Sharing my magic system: Runescribing!

[Death is a suggestion]

On 6/26/2024 at 1:59 AM, NiightLiight said:

The Runescribing magic system revolves around the use of runes to command objects. Each rune represents a distinct command or effect that, when inscribed, imbues objects with temporary sentience and purpose. This magic system is based on the abstract and conceptual power of symbols and words (the runes or glyphs), tapping into the inherent potential within the Runes of Creation and the universe’s acceptance of these symbols as commands. Sort of like programming an object. I got this idea from Awakening in Warbreaker and also when I was learning programming (XD what if objects can be programmed, etc...)
Here are the mechanics:

Types of Runes

• Motion Runes: Enable objects to move autonomously (e.g., a broom that sweeps the floor)
• Cognition Runes: Grant basic decision-making capabilities (e.g., a guard statue that can distinguish between friend and foe)
• Transformation Runes: Allow objects to change shape or form
• Enhancement Runes: Strengthen the properties of an object, making it stronger, sharper, or more durable
• The rarest and most advanced form of Glyphbinding involves creating Sentient Glyphs that imbue objects with a form of artificial intelligence. These objects can learn, adapt, and perform complex tasks independently, but their creation is tightly regulated and often considered dangerous. (Inspired by AI)

Rune Application

• On Objects: Runes inscribed on objects can animate them or give them specific properties
• On People: Runes inscribed on people can enhance abilities. However, not many practice this because the risk of something going wrong is much higher and with grave consequences. Humans are already sentient so usually runes don't work
• In Air: Temporary runes drawn in the air create quick and temperory effects like a gust of wind or a flash of light
• Rune Sequences: By combining multiple runes in a sequence, Scribes can create complex commands and effects. For example, a "move" rune followed by a "protect" rune could instruct a shield to fly to the user and guard them. This allows for cool things like a golem with motion, cognition, and utility runes performing guard duties
• Runes can be activated with specific command phrases in an ancient language (Idk what yet, maybe Primordial or something like that. I have a friend who makes languages so I'll ask him for help... I'm no linguist lol)

Limitations

• The effectiveness of a rune is tied to the conceptual clarity and clear intent of the Runescribe. Vague or contradictory intent can cause the rune to fail or produce unintended result. Therefore Runescribes must have a disciplined mind without distractions or doubts which can weaken or distort the rune’s effect
• Failure to activate and Runescribe may also be caused by someone acting against their own moral values. Someone who never killed or isn't violent by nature will have difficulty scribing a rune that harm others
• Runes require specific tools or materials to create (I am not sure yet). These tools or materials are either hard to obtain, or are expensive which can allow for interesting worldbuilding especially on how the economy is influenced. 
• Too many runes on an object can cause some sort of magical interference
• Runes degrade over time, especially the more it is used, the faster it degrades 

Other Info

• Scripts are like magical algorithms (like programs) that can achieve complex outcomes from the interaction of multiple runes in a precise sequence
  • Runes that provide opