carvers come from several different backgrounds,
whether it be the more traditional dwarven option of
runecarver or runeborn mixed with rogue, or from the
less popular entrant of unlettered. Given the stigma
associated with the unlettered, someone who combines
that talent with the curse carver career will find
themselves very unwelcome in dwarf society indeed.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Runecarving: 5th level or better
Feats: Find the Foe, Inscribed Skill
Skills: Survival 4, Bluff 4, Sense Motive 8
89
Table 5-7: The Curse Carver Hit Dice: d8
Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Runecarving
1st +0 +2 +0 +2 Runecurse, Earth Stride, Track -
2nd +1 +3 +0 +3 Spirit Shatter, Swift Tracker +1 Runecarving level
3 rd +2 +3 +1 +3 Circle of Anathema, Tenacious Pursuit +1 Runecarving level
4 th +3 +4 +1 +4 Spirit Shatter, Hunter’s Dedication +1 Runecarving level
5th +3 +4 +1 +4 Extended Curse, Trackless Step +1 Runecarving level
6th +4 +5 +2 +5 Spirit Shatter, Earth Stride +1 Runecarving level
7 th +5 +5 +2 +5 Mark of Opportunity, Regalia of Ease +1 Runecarving level
8 th +6 +6 +2 +6 Spirit Shatter, Track the Trackless +1 Runecarving level
9th +6 +6 +3 +6 Persistent Curse +1 Runecarving level
10th +7 +7 +3 +7 Spirit Shatter, Twinned Bane +1 Runecarving level
Class skills (6 + Int modifier per level): Autohypnosis (Wis), Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con),
Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge
(Architecture and engineering) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Speak
Language (None), Swim (Str), Survival (Wis), Tumble (Dex), Use Magic Device (Cha)

CLASS FEATURES
As a curse carver, you use your runecurse to cripple your
targets, and to follow them if they should escape.
Generally, you like to focus all of your negative attention
on a single creature, letting the rest of the party deal with
any others.
All of the following are class features of the curse carver
prestige class.
Runecarving: When a new curse carver level is attained
(aside from 1st), the character gains new runes known,
runes active, and increases his runecarver level as if he
had attained a level in any one runecarving class he
belonged to before he added the prestige class. He does
not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that
class would have gained (class features, bonus feats, and
so on). This essentially means that he adds the level of
curse carver to the level of whatever runecarving class
the character had, then determines runes known, runes
active, runecarver level, and so on.
If a character had more than one runecarving class before
he became a curse carver, he must decide to which class
he adds each level of curse carver for the purpose of
determining runes known, runes active, runecarver
level, etc.
Runecurse (Su): The curse carver's primary method of
dealing with their foes is to carve a curse into them in the
form of a rune. He can choose to strike an opponent as a
standard action. If he hits, he can apply a single rune
effect with a level equal to or lower than his runecarving
level, except that all benefits the rune effect grants are
treated as penalties (Damage reduction or energy
resistance adds that much to damage when struck), with
any non-numerical effects being ignored. The struck
creature gets a Fortitude save vs 10 + damage dealt to
resist the runecurse. If the creature fails, the runecurse
lasts for one hour. The curse carver cannot apply more
than one runecurse to a single creature at a time. The
chosen rune effect must be from a rune the curse carver
knows (unlettered-based curse carvers are treated as
knowing all runes).
Earth Stride (Su): A curse carver can move through scree
and dense rubble at her normal speed. She can also move
up steep slopes and stairs at her normal speed. See pages
89-92 of the Dungeon Master's Guide for descriptions of
terrain types. Starting at 6th level, a curse carver is well
acquainted with the dangers of mountainous terrain. She
can ignore DC modifiers on Balance, Move Silently, and
Tumble checks derived from scree, light rubble, dense
rubble, steep slopes, or stairs (see page 89 of the
Dungeon Master's Guide). She also does not need to
make a DC 10 Balance check when running or charging
down a steep slope.
Track (Ex): The curse carver gains Track as a bonus feat.
Spirit Shatter (Su): Sometimes the curse carver would
prefer not to have to fight up close against those it has
been sent to end. At each even level, it learns one spirit
shatter, which takes a standard action to apply and has a
range of 20 ft. per class level. The save DC is 10 + ½ class

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level + Charisma modifier. He may only have a single
spirit shatter active at a time, and the duration of the
curse is one hour, after which all penalties are lifted.
Simple Failure: The affected target must make a Will save
or suffer a luck penalty on attack rolls, saving throws,
ability checks, and skill checks equal to half the curse
carver’s class level.
Stumbling Curse: The affected target must make a
Fortitude save or become staggered and flatfooted.
Chains of Despair: Overwhelming panic grips the
creature, causing it to cower for the duration of the curse.
Will negates.
Stonecurse: A creature struck by this curse simply
becomes stone. The target is turned to stone, as per flesh
to stone. Fortitude negates.
Magic Retarded: A being suffering under this malefaction
is simply unable to use magic effectively. The affected
creature takes a penalty to their caster level equal to half
the curse carver’s class level. Will negates.
Crippling Anguish: The affected target must make a
Fortitude save or become inflicted with wracking pain
that cuts their movement, base attack bonus, damage
and damage reduction by half. Fortitude negates.
Suppress Items: The affected target must watch all of his
magical protections be stripped from him. Every magical
item on his form is suppressed for the duration of the
curse. Fortitude negates.
Inward Reflection: Any time the affected creature deals
damage to another creature, it immediately is struck by
that one half that damage. Fortitude negates.
Cripple: The affected creature immediately suffers 1d4
level drain. Fortitude negates.
Thou Shalt Not: The affected creature has no more will of
his own. He must make a DC 30 Concentration check to
take any action. Will negates.
Swift Tracker (Ex): A curse carver can move at his
normal speed while following tracks. See the ranger class
feature, page 48 of the Player's Handbook.
Circle of Anathema (Su): The curse carver, while
considered a necessary evil by the dwarven elders, is
never held in the highest of regards. Being anathema to
most dwarves is something that he has turned back
against his enemies, afflicting them with his very
presence. Any enemy within 30 ft. of the curse carver
takes a -1 penalty on all saves for every two carved runes
the curse carver is under the effects of.
Tenacious Pursuit (Ex): A curse carver who is tracking
increases his own speed by 5 feet per carved rune
affecting him. This bonus stacks with all other speed
increases.
Hunter's Dedication (Ex): A curse carver adds his
Constitution bonus (if any) to Will saves made to resist
the special attacks, abilities, or spells of any creature he
has runecursed.
Extended Curse (Su): The curse carver’s runecurse now
lasts for four hours.
Trackless Step (Ex): A curse carver cannot be tracked in
natural, rocky, or underground surroundings. See the
druid class feature, page 36 of the Player's Handbook.
Mark of Opportunity (Su): Those whom the curse
carver has marked with a runecurse attract blows from
friend and foe alike. Whenever a runecursed creature
takes an action that would draw an attack of
opportunity, even from a creature allied to it, that
creature takes the attack of opportunity unless it
succeeds at a Will save of 10 + curse carver’s class level
+ Charisma modifier. Allies of the curse carver get 1 free
attack of opportunity per round against the runecursed
creature.
Regalia of Ease (Su): The curse carver finds it immensely
easier to track those it has marked with a curse, to the
point where it now automatically succeeds on Survival
checks to track any creature under the effect of a
runecurse.
Track the Trackless (Su): A curse carver can track a
creature moving under the influence of pass without trace
or a similar effect, though he takes a -20 penalty on his
Survival checks when doing so.
Persistent Curse (Su): The curse carver’s runecurse now
lasts for one day.
Twinned Bane (Su): When using the runecurse ability,
the curse carver may now apply two different rune
effects with each runecurse.
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PLAYING A CURSE CARVER that fill in the gaps that your class features and runes
As the talents of the curse carver would suggest, their don’t.
primary roles in life are to hunt down fleeing targets, and
CURSE CARVERS IN THE WORLD
to then deal with those targets in single combat. With a
“He thought flight was the answer. It never is.”
vast array of abilities that neuter their prey, the curse
– Yeldithas Adkas, Elven Curse Carver
carver never has to worry about having a fair fight, and
indeed never has any desire to have one. And if the Curse carvers are the tools of furthest outreach for their
target flees, well, the runecurse dotting their back will let overlords, often sent leagues away from their homes in
the curse carver follow wherever they go. order to track down some recalcitrant who has broken
the law in a way that demands answer. That also has the
Combat: Curse carvers are specialists in dealing with
side benefit of getting the curse carver out of the regular
single targets, usually by hitting them with a spirit
sight of the populace, where the bounty hunter would
shatter as the foe approaches, and then continuing to
remind the crowd that their ruler, however noble he
cripple the target with a runecurse in the first round of
might sound, kept a veritable assassin on staff for
melee combat. After the enemy has been significantly
“unpleasantries”.
degraded in this way, the curse carver will then hound
them throughout the fight, trusting in their runes to keep Daily Life: Most days, a curse carver will find
them safe from a weakened enemy. themselves on the road, hunting down some foolish
target or another. Sometimes the goal is to kill the target,
Advancement: If you started your career as a runecarver
sometimes to return with it, but that aside, the process of
or runeborn and rogue, you found a great need to merge
tracking does not change much. When they are at home,
the two disparate halves of your character together, and
curse carvers in the employ of lords and kings are
to become an expert stalker. For those who entered
usually used to root around the court gossip and
directly from the unlettered, well, it just seemed like a
discover who might be loyal and who might not,
good place to go.
bringing any who are not to their liege’s attention.
You need neither formal training nor membership in any
When not on duty, curse carvers spend their time
organization to enhance your tracking prowess by
drinking and carousing, washing away the stigma that
following the curse carver’s path – that you learn on the
surrounds them in a flurry of alcohol. Or, perhaps,
job. As for the runecarving half of the equation, learning
studying, preparing their talents so that they are always
better runes depends on whether your original
sharp, always learning new ways of finding their targets.
knowledge came through the formalized and rigorous
training of the runecarver and the runeborn, or the Notables: Yeldithas Adkas is attached to the court of an
willful inaccuracy of the unlettered. elven nobleman, serving as both advisor, and when the
need arises, as assassin. As befits a proper assassin, not
To maximize your effectiveness, choose feats that
much is known about Adkas’ exploits, except that the
enhance your best abilities. Feats that boost the duration
enemies of his noble have a habit of turning up rather
and strength of your runes are always going to be useful.
abruptly deceased, supposedly of their own volition.
Feats that allow you to remain hidden and attack from
Adkas, of course, denies ever having had anything to do
stealth are also going to be quite handy, such as Shadow
with the matter, and given that society at large does not
Stalker.
know about his unlettered abilities, they can’t see how
Resources: Like many characters, you can benefit greatly he could do what he is reputed to do without magic.
from items that enhance your Strength and Dexterity.
Organization: In their most common role as trackers and
Magic boots or other items that increase your speed or
assassins, curse carvers are attached to the legal
grant you the ability to hide and move silently quickly
structure of whatever barony, fiefdom, or principality
can help you build on your strengths in a different way,
they find themselves in, able to draw on that for power
especially if they allow you to set up ambushes almost at
and protection. There is no formal organization of curse
a whim. Magic items that help to boost your runes, and
carvers across societies, as they are too few in number to
options that you let you disable but not kill your targets,
stay properly organized, and many of them do not wish
are always going to be handy. Finally, look for options
to have the scope of their talents publicly known.

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NPC Reactions: Universally wary is how the curse
carver is treated. No one likes an arm of the law that is
effectively unregulated and free to choose what to do,
and given their propensity to change from idle banter to
furious action as their target comes into range, the rest of
society finds the curse carver quite unsettling.
CURSE CARVER LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research curse carvers to learn more
about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the same
information.
DC 10: Curse carvers are hunters and trackers, finding
enemies of the state on behalf of their rulers.
DC 15: Curse carvers are able to embed fearful curses
into their opponents by giving them the evil eye or
carving them into their skin, and those curses last for so
long that the target can never flee once marked.
DC 20: No one can be around a curse carver safely, for
they exude an aura of ill luck for anyone who approaches
them, and they can track anyone to the ends of the earth,
always moving faster than the target.
DC 30: Information about notable curse carvers, drawn
from the section above.
CURSE CARVERS IN THE GAME
The curse carver prestige class primarily explores the
combination of rogue with a runecarving base class,
blending the ability of the rogue to be stealthy with the
single target killing ability that runes can offer. Curse
carvers are a more advanced class to be playing, as
effective utilization of the runecurse requires expert
knowledge of the various rune effects, and which one
would be most appropriate given the nature of the foe.
They are also the only class that reverses the positive
nature of the runes and apply them as penalties to foes,
making them unique in Vivisection and Resurrection.
The curse carver also makes for an excellent NPC,
hunting down the party in revenge for an alleged slight
against a lord, or if they have been mistaken for another
who earned such enmity. Given his ability to track and
travel at speed, repeat encounters with the curse carver
are sure to worry the party.
If you have a curse carver PC in your game, be sure to
provide plenty of options to use his tracking ability, as
well as memorable encounters with foes well suited to
be struck down by his runecurse.
Adaptation: The easiest way to adapt this class to your
own campaign is to tie curse carvers to one or more
organizations of superlative trackers. But you also might
introduce a more localized group of curse carvers - for
example, a group of rangers and curse carvers sworn to
serve a small barony far to the north; funds earned by
“the Brenmark Trackers” might be the major income of
their tiny homeland.
Encounters: A curse carver is most likely to be found in
ambush, having tracked one or more members of the
party down for a crime they supposedly committed.
Usually the first warning anyone will have is when the
spirit shatter strikes the intended target, followed
shortly thereafter by the curse carver bursting from
cover, intent on using his runecurse.
“I’d rather not travel with your band. I’ll stick with my
companions. They talk less and fight harder.”
– Erka the Reborn, Dwarven Forgesouled Guardian
Forgesouled guardians are quite literally made, not
born. Built in the forges of the Tokunnir kingdoms, the
forgesouled guardians are most commonly those who
build the Constructed that defend their people. But they
are also a clue as to how the Constructed were first
designed – they were not animated constructs, but rather
a melding of the flesh and soul of a dwarf with the
highest levels of craftsmanship those dwarfish artificers
could design.
Rebuilt through the skills of the dwarven blacksmiths, a
forgesouled guardian becomes a clanking, metallic
shield to construct and dwarf alike, and one talented
enough to design and build constructs for their own
purposes.
BECOMING A FORGESOULED GUARDIAN
Forgesouled guardians are most often dwarven
runecarvers who were severely injured at an earlier age,
their missing flesh replaced with metallic grafts and iron
plating. No longer fully dwarven, but not yet purely a
construct, they straddle the line between the two, using
the resilience of their mechanical parts as a bulwark for
the dwarven population. And after having learned how
to repair themselves and to create Constructed,
forgesouled then take that one step further, building
93
vicious fighting constructs that can be deployed to ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
defend not only themselves but also the Tokunnir Runecarving: 5th level or better
kingdoms. Feats: Forgesouled, 2 Constructed or Warforged(Eberron
Campaign Setting) feats

Skills: Knowledge (Arcana) 8, Craft 8, Knowledge

(Dungeoneering) 8

Table 5-8: The Forgesouled Guardian Hit Dice: d8

Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Runecarving
1st +0 +0 +2 +2 Construct Companion -
2 nd +1 +0 +3 +3 Construct Lore, Bonus Feat +1 Runecarving level
3 rd +2 +1 +3 +3 Construct Flank +1 Runecarving level
4th +3 +1 +4 +4 Bonus Feat +1 Runecarving level
5th +3 +1 +4 +4 Extra Construct Companion -
6 th +4 +2 +5 +5 Bonus Feat +1 Runecarving level
7 th +5 +2 +5 +5 Construct Tactics +1 Runecarving level
8th +6 +2 +6 +6 Bonus Feat +1 Runecarving level
9th +6 +3 +6 +6 Construct Team-Up +1 Runecarving level
10 th +7 +3 +7 +7 Bonus Feat, Extra Construct Companion -
Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level): Appraise (Int), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Forgery
(Int), Knowledge (Arcana) (Int), Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) (Int), Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (Int),
Knowledge (Geography) (Int), Knowledge (History) (Int), Knowledge (Local) (Int), Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty)
(Int), Knowledge (Religion) (Int), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Speak Language (Int), Spellcraft (Int), Use Magic Device
(Cha), Warcraft (Int)

CLASS FEATURES
A forgesouled guardian forms an assemblage, with
himself at the center and his mechanical subordinates as
the members. Through his tinkering and upgrades, these
constructs become stronger and tougher. Over time, the
forgesouled guardian learns to optimize his fighting
ability when battling alongside his newly built allies.
All of the following are class features of the forgesouled
guardian prestige class.
Runecarving: When a new forgesouled guardian level is
attained (aside from 1st, 5th, and 10th), the character gains
new runes known, runes active, and increases his
runecarver level as if he had attained a level in any one
runecarving class he belonged to before he added the
prestige class. He does not, however, gain any other
benefit a character of that class would have gained (class
features, bonus feats, and so on). This essentially means
that he adds the level of forgesouled guardian to the
level of whatever runecarving class the character had,
then determines runes known, runes active, runecarver
level, and so on.
If a character had more than one runecarving class before
he became a forgesouled guardian, he must decide to
which class he adds each level of forgesouled guardian
for the purpose of determining runes known, runes
active, runecarver level, etc.
Construct Companion (Ex): The forgesouled guardian
gains the service of a construct companion. He chooses
any single construct, with a Challenge Rating equal to
his level -3 or lower. Advance any construct that is lower
until its Challenge Rating is his level -3. The forgesouled
guardian can command his companion as a swift action
to take a specific act, but by default the construct will
attack any hostile creature within 30 ft. of the
forgesouled guardian, and when not in combat will
follow at a 10 ft. distance. At each class level beyond the
first, the construct advances until its Challenge Rating is
his level -3. A forgesouled guardian can repair his
construct companions, restoring them to vitality,
through the application of his crafting talent. For every
minute he spends repairing a construct, it regains 5 hit
points. This cannot increase a construct companion's hit
point total above its normal amount. If the construct is

94
ever lost, he can craft a replacement costing 500 gold
pieces per hit dice, and taking one day per hit dice.
Construct Lore (Ex): At 2nd level, the forgesouled
guardian gain uncanny knowledge about all types of
constructs, including their behavior, abilities, and
weaknesses. He can make a special construct lore check
to identify constructs or their special abilities or
vulnerabilities. The check functions as a Knowledge
check, except the construct lore check can identify any
construct. He gains a bonus on this check equal to his
forgesouled guardian level + his Intelligence modifier.
He can attempt this check in addition to making the
relevant Knowledge check to learn about a creature.
Bonus Feat: At 2nd level, and each even level after that,
the forgesouled guardian gains a bonus feat, chosen
from the list of Warforged or Constructed feats.
Construct Flank (Ex): At 3rd level, the forgesouled
guardian learns to better coordinate his attacks with his
construct companion. When he forms a flank with a
companion, both the forgesouled guardian and the
creature gain an additional +2 bonus on attack rolls and
damage rolls against the flanked opponent.
Extra Construct Companion (Ex): At 5th level, the
forgesouled guardian gains a second construct
companion. At 10th level, he gains a third construct
companion.
Construct Tactics (Ex): Starting at 7th level, the
forgesouled guardian and his construct companions
make an excellent team. Through coordination and
practice, the forgesouled guardian has learned to
optimize their combined efforts. When one of his
construct companions strikes an opponent with a melee
attack, the target provokes an attack of opportunity from
the forgesouled guardian. With this ability, he can make
an attack of opportunity against a particular target once
per round.
In addition, the forgesouled guardian’s companions do
not grant cover against his enemies when he uses ranged
attacks or spells.
Construct Team-Up (Ex): When the forgesouled
guardian reachs 9th level, all the members of his
adventuring party (including his other construct
companions) now gain the benefits of his Construct
Flank and Construct Tactics abilities. Any references to "
the forgesouled guardian" in those abilities now includes
his allies.
PLAYING A FORGESOULED GUARDIAN
Sometimes you shun other dwarves, conscious of your
strange appearance and ties to the Constructed servitors,
but you are always at ease among the hand-designed
constructs that form your assemblage, talking to them
regularly. You enjoy watching your construct allies in
action, directing their movements to combine them into
an efficient fighting unit. As the leader of your
assemblage, you revel in your victories and mourn those
destroyed in your service. But as constructs, they can
always be salvaged and rebuilt.
The smithy is your home. In fact, some forgesouled
guardians never leave one when the rest of the dwarves
are forced back or move on. Rumors abound of entire
abandoned complexes having been taken over by the
mightiest forgesouled and their countless constructs. In
these depths, lesser constructs are put to work mining
the resources necessary to make the next generation of
their compatriots.
Combat: You are the leader of an assemblage, and in
battle you seek to maximize the combination of your
abilities and those of your manufactured companions. If
you specialize in ranged attacks, choose companions that
have a high number of hit points and can hold back the
enemy. If you favor melee combat, pick mobile
companions that hit hard so that you can form deadly
flanks. Abilities that improve your companions’ fighting
prowess are doubly useful. Carved runes that can
improve the expertise of your constructed allies make
your entire assemblage deadlier.
In most cases, a construct companion will not be able to
handle the toughest foes you face. For example, if you
encounter a hill giant and a number of trolls, send your
companion against the trolls - the giant might be able to
disable it with a single blow. Let your companion hold
back the trolls while the rest of your adventuring party
battles the main threat.
While you see your construct companions as members
of your assemblage, do not neglect your fellow
adventurers. Your arbalester companion can provide
covering fire against those seeking to flank the party,
while your fang golem can act as a bodyguard for the
wizard.
95
Advancement: Craft is the most obvious skill choice,
though Use Magic Device can be highly useful if you also
craft magical items. An even distribution of Knowledge
skills can keep you informed about any creature you
might face. If one of your companions can serve as a
mount, spend a few skill points on Ride, and consider
taking Mounted Combat and the associated feats.
Leadership is also an excellent choice, if your DM allows
it. A Constructed cohort will deepen your bond with
your mechanical allies while bolstering your party’s
strength.
Resources: Inside the dwarven kingdoms, there are
plenty who understand the desire to optimize the use of
construct companions, although most do not like to see
them used on such an even footing as the forgesouled
guardian does. Those others respect the strengths of
constructs, but do not trust them to avoid the mindless
rage that has overcome all too many golems.
You have a kinship with blacksmiths and artificers,
particularly those who build unusual or unique
machines of war. They might provide you with
resources or at least shelter when you come to town,
though the smaller the community, the more questions
your mechanical allies will raise. It is best to leave your
more intelligent companions in the wilderness (with a
prearranged rendezvous time) rather than risk bringing
them into a city that will not tolerate their presence.
FORGESOULED GUARDIANS IN THE WORLD
“Born of iron and stone, and more loyal than any being born
of flesh and blood.”
– Mocco Felfixer, Gnome Forgesouled Guardian
Forgesouled guardians usually dwell on the outskirts of
civilization, viewed with some level of disapproval as
wounded dwarves who let those wounds warp their
worldview. Many are eccentric hermits, living with their
mechanical companions and shunning a world that does
not understand the harmony such a relationship
engenders. The constructs are warriors and helpers,
aiding the forgesouled guardian with tasks both
mundane and military. The juxtaposition of spike-
covered constructs and the daily chores of subterranean
life can be unnerving, to say the least - just ask a gnome
who has seen a cadaver collector mining a silver vein.
Daily Life: As the name might suggest, a forgesouled
guardian spends their days working on creating
constructs, or on using their armed and armored
96
companions to defend themselves and their society
against the depredations of those who inhabit the deep
and the surface. From the depths, conflict with the
Tandda are a primary use of their time, while any band
of raiders or pirates from the surface who seeks to
“borrow” the wealth of the subterranean world is more
likely than not to be ambushed by an assemblage of
construct companions.
Notables: Like most gnomes, Mocco Felfixer had an
accident while working in his laboratory. Unlike most
gnomes, the accident was serious, and Felfixer was made
even shorter by it, given his legs were never seen again.
However, he was able to turn the disability into a
strength, and the mechanical body with which he
replaced his lower extremities allows him to perform
physical feats that a regular gnome could only dream of.
Recognizing the power of machinery for what it was,
Felfixer then began to churn out a seemingly endless
stream of construct warriors, and upgrades for those
warriors. Now the leader of a multitude, he might be the
first person ever described as a gnome warlord.
Organization: Forgesouled guardians have no formal
organization of their own, but many are loosely
associated with local blacksmithing guilds. Not only are
forgesouled guardians valuable allies when exploring
below ground, but they also train inexperienced
adventurers by providing real constructs for use in
nonlethal battles. However, forgesouled guardians
usually remain outside the hierarchy of any guild, whose
members both need and disdain them. The advantages
for forgesouled guardians are compensation (creating
constructs is expensive) and legitimacy, allowing
themselves to be engaged in the defense of a settlement,
often as the first line of defense, as a way to prove the
efficacy of what they do.
NPC Reactions: Most people see the constructs long
before they notice the master, if they notice him at all. In
civilized areas, the majority of residents wonder why
such openly military constructs would be wandering
unattended, and even when they see the forgesouled
guardian are somewhat skeptical of his ability to retain
perfect command of such large and powerful
combatants.
In the subterranean wilderness regions outside of the
dwarven caverns, NPC attitudes improve. Seasoned
adventurers are pleased to see a forgesouled guardian
and his constructs, once they realize that the forgesouled
and his remote forge are the outer breastwork of the
dwarven defense lines.
FORGESOULED GUARDIAN LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research forgesouled guardians to
learn more about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the
same information.
DC 10: Some adventurers would rather design and build
constructs than fight them. They call themselves
“forgesouled guardians.”
DC 15: Forgesouled guardians design, create, and utilize
constructs. They keep to themselves, mostly, but you’ll
never find anyone who knows more about the ways of
the subterranean wilderness or constructs. They’re your
best bet for firsthand knowledge about all kinds of
golems or other mechanical creations.
DC 20: Forgesouled guardians are wounded dwarves
who have been reborn through the miracle of the forge,
and now surround themselves with hand built
mechanical allies, fighting alongside them in near perfect
harmony.
DC 30: Information about notable forgesouled
guardians, drawn from the section above.
FORGESOULED GUARDIANS IN THE GAME
It can be a challenge to add forgesouled guardians to a
campaign, but no more of a challenge than adding a
character who has the Leadership feat. The presence of
construct companions will complicate combat
encounters, but the forgesouled guardian’s player
controls the creatures, so most of the burden will remain
with him. Furthermore, as the PCs attain higher levels,
they will gain more power than the construct
companions will, relegating some of the creatures to
noncombat functions.
Cities are the bane of a forgesouled guardian; an urban
adventure will likely deprive him of most of his class
features, as it is somewhat difficult to justify strolling
around a city with multiple heavily armed golems in
tow. Nor does it lend itself to social interaction. Dungeon
crawls, on the other hand, are his specialty, allowing him
and his mechanical companions to explore the setting for
which they were created.
Players who like outlandish characters will enjoy
playing a forgesouled guardian. Perhaps they
previously considered playing a member of a bizarre
race just for the fun of it, or maybe they obsess over the
details of every golem they face. This prestige class
allows them to put different constructs through their
paces and learn how the creatures handle combat. The
class might also appeal to strategists because it lets them
direct several combatants in battle and thus have more
control over the tactical situation.
Adaptation: Some campaigns might include
organizations of forgesouled guardians that focus on one
specific construct (or one group of constructs) to the
exclusion of others. For example, a forgesouled guardian
guild might build ranged constructs to defend a
mountaintop city, adding arbalesters, fang golems,
effigies, and others to the city’s garrison. Such
forgesouled might call themselves “artillerists” instead.
On the other hand, human forgesouled could design
packs of homunculi to serve during combat and
elsewhere. In both cases, consider replacing the
construct lore ability with other minor powers more
suited to a narrow focus.
Encounters: Forgesouled guardians often consider
particular areas of subterranean wilderness their
stomping grounds. If they catch wind of a group of PC
intruders, they might demand payment or some other
sign that the adventurers acknowledge their
sovereignty. Forgesouled guardians can be difficult to
handle, particularly since many of them dislike society’s
rules, but turning one into an ally is a major coup. Few
know a region of the Underdark as well as a forgesouled
guardian who calls it his home.
“I got close enough.”
– Triad, Niwl Haphazard
Magic is one of the most capricious and unpredictable of
all natural or supernatural forces in the universe.
Attempts to codify runecarving through ancient
languages or prescribed and formulaic behaviors, are
essentially pointless - or so haphazards believe. Instead,
those who would truly master runic magic must
abandon precise control, but retain the will to ensure that
power appears. Within this paradox lies the awesome
power of the haphazard. The haphazard aspires to carve
runes without structure. By taking the risk of
substituting an element of randomness, she gives up the
safe predictability of other runecarving classes. This risk
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allows for the potential of power greater than other
runecarvers can hope for. Of course, she also risks the
potential for less power, but what is being a haphazard
if not risky?
BECOMING A HAPHAZARD
Those who come late to the world of runic magic,
without the benefit of formal training, have little more
than sheer will to rely upon in order to power their
carved runes. They simply do not have the time nor the
desire to spend the years in training that it takes to
master the art the way the runecarvers have, and they
clearly do not have an inherent rune at all, or they would
have followed the path of the runeborn at a much
younger age. And so they accept the fate of the
haphazard – to be able to create any and all runes, but
with such randomness that having even a hint of what
carved rune will result is beyond them. And yet, the path
of the haphazard is an easy way to power, for although
it offers none of the control, not even of the unlettered, it
does lay the complete power of runic magic at their feet
– a power they embrace gladly.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Feats: Mounting Concentration
Skills: Concentration 8, Decipher Script 8

Table 5-9: The Haphazard Hit Dice: d8

Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities
1 st +0 +2 +0 +2 Whatever Comes Forth
2nd +1 +3 +0 +3 A Little More Force, Mind Leaps Ahead
3 rd +2 +3 +1 +3 Maybe Not That
4 th +3 +4 +1 +4 One Mind, One Thought
5 th +3 +4 +1 +4 A Lot More Force
Class skills (6 + Int modifier per level): Autohypnosis (Wis), Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con),
Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge
(Architecture and engineering) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Speak
Language (None), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), and Use Magic Device (Cha)

CLASS FEATURES haphazard last only 10 minutes, and dismissing them is

The will to shape a rune, to force the magic into a form
that grants a boon, is all that you need. And you have it
in spades. Now, the ability to decide what boon you get?
That’s more than a little beyond you.
All of the following are class features of the haphazard
prestige class.
Whatever Comes Forth (Ex): A haphazard is someone
who cares not at all about the history, the forms, the great
detail, that goes into carving a rune. Instead, they just
quickly throw ideas at the wall in the hopes that one or
more of them sticks. When carving a rune, the
haphazard rolls a 1d30 twice, taking the results from
Table 5-10: Haphazard Rune Creation. For the two runes
he was given as a result from Table 5-10, he then rolls
another 1d6 each to determine the rune effect, rerolling
any 6s or rune effects that are too high for his
runecarving level. 1 is the First Symbol, 2 is the Second
Symbol, and so on. The haphazard's method of creating
a rune is so quick it takes only a standard action, and
does not need a Craft check. Runes created by a
a free action. A haphazard’s runecarving level is equal to
his class level * 4 or his character level, whichever is
lower, he has runes active as detailed in Runecarving
Basics on page 44, and he uses Charisma as his primary
ability modifier. Where necessary, treat a haphazard as
if he knows all runes for abilities or prerequisites that
require knowledge of a particular rune. This replaces
any previous runecarving method the haphazard had
before entering this class.
A Little More Force (Ex): The haphazard can create two
different carved runes at a time as a standard action or
one carved rune as a move action. He can only spend one
action carving runes in any given round.
Mind Leaps Ahead (Ex): When using mounting
concentration, regardless of what round it is, if the
haphazard’s Concentration check result is better than
DC 45, he gains a +3 bonus on the first three rolls made
as part of his declared action. If his Concentration check
passes DC 30 but not 45, he gains a +2 bonus on the first
two rolls made as part of his declared action. If his

98
Concentration check passes DC 15 but not 30 or 45, he 25 Sigu (Shape)
gains a +1 bonus on the first roll made as part of his 26 Sinn (Mind)
declared action. This replaces the benefits granted by
27 Sterkur (Toughness)
mounting concentration.
28 Tenkt (Thought)
Maybe Not That (Ex): When creating a rune, the 29 Terveys (Health)
haphazard can choose to reroll each 1d30 once, if 30 Xosha (Fire)
desired.

One Mind, One Thought (Ex): As a swift action, the PLAYING A HAPHAZARD
haphazard may reduce his base Will save by up to its Haphazards are chaotic in history and in nature, each
total amount, and apply up to half the amount reduced one having followed its own unique path to enter into
as a bonus to the runecarving level of one carved rune he the world of runic magic. Perhaps this one was originally
has created. This lasts until the beginning of his next a wizard who thought to try the world of runic magic.
round. Or perhaps it was a warrior who had seen the carvings
upon the bodies of his foes and thought that they might
A Lot More Force (Ex): The haphazard can now create benefit him in combat. Either way, the haphazard is as
three different carved runes at a time as a standard chaotic in backstory as the character is in rune creation,
action, two carved runes as a move action, or one carved and thus giving guidelines is rather difficult.
rune as a swift action.
That being said, the runic part of the haphazard will
Table 5–10: Haphazard Rune Creation usually take a backseat to whatever path the character
began in, at least at first. The highly unreliable nature of
Dice Result Rune the haphazard’s rune creation means that it’s almost
1 Aum (Magic) always going to be used as a supporting power source
2 Belxa (Prayer) for whatever options the character originally had.
3 Ertaa (Law)
Combat: The haphazard’s role in combat is whatever it
4 Exhu (Hatred)
was prior to entering the prestige class, although the
5 Haamu (Vision) runes can be used to augment previous abilities. As runic
6 Ingan (Lore) magic is focused most commonly around physical
7 Ithi (Mechanism) combat and defensive enhancements, it’s best to use
8 Kaom (Chaos) carved runes to keep the haphazard safe while focusing
9 Kerta (Time) their other abilities on disabling the foe. Of course, the
10 Kiel (Negate) highly scattered nature of rune creation can change all of
11 Kivi (Stone) that in an instant.
12 Kolo (Earth) Advancement: The best part of being a haphazard is that
13 Kunnon (Good) while you may not know precisely what you’re getting a
14 Lage (Create) benefit to, you will always have a benefit to something.
15 Linna (Fortress) You can also reshape your carved runes at the drop of a
16 Livet (Life) hat, quickly shuffling through the options even during
combat to see if you can find something that best suits
17 Lujuus (Strength)
the situation you’re currently in.
18 Mita (Weakness)
19 Mortuum (Death) As you attain higher haphazard levels, you continue to
20 Pahuus (Evil) hone the runecarving you so recently embarked upon.
21 Queta (Deep) You need neither formal training nor membership in any
organization to enhance your combat prowess by
22 Rauta (Steel)
following the haphazard’s path - you simply understand
23 Risti (Sharp)
how to create more and stronger runes.
24 Rore (Move)

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To maximize your effectiveness, choose feats that
enhance your best abilities. Feats that boost the strength
of your runes and the abilities they provide can
dramatically improve your combat prowess. Aside from
that, choose options that enhance the skills learned
before becoming a haphazard.
Resources: There is no such thing as an order of
haphazards, as becoming one is such a personal
experience. And given that haphazards most often arrive
in parts of the world where runecarving is not a well
understood ability, those around them may not even
recognize the powers for what they are, and instead look
upon them as a kind of arcane or divine magic, just
created in a different way. Given all of this, a haphazard
simply has to do with whatever group he can find that
might support him.
HAPHAZARDS IN THE WORLD
“It does not matter what happens, merely that something
happens.”
– Sophie Proudfoot, Halfling Haphazard
Haphazards are individuals who have been reborn into
the world of runic magic, having happened across it
while on campaign or adventure. Sometimes they are
scholars who have come across a text on runecarving or
merely on arcane formulae, and stumbled into the ways
in which the haphazard can create carved runes. The role
that each one plays in society at large is as different as
the way that they came to the powers of the haphazard
and defies easy definition.
Daily Life: In general, the life of the haphazard is that of
whatever they were before joining the class. If they have
switched over to focusing entirely on runic magic, then
they usually spend their days working through the
various combinations that might be useful to them,
although given how fleeting each individual carved rune
is, knowing that a given option will be available when
needed is entirely impossible.
Notables: Renowned for a lucky and free-spirited
approach to life, adventure, and combat, Sophie
Proudfoot is a halfling of no home and a thousand
stories. Unconcerned about what trials the world will
throw in her way, she wanders in the darkest of places,
knowing that somehow, some way, everything will turn
out alright. Given that she has vanquished liches,
dragons, and wizard of great repute, it’s likely she has
not only her talent, but a god on her side.
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Organization: Haphazards have no formal organization,
each being unique unto themselves with the specific
combination of runic magic and prior life. They do,
however, find comfort in the presence of fellow
runecarvers, who are more likely to be able to
understand the life choices that they have made. Given
that haphazards are almost entirely outside of the
dwarven realms that are the sole bastion of runic magic,
more often than not this means they are alone.
NPC Reactions: Given the complete lack of knowledge
of the general populace about the nature of the
haphazard and the abilities with which they are gifted,
NPCs almost always react to them as if they were
whatever they were before the advent of their runic
powers.
HAPHAZARD LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research haphazards to learn more
about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the same
information.
DC 10: Haphazards are newcomers to the world of runic
magic, and while they can engrave runes quickly, they
have extreme difficulty knowing what they will get.
DC 15: While haphazards have no knowledge of what
runes they will carve, they are able to create more of
them than other runecarvers of their level can.
DC 20: By taking concentration away from defending
themselves, haphazards can create a surge in the power
of their runes, forcing one into the stratosphere in terms
of strength.
DC 30: Information about notable haphazard, drawn
from the section above.
HAPHAZARDS IN THE GAME
Haphazards, because they are self-contained, work in
almost any environment, although they do prefer to be
in campaigns in which runecarving and the lore around
it plays a significant part. In terms of the role they play,
they can fulfill any that the game needs.
Adaptation: By swapping the runecarving method for
one that is a little closer to that used by the runecarver
and the runeborn, the class can be redesigned for a more
precise runecarving tradition.
Encounters: Haphazards are almost always encountered
in a group of people, as they are highly social individuals
who revel in the chaos and the tumult of densely
populated areas. And they are more than willing to
throw curveballs at the individuals who seek to
counteract them, so they are best played as ambushers
or skilled types for an encounter, able to win a war of
words and then a war.
“No Tandda has ever slipped past me. None ever will.”
– Heldin Strongbrow, Ironguard of the Tokunnir
Where the forgesouled guardians are the inhabitants and
defenders of outer limits of the Tokunnir kingdoms and
the blood-spiked furies are the shock troops, the
Ironguard are the true military might of the dwarven
people. Solid, dependable, and trained for years to fight
in the blackest depths of the underground world, they
are the steadfast defenders of all that it means to be
dwarven. With a skillset that allows even small numbers
of the Ironguard to clog tunnels, defend complexes, and
reliably seal the gateways to the Tokunnir caverns, no
invader has ever broken through their defenses, not
fully. It is because of the Ironguard that the Tokunnir
lands did not shatter with the rest of Arhosa when the
empire broke apart into anarchic infighting.
BECOMING AN IRONGUARD OF THE TOKUNNIR
Almost all members of the Ironguard are Tokunnir,
Athaghoel, or otherwise dwarven runecarvers and
runeborn. Few other peoples even know of the
Ironguard’s existence, and even less so that there are
actually no restrictions on entry, provided one can pass
the tests set for entrants. Because of this, the Ironguard
is the one military organization inside Tokunnir society
that has an appreciable number of unlettered. While to
greybeards and lorespeakers, unlettered might be
unskilled hooligans bastardizing an ancient and noble
tradition, to the commanders of the Ironguard, they’re
one more skilled soldier standing between the Tokunnir
and their enemies.
For unlettered, or anyone else, to be admitted to the
Ironguard, requires a thorough demonstration of
runecarving ability, combat prowess, and the ability to
fight in the rank and file alongside others. As well as a
knowledge of the deep and dark places of the world
where much of that fighting will take place. Few are
capable of meeting all those requirements, and it is why
the Ironguard is the defensive elite of the Tokunnir,
rather than whole of the military.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Runecarving: 5th level or better
Feats: Steadfast Bulwark, Phalanx Fighting
Skills: Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) 8
Special: Must be admitted to the Ironguard
Runes: Must know the Queta rune

Table 5-11: The Ironguard of the Tokunnir Hit Dice: d10

Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Runecarving
1 st +1 +0 +2 +2 Ironguard Soldier, Eyes in the Dark -
2nd +2 +0 +3 +3 Defender of the Clan +1 Runecarving level
3rd +3 +1 +3 +3 Stubborn Mind, Stalwart Bastion +1 Runecarving level
4 th +4 +1 +4 +4 Undermountain Tactics, Shield Tactician +1 Runecarving level
5 th +5 +1 +4 +4 Channel the Dark +1 Runecarving level
6th +6 +2 +5 +5 Deepwarden +1 Runecarving level
7th +7 +2 +5 +5 Unending Fortress +1 Runecarving level
8 th +8 +2 +6 +6 Come at Me +1 Runecarving level
9 th +9 +3 +6 +6 Ironguard Elite +1 Runecarving level
10th +10 +3 +7 +7 Undermountain Cohort +1 Runecarving level
Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level): Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Knowledge (Architecture
and Engineering) (Int), Knowledge (Geography) (Int), Knowledge (History) (Int), Knowledge (Local) (Int), Knowledge
(Nobility and Royalty) (Int), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Speak Language (Int), Spot (Wis), Spellcraft (Int),
Use Magic Device (Cha), Warcraft (Int)

101
CLASS FEATURES
The greatest defensive fighters in all of Arhosa, the
Ironguard of the Tokunnir are the bulwark that defies
incursion, whether it be raiders from above, or the
incessant conflicts with the Tandda below. Nothing
short of an act of the gods can force an Ironguard who
does wish to move to give ground.
All of the following are class features of the Ironguard of
the Tokunnir prestige class.
Runecarving: When a new Ironguard level is attained
(aside from 1st), the character gains new runes known,
runes active, and increases his runecarver level as if he
had attained a level in any one runecarving class he
belonged to before he added the prestige class. He does
not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that
class would have gained (class features, bonus feats, and
so on). This essentially means that he adds the level of
Ironguard to the level of whatever runecarving class the
character had, then determines runes known, runes
active, runecarver level, and so on.
If a character had more than one runecarving class before
he became an Ironguard, he must decide to which class
he adds each level of Ironguard for the purpose of
determining runes known, runes active, runecarver
level, etc.
Ironguard Soldier (Ex): An Ironguard of the Tokunnir
gains Ironguard Soldier as a bonus feat.
Eyes in the Dark (Ex): The caverns of the dwarves run
deep, and in that deepness the Ironguard must struggle.
The Ironguard of the Tokunnir gains darkvision 60 ft. if
he does not have it, or doubles its range if he does. He
can see in magical darkness, and ignores any
concealment granted by illumination, darkness, or
shadows, including magical concealment granted by
Darkness descriptor or Shadow subschool spells. He
gains the ability to cast darkness as a full-round action
with a caster level equal to his runecarving level.
Defender of the Clan (Ex): The sanctity and health of his
clan are of uttermost importance to an Ironguard of the
Tokunnir, and he does his utmost to keep it safe.
Whenever an ally is struck by a melee attack, the
Ironguard of the Tokunnir can spend an immediate
action to move up to his speed directly towards that ally.
If such movement would generate attacks of
opportunity, it does. If he ends the movement in range
of the creature that struck his ally, the Ironguard of the
102
Tokunnir may make a melee attack at his highest base
attack bonus against that creature.
Stubborn Mind (Ex): An Ironguard of the Tokunnir has
been trained to ignore the abilities of the things that
crawl in the deep. If an Ironguard of the Tokunnir is
affected by a mind-affecting or enchantment spell or
effect and fails his saving throw, he can attempt it again
1 round later at the same DC. He gets only this one extra
chance to succeed on his saving throw.
Stalwart Bastion (Ex): When he is in an enclosed area or
a shield wall, the Ironguard of the Tokunnir can become
a stalwart bastion of defense. In a narrow or a low space,
he gains DR 3/- (which stacks with existing DR), as well
as a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 bonus on damage
rolls. A narrow space is an area no wider than 5 feet,
while a low area is shorter than the Ironguard of the
Tokunnir, but at least half of his height. He cannot move
from the spot he is defending without losing the benefits
of this ability. The Ironguard of the Tokunnir ignores the
penalty for hampered melee when fighting in a narrow
or low space. In a space both narrow and low, the
Ironguard of the Tokunnir functions as if only one of
those conditions applied. In addition, when fighting in a
narrow or low space the Ironguard of the Tokunnir does
not lose his Dexterity bonus to armor class.
Undermountain Tactics (Ex): An Ironguard of the
Tokunnir gains Undermountain Tactics (Dungeonscape 46) as
a bonus feat.
Shield Tactician (Ex): Many hours in training with his
exotic shield and armor has given the Ironguard insight
into how to best apply it in combat. When in a shield
wall, he can use Fear No Arrow at will, and can use it
one additional time per round when not in a shield wall.
Any movement taken via the Ironguard's Defender of
the Clan and Formation Expert abilities does not count
against abilities that require him to stand still.
Channel the Dark (Su): Buried deep beneath the surface
of the earth, the vast chasms of the dwarven kingdoms
are permanently cloaked from daylight, an ideal fighting
environment for the Ironguard. As a full-round action,
the Ironguard of the Tokunnir can cast any spell with the
Darkness descriptor. He uses his runecarving level as the
caster level, and his runecarving ability modifier as the
ability modifier for the spell. He cannot cast a spell until
his character level is equal to the cleric or wizard level
necessary to cast a given spell. Any ability that adds the
Darkness descriptor to a spell does not allow the spell to
be cast by this ability.
Deepwarden (Ex): When using his Defender of the Clan
ability, the Ironguard of the Tokunnir no longer
generates attacks of opportunity. In addition, he can now
push his ally 5 ft. in any direction up arriving, and
occupy a square that the ally was in. If he does so, he
becomes the target of the attack, not the ally. If the attack
would miss due to the Ironguard’s armor class, it does
so. In addition he gains a +1 bonus per three class levels
to attack rolls, damage rolls, saving throws, and skill
checks when defending a building or community
(village, town, city, etc.). He gains fast healing equal to
the bonus granted, with the fast healing lasting for the
duration of the encounter.
Unending Fortress (Ex): Whenever the Ironguard is
standing next to an ally or an object (a wall, doorway, or
similar), he and his adjacent allies are treated as being in
a shield wall. He adds half his class level to the bonuses
granted by Ironguard Soldier, Phalanx Fighting,
Undermountain Tactics, and Steadfast Bulwark.
Come at Me (Ex): Secure in his position, an Ironguard
will always wait out his enemy. He can now use his Fear
No Arrow ability to deflect spells targeted directly at
him, and gains the benefits of Improved Evasion and
Mettle on any other spell.
Ironguard Elite (Ex): By now, the Ironguard has grown
so accustomed to fighting in the dark places and in a
shield wall that his actions are instinctual. When using
his Defender of the Clan or Pile On abilities, the
Ironguard makes a full attack instead of a single attack.
Undermountain Cohort (Ex): The long years spent in the
depths of the world, fighting against the horrors of the
deeps, have given the Ironguard some strange allies. He
gains a stone guardian as a cohort. Advance the stone
guardian until its Challenge Rating equals the
Ironguard's character level -2.
PLAYING AN IRONGUARD OF THE TOKUNNIR
As a member of the Ironguard, you are one of the most
respected and revered combatants inside all of the
Tokunnir kingdoms. For you have shown that you can
master runes, combat, the darkness, and discipline, and
have combined it all into a seamless whole that provides
a mighty fortress against the onrushing evil of the world.
But it is also a burden not taken on lightly, and almost
never relinquished. Few Ironguard die in their beds, and
more than one dwarf has met the requirements, begun to
serve, and then realized that the weight of responsibility
the Ironguard carries is too heavy. For it is you, and you
alone, who are considered responsible when enemies
break through to the heartland. And where other
dwarves might retreat, Ironguard only withdraw when
every other dwarf is clear.
Ironguard also have little in the way of time for a normal
life, for they must master the ways of the runes, the skills
of an expert combatant, and the knowledge of a
lorespeaker, and maintain all three to a razor’s edge.
Add to that effort the fact that most Ironguard are
stationed not in any cavern-city, but at the narrow
passageways that defend the entrances to those great
hallmarks of civilization, and time amongst the civilian
population becomes a rarity, rather than a surety. And
yet, the Ironguard would have it no other way.
Combat: Ironguard are the fortifications of whomever
they fight with, be it other members of the Ironguard,
lesser dwarven warriors, or people from the other races.
By preference, Ironguard take up a forward position,
using their abilities to defend choke points or narrow
passages, allowing allies to fire through them while
preventing enemies from doing the same. Should the
terrain prove to be too open for the Ironguard’s normal
narrow space tactics, they will form a shield wall,
enmeshing those behind them in a defensive structure
that can turn back even the most serious of threats.
Regardless of the source of the opposition, the Ironguard
will always take up one position – front and center.
Advancement: Ironguard primarily want to focus on
gaining abilities, be they via feats, magical items, skills,
or otherwise, that allow them to hit harder, and to take
even less damage than they would otherwise.
Alternatively, they can focus on abilities that increase the
combat effectiveness of those around them, acting as
commanders martialing the soldiers with whom they
fight. Either way, feats such as Power Attack or Dwarven
Shield Specialist are almost always welcome to the
Ironguard.
Resources: As members of one of the elite fighting forces
of the dwarven world, the Ironguard are replete with
almost any material they could desire, whether it be
unique weaponry, armor, runecarving equipment, or
otherwise. A member of the Ironguard need only
suggest that a certain item would allow him to more
103
effectively defend the sanctity of the Tokunnir, and
blacksmiths will come running to create just such an
item for him. Of course, should an Ironguard cry wolf
too many times or otherwise earn a poor reputation
amongst his people, his pool of kindly resources will dry
up in remarkably quick time.
IRONGUARD OF THE TOKUNNIR IN THE WORLD
“Here I stand. Here I fight. Here I die.”
– Celda Vigo, Athaghoel Ironguard of the Tokunnir
Ironguard spend their days in the military outposts that
surround the Tokunnir lands, especially in those
outposts that are at the greatest depths, or those that lead
to the surface world and the dangers that lurk there.
When not on station, they are most often on patrol, be it
guarding a mining expedition, overseeing the defense of
a trade caravan, or otherwise ensuring the stability of the
dwarven way of life. More than any other, Ironguard
find themselves in the depths of the world defending
Tokunnir expeditions against the still mostly unknown
foe that is the Tandda. The Tokunnir have been unable
to determine what it is that prompts the Tandda to
attack, to retreat, or even to engage at all, but the one
thing they are certain of is that the Tandda will appear,
and they will fight.
Daily Life: With little time for the social niceties that
even lesser members of the dwarven military might be
able to engage in, Ironguard fight, train, eat, sleep, and
fight some more. Only on the rare occasions they are
furloughed back to the main population centers do they
truly have time away from their military duties, and
many Ironguard will actively refuse such time off,
feeling that it does a disservice to put weaker warriors in
their stead.
Notables: Celda Vigo was an Ironguard of the highest
order, one of the very few who reached the pinnacle of
the unit’s training. Able to casually laugh off an
onslaught of goblins and orcs, nothing at all was able to
break through the defenses of Vigo, mightiest of the
Tokunnir Ironguard. Unfortunately, it was she was who
was the first Ironguard to discover the existence of the
Tandda, and the mining expedition whose security she
headed was overwhelmed and washed away. It was
only her persistence, defending the final tunnel out, that
allowed a few stragglers to break free from the conflict
and flee upwards. She was last seen holding the tunnel,
bloodied but unbowed, her weapon moving in the
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steady rhythm of one who is harvesting a crop of the
dead.
Organization: Ironguard are the Tokunnir military in its
ultimate form. Highly structured and hierarchical, the
Ironguard expects that everyone will carry out their
orders with perfect success, but also that if the orders are
inappropriate for the situation on the ground when they
arrive, that the individual Ironguard are to improvise
until the situation has been improved. Entrusted with a
freedom to think that is rare in military service, the
Ironguard utilize it very infrequently, having a great
depth of trust in their commanders and in their ability to
win out, whatever the odds.
NPC Reactions: Tokunnir and dwarves, one and all,
look upon the Ironguard with the greatest admiration.
Those members of other races who know the lore and
legacy of the Ironguard also grant them a great deal of
respect, although sometimes tinged with frustration
depending on whether their people have lost to the
Ironguard or not.
Enemies of the dwarves, for their part, despise the
Ironguard, treating members as targets to be
assassinated, rocks to be avoided in combat, or as tools
with which to dispose of unwanted allies. Tandda,
especially, dislike the Ironguard, given their impact on
fighting in the darkened tunnels, and tend to use their
burrowing and other abilities to flow around them,
rather than fight them directly.
IRONGUARD OF THE TOKUNNIR LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research Ironguard of the Tokunnir to
learn more about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the
same information.
DC 10: The stalwart defenders of the dwarven
kingdoms, the Ironguard are the epitome of what it
means to be a dwarven combatant.
DC 15: Ironguard are experts in the art of fighting in
narrow, dark, spaces, and with allies beside them. When
combat joins, they form an impenetrable bulwark that
lets attacks founder upon it.
DC 20: Ironguard have the ability to use a small number
of spells to bolster their defensive capabilities, and can
be disrupted if forced to move their location.
DC 30: Information about notable Ironguard of the
Tokunnir, drawn from the section above.
IRONGUARD OF THE TOKUNNIRS IN THE GAME
As stalwart melee fighters with a clearly defined role,
Ironguard are a class that can be handed to a junior
player and still be used effectively. They also serve as an
ideal introduction into the use of runecarving as they do
not rely upon it the same way most other classes in this
book do.
“I was lost, yet through the fires of faith, I am remade anew!”
– Thirric Orcbreaker, Dwarven Runechanter
The roar of battle, the screams of the dying, the howl of
the warrior’s cry… these are all notes in the commands
composed by the runechanter. His voice flows across the
battlefield like a raging torrent, carrying friends with it
in a tidal bore of passion and fury.

Wide open spaces are the bane of the Ironguard, for they
negate many of his abilities, especially those that require
a lack of movement. That being said, he still has many
options that can utilized, even if the Ironguard is not at
his optimum performance. Dungeon crawls, on the other
hand, suit him down to the ground, and he will serve as
an admirable rearguard or vanguard for the party.
Adaptation: While currently somewhat narrowly
focused on a particular dwarven subrace, the Ironguard
can be easily altered to be a defensively minded
combatant for any number of races or societies. Be sure
to replace those abilities that rely on runecarving or the
underground with alternatives that are focused on the
appropriate area for the new theme.
Encounters: Ironguard of the Tokunnir, outside of their
military strongholds, are most often going to be
encountered leading expeditions into the depths of the
Underdark or similar cavern worlds, although they also
serve as elite guards for dwarven surface expeditions.
Runechanters are the officers of the dwarven armies,
able to command and bolster large quantities of allies,
keeping them resilient in the face of grave danger. Even
the undead have little terror for dwarves commanded by
a runechanter, for they can all but eradicate the impact
of fear on the soldiers around them.
BECOMING A RUNECHANTER
Runecarvers and runeborn gain a level or two in bard to
qualify for this prestige class. Others, aside from
unlettered/bard combinations, cannot join, but they
respect the martial prowess of the runechanter and the
way in which it can play the rhythm of a fight like a
concert master.
NPC runechanters are usually leaders of combat
commands, be it in the military or not. They function
best when surrounded by lesser allies, but can be
encountered on their own as well.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Runecarving: 5th level or better
Feats: Runic Warrior, Joyous Chant
Skills: Decipher Script 6, Knowledge (History) 8,
Diplomacy 4

Table 5-12: The Runechanter Hit Dice: d8

Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Runecarving
1st +0 +0 +2 +2 Warchant +1 Runecarving level
2nd +1 +0 +3 +3 Leader +1 Runecarving level
3 rd +2 +1 +3 +3 Rally Troops +1 Runecarving level
4th +3 +1 +4 +4 Implacable Foe +1 Runecarving level
5th +3 +1 +4 +4 Combine Warchants +1 Runecarving level
6th +4 +2 +5 +5 Battleleader +1 Runecarving level
7 th +5 +2 +5 +5 Battle Standard +1 Runecarving level
8th +6 +2 +6 +6 +1 Runecarving level
9th +6 +3 +6 +6 Runeshield -
10th +7 +3 +7 +7 Warleader +1 Runecarving level

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Class skills (6 + Int modifier per level): Autohypnosis (Wis), Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con),
Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge
(Architecture and engineering) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Speak
Language (None), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), Use Magic Device (Cha), and Warcraft (Int)
CLASS FEATURES
With little more than the sound of your own voice, you
can order the death of hundreds and stir the passion of
thousands. And yet more will follow you, hoping to one
day become servants to your greater cause.
All of the following are class features of the runechanter
prestige class.
Runecarving: When a new runechanter level is attained
(aside from 9th), the character gains new runes known,
runes active, and increases his runecarver level as if he
had attained a level in any one runecarving class he
belonged to before he added the prestige class. He does
not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that
class would have gained (class features, bonus feats, and
so on). This essentially means that he adds the level of
runechanter to the level of whatever runecarving class
the character had, then determines runes known, runes
active, runecarver level, and so on.
If a character had more than one runecarving class before
he became a runechanter, he must decide to which class
he adds each level of runechanter for the purpose of
determining runes known, runes active, runecarver
level, etc.
Warchant (Su): Once per day per runechanter level, a
runechanter can use his chanting to produce magical
effects on those around him (usually including himself,
if desired). Starting a warchant is a standard action. For
the purposes of prerequisites and abilities, warchant
counts as bardic music.
Inspire Courage: A runechanter can use warchant to
inspire courage in his allies, bolstering them against fear
and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an
ally must be within 60 feet of the runechanter and must
be able to hear the runechanter. The effect lasts for 5
rounds, plus one round per class level. An affected ally
receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against
charm and fear effects and a +1 morale bonus on attack
and weapon damage rolls. At 3rd level, and every odd
runechanter level thereafter, this bonus increases by 1
(+2 at 3rd, +3 at 5th, +4 at 7th, and +5 at 9th). Inspire courage
is a mind-affecting ability.
106
Inspire Recklessness: A runechanter of 2nd level or higher
can use her warchant to inspire an often dangerous, but
very effective, ferocity in his allies within 60 feet. The
effect lasts for 5 rounds, plus one round per class level.
Affected allies are inspired to recklessness, gaining the
ability to decrease their Armor Class by a number less
than or equal to their base attack bonus and add the same
number to their melee attack rolls as a morale bonus.
Inspire Heroics: A runechanter of 4th level can use
warchant to inspire tremendous heroism in two willing
allies within 60 feet, allowing those creatures to fight
bravely even against overwhelming odds. For every two
levels the runechanter attains beyond 4th, he can inspire
heroism in one additional creature, to a maximum of 5 at
10th level. A creature so inspired gains a +4 morale bonus
on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, and saving throws,
and a +4 dodge bonus to armor class. The effect lasts for
5 rounds, plus one round per class level. This is a mind-
affecting ability that counts as one daily use of warchant.
Words of Fury: A runechanter of 6th level or higher can
enrage her allies. This ability functions exactly like the
rage class feature of the barbarian on all willing allies
within 60 feet. The effect lasts for 5 rounds, plus one
round per class level. It is a supernatural, mind-affecting
ability.
Inspire Legion: An 8th level runechanter can unite her
allies and make them fight better together. To be
affected, an ally must be within 60 feet of the runechanter
and must be able to hear the runechanter. Only allies
who meet these requirements at the beginning of the
warchant are affected, and an ally whose hearing is
interrupted or who moves more than 60 feet away from
the runechanter cannot rejoin the same warchant. The
effect lasts for 5 rounds, plus one round per class level.
When the runechanter begins chanting, determine the
best base attack bonus among all the affected characters.
All affected characters use this base attack bonus or the
runechanter's character level, whichever is higher, as
their base attack bonus for the duration of the effect. All
affected characters gain a +2 competence bonus on
damage rolls as well.
Inspire Resilience: A runechanter of 9th level can inspire an
unbelievable resilience in his allies within 60 feet. The
effect lasts for 5 rounds, plus one round per class level.
Affected allies are inspired to steadfast determination,
gaining a +4 bonus to Constitution, damage reduction
5/adamantine, and a +4 bonus on checks to resist being
bull rushed or tripped.
Leader (Ex): A runechanter is nothing without a
collection of followers that he can support and empower.
He gains the Leadership feat, or, if he already has it, one
feat that requires the Leadership feat. His cohort must be
the same race that he is.
Rally Troops (Ex): The runechanter’s presence is enough
to grant any allies within 60 feet a second saving throw
against fear and charm effects that they have already
succumbed to. Even if they fail the second saving throw,
any fear effects are less severe: panicked characters are
only frightened, frightened characters are only shaken,
and shaken characters are unaffected.
Implacable Foe (Su): At 3rd level, a runechanter can use
his runic talents to keep allies fighting even after
suffering mortal wounds. Allies within a 60 ft radius
ignore the effects of being reduced to 0 or less hp.
However, any creature reduced to –20 hp dies
immediately. If a creature moves more than 60 feet from
the runechanter, the normal effects of the damage apply
immediately.
Combine Warchants (Su): A runechanter can combine
two types of warchant to provide the benefits of both
(normal stacking rules for bonus types apply).
Battleleader (Ex): Having already excelled in leading
soldiers into conflict, more flock to the runechanter’s
banner. The runechanter can lead twice as many
followers as indicated for his Leadership score. In
addition, the runechanter can use the aid another action
to assist all followers who are performing the same
action in the current round and are within 60 ft. of the
runechanter - for example, making an attack, making
Hide or Move Silently checks, making Search checks,
and so forth. Assisting his followers is a move action for
the runechanter.
Battle Standard (Su): As one of the leaders of the
dwarven people, and some of their fiercest combatants,
runechanters are often called upon to lead their allies
into battle. By carving a rune onto a battle standard (any
object at least 5 ft. in length that can be held in one hand
and is eligible to have runes carved upon it), they can
grant the effects of that rune to all allies who can see the
standard. They can only have one battle standard at a
time, and must hold it upright for it to remain in effect.
If the standard falls or the runechanter ceases to hold it,
all creatures lose the effects of the rune carved into the
standard and the rune is dismissed. The carved rune
otherwise follows the rules for runecarving.
Runeshield (Su): At 9th level, a runechanter can dismiss
a carved rune as a standard action to protect all allies
within a radius of 60 feet. Each ally gains the benefit of
the runeshield, which absorbs 10 points of damage per
class level for each ally. Once the runeshield absorbs that
much damage, it collapses. The damage can be from any
source - weapons, spells, any energy type, and so on.
Damage the ally would not take anyway (weapon
damage blocked by damage reduction, for example)
does not count against the damage absorbed by the
shield. He may use this ability once per day.
Warleader (Ex): A runechanter who has reached his
apogee of skill has become a feared general, able to
command and inspire legions. The runechanter can lead
three times as many followers as indicated for his
Leadership score, and he gains a second cohort. In
addition, when the runechanter uses the Coordinate
Allies ability of the Warcraft skill, it applies to all allies
within 60 ft.
PLAYING A RUNECHANTER
As a runechanter, you have many who look up to you.
As a result, you must always attempt to maintain that
ideal. When you take action, you proceed swiftly and
decisively. Even when you aren’t sure of yourself, it’s
important that others hold faith in your command. You
give commands knowing that your voice, your strength,
will allow them to be carried out, even if others think
they are impossible. Your allies and soldiers are your
family, and you care for them as you would your
brothers or sisters. You trust them with your life, and
they trust you to spend their lives to the best result.
Combat: Runechanters prefer to fight battle from a safe
place. Not too safe, for it would never do to shun a fight
or to run from one, but a place where the runechanter
can be seen and heard by all who fight at his side, a place
where his voice can carry uninterrupted over the conflict
of the melee and lift up those who follow his commands
and raise their abilities to such heights that their
107
opponents quiver in their boots at the very thought of
fighting a runechanter-led force.
As you advance, you can help your allies even more. You
can help them stand in the face of fear and prevent the
morale of your allies from flagging. And your warchants
become ever more potent, until at last you become a
trusted warleader, and an army flocks to your standard.
Advancement: Serving as a runechanter requires the
will and dedication to see the task through, and to trust
in your own judgement, and the gumption to lead others
into battle, knowing that some of them will fall by your
side, even as you strive to your utmost to make their
deaths meaningful.
As you gain levels in the class, you become ever more
suited to the role of tactical commander while still
maintaining a high level of combat prowess. Choose
feats appropriate to your style, but consider taking ones
that boost the carved runes applied to your allies
through your battle standard.
Resources: The resources you gain from your
organization depend on the kind of runechanter you are.
Most are members of the military structure of the land
that they come from, but some form mercenary bands or
otherwise fall in with more freelance groups. As a
military man, you and your soldiers would have access
to all that your government can provide, while as a more
independent operative, you would need to fend for
yourself, and perhaps take jobs that are a little riskier in
order to ensure a steady supply of funds and resources.
RUNECHANTERS IN THE WORLD
“Follow my orders and we’ll have a celebratory ale in no time!”
– Arcturus Wellvernon, Human Runechanter
In a war campaign, most runechanters the PCs meet will
be leaders of military units or mercenary companies,
charged with either defending against the PCs or
fighting alongside them. Those runechanters who fight
alongside them might assist the PCs when their goals are
compatible, or the PCs might join the runechanter’s unit
for a time.
Runechanters are few and far between outside of the
military or quasi-military systems, for their abilities
require large numbers of followers, and it is easiest to
gain that from inside of a powerful organization.
108
Daily Life: Runechanters, despite the military nature of
their talents, spend most of their time focused on the
finer things in life, carousing and swapping stories with
friends and strangers, little caring about what the next
day might bring. After all, they know that when war
arises, all too many of the men who stride beside them
into combat will end up dead the next day, so it’s best to
seize life as it arises.
Notables: Arcturus Wellvernon was one of the finest
runechanters to ever walk the shores of Arhosa, and
today his battles against the encroaching Chral Kala are
legendary for their masterful display of courage and
tactics. Time and again he would have timed the perfect
flank attack or counter, and at its tip would be Arcturus,
his polearm held high with the banner of his command
fluttering from it, and in his other hand a sword, wielded
with the skill only a grand master could accomplish.
Organization: Given the nature of their abilities,
runechanters are most at home working with others who
tend to solve the problems in front of them through
combat. Runechanters have the skills to approach
problems in other ways, and certainly will attempt
diplomacy if they deem it appropriate, but while they
are by no means as headlong as a blood-spiked fury,
runechanters certainly find that a military answer
resolves problems more firmly that one based on talking.
As a result, runechanters find themselves working inside
structures that, even if not strictly military, have at least
some martial aspect to them. This can be anything from
the fighting forces of the local government to a
mercenary company to commanding caravan guards or
even leading a raiding party, although other
organizations that employ large numbers of combat-
oriented followers are also potential employers for the
runechanter, such as churches, trading leagues, and so
on.
Thus it is that the runechanter as a class can be found in
almost any occupation that allows them the opportunity
to fight with allies, although as with all things runic, they
are most likely to be found amongst the dwarven
peoples and in some formalized structure there.
NPC Reactions: A runechanter with high Charisma and
good social skills is ideally situated to influence NPCs.
Such characters typically have a starting attitude of
indifferent, usually because they have not yet connected
the face to the name. Soldiers or those who have
benefited from the runechanter’s actions will be more
aware of who he is and have a starting attitude of
friendly; those he has worked against could be
unfriendly or even hostile.
An NPC who shares a hierarchy with a runechanter
might sometimes work covertly against him, motivated
by greed or petty jealousy. In such cases, the NPC
typically refrains from physically confronting the
runechanter but instead opposes his suggestions or
speaks out against his actions in an attempt to
undermine the support he receives from their mutual
benefactor.
RUNECHANTER LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research runechanters to learn more
about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the same
information.
DC 10: Runechanters are leaders of men, capable of
dictating the course of a battle through the use of
powerful war chants.
DC 15: Runechanters use the power of their voice and
the runes that they carve to bolster those who fight
alongside them, pushing their allies to courage and feats
of combat that they could never achieve without the
encouragement of the runechanter.
DC 20: Runechanter, once they have achieved a high
enough station, can swaddle their allies in thick shields
of runic magic, enabling them to resist all but the direst
of punishments. In addition, once they have achieved
such a level of skill, they gather to themselves large
quantities of fighting men to serve as a military force.
DC 30: Information about notable runechanters, drawn
from the section above.
RUNECHANTERS IN THE GAME
Runechanters belong to no specific preexisting
organization, making this prestige class easy to add to an
ongoing campaign. Being a runechanter encourages the
PC and his party to collect a wide array of followers, be
it via summons, Leadership style feats, class abilities,
hirelings, the campaign itself, or otherwise. The presence
of these secondary characters will maximize the benefit
of the runechanter’s character abilities, while also
allowing the other players to not be overshadowed by
the multiplicity of tactical options that the runechanter
can provide.
Having these extra combatants allows the DM an
opportunity to create a side adventure for which the
players each create new PCs who are followers of the
runechanter or his party members. These temporary PCs
might be sent on a mission that helps to further the
campaign’s story by providing background information
from a different perspective. The DM could also set up
encounters where the followers must call upon the
original PCs for aid. Conversely, the new PCs might be
sent into a dungeon that the higher-level party has
already cleaned out, to locate any treasure or secrets that
might have been overlooked.
The DM should provide a PC runechanter with soldiers
and the time to manage them, but at the same time try
not to bog down the entire party with one PC’s concerns.
The runechanter should be able to bring along hirelings
on adventures, but the rest of those he can call upon
should remain out of the spotlight unless the party is
leading the whole troop into battle.
Adaptation: If the DM would rather not dramatically
increase the size of the adventuring party by adding
cohorts and followers into the mix, he can allow a
runechanter’s followers to exist without the character
always being there. In such a case, the class could be
adapted by swapping in a couple of abilities that would
help the party - for example, by removing the leader,
battle leader, and warleader abilities, and instead giving
the runechanter more warchants or abilities such as
battle standard.
Encounters: Thirric Orcbreaker is trying to win the favor
of a Tokunnir noble in the hope that his force might be
hired on as mercenaries in a mighty war against the
goblinoids. He might rush to join a battle in which the
PCs are outnumbered, or perhaps they encounter him
when he is in need of rescuing himself. He is
accompanied by his cohort Blackfist (a Constructed
sergeant) and a band of low-level followers mixed
between Athaghoel, Tokunnir, and Constructed.
109

“They were born to serve me. Why would I not spend them as
I see fit?”
– Nekpen Gbohunmi, Tandda Elite
The upper ranks of the Tandda matriarchy, the Tandda
elite are those amongst the eusocial race’s population
who have been blessed with expert abilities in order to
ensure the continued success of the greater whole.
Broken into three different specializations, the Tandda
elite have an in-bred need to fulfill the roles that they do,
and begin their path into their given duties almost from
the moment of their conception.
First and greatest amongst these are the Tandda
matriarchs, the overlords of the entire Tandda society
and those to whom all other Tandda owe their
allegiance. In return, the Tandda matriarchs are
responsible for the survival of their colony and the
continued success and propagation of the species,
although individual worker or warrior drones are
oftentimes sacrificed in pursuit of the greater good.
Those who defend the matriarchs and the colonies are
next amongs the elite, the warriors and sentinels who
ensure that no enemy can ever approach a colony or a
working party unawares. Bred to provide early warning
and a first line of defense, they grow stronger and more
dangerous when their colony is threatened. They are
also skilled at creating extraordinary shields that allow
their lesser brethren to disappear back into the
blackened tunnels that are the Tandda’s home.
Finally, there are those who exist to support the highest
ranks of Tandda society, and those are the most skilled
and best bred amongst the workers. In other societies,
they would be called foremen, master craftsmen, or
blacksmiths, but for the Tandda, they are simply known
as elite workers. Whereas the matriarchs’ skills lie in the
direction of command and the warriors in combat and
stealth, the skills of these exceptional workers lie in
making those around them better, ensuring that the
skills of all Tandda are employed to their utmost.
BECOMING A TANDDA ELITE
Tandda elite are born, not made. Bred from the very
earliest stages of their lifecycle to fill a specific role,
Tandda know the task they are to undertake from the
beginning of their awareness, and understand that the
collective health of the Tandda colony matters a great
deal more than the individual life or death of any given
Tandda. Because of this, each Tandda takes the
appointed lifestyle and duties that were bred into them
by the matriarchs at the time of their conception.
That does not mean that a Tandda cannot choose to
augment the role they have been chosen for with their
own ideas and talents – far from it. While Tandda are
racially incapable of accessing supernatural power
sources, they are more than happy to utilize any other
abilities that they are capable of acquiring. Some have
even begun to utilize their own forms of the maneuvers
described in the Tome of Battle, although they are
adjusted for use in the dark and narrow tunnels of the
Tandda homeland.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Skills: Hide 6, Move Silently 6
Feat: Matriarch Breeding or Warrior Breeding or Worker
Breeding, one other feat requiring Tandda race
Race: Tandda

Table 5-13: The Tandda Elite - Matriarch Hit Dice: d6

Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 Servitors, Bonus Feat
2nd +1 +0 +0 +3 Servitors, Bonus Feat
3 rd +2 +1 +1 +3 Servitors, Bonus Feat
Class skills (6 + Int modifier per level): Autohypnosis (Wis), Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Decipher Script (Int),
Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Heal (Wis), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (Architecture and
engineering) (Int), Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis),
Use Magic Device (Cha), Warcraft (Int)

110
Table 5-14: The Tandda Elite - Warrior Hit Dice: d12
Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities
1st +1 +2 +2 +0 Depth Senses, Shield the Weak
2 nd +2 +3 +3 +0 Negate the Sighted, Born of the Horde
3 rd +3 +3 +3 +1 Underearth Warrior, Defender of the Colony
Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level): Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge
(Dungeoneering) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Profession (Wis), Search (Wis), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim
(Str), Tumble (Dex), Warcraft (Int)

Table 5-15: The Tandda Elite - Worker Hit Dice: d10

Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 Support the Heirarchy, For the Greater Good
2 nd +1 +0 +0 +3 Others Before Self, One for All
3 rd +2 +1 +1 +3 Resilient Support, Murine Pile
Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level): Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge
(Dungeoneering) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Profession (Wis), Search (Wis), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim
(Str), Tumble (Dex), Use Rope (Dex)

CLASS FEATURES
Being one of the ultimate expressions of the Tandda race
is the end goal of the Tandda elite, whether it is to
command, to battle, or to serve. All are equally
important to the survival of the colony.
All of the following are class features of the Tandda elite
prestige class.
Matriarch: You have been bred to rule over other
Tandda, and to have them serve you. Not only do you
have lesser Tandda who respond to your call, but your
birthright is the ability to command them to their very
utmost. You use Table 5-13: Tandda Matriarch.
Servitors (Ex): At each class level, the Tandda matriarch
gains another cohort as described in the Matriarch
Breeding feat, to a maximum of 4 total cohorts at 3rd
level.
Bonus Feat (Ex): At each class level, the Tandda matriarch
gains a bonus Warcraft feat. She must still meet all the
prerequisites.
Warrior: Defense of the colony is the primary hallmark
of the Tandda warrior, and you are skilled in both
offensive and defenseive applications of Tandda
capabilities. You use Table 5-14: Tandda Warrior.
Depth Senses (Ex): Tandda warriors can feel the presence
of enemies in the depths. At 1st level they gain
tremorsense with a range of 20 ft. It increases by 20 ft.
each level, reaching a maximum of 60 ft. at 3 rd level.
Shield the Weak (Ex): Tandda warriors are bred to protect
the lesser Tandda workers and the Tandda matriarchs.
Any Tandda within 10 ft. per class level gets damage
reduction of 3/-. Also, all the squares that the Tandda
warrior threatens are treated as difficult terrain for his
foes.
Born of the Horde (Ex): The Tandda warrior gains Born of
the Horde as a bonus feat. If he already has this feat,
choose another for which he meets the prerequisites.
Negate the Sighted (Ex): It is Tandda warriors who are the
primary source of the Tandda's ability to suddenly
disappear into the depths, but that only works if the foe
does not see the Tandda depart. By expending a use of
Inky Murk from Warrior Breeding, the warrior can create
a straight wall whose area is up to one 10-ft. square per
class level. The wall and affected terrain otherwise acts
as per the Inky Murk ability.
Underearth Warrior (Ex): The Tandda warrior gains
Underearth Warrior as a bonus feat. If he already has this
feat, choose another for which he meets the
prerequisites.
Defender of the Colony (Ex): If a Tandda warrior has at
least three other Tandda of equal or lower character level
under attack within 30 ft., it enters a state of deadly
focus. During this state, all allied Tandda within 30 feet
gain a bonus on saving throws equal to the Tandda
warrior’s base saving throw for the appropriate type of
save. The Tandda warrior gains +2 to Strength, +4 to

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Constitution, a +2 resistance bonus on all saves, and a +4
dodge bonus to AC. All of these benefits last until the
encounter is over or the warrior is no longer defending
three or more Tandda.
Worker: The role of the worker in Tandda society is not
a glamorous one, subservient to warrior and matriarch
alike, but it is a crucial one, for the workers are those who
feed, support, and nurture all other members of the
colony. Without them, the colony would die. You use
Table 5-15: Tandda Worker.
Support the Heirarchy (Ex): Workers, even exceptional
ones, always employ their talents to assist those who are
greater than they are. Allies within 30 ft. per class level
can add the Tandda worker's class level to their character
or class level for the purpose of determining DCs for
abilities that rely or character or class level. This does not
increase those allies’ spellcasting level, runecarving
level, or likewise, and only applies to extraordinary (Ex)
abilities.
For the Greater Good (Ex): The Tandda worker can aid
another at a distance of up to 30 feet, and adds his class
level to the bonus granted by aid another (a total of +3 at
1st level, to +5 at 3rd).
Others Before Self (Ex): The Tandda worker can grant one
ally within 30 feet the ability to take an immediate action
of a specified type out of turn. If he invokes this ability
as a swift action, the ally can take a 5-foot step. If he
invokes it as a move action, the ally can take a move
action. If he invokes it as a standard action, the ally can
take a standard action.
One for All (Ex): The Tandda worker can assist one
creature per class level whenever he uses the aid another
action. All creatures he is so aiding must be within 30
feet of him.
Resilient Support (Ex): When a Tandda worker uses aid
another, he only has to spend a move action rather than
a standard action. He can use more than one aid another
in a single round, but he cannot assist the same ally
multiple times.
Murine Pile (Ex): If the Tandda worker uses aid another
to grant an ally a bonus on his next attack roll against an
opponent both he and the worker threaten and the ally
attacks and hits that enemy, the Tandda worker can
make an immediate attack of opportunity against that
target. The worker gains this benefit if his ally hits the
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foe before the start of his next turn. He gains an attack of
opportunity only on the first successful attack.
PLAYING A TANDDA ELITE
The Tandda and the superior members of their race
spend their days in the expansion of the Tandda
homeland, buried deep beneath the mountains that the
Tokunnir call home. Living as deep as the Tandda do,
there is little in the way of competition for the living
quarters in the warm depths of the world, but as the
colonies have come closer to the surface, forced to spread
further and further afield by the claimed territories of
existing matriarchs and queens, the Tandda have begun
to intrude upon the deepest of the Tokunnir mines, and
it is there that the Tandda elite have been called to
congregate.
It is there, in the short sharp conflicts between dwarf and
Tandda, that the Tandda elite are called upon most
strongly, and their goal of expanding the territory of the
Tandda race becomes most important. The outer
territories of the abyssal lands do not provide the same
demands upon the Tandda elite, and are comfortably
conquered and pacified.
Whatever the cause, as long as the Tandda race, and the
colony to which the elite is attached, continues to grow,
the elite is happy.
Combat: The three different castes of the Tandda elite
each engage in combat in ways based on their special
talents, as befits the tasks that they have been assigned
by their queens.
Matriarches, precious and fragile as they are, take upon
themselves the roll of a commander from the back,
sending their servitors, warriors, and workers forward
to utilize their swarmfighting technique against the foes
who threaten the Tandda. Using their skills with
Warcraft, the matriarch remains close enough to apply
those benefits to their allies, but far enough back that she
should be difficult to target in the winding tunnels of the
subterranean world.
Sentinels, warriors that they are, charge forward and
take position on the front line of the conflict, utilizing
their inky murk, born of the horde, and other abilities to
quickly overwhelm the foes before them, while at the
same time keeping the allies around them protected. If
the fight ever becomes difficult or unpleasant for the
Tandda as a whole, the sentinels utilize their abilities to
fill the tunnels with a mass of black murk, coating the
surfaces with a slippery surface that blocks vision and
prevents the Tandda from being followed as they retreat
down previously planned tunnels.
Finally, there is the elite of the Tandda workers, who
tend to find themselves in the second line of the fighting,
although sometimes in the first. Not as skilled at the
rough and tumble of battle as the sentinels, they still
have some talents in that direction, but they are best
when they use their abilities to support the sentinels,
ensuring that the Tandda around them do not miss on
their attacks, and that their abilities are very difficult to
resist. By improving the performance of all other Tandda
in the combat, the worker elite does his part for the
survival of the Tandda.
Resources: Tandda elite, as do all Tandda, have access to
all that their colony can supply. The greater question is
how will spending that largesse best benefit the colony,
for there is no Tandda who would place herself above
the colony or the race as a whole. Because of this, the
distribution of resources is highly utilitarian in nature,
with the greatest good for the greatest number of Tandda
being considered the true principle to follow, regardless
of whether one is the lowest worker or even the queen of
the colony herself.
TANDDA ELITES IN THE WORLD
“We are of the abyss. It is our home, and we revel in it.”
– Bisoye Kechinyere, Tandda Elite
The Tandda elite in all its various forms is the
outstanding example of the collectivism and skill of the
Tandda people, and how each aspect of the population
meshes together in order to work as a seamless whole.
The matriarch commands her servitors into battle, where
they assist the sentinel and are in turn protected by it,
while the worker elite sees that all around her perform
at a level that they could not reach naturally. Together,
this collective plan of action has taken the Tandda from
their humble beginnings as little more than one amongst
a number of subterranean races and pushed them to the
heights that they now occupy, in command of the
abyssal depths and now in regular conflict with the
Tokunnir.
Daily Life: Tandda elite most often spend their lives
doing exactly as they are designed to by the nature of
their species – namely, matriarchs rule, sentinels defend,
and workers farm, dig tunnels, tend the young, and
perform all of the myriad tasks for which they have been
bred. Ruling, in the case of the matriarch, very often
means planning expansions, whether it is of the colony,
the tunnel system in which the colony lives, the territory
it holds, or the population itself. Warriors and sentinels
find themselves posted to the outskirts, constantly
patrolling and using their exquisite senses to determine
whether any threats approach, while workers, well, do
as their name suggests.
Notables: In another society, Bisoye Kechinyere would
be the kind of combatant who was known across the
land, feted by rulers and merchants alike for her daring,
skill in combat, and the dazzling flamboyance with
which she fights. But this is the Tandda, and there she is
one cog in a great machine, albeit one who is kept
healthy and happy by the matriarch, and one who is not
deployed to the outer reaches of the colony, but is
instead kept in reserve and utilized only on those critical
missions where nothing less than complete success is
acceptable. That, apparently, seems to be the best use of
her talents.
Organization: All of Tandda society is one great
organized whole, with goals, power, and belief all
unified into a structure that flows upwards from
workers to warriors to matriarchs to queens, operating
as a single great biological machine whose only goal is
greater propagation of the species. And while individual
Tandda queens may not agree with one another as to
how that is best carried out, internecine conflict is all but
unheard of, for the collective success outweighs any
petty individual desires.
NPC Reactions: For most of the population of Arhosa,
Tandda may as well not exist at all, for their homeland’s
location in the abyssal depths so far beneath the
mountains of the Tokunnir that even the dwarves barely
know them means that whole societies have never had a
single member who has seen a Tandda. Therefore, it is
all but impossible to know how they would react.
For the Tokunnir, the only civilization with anything
resembling regular contact with the Tandda, the reaction
is more often one of puzzlement than anything else.
While the dwarven people certainly do not appreciate
the raids and border skirmishes that occur when Tandda
colonies expand into dwarven mines, the Tandda have
not yet made themselves such a nuisance that the
Tokunnir have come to regard them as a mortal enemy,
the way they would a true threat to their existence. The
question at this point for the Tokunnir is more where do
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the Tandda come from, and what is their goal. As well as
if there is a means to open communication with the
Tandda and engage in diplomacy instead of warfare.
TANDDA ELITE LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Dungeoneering) can
research Tandda elites to learn more about them. Bardic
knowledge reveals the same information.
DC 10: Tandda elites are superior members of the
Tandda race.
DC 15: Tandda elites come in three tranches – matriarch,
sentinel, and worker elite.
DC 20: Elites each have their own unique talents,
depending on which type of elite they happen to be.
DC 30: Information about notable Tandda elites, drawn
from the section above.
TANDDA ELITES IN THE GAME
Tandda elite are going to be quite rare in any game world
that does not revolve around the underdark or other
subterranean settings, as their race does not appear on
the surface and is uniquely ill-suited for surface
dwelling. As a result, while they have had an impact on
the development of certain of the runecarving cultures,
the restrictions that keep them in a single area will often
make them unsuitable for a given campaign.
That being said, there is no mechanical restriction aside
from blindness that would prevent a Tandda elite from
operating on the surface, and their scent ability is
deliberately powerful enough to overcome much of the
lack of sight, so it is quite possible that there could be
colonies of nocturnal Tandda (see Adaptation, below)
living on the surface and otherwise coming into conflict
with other species.
In those games that Tandda elite do play a role, they will
primarily be acting on the command of their matriarch
or queen, although if that is handled properly, it can
allow the invidual Tandda a great deal of latitude in
carrying out the tasks that they have been given. This is
highly recommended to allow the player playing the
Tandda elite the freedom to enjoy their character.
Adaptation: The Tandda and Tandda elite can be
adapted to a number of other environments, such as
nocturnal surface living, primarily by switching out
certain abilities. The focus on underground living means
that they currently come with burrow, which could be
114
replaced by a climb speed. Inky Murk could be replaced
by a bioluminescence ability that blinds opponents for a
short while, and feats or skills that reference fighting in
the narrow spaces of a tunnel are replaced by those that
focus on their new environment.
Encounters: Tandda elite are most often met in raids in
the depths of the Tokunnir mines, but their talents lend
themselves to any assault or raid that takes place in the
darkest of night, preferably one that places the PCs in a
significant disadvantage in terms of vision.
“Why would I fight when I can build something to fight for
me?”
– Kinvar Baldrike, Tokunnir Stonecrafter
Some of the greatest designers and builders the world
has ever seen, the Tokunnir stonecrafters are the
architects of the Constructed and a number of other
constructs, both lesser and greater. Able to turn their
runecarving talents to the creation of almost any end,
and blessed with the unique ability to imbue the very
magic of the runes into the weapons and armor that they
fabricate, stonecrafters are the apex of Tokunnir society.
While others might depend upon the might of the blood-
spiked fury or the steadfast resolve of the Ironguard,
nothing means more to the ongoing survival of the
Tokunnir than the efforts of their stonecrafters. It is
because of their hand that mechanical smiths work
tirelessly in forges, that vein extractors process and
deliver the iron, silver, and gold that the dwarven
kingdoms thrive upon, and that units like the
Constructed 3rd have their moment of glory in defense of
the fatherland.
While their efforts might one day lead to a new society
in which Constructed are equal partners, today they
have saved the Tokunnir kingdoms from the collapse
that hit all too many of the Arhosan populace, and for
that, the rest of the Tokunnir will gladly support the
stonecrafters.
BECOMING A TOKUNNIR STONECRAFTER
Born almost entirely from Tokunnir runecarvers with an
interest in crafting, the stonecrafter is very much a
product of the society in which it finds its roots. Even
runeborn, martial as they are in nature, are unlikely to
follow the path of the stonecrafter, for all too often it
requires staying behind and living in the smithy or the
mines, supervising the extraction of materials or the have little business as members of their most treasured
ongoing creation of some new tool. Unlettered, despised sect.
as they are by many runecarvers for their perversion of
the art of runecarving, are almost never welcome in the ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
ranks of the stonecrafters, for although there is no formal Skills: Craft 6, Knowledge (Architecture and
organization and many stonecrafters are also Engineering) 6
forgesouled, still there is an unspoken agreement that Feat: Progenitor
those who cannot honor the traditions of the Tokunnir Race: Tokunnir

Table 5-16: The Tokunnir Stonecrafter Hit Dice: d10

Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Runecarving
1st +0 +0 +2 +2 Enhanced Runecarving, Metalcraft +1 Runecarving level
2 nd +1 +0 +3 +3 Enhanced Runecarving, Forgecraft +1 Runecarving level
3 rd +2 +1 +3 +3 Enhanced Runecarving, Runecraft +1 Runecarving level
Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level): Appraise (Int), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Forgery
(Int), Knowledge (Arcana) (Int), Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) (Int), Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (Int),
Knowledge (Geography) (Int), Knowledge (History) (Int), Knowledge (Local) (Int), Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty)
(Int), Knowledge (Religion) (Int), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Speak Language (Int), Spellcraft (Int), Use Magic Device
(Cha), Warcraft (Int)

CLASS FEATURES Enhanced Runecarving (Ex): The stonecrafter can now

Crafting, and all that that entails, are the highest calling
of the Tokunnir, and the stonecrafter is that epitome.
Able to forge the living beings known as the
Constructed, they are uniquely suited to creating
construct allies.
All of the following are class features of the Tokunnir
stonecrafter prestige class.
Runecarving: When a new stonecrafter level is attained,
the character gains new runes known, runes active, and
increases his runecarver level as if he had attained a level
in any one runecarving class he belonged to before he
added the prestige class. He does not, however, gain any
other benefit a character of that class would have gained
(class features, bonus feats, and so on). This essentially
means that he adds the level of stonecrafter to the level
of whatever runecarving class the character had, then
determines runes known, runes active, runecarver level,
and so on.
If a character had more than one runecarving class before
he became a stonecrafter, he must decide to which class
he adds each level of stonecrafter for the purpose of
determining runes known, runes active, runecarver
level, etc.
use his Enhanced Runecarving ability once, plus one
extra use per class level (2 at 1st, 3 at 2nd, and 4 at 3rd).
Metalcraft (Ex): A stonecrafter learns the great dwarven
secrets of forging weapons and armor. A stonecrafter
receives Craft Construct and Craft Magic Arms and
Armor as bonus feats, regardless of his caster level. Use
the stonecrafter’s runecarving level as his effective caster
level for the purpose of creating magic arms and armor
or constructs. The stonecrafter is treated as automatically
knowing all spells required for an item or construct’s
creation.
Forgecraft (Ex): The stonecrafter creates a mechanical
smith to assist with his construction efforts. He does not
need to pay any gold or XP to gain this creature. In
addition, the XP cost of any item or golem created with
the assistance of one or more mechanical smiths is
reduced by half. If the mechanical smith is destroyed, the
stonecrafter can create another one as described in the
creature entry.
Runecraft (Ex): When crafting an item, a stonecrafter can
choose to imbue the weapon or armor he is crafting with
a single rune effect he knows. Treat the First Symbol as a
+1 enhancement bonus, Second Symbol as +2, and so on.
The runecarving level of the effect is the runecarving
level of the stonecrafter at the time he creates the item.
This does not include any bonuses to runecarving level

115
whose durations are shorter than the total amount of
time it takes to craft the item. His runecarving level must
be high enough that he can use the chosen Symbol in a
carved rune.
PLAYING A TOKUNNIR STONECRAFTER
More than anything else, a Tokunnir stonecrafter is
focused on the creation of exquisite works of artifice that
assist either them or a paying customer in the ongoing
acts they require. Whether this means that a stonecrafter
is designing and building Constructed for the military,
for himself, or creating other forms of construct, doing
so is generally his primary goal in life. There are other,
equally skilled, stonecrafters who apply that same level
of talent and dedication to the creation of arms and
armor, most often imbued with the magic of the runes
themselves.
Either way, it is the forge and the life that it entails that
are the uppermost goal in the mind of the stonecrafter,
and while they might adventure in order to learn new
ways to improve their crafting, they are primarily
focused on crafting, rather than on adventure.
Combat: Tokunnir stonecrafters rely on the constructs
that they create for much of their martial might, although
they are by no means slouches in melee themselves, able
to bring to bear the full might of the runes, plus the
Tokunnir’s inherent ability to enhance runes above their
normal power level, allowing him early access to
abilities non-Tokunnir will not have for some levels yet.
Given the nature of the runes that a stonecrafter needs to
know in order to create constructs, in combat they are
best served to focus on being a resilient front-line fighter,
able to withstand even the most violent opponent.
Advancement: Since stonecrafters are not that
numerous, they naturally keep their eyes open for other
dwarves who demonstrate the rare combination of
talents necessary to learn the deepest secrets of the forge.
If you are a skilled weaponsmith or armorsmith who can
carve runes, the stonecrafters of your home stronghold
or native clan are likely to approach you at some point
and offer you apprenticeship with one of the existing
masters.
Once your training in the skills of the stonecrafter have
begun, you study alongside an experienced stonecrafter
off and on for several months. Between adventures, you
make your way back to the clanhold and work beside
your mentor, learning the details of his art. Such hands-
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on apprenticeship is not strictly necessary to learn the
craft; stonecrafters can divine the secrets of the
fellowship independently through their own mastery of
runecarving and smithcraft. However, experienced
stonecrafters place a great deal of importance on your
“genealogy” of apprenticeship. For example, if you
worked with Telzar, who worked with Adrulzul, who
was the favored apprentice of the legendary master
Idrilzgar, other stonecrafters automatically recognize
you as a smith of some skill. Because earning the trust,
confidence, and respect of your fellows is difficult
without the apprenticeship process, stonecrafters are
loath to forego that tradition.
Resources: As a stonecrafter, you are as skilled at
crafting weapons as a spellcaster who takes the Craft
Magic Arms and Armor feat. Thus, your best resource is
your ability to custom-design both your construct allies
and the arms and armor you want to use. Because you
can make such items for yourself, you have to pay only
the cost to create rather than the market price of the
desired item. For example, the market price for a +3
longsword is 18,315 gp, but you can make one in nine
days for only 9,315 gp, plus some experience points.
Make liberal use of this benefit by manufacturing the
best weapons and armor you can and using them with
pride.
Don’t be afraid to sell your weapon-making skill to your
adventuring companions either. If you make items for
your friends, you can give them a 20% or 30% break on
the market price and still keep a comfortable profit for
yourself.
TOKUNNIR STONECRAFTERS IN THE WORLD
“There’s nothing so great as the feeling of swinging a hammer
you’ve designed yourself. Except maybe watching your
construct stove in a goblin’s head!”
– Kinxas Ferrbroch, Tokunnir Stonecrafter
The stonecrafter is an outstanding example of the
dwarves’ legendary skill at fashioning weapons and
arms of power. Though dwarf clerics and wizards who
select the Craft Magic Arms and Armor feat create magic
items, the most distinctive and powerful dwarven
weapons are the handiwork of battlesmiths (see Races of
Stone) or Tokunnir stonecrafters. And stonecrafters take
the dwarven ideal of creation and push it to the utmost
limit, having birthed a new race by their very own
hands.
Over the course of time, a stonecrafter might create
dozens of magic items that can influence the course of
the campaign. Not only can he bestow the priceless gift
of a handmade weapon on a protégé, ally, or cohort, but
his skill can form the basis for adventures. For example,
imagine the stonecrafter’s wrath when the priceless
Constructed that he forged at great expense to himself is
stolen.
Daily Life: Although a stonecrafter spends most of his
time at his work, his adventuring career does not have to
end when he takes up the smith’s hammer and tongs.
Stonecrafters are keenly aware of the great works of the
past, and therefore eager to investigate any rumors or
hints of long-lost dwarf-realms, dwarven treasures now
in the hands of evil monsters, and secret lore hidden in
puzzles or riddles. Finally, the stonecrafter’s prowess
with runic magic makes him a natural champion of the
Tokunnir. Therefore, he can be called to defend his
people against threats ranging from orcs to dragons to
giants.
Many adventurers take up their perilous calling because
they have no other way to make money, but a
stonecrafter’s skill allows him to live comfortably in a
community of almost any size. Typically, he establishes
a foundry, smithy, or ironworks in a clanhold or
Tokunnir kingdom and retires there to create when he is
not otherwise engaged. And once they have done so,
most Tokunnir stonecrafters create several mechanical
smiths as their first actions upon their new forge, for
these Constructed servitors can turn out fine work on
their own, meaning the stonecrafter’s smithy prospers
even when he is not at home.
Notables: Kinxas Ferrbroch is exactly what you would
expect from a high level Tokunnir stonecrafter – a
forgesouled who took up the mantle of the bellows and
tongs at the earliest age he could, and never looked back.
Now, although he lives outside of any of the dwarfholds
proper, he could practically be said to be a king on par
with those who rule the lands about him, for Ferrbroch’s
subterranean caverns are an industrial paradise as
Constructed create more of their brethren every day,
mining the earth for the raw supplies and battling the
Tandda who fear the encroaching mechanical beasts, led
by a dwarf more runecraft than flesh.
Organization: While there is an informal organization of
stonecrafters, most prefer to remain aloof from one
another, because it is the easiest way to prevent the
secrets of their personal style being stolen by a curious
or jealous rival. Stonecrafters are, however, tightly
intertwined with the wider dwarven world, for they are
the ones who continually create the arms, armor, and
construct servants in use by the military, merchants,
government, and otherwise.
NPC Reactions: Dwarves hold Tokunnir stonecrafters in
very high regard indeed. Dwarves therefore begin with
a friendly attitude toward a known stonecrafter, though
the duergar are a notable exception. Quick to resent the
successes of others, the gray dwarves claim that the
stonecrafter stole the secrets of the forge from their
smithies long ago. For this reason, a stonecrafter who
falls into the hands of the duergar can expect only a long,
slow death.
Battlesmiths and stonecrafters enjoy a friendly rivalry.
When such characters meet, they loudly and
aggressively debate the virtues of each method for
working metal over many tankards of ale. Crafters from
other lands, at least those who know of the talents of the
battlesmiths and stonecrafters, almost always begin with
a friendly or helpful attitude toward such a character.
The vast majority of non-dwarves have no idea that a
stonecrafters is more than a highly skilled dwarf crafter
or runecarver (depending on what the stonecrafter lets
slip about himself), so they hold no preconceptions
about members of the class. Therefore, creatures inclined
to be friendly to Tokunnir tend to be friendly to a
stonecrafter, and those inclined to be hostile to Tokunnir
are hostile to him.
TOKUNNIR STONECRAFTER LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research Tokunnir stonecrafters to
learn more about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the
same information.
DC 10: Tokunnir stonecrafters are expert crafters, able to
produce almost miraculous results from their forge by
combining crafting and runecarving.
DC 15: Tokunnir stonecrafters are able to engrave runes
into weapons as they create them, imbuing the wielder
of those weapons with the traits that the rune possesses.
They can also do the same to Constructed that they
create.
DC 20: What stonecrafters prefer to keep hidden is that
they are in some ways the absolute masters of
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runecarving, and can call upon powers that other
runecarvers of the same level would not have access to.
Generally, they save the reveal of this ability until an
absolutely critical moment in battle.
DC 30: Information about notable Tokunnir
stonecrafters, drawn from the section above.
TOKUNNIR STONECRAFTERS IN THE GAME
Any time your players decide to commission a specific
magic weapon or suit of magic armor, you have an
excellent opportunity to introduce a Tokunnir
stonecrafter into the campaign - especially if the PCs
insist on obtaining the best work they can find.
Stonecrafters are also likely to appear wherever dwarven
interests are at stake. For example, a stonecrafter NPC
might try to check the efforts of heroes who are seeking
a long-lost dwarven stronghold so that the secrets of the
dwarves stay buried. Or he could ally himself with the
heroes to combat an evil that threatens both a dwarven
realm and a nearby human one.
A stonecrafter is a “dwarf’s dwarf” - a physical
embodiment of much that is admirable in the race. Such
a character is can fill many roles through the use of his
runes, although he would struggle to completely replace
a spellcaster. That said, he is good enough at combat to
replace any of the martial classes, especially once his
constructs are taken into account.
Unlike other crafter classes, if you have a stonecrafter in
your party, you do not need to pace your campaign with
breaks for crafting. As long as he is able to return to his
forge from time to time and reactivate his mechanical
smith constructs with new projects, he will be able to
craft and adventure at the same time.
Adaptation: Stonecrafters, despite their ties to the
Tokunnir, are primarily a class based around crafting
magical arms and armor and constructs using the
runecarving system. The Tokunnir specific abilities
could easily be removed and replaced with new ones,
perhaps borrowed from the battlesmith or the sand
shaper, that continue their focus on crafting.
Encounters: The Tokunnir stonecrafter most often serves
as an ally or associate of the player characters, but he is
first and foremost a servant of the Tokunnir. Should the
heroes’ interests ever cross those of the Tokunnir, he
does not hesitate to confront the PCs.
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Such an encounter might involve the PCs trying to
recover the treasure of a lost dwarven hold and finding
themselves in a race against a party of Tokunnir led by a
stonecrafter who can verify the origin of the treasure that
the Tokunnir find.
“The trials that stand before me are mere trifles, brushed aside
with no more than a thought!”
– Áedh Cadeyrn, Athaghoel Unwavering Warden
While the Ironguard and forgesouled guardians are the
pinnacle of the military might of the Tokunnir, and
blood-spiked furies are common to all dwarves, the
unwavering wardens are the military heart of the
Athaghoel people. Born out of an application of the
Athaghoel’s dwarven focus, the wardens desire nothing
more than to defend the villages that comprise their
civilization from any and all who would dare to despoil
them. And defend them they do, with a tenacity that
defies any who would see their lands as plunder. More
than a few raiding parties or territory-minded outsiders
have seen the small villages and towns of the Athaghoel
farmers as ripe for the taking. Few of them have survived
their meeting with the power of the wardens and the
lorespeakers, and with a populace that regards
knowledge and runic magic as a birthright that every
single individual should know.
BECOMING AN UNWAVERING WARDEN
Unwavering wardens are most often Athaghoel
runecarvers and runeborn, although any dwarven
runecarver can learn the secrets of being an unwavering
warden by taking the focused life feat.
Unwavering wardens, despite being a noted part of the
Athaghoel military, are not a product of training, but
rather one of focus and of diligence. Those who wish to
become unwavering wardens almost always have as
their dwarven focus something along the lines of
“defend my village”, “defend my family”, “destroy the
orcish bandits that attack every summer” and so on. It is
that focus on a single military outcome day in and day
out that leads a dwarf down the path towards becoming
an unwavering warden.
Once a dwarf has taken his first step into the world of
the unwavering warden, he usually lets it be known to
the other unwavering wardens in the area, because
although they are not a military unit in the normal sense,
they all know one another and agree to assist in times of ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
need. After all, defending someone else’s village today Runecarving: 5th level or better
may well mean a warden does not need to defend his Feats: Unwavering
own village tomorrow. And the more wardens there are Skills: Concentration 8, Craft 8, Knowledge
in a fight, the less likely any single warden is to fall from (Architecture and Engineering) 8
the influence of enemy attacks and magic. Special: Must have a Dwarven Focus

Table 5-17: The Unwavering Warden Hit Dice: d8

Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Runecarving
1 st +0 +0 +2 +2 Unwavering Runecarving, Enduring Lithograph -
2 nd +1 +0 +3 +3 Strength in Uncertain Times +1 Runecarving level
3rd +2 +1 +3 +3 Stubbornness +1 Runecarving level
4th +3 +1 +4 +4 Moment of Change +1 Runecarving level
5 th +3 +1 +4 +4 Permanent Lithograph, Steadfast Determination +1 Runecarving level
6th +4 +2 +5 +5 Stubbornness +1 Runecarving level
7th +5 +2 +5 +5 Mind of Mine Own +1 Runecarving level
8th +6 +2 +6 +6 Obstinance +1 Runecarving level
9 th +6 +3 +6 +6 Stubbornness +1 Runecarving level
10th +7 +3 +7 +7 Undying Devotion -
Class skills (4 + Int modifier per level): Appraise (Int), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Forgery
(Int), Knowledge (Arcana) (Int), Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) (Int), Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (Int),
Knowledge (Geography) (Int), Knowledge (History) (Int), Knowledge (Local) (Int), Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty)
(Int), Knowledge (Religion) (Int), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Speak Language (Int), Spellcraft (Int), Use Magic Device
(Cha), Warcraft (Int)

CLASS FEATURES
Unwavering wardens are the defenders of the
Athaghoel, unswerving in their duties and completely
resistant to the impact of any outside spell or effect that
might attempt to sway them.
All of the following are class features of the unwavering
warden prestige class.
Runecarving: When a new unwavering warden level is
attained (aside from 1st and 10th), the character gains new
runes known, runes active, and increases his runecarver
level as if he had attained a level in any one runecarving
class he belonged to before he added the prestige class.
He does not, however, gain any other benefit a character
of that class would have gained (class features, bonus
feats, and so on). This essentially means that he adds the
level of unwavering warden to the level of whatever
runecarving class the character had, then determines
runes known, runes active, runecarver level, and so on.
If a character had more than one runecarving class before
he became an unwavering warden, he must decide to
which class he adds each level of unwavering warden for
the purpose of determining runes known, runes active,
runecarver level, etc.
Unwavering Runecarving (Ex): An unwavering warden
has made his choice of gods and powers, and sticks with
them through thick and thin. For every day beyond the
first, the runecarving level of a carved rune increases by
1, up to a maximum bonus of one third the unwavering
warden's class level. At 4th level, he gains a bonus to
mental (Int, Wis, Cha) skills equal to twice the maximum
bonus currently provided by Unwavering Runecarving.
At 7th level, he changes the bonus from his Dwarven
Focus to twice the maximum bonus currently provided
by Unwavering Runecarving, if it is greater.
Enduring Lithograph (Ex): The duration of carved runes
created by the unwavering warden changes from 1 day
to 1 week.
Strength in Uncertain Times (Ex): It is an unwavering
warden's faith that sustains him through thick and thin,
knowing that whatever the case, he will come out on top.
At the beginning of an encounter, he receives temporary

119
hit points equal to his class level times the number of
hostile creatures. Any remaining temporary hit points
are lost at the end of the encounter. They do not stack
with any other source.
Stubbornness (Ex): Blows that would fell most creatures
are obstacles, put into the path of the unwavering
warden to be overcome. Once per encounter, an
unwavering warden can ignore all damage dealt by a
single attack. This does not allow him to ignore other
effects of that attack. He may do this an additional time
per encounter at 6th and 9th level.
Moment of Change (Su): For all that the unwavering
warden puts his faith into a single choice, even he
recognizes that being adaptable is a necessary trait. By
dismissing a carved rune currently receiving a bonus
from unwavering runecarving as a swift action, he
receives a bonus to attack and damage rolls, armor class,
and movement speed equal to the bonus from
unwavering runecarving. This lasts for one minute per
class level.
Permanent Lithograph (Ex): The duration of carved
runes created by the Unwavering Warden changes from
1 week to permanent.
Steadfast Determination (Ex): The unwavering warden
gains the Steadfast Determination feat. If he already has
this feat, he chooses one other feat for which he meets
the prerequisites.
Mind of Mine Own (Ex): Little can sway the
unwavering warden from his chosen path, for even
magic is reduced to all but nothing in his presence. Any
mind-affecting spell or effect that targets the unwavering
warden has its duration reduced to 5 rounds, unless its
duration is already shorter. This does not affect the
duration for other creatures affected by the spell.
Obstinance (Ex): The unwavering warden's
Stubbornness ability now can be used to ignore any
attack, spell, ability or effect, including any secondary
effects that attack or ability might have.
Undying Devotion (Ex): Upon reaching his pinnacle of
devotion, an unwavering warden will let nothing shift
him from his guardianship. He gains a bonus to saves
equal to the maximum bonus currently provided by his
Unwavering Runecarving ability, and damage reduction
equal to twice that bonus. He also does not take penalties
to his ability scores for aging and cannot be magically
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aged. Any such penalties that he has already taken are
lost. He never dies from old age, although he can be
killed by other means.
PLAYING AN UNWAVERING WARDEN
Most unwavering wardens are not travelers, for they
have taken an oath to defend something near and dear
to their heart, and they can only do that while they are in
that locale. This does not preclude a warden from
deciding that a nearby enemy force should be attacked,
of course – wardens are more than skilled enough to
realize that sometimes an offensive stance outweighs a
defensive one.
Those wardens who adventure usually do so for one of
several reasons. They might believe that in order to keep
their homeland safe in perpetuity, they need to find an
ancient relic that creates a massive shield about their
lands. Or they may be focused on something other than
the defense of their people. The warden class does not
require that defense be the focus, after all. At the base
level, an unwavering warden is simply the most
stubborn dwarf around, using truly remarkable
pigheadedness to ignore anything that gets between him
and his goal.
Combat: As one might expect from a stubborn dwarf,
unwavering wardens like to get stuck in in the very
depths of combat, planting themselves right up against
the line of the enemy and then ignoring or deflecting
every attack against them as the warden hews through
the foes that surround him. Given their abilities, very
little can truly threaten an unwavering warden, and so
they fight knowing that it will take an almighty effort
from their foes to bring them down.
Because of the nature of the unwavering warden’s
runecarving ability, feats such as Focus Rune and others
that rely on the unwavering warden using the same
runes day in and day out are the best options, in addition
to ones that allow him to defend himself in melee such
as Dwarven Shield Specialist and Phalanx Fighting.
Advancement: With most unwavering wardens being
Athaghoel runecarvers and runeborn, the path to
entering the class is fairly obvious, although some
Athaghoel also learn the talents of the lorespeaker or
concenter on the way to becoming an unwavering
warden, as the entry requirements of those classes
overlap a fair deal with that of the unwavering warden.
Once you have become an unwavering warden, you
need only to continue to focus on your internal
stubbornness in order to continue to grow in stature.
There is no need for formal training nor membership in
any organization, as your power merely grows the more
that you focus your being around around what you most
desire.
Resources: Like many combatants, you can benefit
greatly from items that enhance your Strength and
Constitution. Magic armor that allows you to stay firmly
rooted to the spot that you are in certainly helps, as does
a good ranged weapon to take advantage of Steadfast
Determination when an enemy is so rude as to not stand
adjacent to you. Magic items that help to boost your
runes or assist with healing will always be useful.
Finally, look for options that fill in the gaps that your
class features and runes don’t.
UNWAVERING WARDENS IN THE WORLD
“Nothing harms my people until I fall. And I will never fall.”
– Drust Morcant, Athaghoel Unwavering Warden
As the defenders of the Athaghoel people, unwavering
wardens are feted and loved by their compatriots, and
spend many days in consultation with the lorespeakers,
working their way through both the military history of
the Athaghoel, as well as working their smiths to see if
there is a better way to design arms, armor, war
machines, or the like.
Those unwavering wardens who exist outside of the
Athaghoel lands are most often found adventuring, in
pursuit of whatever goal their focus takes them towards,
sometimes trying to go it alone, other times with a
collection of allies along for the ride.
Daily Life: Unwavering wardens who are at home
spend their days working primarily on whatever task
they have set for themselves via their focus, although
often enough they hold down secondary roles inside the
community that play to their knowledge and talents.
There is, of course, always a great deal of training in
regards to martial skill and runecarving.
Those who are on the road lead the life of adventurers,
going where the wind and their needs take them.
Notables: Drust Morcant is, as far as any member of his
Athaghoel community can tell, immortal. While
effectively the ruler of a valley full of villages, he has no
crown, no throne, and no title. But he is also old, old
enough that even the lorespeakers of his lands are
uncertain as to when he was actually born. What they do
know is that time and again he has stood at the forefront
of their forces and smashed enemies who have come
against them, to the point that most nearby peoples who
once tested the resolve of the community no longer do
so, waiting for that interminable day when Drust
Morcant is not the unnamed king.
Organization: Unwavering wardens, embedded as
deeply as they are into the Athaghoel communities
where they live, usually have the ability to call upon
those around them for assistance. Should a weapon or
armor be broken in combat, the blacksmith will repair it
for a minimal cost. Should he need some trifle, it usually
appears. But an unwavering warden is always careful
never to overstep his boundaries, for his goal is defend
those around him, not drive them into poverty
supporting him.
NPC Reactions: Dwarves who know what an
unwavering warden is are more than happy to see one,
for they are the most trusted and faithful of all dwarves,
never to shirk a fight or a duty. Those who do not know
what an unwavering warden is see them first as
runecarvers (if the warden makes such a thing
apparent), or as a dwarven fighter, and react
accordingly.
UNWAVERING WARDEN LORE
Characters with Knowledge (Architecture and
Engineering) can research unwavering wardens to learn
more about them. Bardic knowledge reveals the same
information.
DC 10: Unwavering wardens are the stubbornnest of all
dwarves, and use runecarving to ensure that the
stubbornness never wavers.
DC 15: Unwavering wardens like to fight in the thick of
combat and are almost impossible to wound, as they can
simply ignore the effects of the most dangerous attacks
that they suffer.
DC 20: Unwavering wardens never vary the runes that
they use, choosing to leave the same carved runes
engraved day after day, as the power of the runes builds
until it is almost unstoppable.
DC 30: Information about notable unwavering wardens,
drawn from the section above.
121
UNWAVERING WARDENS IN THE GAME
The unwavering warden prestige class is an exploration
of runecarving combined with the legendary
intransigence of the dwarves through the use of the
dwarven focus mechanic and a collection of other
abilities. While the class does not place much demand on
the player, as most abilities are passive and runes are
changed out only very infrequently, it requires the
player to have understood five levels of runecarving to
arrive there, and so isn’t necessarily as beginner friendly
as some other options.

The unwavering warden is also a perfect NPC class,

because it gives mechanical backing to the ability of the
dwarves to simply wade through combats that would
otherwise stymie them, whether that be alongside the
PCs or against them.

If you have an unwavering warden PC in your game, be

sure to provide plenty of combat encounters that let him
and his talents shine, preferably ones that let him be the
target of most enemy attacks.

Adaptation: The unwavering warden does not need to

be limited to dwarven races only, and most of the
abilities, although not all, can be utilized by a someone
from another magic system. In which case simply swap
over the runecarving focused abilities for different ones
that reward the repeated employment of the same
abilities over and over.

Encounters: Unwavering wardens are most likely to be

encountered either defending a village under threat
from the PCs, or if their purposes run against the focus
of an adventuring unwavering warden.

122

Runecarvers are not the only characters for whom this
book has material. Traditional spellcasters also gain a
number of spells, and the ability to create runic items
that grow stronger under the combined influence of
traditional magic and runic magic. This chapter presents
arcane and divine spells for spellcasting classes from the
Player’s Handbook, as well as magic items and artefacts
primarily focused on those with a runecarving bent.
3rd LEVEL CLERIC SPELLS
Lithic Embrace – Gain knowledge of surrounding area
4th LEVEL CLERIC SPELLS
Stone Rebirth – Change stone from one type to another
3rd LEVEL DRUID SPELLS
Fingers of Rock – Create pillars of rock
Lithic Embrace – Gain knowledge of surrounding area
4th LEVEL DRUID SPELLS
Stone Rebirth – Change stone from one type to another
Personal Cavern – Create extradimensional cavern
2 LEVEL SORCERER/WIZARD SPELLS
nd
Mental History – Understand the history of a given
location
4th LEVEL SORCERER/WIZARD SPELLS
Blade Guardian – Animate a weapon to fight alongside
target ally
Stone Rebirth – Change stone from one type to another
The new spells available to characters are described
below. The description of each spell is presented in a
standard format, and the spells are presented in
alphabetical order by spell name.
BLADE GUARDIAN
Transmutation
Level: Sorcerer/Wizard 4
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One melee weapon
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
When you cast this spell, you cause the target melee
weapon to hover and attack on its own, aiding a
character you designate. The weapon must be either
unattended (in which case you choose which creature it
will fight for, so long as both creature and weapon are
within range) or in the possession of a willing ally who
benefits from the spell. A blade guardian attacks using
the initiative modifier and base attack bonus of the
creature it fights for, though it gains no other attack or
damage modifiers the creature might have (including
those from Strength) and takes a -4 penalty on its attack
rolls if the creature it fights for doesn't have proficiency
with a weapon of its kind. The weapon moves with the
creature it fights for (and so can take the full attack action
if that creature does), staying within 5 feet at all times
and dropping to the ground if that creature is reduced to
0 or fewer hit points. Controlling the weapon requires no
concentration, and the designated creature can fight
with another weapon at the same time. A blade guardian
prevents two opponents from flanking the creature it
fights for (though that creature can be flanked by
additional opponents).
FINGERS OF ROCK
Conjuration (Creation) [Earth]
Level: Druid 3
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Effect: One 5-ft.-diameter pillar of stone per round
Duration: 1 round/2 levels (D)
Saving Throw: Reflex negates
Spell Resistance: No
Each round as a standard action, you conjure a pillar of
rock that bursts from a stone or earthen surface
anywhere within the spell's range. Each pillar fills a 5-
foot square and grows to a height of 20 feet or until it hits
a barrier such as a ceiling or wall. A Large or smaller
123
creature in a square where a pillar erupts must succeed
on a Reflex save or be carried upward by the force of the
pillar. If a pillar is created in a room with a ceiling height
of 20 feet or less, the rock slams into the ceiling, dealing
4d6 points of damage to any creature atop it. In a location
with a ceiling height of more than 20 feet, a creature
carried up by a pillar must succeed on a DC 20 Balance
check or fall from the top of the pillar when it reaches its
maximum height. On a failed check, the creature
plummets to the ground, taking 2d6 points of damage
from the fall. You can also cause a pillar to erupt from a
vertical surface, in which case any creatures in the
pillar's path must succeed on their Reflex saves or take
2d6 points of damage and be knocked prone. The pillar
created is permanent and has AC 3, hardness 8, and 900
hit points. A pillar can be climbed with a DC 20 Climb
check.
LITHIC EMBRACE
Divination [Earth]
Level: Cleric 3, Druid 3
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Instantaneous
You become one with nature, attaining knowledge of the
surrounding territory.
You instantly gain knowledge of as many as three facts
from among the following subjects: the ground or
terrain, minerals, bodies of water, people, general animal
population, burrowing or subterranean creatures, fungi.
For example, you could determine the location of any
powerful earth subtype creatures, the location of all
major sources of safe drinking water, and the location of
any large veins of iron or copper.
The spell is only effective in hills, mountains, or
underground (including mines).
The spell operates in a radius of one-half mile per level
of the caster and to a depth of one-quarter mile per level.
MENTAL HISTORY
Divination
Level: Sorcerer/Wizard 2
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
124
Area: Spread with a radius of 25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels,
centered on you
Duration: Concentration, up to 10 min./level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
You gain historical vision in a given location. Rooms,
streets, tunnels, and other discrete locations accumulate
psychic impressions left by powerful emotions
experienced in a given area. These impressions offer you
a picture of the location’s past. The types of events most
likely to leave psychic impressions are those that elicited
strong emotions: battles and betrayals, marriages and
murders, births and great pain, or any other event where
one emotion dominates. Everyday occurrences leave no
residue for a spellcaster to detect. The vision of the event
is dreamlike and shadowy. You do not gain special
knowledge of those involved in the vision, though you
might be able to read large banners or other writing if
they are in your language. Beginning with the most
recent significant event at a location and working
backward in time, you can sense one distinct event for
every 10 minutes you maintain concentration, if any
such events exist to be sensed. Your sensitivity extends
into the past a maximum number of years equal to 100 x
your caster level.
PERSONAL CAVERN
Conjuration (Creation) [Earth]
Level: Druid 4
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect: Extradimensional cave, up to two 10-ft.
cubes/level (S)
Duration: 1 hour/level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
You conjure up an extradimensional cave that has a
single entrance on the plane from which the spell was
cast. You can only cast this spell on a surface made of
rock or some form of earth. The entry point looks like a
dark cave entrance that is 4 feet wide and 8 feet high.
Only those you designate can enter the cave, and the
portal is shut and made invisible behind you when you
enter. You can open it again from your side at will.
Creatures entering the cave will find themselves in a
dark, wet cavern. The place contains enough oxygen to
sustain as many creatures as can fit in the area for the
duration of the spell. Edible fungus grows along the
walls, and condensation drips down one wall into a pool
of fresh, clean water that never seems to run dry.
External conditions such as weather do not affect the
pleasant atmosphere of the cave, and nothing except the
designated creatures can pass through the portal in
either direction. At the end of the spell's duration, all
within the cavern return to the spot where they entered
the cave or else to the nearest open space, if that spot is
occupied. Items can be left inside the cavern, and
retrieved by casting the spell again later. The cavern is
always the same cavern, and always just as it was left at
the end of the previous casting.
STONE REBIRTH
Transmutation [Earth]
Level: Cleric 4, Druid 4, Sorcerer/Wizard 4
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Stone or stone objects touched, up to 10 cu. ft. +
10 cu. ft./level
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
You can change an existing piece of rock to another type
of rock. For instance, you can make sandstone into
granite, substantially strengthening it. Precious and
semiprecious gems cannot be manufactured with this
spell, and its effect does not change the monetary value
of the affected stone object.
Armor or shields with special abilities must have at least
a +1 enhancement bonus. It is recommended that the DM
update other armor & shield special abilities such as
those from the Magic Item Compendium so that they
require runes to create.
BLUDGEON BREAKING
A bludgeon breaking shield or suit of armor magically
turns away bludgeoning weapons, such as maces and
slam attacks.
Description: The armor or shield is thickened and
engraved with a defensive rune.
Prerequisite: Anyone can use a suit of bludgeon breaking
armor or shield.
Activation: Holding or wearing the item is enough to
activate it.
Effect: While wearing armor or carrying a shield that has
this property, you gain damage reduction 5/slashing or
piercing.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate abjuration; CL 9th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Linna rune.
Weight: As normal for armor or shield.
Price: +2 bonus.
CLAW TURNING
A claw turning shield or suit of armor magically turns
away slashing weapons, such as claws and axes.
Description: The armor or shield is thickened and
engraved with a defensive rune.
Prerequisite: Anyone can use a suit of claw turning armor
or shield.
Activation: Holding or wearing the item is enough to
activate it.
Effect: While wearing armor or carrying a shield that has
this property, you gain damage reduction
5/bludgeoning or piercing.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate abjuration; CL 9th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Linna rune.
Weight: As normal for armor or shield.
Price: +2 bonus.
GENERAL
A sense of immense authority radiates out from the
wearer of this armor.
Description: A suit of armor or shield that has this
property is marked by clear stripes denoting the high
rank of the wielder.
Prerequisite: Anyone can use a general armor or shield
Activation: Activating the armor or shield is as simple as
putting it on or wielding it.
Effect: While wearing general armor or carrying an
general shield, you gain a +5 competence bonus on
Warcraft checks, and your commander auras increase
their bonus by +2.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 8th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Kunnon, Sinn, or Tenkt rune.
Weight: As normal for armor or shield.
Price: +1 bonus.
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OFFICER
This item looks particularly clean and bright - in fact, it
almost seems to shine with its own light.
Description: A suit of armor or shield that has this
property always appears brilliant and gleaming, even in
filthy or squalid conditions, though it doesn’t shed any
useful light. Attempts to paint over or obscure its finish
do not diminish its brightness.
Prerequisite: Anyone can use an officer armor or shield
Activation: Activating the armor or shield is as simple as
putting it on or wielding it.
Effect: While wearing officer armor or carrying an officer
shield, you gain a +2 competence bonus on Warcraft
checks, and each ally within 30 feet of you (not including
yourself) gains a +1 morale bonus on Will saves.
Aura and Caster Level: Faint transmutation; CL 5th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Kunnon, Sinn, or Tenkt rune.
Weight: As normal for armor or shield.
Price: +2,000 gold pieces.
RUNEBLESSED
Runeblessed armors and shields are imbued with a
single runic effect.
Description: The armor is filigreed with expensive runic
carvings that imply the power that the rune grants.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wear a suit of runeblessed
armor.
Activation: Activating the suit of armor is as simple as
putting it on.
Effect: Those who don the armor gain the benefit of a
single runic effect at the minimum runecarving level of
the rune effect, either the first effect (lesser), the second
effect (normal), or the third effect (greater).
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 9th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the rune whose benefit is imbued in the armor.
Weight: As normal for armor or shield.
Price: +1 bonus (lesser), +3 bonus (normal), +5 bonus
(greater).
SPEARSTOPPING
A spearstopping shield or suit of armor magically turns
away piercing weapons, such as spears and most ranged
attacks.
Description: The armor or shield is thickened and
engraved with a defensive rune.
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Prerequisite: Anyone can use a suit of spearstopping
armor or shield.
Activation: Holding or wearing the item is enough to
activate it.
Effect: While wearing armor or carrying a shield that has
this property, you gain damage reduction 5/slashing or
bludgeoning.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate abjuration; CL 9th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Linna rune.
Weight: As normal for armor or shield.
Price: +2 bonus.
TEAMWORK
Armor and shields of this type automatically defend
your allies.
Description: A suit of armor or shield that has this
property always feels drawn towards any allies nearby.
Prerequisite: Anyone can use a teamwork armor or shield
Activation: Activating the armor or shield is as simple as
putting it on or wielding it.
Effect: While wearing teamwork armor or carrying a
teamwork shield, the benefit you grant from the aid
another action is increased by +2, and any ally standing
adjacent to you has their armor class increase by +1.
Aura and Caster Level: Faint abjuration; CL 5th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Kiel, Kivi, or Rore rune.
Weight: As normal for armor or shield.
Price: +1 bonus.
STRIKEBACK ARMOR
Strikeback armor attacks any foes who would dare to
strike the wearer.
Description: This armor of metal scales has axe blades
jutting from it here and there about the wearer’s body.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wear strikeback armor.
Activation: Activating the armor is an immediate or swift
action.
Effect: This suit of armor functions as a +1 chain shirt.
When you activate it, one of the axe heads makes one
melee attack (using your base attack bonus) against an
adjacent creature of your choice. The axe deals 1d8
points of slashing damage (no Str bonus on damage),
and is treated as a magic weapon with an enhancement
bonus equal to the armor’s enhancement bonus to AC.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 11th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Rauta or Risti rune.
Weight: As normal for chain shirt.
Price: 12,250 gp; cost 6,000 gp (plus 250 gp for
masterwork chain shirt), 480 XP.
UNDEREARTH ARMOR
Underearth armor lets the wearer fight better under the
ground.
Description: At first glance, this suit of full plate looks
filthy and ill kept. On closer examination, you can see it
is expertly crafted, and what appears to be dirt is actually
the color of the metal itself. A black crystal shard is set
horizontally into the front of the armor across the
abdomen. Runes in the dwarven language mark its
greaves and gauntlets, and the aroma of fresh earth
seems to emanate from the suit.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wear underearth armor.
Activation: Activating the armor is a standard action.
Effect: A suit of underearth armor functions as +1 full
plate. Once per day while wearing this armor, you can
activate it to gain the benefits of the Underearth Warrior
feat and tremorsense out to 30 feet. Both effects last for
90 minutes.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 8th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Kivi, Kolo, or Queta rune.
Weight: As normal for full plate.
Price: 41,650 gp; cost 20,000 gp (plus 1,650 gp for
masterwork full plate), 1,600 XP.
FORTIFICATION PAVISE
A fortification pavise is a specially crafted shield detailed
with icons depicting barricades.
Description: Fortification pavises are often made of
specially strengthened stone or iron.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a fortification pavise.
Activation: Activating the shield is a swift action
command word.
Effect: By speaking the command word, you can
transform this +1 heavy shield into a 5 ft. by 5 ft. vertical
wall of stone. The wall persists for 1 minute or until you
speak a second command word to return the shield to its
normal condition. The wall of stone ability functions once
per hour.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate conjuration; CL 8th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Linna rune.
Weight: As normal for a heavy shield.
Price: 4,165 gp; cost 2,000 gp (plus cost of masterwork
heavy shield) + 160 XP.
NEGATION AEGIS
A negation aegis is a specially crafted shield designed to
steal the life from opponents struck by it.
Description: The center of a negation aegis is a carved
mouth, fangs out, waiting to draw the energy from
anyone bitten by it.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a negation aegis.
Activation: The shield is activated when it successfully
strikes an enemy on a shield bash.
Effect: A negation aegs functions as a +1 light steel shield.
When you use a shield bash attack with a negation aegis
to deal damage to a living creature, the target must
succeed on a DC 14 Fortitude save or gain one negative
level. A negation aegis can bestow one negative level per
hour.
Aura and Caster Level: Strong necromancy; CL 12th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Kiel, Mita, or Mortuum rune.
Weight: As normal for a light shield.
Price: 9,159 gp; cost 4,500 gp (plus cost of masterwork
light shield) + 360 XP.
Weapons with special abilities must have at least a +1
enhancement bonus. It is recommended that the DM
update other weapon special abilities such as those from
the Magic Item Compendium so that they require runes to
create.
CONDUIT WEAPON
A conduit weapon is designed to deliver touch attack
runes as part of striking a foe.
Description: The illustrations show soul energy running
towards the striking surface of the weapon.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a conduit weapon.
Activation: A free action made before the attack is
required to activate a conduit weapon.
Effect: A conduit weapon allows the wielder to use a rune
effect with a range of melee touch as part of an attack
action or full attack action. The rune effect is carried on
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the first attack of the action. He must designate this
before he knows the result of any rolls. Any uses of the
rune effect are deducted as normal.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate necromancy; CL 9th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
Aum or Belxa rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +1 bonus.
DARKSTRIKING WEAPON
A darkstriking weapon helps the wielder fight in the
deep places of the world.
Description: The form of a screeching bat’s head adorns
the end of this weapon, and images of wings and
fluttering nocturnal forms run along its length.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a darkstriking weapon.
Activation: No action is required to activate a
darkstriking weapon.
Effect: A darkstriking weapon emits a susurrus of
whispered notes (Listen DC 10). While wielding the
activated weapon, you gain blindsight out to 30 feet. This
effect is negated by silence spells and effects.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate divination; CL 6th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Haamu, Kolo, or Queta rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +2 bonus.
ENGRAVING WEAPON
The world of runes is enhanced by the tools used to
design them.
Description: Graven geometric designs swim up and
down the length of the weapon.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield an engraving weapon.
Activation: A swift action is required to activate an
engraving weapon.
Effect: When activated, an engraving weapon grants the
wielder a +1 bonus to runecarving level for a single
carved rune currently affecting him. This bonus lasts for
one round, and can be activated once per encounter.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 10th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Ithi, Lage, or Sigu rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +1 bonus.
FOEHUNTING WEAPON
Designed to slay a single type of enemy, a foehunting
weapon assists the wielder in its hatred.
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Description: This weapon bears toothlike inscriptions
across its surface.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a foehunting weapon.
Activation: No action is required to activate a foehunting
weapon.
Effect: A foehunting weapon increases your attack bonus
by +1 and your bonus on weapon damage rolls by +4
against your favored enemies.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate abjuration; CL 6th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Exhu or Mortuum rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +1 bonus.
FRIGHTENING WEAPON
Built to terrify struck foes, it makes the battles in the
deepness short and brutal.
Description: Terrified faces are carved down the length of
the weapon’s striking surface.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a frightening weapon.
Activation: No action is required to activate a frightening
weapon.
Effect: Whenever you score a critical hit with this
weapon, a wave of blackness washes over the target,
causing it to become shaken (no saving throw) for 5
rounds. This effect activates even if the creature struck is
not normally subject to extra damage from critical hits.
This effect doesn’t stack with itself or with any other fear
effects (it can’t render an already shaken creature
frightened, for example).
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate necromancy; CL 11th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Sinn, Tenkt, or Kaom rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +1 bonus.
KNOCKBACK WEAPON
Sending foes flying is the purpose of a knockback
weapon.
Description: This weapon is broader, thicker, and darker
in color than a normal weapon of its type.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a knockback weapon.
Activation: A swift action is required to activate a
knockback weapon.
Effect: After a successful melee attack with a knockback
weapon, you can command the weapon to initiate a bull
rush attempt against the target of the attack in addition
to dealing its normal damage. This attempt does not
provoke attacks of opportunity and is resolved using
your size, Strength, and other relevant characteristics. If
you wield a knockback weapon in two hands, you gain
a +4 bonus on the opposed Strength check. If successful,
the bull rush pushes the affected creature back the
greatest possible distance allowed by the result of the
opposed check, but you do not move along with the
target. Movement caused by this bull rush attempt
provokes attacks of opportunity from other creatures
normally, but you cannot make an attack of opportunity
against the affected creature.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate evocation; CL 11th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Lujuus, Rore, or Sterkur rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +3 bonus.
PENETRANT BOW
Penetrant bows have been redesigned to focus not on
volume, but on devastating whole ranks of enemies.
Description: Penetrant weapons have carved runes of
impact near the bolt or arrowhead.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a penetrant weapon.
Activation: A standard action is required to fire a
penetrant weapon.
Effect: When you make a ranged attack with a penetrant
bow, you unleash a single, mighty attack that blasts
through multiple opponents. This attack requires a
standard action, and your shot takes the form of a 60-foot
line. Make a separate attack roll against each creature in
the line. If struck, creatures along this line take damage
from your shot, including any applicable extra damage
(such as from a sneak attack or a flaming weapon).
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 6th.
Construction: Must be a bow or crossbow, Craft Magic
Arms and Armor, must know the Ithi, Lujuus, or Risti
rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +1 bonus.
RESHAPING WEAPON
A live thing in the wielder’s hands, a reshaping weapon
can take any form that the wielder desires.
Description: Giving the nature of a reshaping weapon, it
can look like anything.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a reshaping weapon.
Activation: A standard action is required to activate a
reshaping weapon.
Effect: When activated, a reshaping weapon changes
from any one melee weapon to another, although it
cannot change the size category or special material of the
weapon.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 6th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Ithi, Kerta, or Rauta rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +1 bonus.
RUNE BANE WEAPON
A rune bane weapon is designed to slay runecarvers and
runic creatures.
Description: A weapon covered in dire predictions of
death for those who wield the ancient magic of the
dwarves.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a rune bane weapon.
Activation: No action is required to activate a rune bane
weapon.
Effect: Against any creatures who are wielders of runic
magic or have the runic subtype, its effective
enhancement bonus is +2 better than its normal
enhancement bonus. It deals an extra 2d6 points of
damage against the foe. Bows, crossbows, and slings so
crafted bestow the rune bane quality upon their
ammunition.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate conjuration; CL 8th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, summon
monster I.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +1 bonus.
RUNECURSING WEAPON
The magic of the runes is not always beneficial, if you
know how to twist it.
Description: Broken runes cover the striking face of a
runecursing weapon.
Prerequisite: Only a runecarver can gain the benefit of
using a runecursing weapon.
Activation: A swift action is required to activate a
runecursing weapon.
Effect: The wielder chooses to activate the weapon as a
swift action before making an attack. If he hits, he can
apply a single rune effect with a level equal to or lower
than his runecarving level, except that all benefits the
rune effect grants are treated as penalties (Damage
reduction or energy resistance adds that much to
damage when struck), with any non-numerical effects
being ignored. The struck creature gets a Fortitude save
vs 10 + damage dealt to resist the runecurse. If the
creature fails, the runecurse lasts for one hour. The
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wielder cannot apply more than one runecurse at a time.
A second application negates any existing runecurses
(this does not affect the similar class feature). The chosen
rune effect must be from a rune the wielder knows.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate necromancy; CL 11th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Kiel, Mita, or Pahuus rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +3 bonus.
SAVAGE FURY WEAPON
Savage fury weapons reward those who fight with
reckless abandon.
Description: Though tarnished and battered, this simple
weapon is incredibly durable, the scars of a hundred
battles marring its surface.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a savage fury weapon.
Activation: No action is required to activate a savage fury
weapon.
Effect: Each time you strike an enemy and deal 10 or more
damage to it, you gain 5 temporary hit points from battle
lust. The temporary hit points do not stack with each
other, and last until the end of the encounter. You cannot
fight defensively or take the Total Defense action, and
each round must attack the nearest enemy creature if
able.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate enchantment; CL 7th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Exhu or Xosha rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +1 bonus.
TARGETING WEAPON
Targeting weapons lead the enemy to strike against the
desired target.
Description: Shiny and bright, a targeting weapon leaves
a glowing outline on any wound it makes.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a targeting weapon.
Activation: A swift action is required to activate a
targeting weapon.
Effect: Once per round you can declare that a melee
attack you make against a flanked enemy is intended to
open the enemy's defenses. You must declare this
attempt before you roll your attack, and the attempt is
wasted for the round if the attack misses. If the attack
hits, your allies who are flanking the target gain a +2
morale bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls against
that enemy until the start of your next turn.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate divination; CL 9th.
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Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Haamu or Ingan rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +1 bonus.
TRAPPING WEAPON
Trapping weapons bind the enemy’s feet, preventing
them from moving.
Description: The head of these weapons is made of living
rock.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a trapping weapon.
Activation: No action is required to activate a trapping
weapon.
Effect: Whenever you score a critical hit with a trapping
weapon against a creature standing on the ground, the
surface your target is standing on attempts to hold the
creature in place. For 1 round, the victim’s speed falls to
5 feet and it takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls and to AC.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 10th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Kivi, Kolo, or Rore rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +1 bonus.
UNDYING WEAPON
As long as you attack, you live.
Description: The weapon looks thirsty, as if it is waiting
to claw away the lifeforce from those around it.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield an undying weapon.
Activation: No action is required to activate an undying
weapon.
Effect: In any round that you strike an enemy and deal 10
or more damage to it, you are not treated as disabled at
0 hit points, nor are you treated as dying at -1 to -9 hit
points. Even if reduced to -10 hit points or less, you
continue to fight normally until the end of a round in
which you have not struck an enemy for 10 or more
damage. At that point, the effects of your wounds apply
normally if they have not been healed. This ability does
not prevent death from massive damage or from spell
effects such as slay living or disintegrate.
Aura and Caster Level: Strong necromancy; CL 14th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Livet, Sterkur, or Terveys rune.
Weight: As normal for weapon.
Price: +3 bonus.

DEEPKILLER
Tandda have many enemies in the deep. It’s best to have
a weapon that targets all of them.
Description: This spear has an ornate bone head carved to
resemble a skull with its mouth open in a scream.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a deepkiller, but only
Tandda get the full benefit.
Activation: No action is required to activate this weapon.
Effect: In the hands of a non-Tandda, deepkiller functions
as a +1 spear. In the hands of a Tandda, the weapon also
gains the bane property against dwarves, against
creatures that have the earth or runic subtypes, and
against constructs primarily made of earth, stone, or
metal.
Aura and Caster Level: Strong necromancy; CL 16th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Exhu or Mortuum rune.
Weight: As normal for spear.
Price: 9,302 gp; 4,500 gp (plus 302 gp for masterwork
spear), 360 XP.
RUNEDEATH
The dwarves have many natural enemies, but it is the
orcs who loath them most of all, and they have birthed a
weapon to kill runecarvers.
Description: This heavy mace’s blackened metal haft
looks like a fleshless dwarven femur. Its head is shaped
into a grotesque parody of runes, all shattered and bent.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a runedeath.
Activation: No action is required to activate this weapon.
Effect: The wielder of this +1 adamantine heavy mace
gains the benefits of the Runebreaker and Runebreaker,
Greater, feats if he meets the requirements.
Aura and Caster Level: Strong necromancy; CL 13th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Exhu, Kiel, or Mita rune.
Weight: As normal for heavy mace.
Price: 8,012 gp; 2,500 gp (plus 3,012 gp for adamantine
heavy mace), 200 XP.
STONEBREAKER
Dwarves get impatient with stone walls that just won’t
get out of their way.
Description: Imagery of shockwaves run towards the
striking surface of this warhammer.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a stonebreaker.
Activation: No action is required to activate this weapon.
Effect: The wielder of the stonebreaker ignores all
hardness from earth and stone objects, or damage
resistance from creatures made from those materials.
They also gain a burrow speed of 10 ft. It is otherwise a
+1 warhammer.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 11th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Kivi, Kolo, or Queta rune.
Weight: As normal for warhammer.
Price: 5,312 gp; 2,500 gp (plus 312 gp for masterwork
warhammer), 200 XP.
TOKUNNIR CROSSBOW
A Tokunnir crossbow is built so that the wielder never
needs worry about an enemy who closes with him.
Description: The front of this heavy crossbow is fitted
with a pair of curved, sharp blades. The gap between
them is perfectly positioned to allow the unhindered
passage of a crossbow bolt.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wield a Tokunnir crossbow.
Activation: No action is required to activate this weapon.
Effect: This crossbow has an exceptionally strong stock,
which is shaped so that you can grip and swing it as a
melee weapon. You can use a Tokunnir crossbow as
either a +1 heavy crossbow for ranged attacks, or as a +1
battleaxe for melee attacks.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate evocation; CL 11th.
Construction: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must know
the Ithi or Rauta rune.
Weight: 12 lb.
Price: 4,660 gp; 2,000 gp (plus 660 gp for masterwork
heavy crossbow and masterwork battleaxe), 80 XP.
Runecarvers and other wielders of runic magic favor the
following magic rings and amulets.
AMULET OF DISAPPEARANCE
Despite the name, this amulet is usually worn by attack
squads of dwarven infantry, as it allows them to strike
with surprise.
Description: Carved with a dwarven pickaxe, this amulet
is beloved of its users.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wear an amulet of
disappearance.
Activation: A standard action activates the amulet.
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Effect: An amulet of disappearance has three charges that
renew each day at midday. Each time a charge is
expended, the wearer gains the earth glide ability of the
earth elemental for one minute.
Aura and Caster Level: Strong transmutation; CL 13th.
Construction: Craft Wondrous Item, must know the Kivi,
Kolo, or Rore rune.
Weight: As normal for an amulet.
Price: 7,200 gp; cost 3,600 gp + 144 XP.
AMULET OF FORBEARANCE
Knowing what not to carve can sometimes be as
important as knowing what to carve.
Description: An amulet of forbearance is a blank gorget
of metal.
Prerequisite: Only a runecarver can benefit from an
amulet of forbearance.
Activation: No action needed.
Effect: An amulet of forbearance gives a benefit to a
runecarver who does not carve his full allotment of runes
active. For each potential carved rune that the
runecarver does not carve, increase the runecarving level
for all of his carved runes by 1. Thus, if a 20 th level
runecarver has only 2 runes carved, those runes have
their runecarving level increased by 4.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate abjuration; CL 9th.
Construction: Craft Wondrous Item, must know the
Ertaa, Kiel, or Mita rune.
Weight: As normal for an amulet.
Price: 7,200 gp; cost 3,600 gp + 144 XP.
AMULET OF THE ANCESTORS
Bound within the amulet of the ancestors is a way to
reach out to and speak with an ancestor spirit of the
dwarven people, who will answer questions or come to
the wielder’s aid to the best of its ability.
Description: A simple and plain amulet, engraved with
many different runic symbols.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wear an amulet of the ancestors,
but it has no effect unless the wielder is a dwarf.
Activation: A standard action activates the amulet.
Effect: Once per week, the wearer can call upon the spirit
linked through the amulet to either answer questions for
them, or to come and fight by their side. If he asks the
spirit questions, treat it as a commune spell with the
wearer’s character level as his caster level. If he
summons the spirit, an Ancestral Warrior appears to
fight beside him for one round per character level.
Aura and Caster Level: Strong conjuration; CL 13th.
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Construction: Craft Wondrous Item, must know the
Belxa, Ertaa, or Ingan rune.
Weight: As normal for an amulet.
Price: 25,000 gp; cost 12,500 gp + 500 XP.
RING OF GREAT IMPACT
Built to benefit dwarves on the front line of combat, the
ring of impact adds mass to the swing of an axe.
Description: A fist surmounts the ring.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wear a ring of great impact.
Activation: The ring has to be worn to be active.
Effect: Whenever the wearer successfully critical hits an
opponent, that opponent is knocked back 5 ft. from the
wearer.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate conjuration; CL 7th.
Construction: Forge Ring, must know the Rore rune.
Weight: As normal for a ring.
Price: 3,000 gp; cost 1,500 gp + 60 XP.
The wondrous items presented here are worn by
runecarvers as well as those who seek to guard
themselves from its effects.
ARMLET OF EMPTINESS
Primarily worn around the upper arm of a Tandda, these
armlets are designed to make their magical void ability
even more potent.
Description: A stone or metal armlet, simply crafted.
Prerequisite: Must be Tandda.
Activation: Active while worn.
Effect: While worn, the Tandda gains a +2 bonus on all
checks made as part of his Magical Void ability.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate abjuration; CL 12th.
Construction: Craft Wondrous Item, must know the Kiel
or Mita rune.
Weight: 1 lb.
Price: 7,200 gp; cost 3,600 gp + 144 XP.
CONSTRUCTION FORGE
Less a single item and more a whole room of tools,
oddiments, furnaces, anvils, and the like, a construction
forge is what the Tokunnir have standardized on for the
creation of the Constructed race, and so there are many
of these forges scattered about the Tokunnir
communities, although most are quite small and take
their time in turning out Constructed.
Description: A whole forge, sometimes up to 1000 sq ft or
more, complete with overhead machinery designed for
moving partially-built Constructed through the various
stations.
Prerequisite: The user must have at least 6 ranks in the
Craft skill.
Activation: The item activates as part of creating a
Constructed.
Effect: Using a construction forge to create a member of
the Constructed race means that the Constructed comes
into being with the elite array, rather than the non-elite
array, for statistics. In addition, it also cuts the creation
time and the cost of additional hit dice for a Constructed
by half.
Aura and Caster Level: Strong transmutation; CL 17th.
Construction: Craft Wondrous Item, must know Ithi,
Lage, Linna, Rauta, and Risti runes.
Weight: 10 tonnes or more.
Price: 100,000 gp; cost 50,000 gp + 2,000 XP.
DELVER’S EYEGLASSES
Designed to assist miners in determing where the veins
of metal go, these glasses have become popular with
Tokunnir commanders for directing assaults.
Description: A pair of lenses carved from graven crystal,
held in place by bronze frames and leather straps.
Prerequisite: Anyone can wear the delver’s eyeglasses.
Activation: Wearing the eyeglasses activates them.
Effect: Wearing the glasses allows the user to see through
up to 30 feet of earth, rock, or stone as if it was not there.
This includes any form of worked stone, but does not
include metals, liquids, or non-earthen materials such as
wood.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate divination; CL 11th.
Construction: Craft Wondrous Item, must know the
Haamu, Sinn, or Tenkt rune.
Weight: 1 lb.
Price: 25,000 gp; cost 12,500 gp + 500 XP.
ENGRAVER’S TOOLS
One of many small items designed to help those engaged
in runic magic, this chisel is designed to guide the hand
in carving runes.
Description: A small hammer and chisel set.
Prerequisite: Any runecarver can use engraver’s tools.
Activation: The tool must be used as part of the process
of carving a rune.
Effect: The tool grants a +5 bonus on all Craft checks
made as part of carving a rune. In addition, it reduces the
time to carve the rune by one minute, but cannot reduce
it below one minute.
Aura and Caster Level: Faint transmutation; CL 5th.
Construction: Craft Wondrous Item, must know the
Aum, Belxa, or Lage rune.
Weight: 1 lb.
Price: 2,500 gp; cost 1,250 gp + 50 XP.
FACEMASK OF SCENT
Derived from the talents of the wolven this facemask is
designed to help the wearer explore the world in more
nuanced ways.
Description: A leather mask, shaped like a wolf’s face,
that covers the nose and mouth.
Prerequisite: None to wear the mask.
Activation: Active while worn.
Effect: While worn, the mask grants the wearer the
enhanced scent special quality of the wolven.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate divination; CL 12th.
Construction: Craft Wondrous Item, must know the
Haamu or Ingan rune.
Weight: 1 lb.
Price: 7,200 gp; cost 3,600 gp + 144 XP.
FINGER OF EARTH
A portable spire of rock that can be activated or
deactivated and brought with the user, an inventive
dwarf can think of many uses for such an item.
Description: A small rod, carved of granite or another
hard stone.
Prerequisite: None to use the rod.
Activation: Activating or deactivating the rod takes a
standard action.
Effect: When activated, the rod becomes a pillar as
described in the fingers of rock spell.
Aura and Caster Level: Moderate conjuration; CL 12th.
Construction: Craft Wondrous Item, must know the Kivi,
Kolo, or Linna rune.
Weight: 1 lb when unactivated.
Price: 7,200 gp; cost 3,600 gp + 144 XP.
FORGEMASTER’S ANVIL
A massive anvil that is usually installed inside a forge
and never moved, it is built for the purpose of making
dwarven item creation far easier to accomplish.
Description: A massive anvil of mithral and steel, carved
about with runes and blessings from Fasnachu,
Challineb, and Hannhangnefedd.
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Prerequisite: The user must have at least 10 ranks in the
Craft skill, and must have made at least five weapons,
armors, or shields on the anvil before it activates.
Activation: The item activates as part of creating
weapons, armor, or shields.
Effect: Whenever the forgemaster is using his anvil to
create a weapon, armor, or shield, the item gains an
additional special quality equal to or cheaper than a +1
bonus. The forgemaster does not pay any additional
extra gold, XP, or time cost for this special ability.
Aura and Caster Level: Strong transmutation; CL 17th.
Construction: Craft Wondrous Item, must know Ithi,
Lage, Linna, Rauta, and Risti runes.
Weight: 300 lb.
Price: 100,000 gp; cost 50,000 gp + 2,000 XP.
MNEMONIC
Designed by the Athaghoel to assist their lorespeakers
with the recitation of oral history, this tool assists their
memory in that regard.
Price: 250 gp; cost 125 gp + 5 XP.
RUNE FLARE
Used by many different runecarvers, a rune flare is akin
to a barbarian’s rage, but bottled into a simple stone.
Description: A stone engraved with Lujuus runes.
Prerequisite: Must be a runecarver.
Activation: A swift action activates a rune flare.
Effect: The wielder increases the runecarving level of a
single carved rune by +4 for one round. At the end of
that round, the rune flare is destroyed.
Aura and Caster Level: Faint evocation; CL 5th.
Construction: Craft Wondrous Item, must know how to
carve runes.
Weight: 1 lb.
Price: 250 gp; cost 125 gp + 5 XP.

Description: Coming in many forms, a mnemonic is

always specific to the Athaghoel who uses it.
Prerequisite: Must have the Oral Tradition ability.
Activation: Used as part of an Oral Tradition check.
Effect: The mnemonic grants a +5 bonus on all Oral
Tradition checks. In addition, the item grants the user the
ability to use an Oral Tradition check in place of a
Knowledge check.
Aura and Caster Level: Faint divination; CL 5th.
Construction: Craft Wondrous Item, must know the
Ingan rune.
Weight: 1 lb.
Price: 2,500 gp; cost 1,250 gp + 50 XP.

MURK BOMB
Created by the Tandda, a murk bomb replicates the
effect of a warrior’s inky murk ability, allowing lesser
Tandda, or warriors who have expended their ability, to
escape.

Description: A vial full of a black, oily, liquid.

Prerequisite: None.
Activation: A move action to throw the vial.
Effect: Once thrown as a grenade-like weapon, the vial
breaks, filling the square and those adjacent to it with
inky murk, as per the warrior breeding feat. The Reflex
DC is 14, and the murk lasts for 5 rounds.
Aura and Caster Level: Faint conjuration; CL 5th.
Construction: Craft Wondrous Item.
Weight: 1 lb.

134

The influence of runic magic extends far beyond some
creatures’ ability to carve runes and bend the energy of
the earth to their hand. The energy of runes has infused,
bonded with, or otherwise affected a wide variety of
creatures in ways both positive and negative. It has
given rise to new forms of life, at least two of which are
fully sentient.
Any creature with rune-based powers has the runic
subtype. A runic creature can be born with the subtype
or can gain it during its life. A creature meeting any one
of the following criteria has the runic subtype.
• The creature has the ability to create runes,
including characters who have levels in a
character class that grants them the ability to use
runes.
• The creature has one or more pre-existing runes
(that is, runes that are automatically created on
it without any effort on its part).
• The creature was created through the use of
runes.
Traits: Other than the fact that all runic creatures have at
least one of the criteria listed above, runic creatures have
no specific traits. The runic subtype serves to identify
creatures that may be vulnerable to runes, spells, and
effects targeting runic creatures.
ANCESTRAL WARRIOR [RUNIC]
Large Outsider (Native)
Hit Dice: 5d10+45 (67 hp)
Initiative: -1
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares)
Armor Class: 26 (–1 size, –1 Dexterity, +18 natural),
touch 8, flat-footed 26
Base Attack/Grapple: +5/+15
Attack: +1 greataxe +11 (1d12+10/x3)
Full Attack: +1 greataxe +11 (1d12+10/x3)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Exhu
Special Qualities: Ancestral spirit, darkvision 60 ft.
Saves: Fort +13, Ref +3, Will +5
Abilities: Str 22, Dex 8, Con 28, Int 8, Wis 13, Cha 14
Skills: Climb +14, Intimidate +10, Jump –4, Knowledge
(history) +7, Knowledge (the planes) +7, Listen +9, Spot
+9, Warcraft +7
Feats: Cleave, Power Attack
Environment: Underground
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 6
Alignment: Lawful Good
Advancement: 6–18 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: -
An ancestral warrior is the spirit of an ancient dwarf
hero brought back from the afterlife to serve by the will
and magic of a dwarf cleric or runecarver. When
summoned, an ancestral warrior takes up residence
within a statue of a dwarf hero, animating it. As a result,
many mistake the stony creatures for constructs on first
encountering them. Ancestral warriors can speak and
understand Common, Dwarven, and Undercommon.
COMBAT
An ancestral warrior is called to aid its people in times
of crisis. It defends dwarven halls with grim
determination, and it does not retreat or give quarter. It
fights until destroyed or until those dwarves it is
protecting are safe. Although of lawful good alignment,
the ancestor does not distinguish between enemies on
the basis of their moral philosophies. If its descendants
are in danger, it attacks all who threaten them. It is not
unintelligent, though, and the possessing spirit was
usually a warrior in a previous life. It focuses on the most
dangerous-looking combatant first and exploits its
Power Attack to maximize damage (taking its
opponent’s armor into consideration) to defeat it
quickly, turning on the next whenever possible. Despite
its impressive damage reduction, it has no special
protection against spells, so it targets obvious
spellcasters as quickly as possible. It is unusual to
encounter more than one or two dwarf ancestors,
although in times of war the dwarves might call for
additional assistance. Usually an ancestor provides a
bulwark in melee for a group of dwarf soldiers.
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Ancestral Spirit (Su): Any dwarf within 30 feet of an
ancestral warrior gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls
and damage rolls.
Exhu (Su): An ancestral warrior is permanently under
the effects of the First and Third Symbol of the Exhu
rune, and treats his runecarving level for this purpose as
twice his hit dice. He applies these benefits against any
non-dwarven creature.
A Constructed is a member of a race of living construct
servitors, created by the Tokunnir to serve as general
labor, military strength, and to engage in work that the
regal dwarves do not wish to do themselves. Ranging in
types from a basic Constructed that can perform all tasks
to highly specialized versions that are designed for one
use and one use only, the Constructed in their varied
forms are a common sight in the realm of the Tokunnir.
All Constructed have the traits described in their racial
entry in Chapter One unless explicitly noted otherwise
in the creature description.
COMBAT BRUTE [RUNIC]
Huge Construct
Hit Dice: 12d10+12 (78 hp)
Initiative: -5
Speed: 50 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 25 (-2 Size, -1 Dexterity, +18 armor), touch
7, flat-footed 25
Base Attack/Grapple: +9/+26
Attack: Axe +16 melee (2d8 + 9/x3) or maul +16 melee
(2d8 + 9/x3)
Full Attack: Axe +16 melee (2d8 + 9/x3) or maul +16
melee (2d8 + 9/x3)
Space/Reach: 15 ft./15 ft.
Special Attacks: Trample 2d6+13
Special Qualities: Constructed traits, damage reduction
10/adamantine
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +4
Abilities: Str 28, Dex 8, Con 13, Int 3, Wis 11, Cha 1
Skills: Jump +32
Feats: Power Attack, Awesome Blow, Improved Bull
Rush, Cleave, Shattermace or Sweeping Axe (matches
weapon)
Environment: Underground
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 6
Alignment: Neutral
136
Advancement: 13-24 HD (Huge); 25-48 HD
(Gargantuan)
Level Adjustment: -
Combat brutes are Constructed in only the most tenuous
of sense. Created using the same techniques, they
otherwise lack most of the intelligence and skill that is
imbued into a normal Constructed, and instead are
focused entirely on slaughtering enemies in combat,
with little regard for anything else.
COMBAT
Combat brutes are slow and unintelligent, but are
perfectly happy to counteract those traits by charging in
and smashing whatever gets in their way.
Runescribed (Ex): Choose one rune for a combat brute,
following the rules for Runescribed as described under
Constructed traits in their racial entry in Chapter One
Self-Repair (Ex): A Constructed can initiate a self-repair
mode. During this mode, he is blind, deaf, and immobile,
but heals hit points equal to his constitution modifier
each minute. He can heal up to one half his total hit
points in a day. The blindness, deafness, and immobility
can never be prevented or removed during Self-Repair.
CONSTRUCTION
A combat brute is made from a mixture of metal and
stone, and once sculpted, engraved all over with runes.
The base materials cost 4,800 gp. Creating the body
requires a DC 40 Craft check.
A combat brute with more than 12 Hit Die can be
created, but each additional Hit Die adds 2,000 gp to the
cost to create.
Craft Construct, Exhu, Lujuus, Rauta, or Risti rune; Price
9,600; Cost 4,800 gold pieces + 192 XP.
FURNACE-BORN [RUNIC]
Medium Construct
Hit Dice: 2d10+8 (19 hp)
Initiative: -4
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+7
Attack: Large greatclub +3 (2d8+3)
Full Attack: Large greatclub +3 (2d8+3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: -
Special Qualities: Constructed traits, powerful build,
moderate fortification
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +0, Will -2
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 10, Con 19, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 4
Skills: Craft +5, Jump +7
Feats: Power Attack
Environment: Underground
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 1
Alignment: Neutral
Advancement: 3–5 HD (Medium)
Level Adjustment: +0
Furnace-born are Constructed built for the front line of
combat, or to do the heaviest of lifting tasks in
construction, mining, or sometimes even to power
machinery. Their increased strength, unlike combat
brutes, is not paired with an almost complete lack of
intelligence or personality, although they do tend
towards the taciturn and sullen, perhaps as a result of
often being used as little more than intelligent mules.
COMBAT
Most furnace-born are perfectly happy to wade into the
middle of a fight, either because that was what they were
made to do, or because it gives them a reprieve from the
dullness of their day-to-day life, at least until they are
deactivated.
Furnace-born who are equipped for combat should be
given armor in addition to the equipped weapon.
Powerful Build (Ex): The physical stature of a furnace-
born lets him function in many ways as if he were one
size category larger. Whenever a furnace-born is subject
to a size modifier or special size modifier for an opposed
check (such as during grapple checks, bull rush
attempts, and trip attempts), the furnace-born is treated
as one size larger if doing so is advantageous to him. A
furnace-born is also considered to be one size larger
when determining whether a creature’s special attacks
based on size (such as improved grab or swallow whole)
can affect him. A furnace-born can use weapons
designed for a creature one size larger without penalty.
However, his space and reach remain those of a creature
of his actual size. The benefits of this racial trait stack
with the effects of powers, abilities, and spells that
change the subject’s size category.
Moderate Fortification (Ex): When a critical hit or sneak
attack is scored on a furnace-born, there is a 75% chance
that the critical hit or sneak attack is negated and damage
is instead rolled normally.
Runescribed (Ex): Choose one rune for a furnace-born,
following the rules for Runescribed as described under
Constructed traits in their racial entry in Chapter One
Self-Repair (Ex): A Constructed can initiate a self-repair
mode. During this mode, he is blind, deaf, and immobile,
but heals hit points equal to his constitution modifier
each minute. He can heal up to one half his total hit
points in a day. The blindness, deafness, and immobility
can never be prevented or removed during Self-Repair.
FURNACE-BORN AS CHARACTERS
Furnace-born almost universally adopt the fighter class
on the rare occasions when they advance levels.
Furnace-born possess the following racial traits in
addition to all the standard Constructed traits.
• +2 Strength, +6 Constitution, -2 Wisdom, -2
Intelligence, -4 Charisma: Created for their brute
force capabilities, furnace-born are somewhat
lacking in personality. This replaces the standard
Constructed ability line.
• Racial Hit Dice: A furnace-born begins with two
levels of construct, which provide 2d10 Hit Dice, a
base attack bonus of +1, and base saving throw
bonuses of Fort +0, Ref +0, and Will +0. He still has
the Living Construct subtype.
• Racial Skills: A furnace-born’s construct levels give
him skill points equal to 5 × (2 + Int modifier). A
furnace-born’s class skills are Climb (Str), Craft (Int),
Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Search
(Int), and Spot (Wis).
• Racial Feats: A furnace-born’s construct levels give
him one feat.
• Moderate Fortification: When a critical hit or sneak
attack is scored on a furnace-born, there is a 75%
chance that the critical hit or sneak attack is negated
and damage is instead rolled normally.
• Powerful Build: The physical stature of a furnace-
born lets him function in many ways as if he were
one size category larger. Whenever a furnace-born is
subject to a size modifier or special size modifier for
an opposed check (such as during grapple checks,
bull rush attempts, and trip attempts), the furnace-
born is treated as one size larger if doing so is
advantageous to him. A furnace-born is also
considered to be one size larger when determining
137
 whether a creature’s special attacks based on size
(such as improved grab or swallow whole) can affect
him. A furnace-born can use weapons designed for
a creature one size larger without penalty. However,
his space and reach remain those of a creature of his
actual size. The benefits of this racial trait stack with
the effects of powers, abilities, and spells that change
the subject’s size category.
CONSTRUCTION
A furnace-born is made from a mixture of metal and
stone, and once sculpted, engraved all over with runes.
The base materials cost 800 gp. Creating the body
requires a DC 25 Craft check.
Mechanical smiths avoid combat wherever possible, but
if called upon, can fight with the hammers they use at
the forge day in and day out. They will, however, run
unless cornered.
Smithing (Ex): A mechanical smith can perform the
daily tasks related to item creation on behalf of its
master. The master must meet all the prerequisites to
create the desired item normally, and pays the gold and
XP cost himself. The only cost a mechanical smith can
help with is time. The master spends 1 hour initiating the
process and paying the XP cost to make the item. He may
then leave, allowing the mechanical smith to carry the
process through to completion.

A furnace-born with more than 2 Hit Die can be created, Runescribed (Ex): Choose one rune for a mechanical
but each additional Hit Die adds 2,000 gp to the cost to smith, following the rules for Runescribed as described
create. under Constructed traits in their racial entry in Chapter
One
Craft Construct, Linna, Lujuus, or Sterkur rune; Price
1,600; Cost 800 gold pieces + 32 XP. Self-Repair (Ex): A Constructed can initiate a self-repair
mode. During this mode, he is blind, deaf, and immobile,
MECHANICAL SMITH [RUNIC] but heals hit points equal to his constitution modifier
Medium Construct each minute. He can heal up to one half his total hit
Hit Dice: 1d10+1 (6 hp) points in a day. The blindness, deafness, and immobility
Initiative: -3 can never be prevented or removed during Self-Repair.
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 11 (+1 Dexterity), touch 11, flat-footed 10 CONSTRUCTION
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/+0 A mechanical smith is made from a mixture of metal and
Attack: Hammer +0 (1d8/x3) stone, and once sculpted, engraved all over with runes.
Full Attack: Hammer +0 (1d8/x3) The base materials cost 400 gp. Creating the body
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. requires a DC 20 Craft check.
Special Attacks: -
A mechanical smith with more than 1 Hit Die can be
Special Qualities: Constructed traits, smithing
created, but each additional Hit Die adds 2,000 gp to the
Saves: Fort +1, Ref +1, Will -2
cost to create.
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 13, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 6
Skills: Craft 7, Knowledge (any) 4 Craft Construct, Ithi, Lage, or Xosha rune; Price 800; Cost
Feats: Skill Focus (Craft) 400 gold pieces + 16 XP.
Environment: Underground
Organization: Solitary VEIN EXTRACTOR [RUNIC]
Challenge Rating: ½ Medium Construct
Alignment: Neutral Hit Dice: 1d10 (5 hp)
Advancement: 2–5 HD (Medium) Initiative: -4
Level Adjustment: - Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 10 ft.
Armor Class: 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10
A mechanical smith is a Constructed built to serve as an Base Attack/Grapple: +0/+2
assistant in the forge, although many mechanical smiths Attack: Heavy Pick +2 (1d6/x4)
can carry out much of the process by themselves, should Full Attack: Heavy Pick +2 (1d6/x4)
their master let them. They do not adventure, working at Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
the smithy until they are decommissioned. Special Attacks: -
Special Qualities: Constructed traits, mining
COMBAT

138
Saves: Fort +1, Ref +1, Will -2
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 10, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 6
Skills: Profession 7, Knowledge (any) 4
Feats: Skill Focus (Profession)
Environment: Underground
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: ½
Alignment: Neutral
Advancement: 2–5 HD (Medium)
Level Adjustment: -
A vein extractor is a Constructed built to serve as a
miner, constantly digging and processing ore, until such
time as the vein runs dry and they shut themselves
down. They do not adventure, working in the mines
until they are decommissioned.
COMBAT
Vein extractors avoid combat wherever possible, but if
called upon, can fight with the picks they use in the
mines day in and day out. They will, however, run
unless cornered.
Mining (Ex): Vein extractors produce 50 lbs. of
processed iron (not iron ore) in a day, provided that the
vein they are working is of good quality. Should the vein
they are working end, the vein extractor will shut down
and remain in an inert state until activated by their
owner or attacked (at which point they will defend
themselves or flee).
Runescribed (Ex): Choose one rune for a vein extractor,
following the rules for Runescribed as described under
Constructed traits in their racial entry in Chapter One
Self-Repair (Ex): A Constructed can initiate a self-repair
mode. During this mode, he is blind, deaf, and immobile,
but heals hit points equal to his constitution modifier
each minute. He can heal up to one half his total hit
points in a day. The blindness, deafness, and immobility
can never be prevented or removed during Self-Repair.
CONSTRUCTION
A vein extractor is made from a mixture of metal and
stone, and once sculpted, engraved all over with runes.
The base materials cost 400 gp. Creating the body
requires a DC 20 Craft check.
A vein extractor with more than 1 Hit Die can be created,
but each additional Hit Die adds 2,000 gp to the cost to
create.
Craft Construct, Kivi, Kolo, or Rauta rune; Price 800;
Cost 400 gold pieces + 16 XP.
Deepborn are creatures birthed in the very deepest
places of the the earth, different from normal versions of
their species due to being imbued with some of the
power that resides within the subterreanean landscape.
Rare to appear, and seen even less than that, the actual
process of creating a deepborn is unknown, as they seem
to occur naturally and without the intervention of
outside magic. That being said, runecarvers have long
admired the benefits that are seemingly conferred upon
the deepborn, and have been able to create a rune that
draws upon some of the deep magic that allows their
birth to come about. The runecarving version of the
template is strictly temporary, however.
SAMPLE DEEPBORN
This example uses a rhino as the base creature.
Deepborn Rhino
Large Animal [Runic]
Hit Dice: 8d8+56 (92 hp)
Initiative: -1
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 15 ft.
Armor Class: 26 (-1 size, +10 natural, +7 constitution),
touch 16, flat-footed 19
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+18
Attack: Gore +13 melee (2d6+12)
Full Attack: Gore +13 melee (2d6+12)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Powerful charge, leap out
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, deepvision,
underearth defense, stone camouflage
Saves: Fort +13, Ref +5, Will +3
Abilities: Str 26, Dex 8, Con 25, Int 1, Wis 13, Cha 1
Skills: Listen +14, Spot +3
Feats: Alertness, Endurance, and Improved Natural
Attack (gore)
Environment: Any
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 5
Alignment: Neutral
Advancement: 9-12 HD (Large); 13-24 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: -
The rhinoceros is infamous for its bad temper and
willingness to charge intruders.
139
COMBAT
When it is harassed or annoyed, a rhinoceros lowers its
head and charges.
Powerful Charge (Ex): A rhinoceros deals 4d6+24 points
of damage when it makes a charge.
Leap Out (Ex): A deepborn that attacks during a surprise
round or against a flat-footed opponent gains a +1 bonus
to attack rolls and deals 1d6 extra damage if the attack is
succesful.
Deepvision (Ex): A deepborn gains darkvision if it does
not have it, or doubles its range if it does. It ignores any
concealment granted by illumination, darkness, or
shadows, including magical concealment granted by
Darkness descriptor or Shadow subschool spells. It gains
the ability to cast darkness as a full-round action, with
caster level equal to hit dice or character level.
Underearth Defense (Ex): A deepborn adds its
Constitution bonus to AC instead of his Dexterity, if the
creature’s Constitution bonus is higher. The deepborn
loses this bonus to its Armor Class whenever it would
normally be denied its Dexterity bonus to AC. In such a
situation, the deepborn would still be considered flat-
footed.
Stone Camouflage (Ex): Deepborn have a +8 bonus to
Hide when adjacent to a stone or rock surface.
CREATING A DEEPBORN
“Deepborn” is an acquired template that can be added
to any corporeal creature that is not a construct, undead,
outsider, or an elemental (referred to hereafter as the
base creature). A deepborn creature uses all the base
creature’s statistics and abilities except as noted here.
Size and Type: The creature’s type remains the same,
but it gains the runic subtype. Size is unchanged.
Hit Dice: No change.
Speed: A deepborn gains a burrow speed equal to one
half the base creature’s highest speed. The base creature
loses its fly ability, if any.
Armor Class: Natural armor improves by +3.
Special Attacks: A deepborn creature retains all the
special attacks of the base creature and also gains the
following attack.
140
Leap Out (Ex): A deepborn that attacks during a surprise
round or against a flat-footed opponent gains a +1 bonus
to attack rolls and deals 1d6 extra damage if the attack is
succesful.
Special Qualities: A deepborn creature retains all the
special qualities of the base creature and also gains the
following qualities.
Deepvision (Ex): A deepborn gains darkvision if it does
not have it, or doubles its range if it does. It ignores any
concealment granted by illumination, darkness, or
shadows, including magical concealment granted by
Darkness descriptor or Shadow subschool spells. It gains
the ability to cast darkness as a full-round action, with
caster level equal to hit dice or character level.
Underearth Defense (Ex): A deepborn adds its
Constitution bonus to AC instead of his Dexterity, if the
creature’s Constitution bonus is higher. The deepborn
loses this bonus to its Armor Class whenever it would
normally be denied its Dexterity bonus to AC. In such a
situation, the deepborn would still be considered flat-
footed.
Stone Camouflage (Ex): Deepborn have a +8 bonus to Hide
when adjacent to a stone or rock surface.
Abilities: Change from the base creature as follows: +4
Con, –2 Dex, –2 Int, –2 Cha. No ability can be reduced
below 1 by these changes.
Organization: Any.
Alignment: Any.
Challenge Rating: Same as the base creature +1.
Level Adjustment: Same as the base creature +1.
Blessed by the powers of runic magic in the womb,
runetouched creatures are magically bred in order to be
more susceptible to the benefits of runecarving, as well
as to be of assistance to the dwarves that they fight
alongside.
Runetouched creatures are most often created by the
Athaghoel dwarves, who, with their long tradition of
knowledge and surface living, don’t have the same
access to impressive forges and metal veins as do their
Tokunnir cousins.
SAMPLE RUNETOUCHED
This example uses a wolven as the base creature.
Runetouched Wolven
Large Magical Beast [Runic]
Hit Dice: 4d10+12 (34 hp)
Initiative: +6
Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares)
Armor Class: 14 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +3 natural), touch 11,
flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +4/+15
Attack: Bite +11 melee (2d6+10)
Full Attack: Bite +11 melee (2d6+10)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Trip, graven smash
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, enhanced scent,
wolven telepathy, partner bond, runetouched, imbue
rune, mettle
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +2
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills: Listen +7, Move Silently +4, Spot +7, Survival +7*
Feats: TrackB, Pack TacticsB, Improved Initiative,
Prodigious Nose
Environment: Aboveground
Organization: Solitary or pack (5-8)
Challenge Rating: 4
Alignment: Neutral
Advancement: 5–12 HD (Large); 13–18 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: -
Wolven are an offshoot of dire wolves that grew more
intelligent over time, and also evolved the ability to
communicate telepathically with both themselves and
with a chosen partner, although whether that is
supposed to have come from runic magic or is entirely
natural is a completely unknown phenomenon.
Regardless of its source, the ability of the wolven to
communicate telepathically has been a great boon to
certain Athaghoel communities, who have taken
advantage of that fact and paired with wolven packs in
their local area, each working to support the other.
Wolven grow as tall as 4 feet at the shoulder and weigh
more than 900 pounds. As a wolven ages, its muzzle
fades from brown to white.
Wolven understand Common and Dwarven and can
communicate telepathically, although they cannot speak
aloud except as wolves normally do.
COMBAT
Bonded wolven are courageous and loyal, and they ably
assist their partner in combat, especially through use of
their pack tactics feat. In the wild, wolven packs hunt
much like wolves, harrying and baiting their prey until
it is too worn to fight.
Trip (Ex): A wolven that hits with a bite attack can
attempt to trip its opponent (+11 check modifier) as a
free action without making a touch attack or provoking
an attack of opportunity. If the attempt fails, the
opponent cannot react to trip the wolven.
Enhanced Scent (Ex): Wolven have some of the best
noses in the canine kingdom, and use them to unerringly
hunt down their prey. Wolven can detect approaching
enemies and sniff out hidden foes within 60 feet. For
strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, double
the range. Overpowering scents, such as skunk musk or
troglodyte stench, can be detected at triple normal range.
Wolven can pinpoint the location of a scent when within
30 ft. This otherwise functions as per the Scent ability.
Wolven Telepathy (Su): Wolven long ago, whether
through breeding or an accident of chance, learned how
to communicate telepathically with the rest of their pack.
These days, that also includes their partner, should they
have one. A wolven can communicate telepathically
with any other wolven or their partner within 120 ft.
Language does not matter.
Partner Bond (Ex): A wolven will often choose to be
bonded with a single Athaghoel (or other race, but
primarily Athaghoel) partner. When bonded, the wolven
and the partner can communicate via wolven telepathy,
and know each other’s location and health (as per the
status spell) within 240 ft. Bonding is a process that takes
a month of continual contact and communication
between the wolven and the prospective partner. The
bond, however, is entirely voluntary on the wolven’s
part, and mistreatment by the partner will result in the
severing of the bond and the ostracization of the partner
by all wolven.
Skills: *A wolven also has a +4 racial bonus on Survival
checks when tracking by scent.
Graven Smash (Ex): Runetouched creatures are born
with the ability to put the weight of the runes affecting
them into their attacks. On the first attack of a round,
they gain a damage bonus equal to the number of carved
runes affecting them. If that attack hits for 10 or more
damage, the runetouched creature may make a free
bullrush attempt that does not cause an Attack of
Opportunity to move that foe one square away from the
runetouched creature.
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Runetouched (Su): One carved rune affecting the
runetouched that gains a bonus when combined with
another rune gains that the combined bonus regardless
of what other carved runes are affecting the
runetouched. Only one rune effect can be improved by
this ability at a time, and the runetouched can change
their selection as a full-round action.
Imbue Rune (Su): A runetouched can be imbued with
the strength of a single rune by a runecarver. By
spending one minute communing with a runetouched
creature, a runecarver grants the runetouched creature
the benefits of the first symbol of the chosen rune, with a
runecarving level equal to the hit dice of the
runetouched creature. A runetouched creature who has
been imbued with a rune can spend one minute
communing with another runetouched creature to pass
on the imbued rune. A runetouched can only ever have
one imbued rune at a time, and the total duration is one
hour per runecarving level of the original runecarver,
starting from when the rune was first imbued.
Subsequent imbuings do not reset the duration. This
rune cannot be enhanced by runetouched, but does
count towards their graven smash ability.
Mettle (Ex): A runetouched can resist magical and
unusual attacks with great willpower or fortitude. If it
makes a successful Will or Fortitude save against an
attack that normally would have a lesser effect on a
successful save (such as any spell with a saving throw
entry of Will half or Fortitude partial), the runetouched
instead completely negates the effect. An unconscious or
sleeping runetouched does not gain the benefit of mettle.
CREATING A RUNETOUCHED
“Runetouched” is an acquired template that can be
added to any corporeal creature that is not a construct,
undead, or an elemental (referred to hereafter as the base
creature). A runetouched creature uses all the base
creature’s statistics and abilities except as noted here.
Size and Type: The creature’s type remains the same,
but it gains the runic subtype. Size is unchanged.
Hit Dice: No change.
Special Attacks: A runetouched creature retains all the
special attacks of the base creature and also gains the
following attack.
Graven Smash (Ex): Runetouched creatures are born with
the ability to put the weight of the runes affecting them
142
into their attacks. On the first attack of a round, they gain
a damage bonus equal to the number of carved runes
affecting them. If that attack hits for 10 or more damage,
the runetouched creature may make a free bullrush
attempt that does not cause an Attack of Opportunity to
move that foe one square away from the runetouched
creature.
Special Qualities: A runetouched creature retains all the
special qualities of the base creature and also gains the
following qualities.
Runetouched (Su): One carved rune affecting the
runetouched that gains a bonus when combined with
another rune gains that the combined bonus regardless
of what other carved runes are affecting the
runetouched. Only one rune effect can be improved by
this ability at a time, and the runetouched can change
their selection as a full-round action.
Imbue Rune (Su): A runetouched can be imbued with the
strength of a single rune by a runecarver. By spending
one minute communing with a runetouched creature, a
runecarver grants the runetouched creature the benefits
of the first symbol of the chosen rune, with a runecarving
level equal to the hit dice of the runetouched creature. A
runetouched creature who has been imbued with a rune
can spend one minute communing with another
runetouched creature to pass on the imbue rune. A
runetouched can only ever have one imbued rune at a
time, and the total duration is one hour per runecarving
level of the original runecarver, starting from when the
rune was first imbued. Subsequent imbuings do not reset
the duration. This rune cannot be enhanced by
runetouched, but does count towards graven smash.
Mettle (Ex): A runetouched can resist magical and
unusual attacks with great willpower or fortitude. If it
makes a successful Will or Fortitude save against an
attack that normally would have a lesser effect on a
successful save (such as any spell with a saving throw
entry of Will half or Fortitude partial), the runetouched
instead completely negates the effect. An unconscious or
sleeping runetouched does not gain the benefit of mettle.
Abilities: Change from the base creature as follows: +2
Int.
Organization: Any.
Alignment: Any.
Challenge Rating: Same as the base creature +1.
Level Adjustment: Same as the base creature +1.

RUNIC ARTILLERY [RUNIC]
Large Construct
Hit Dice: 6d10+30 (63 hp)
Initiative: -1
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares)
Armor Class: 18 (–1 size, -1 Dexterity, +5 armor, +5
natural), touch 8, flat-footed 18
Base Attack/Grapple: +4/+13
Attack: Slam +8 (1d8+7) or bolt +8 (3d8+3) or boulder +8
(2d12+4)
Full Attack: Slam +8 (1d8+7) or bolt +8 (3d8+3) or
boulder +8 (2d12+4)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Runic ammunition
Special Qualities: Construct traits, self-loading
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +1, Will -3
Abilities: Str 20, Dex 8, Con -, Int -, Wis 1, Cha 1
Skills: -
Feats: -
Environment: Underground
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 4
Alignment: Neutral
Advancement: 7–9 HD (Large); 10-18 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: -
A runic artillery piece is a mindless construct
empowered by runic magic to imbue some special
features into the bolts or rocks that it fires or throws.
Shaped like a ballista or a catapult, the runic artillery
merely fires at the optimum collection of creatures
designated as enemies by the battery commander, or, if
none are designated, it attacks those attacking its allies.
The benefit of their construct is that they utilize non-
magical ammunition and imbue it with a rune effect as
part of their firing process.
Runic artillery cannot speak. They understand Common,
Dwarven, and Undercommon.
COMBAT
Runic do as they are commanded, and otherwise show
little initiative.
Construct Traits (Ex): A runic artillery possesses the
following traits: low-light vision, darkvision out to 60
feet, immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms,
compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects),
immunity to poison, sleep effects, paralysis, stunning,
disease, death effects, and necromancy effects, cannot
heal damage on their own, but can be repaired, not
subject to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability damage,
ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, or energy drain,
immunity to any effect that requires a Fortitude save
(unless the effect also works on objects, or is harmless),
not at risk of death from massive damage. Immediately
destroyed when reduced to 0 hit points or less, and does
not eat, sleep, or breathe.
Self-Loading (Ex): Runic artillery can load itself as a
move action that provokes an attack of opportunity.
Runic Ammunition (Su): A runic artillery applies the
first effect of whichever rune it was created with to the
attacks it makes, using its hit dice as its runecarving
level, and its Strength modifier for its runecarving ability
modifier. For Kiel’s First Effect, the area of effect is
centered in the square struck, and lasts for one round.
For Kivi, everyone in the area is dazzled for one round,
and the ground is softened, as per soften earth and stone.
For Tenkt, anyone struck by the runic artillery’s attack
must save or be dazed for one round. For Xosha, they are
dealt additional fire damage. This ability also grants a +6
bonus to ranged attack rolls.
CONSTRUCTION
A runic artillery peice is made from a mixture of metal,
wood, and stone, and once created, engraved with runes.
The base materials cost 1,500 gp. Creating the body
requires a DC 20 Craft check.
A vein extractor with more than 1 Hit Die can be created,
but each additional Hit Die adds 3,000 gp to the cost to
create.
Craft Construct, Ithi, one of Kiel, Kivi, Tenkt, or Xosja
rune; Price 3,000; Cost 1,500 gold pieces + 60 XP.
STONE GUARDIAN [RUNIC]
Huge Construct
Hit Dice: 16d10+40 (128 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares), burrow 10 ft.
Armor Class: 25 (–2 size, +2 Dexterity, +15 natural),
touch 10, flat-footed 25
Base Attack/Grapple: +12/+30
Attack: Adamantine +1 throwing returning maul +22
melee (3d8+16/19-20/x3) or slam +20 melee (2d6+10) or
143
+1 throwing returning maul +14 ranged (3d8+16/19-
20/x3)
Full Attack: Adamantine +1 throwing returning maul
+22/17/12 melee (3d8+16/19-20/x3) and bite +15 melee
(2d8+5) or 2 slams +20 melee (2d6+10) and bite +15
melee (2d8+5) or +1 throwing returning maul +14 ranged
(3d8+16/19-20/x3)
Space/Reach: 15 ft./15 ft.
Special Attacks: Maul, runecarving
Special Qualities: Blindsight 120 ft., blindness
immunities, construct traits, damage reduction
10/adamantine, immunity to fire, repair, resistance to
cold 10 and electricity 10, tremorsense 60 ft.
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +7
Abilities: Str 30, Dex 14, Con -, Int -, Wis 11, Cha 16
Skills: Craft 19
Feats: Cleave, Improved Critical (maul), Power Attack,
Weapon Focus (maul), Shattermace
Environment: Underground
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 13
Alignment: Neutral
Advancement: 17–32 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: -
Stone guardians are crafted by the Tokunnir as giant
protectors of their greatest treasures, or sent as deadly
hunters to eviscerate those who have harmed or stolen
from the Tokunnir. Related in some ways to the
Constructed, the stone guardian was never given the
spark of life that imbues their smaller cousins.
A stone guardian can burrow through solid stone with
its iron-hard digging claws and rock-shredding maw. It
does not leave a usable tunnel, but instead leaves a
pulverized area of stone 15 ft. in diameter. Other
creatures that can’t burrow through rock can still burrow
through a stone guardian tunnel, and anyone willing to
dig can shovel enough rubble to make a passage.
Stone guardians cannot speak. They understand
Common, Dwarven, and Undercommon.
COMBAT
Stone guardians make good use of their tremorsense and
burrowing abilities to approach potential enemies from
all angles, often emerging from the rock in unexpected
places.
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Blindsight (Ex): A stone guardian can ascertain all foes
within 120 ft. as a sighted creature would. Beyond that
range, all foes are treated as having total concealment.
Blindness Immunities (Ex): Because it is sightless, a
stone guardian is immune to gaze attacks, visual effects,
illusions, and other attacks that rely on sight.
Construct Traits (Ex): A stone guardian possesses the
following traits: low-light vision, darkvision out to 60
feet, immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms,
compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects),
immunity to poison, sleep effects, paralysis, stunning,
disease, death effects, and necromancy effects, cannot
heal damage on their own, but can be repaired, not
subject to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability damage,
ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, or energy drain,
immunity to any effect that requires a Fortitude save
(unless the effect also works on objects, or is harmless),
not at risk of death from massive damage. Immediately
destroyed when reduced to 0 hit points or less, and does
not eat, sleep, or breathe.
Maul: When created by the dwarves, each stone
guardian is equipped with a +1 adamantine maul sized
for them. While the stone guardian wields the maul, it
has the throwing and returning special properties. If the
maul is stolen, the stone guardian hunts for it tirelessly.
If the maul is destroyed, its dwarven creators must make
it a new one using 100 lbs. of adamantine.
Tremorsense (Ex): The stone guardian can automatically
sense the presence of anything within 60 ft. that is in
contact with the ground.
Repair (Ex): By making a DC 30 Craft check, the stone
guardian can heal 1d10 hit points. This is a standard
action.
Runecarving (Su): A stone guardian has a runecarving
level equal to its hit dice. It uses its Charisma as its
runecarving ability modifier. It can have two carved
runes active at a time, and knows Kivi, Kolo, Lujuus, and
Sterkur as runes.
CONSTRUCTION
Stone guardians can be built in a process taking 100 days,
and repeatedly imbuing the body with runic engravings.
Assembly requires a DC 40 Craft check to succeed on all
100 days, and the runecarver doing the assembly must
know the Kivi, Kolo, Lujuus, and Sterkur runes or have
access to a runecarver who knows the runes that he does
not. The cost of constructing a stone guardian is 3,000
gold pieces per hit dice.
WOLVEN [RUNIC]
Large Magical Beast
Hit Dice: 4d10+12 (34 hp)
Initiative: +6
Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares)
Armor Class: 14 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +3 natural), touch 11,
flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +4/+15
Attack: Bite +11 melee (2d6+10)
Full Attack: Bite +11 melee (2d6+10)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Trip
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, enhanced scent,
wolven telepathy, partner bond
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +2
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills: Listen +7, Move Silently +4, Spot +7, Survival +2*
Feats: TrackB, Pack TacticsB, Improved Initiative,
Prodigious Nose
Environment: Aboveground
Organization: Solitary or pack (5-8)
Challenge Rating: 3
Alignment: Neutral
Advancement: 5–12 HD (Large); 13–18 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: -
Wolven are an offshoot of dire wolves that grew more
intelligent over time, and also evolved the ability to
communicate telepathically with both themselves and
with a chosen partner, although whether that is
supposed to have come from runic magic or is entirely
natural is a completely unknown phenomenon.
Regardless of its source, the ability of the wolven to
communicate telepathically has been a great boon to
certain Athaghoel communities, who have taken
advantage of that fact and paired with wolven packs in
their local area, each working to support the other.
Wolven grow as tall as 4 feet at the shoulder and weigh
more than 900 pounds. As a wolven ages, its muzzle
fades from brown to white.
Wolven understand Common and Dwarven and can
communicate telepathically, although they cannot speak
aloud except as wolves normally do.
COMBAT
Bonded wolven are courageous and loyal, and they ably
assist their partner in combat, especially through use of
their pack tactics feat. In the wild, wolven packs hunt
much like wolves, harrying and baiting their prey until
it is too worn to fight.
Trip (Ex): A wolven that hits with a bite attack can
attempt to trip its opponent (+11 check modifier) as a
free action without making a touch attack or provoking
an attack of opportunity. If the attempt fails, the
opponent cannot react to trip the wolven.
Enhanced Scent (Ex): Wolven have some of the best
noses in the canine kingdom, and use them to unerringly
hunt down their prey. Wolven can detect approaching
enemies and sniff out hidden foes within 60 feet. For
strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, double
the range. Overpowering scents, such as skunk musk or
troglodyte stench, can be detected at triple normal range.
Wolven can pinpoint the location of a scent when within
30 ft. This otherwise functions as per the Scent ability.
Wolven Telepathy (Su): Wolven long ago, whether
through breeding or an accident of chance, learned how
to communicate telepathically with the rest of their pack.
These days, that also includes their partner, should they
have one. A wolven can communicate telepathically
with any other wolven or their partner within 120 ft.
Language does not matter.
Partner Bond (Ex): A wolven will often choose to be
bonded with a single Athaghoel (or other race, but
primarily Athaghoel) partner. When bonded, the wolven
and the partner can communicate via wolven telepathy,
and know each other’s location and health (as per the
status spell) within 240 ft. Bonding is a process that takes
a month of continual contact and communication
between the wolven and the prospective partner. The
bond, however, is entirely voluntary on the wolven’s
part, and mistreatment by the partner will result in the
severing of the bond and the ostracization of the partner
by all wolven.
Skills: *A wolven also has a +4 racial bonus on Survival
checks when tracking by scent.
145

Sometimes a dungeon master will want to create a fully-
fledged society using runic magic, but without having
every single runecarving oriented member of that
society having PC class levels. In order to facilitate that
level of societal design, the runesmith NPC class is
provided to flesh out background NPCs.
“The tools birthed from my hammer shield us as much as any
strong arm or stony wall.”
– Baldric Bellowshield, Tokunnir Runesmith
Runesmiths are the unloved but necessary craftsmen of
the dwarven world, creating the tools, weapons, armor,
and Constructed that other, more important, dwarves
wield in battle. Like all dwarves gifted with some ability
in battle, and having had a rudimentary training in the
ways of runic magic, the runesmith can create the arms
and armor that calls for the application of runes, but can
in no way wield the runes the same way that a runeborn
or runecarver can.
MAKING A RUNESMITH
Runesmiths come from all aspects of dwarven society.
Most apprentices seen running around the forges of a
Tokunnir city are likely runesmiths in training, although
there are so many different ways to acquire the basic
runecarving and blacksmithing talents that the
runesmith provide that almost any dwarf with some
talent could learn to be a runesmith.
Abilities: Intelligence determines the difficulty of
resisting his runes as well as assisting with his crafting,
while the physical stats determine his capability as a
warrior.
Races: Because of the nature of their abilities, runesmiths
are rarely seen outside of the dwarven realms, although
that is merely a matter of training and not of restriction.
Alignment: Because of the highly formalized structures
of the dwarven people, especially the Athaghoel and
Tokunnir from whom they are most likely to arise,
runesmiths lean towards the lawful end of the spectrum.
There are, however, no restrictions on what alignment
they can possess.
Starting Gold: As expert.
Starting Age: As expert.

Table 8–1: The Runesmith Hit Dice: d6

Runes Runes
Level BAB Ref Fort Will Abilities Known Active
1st +0 +0 +2 +0 Smithing 2 1
2 nd +1 +0 +3 +0 2 1
3rd +1 +1 +3 +1 2 1
4th +2 +1 +4 +1 2 1
5 th +2 +1 +4 +1 Metalcraft 3 1
6 th +3 +2 +5 +2 3 2
7th +3 +2 +5 +2 3 2
8th +4 +2 +6 +2 3 2
9 th +4 +3 +6 +3 4 2
10 th +5 +3 +7 +3 Feat 4 2
11th +5 +3 +7 +3 4 3
12th +6/+1 +4 +8 +4 4 3
13 th +6/+1 +4 +8 +4 5 3
14 th +7/+2 +4 +9 +4 5 3
15th +7/+2 +5 +9 +5 Feat 5 3
16th +8/+3 +5 +10 +5 5 4
17 th +8/+3 +5 +10 +5 6 4

146
 18th +9/+4 +6 +11 +6 6 4
19th +9/+4 +6 +11 +6 6 4
20th +10/+5 +6 +12 +6 Feat 6 4
Class skills (2 + Int modifier per level, x4 at first level): Appraise (Int), Craft (Int), Knowledge (Arcana) (Int), Knowledge
(Architecture and Engineering) (Int), Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (Int), Knowledge (Geography) (Int), Knowledge
(History) (Int), Knowledge (Local) (Int), Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) (Int), Knowledge (Religion) (Int), Profession
(Wis)

CLASS FEATURES runesmith class, including any feats gained that way,
Dedicated to supporting the rest of the dwarven race, the and gains those levels back in the runecarver class.
runesmith is by and large a blacksmith with a few
unique talents.

All of the following are class features of the runesmith

base class.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Runesmiths are

proficient with all simple weapons, light, medium, and
heavy armors, as well as all shields (except tower and
exotic).

Runecarving: Runesmiths have a basic ability with

runes, although it is by no means considered exception.
They create carved runes normally, as per the rules at the
beginning of Chapter 4, with Intelligence as their
runecarving ability.

The runesmith begins play knowing two runes. He gains

knowledge of a new rune as indicated on the table, and
can have one rune active for every 5 class levels. His
runecarving level is equal to his class level.

Smithing (Ex): A runesmith gains a bonus on all Craft

checks equal to one half his class level.

Metalcraft (Ex): A runesmith learns the great dwarven

secrets of forging weapons and armor. A runesmith
receives either Craft Construct or Craft Magic Arms and
Armor as a bonus feat, regardless of his caster level. Use
the runesmith’s runecarving level as his effective caster
level for the purpose of creating magic arms and armor
or constructs. The runesmith is treated as automatically
knowing all spells required for an item or construct’s
creation.

Feat (Ex): At 10th, 15th, and 20th level, the runesmith gains
a bonus feat chosen from the Runic or Item Creation
categories.

Advancement: If a runesmith subsequently gains a level

in the runecarver class, he loses all levels in the

147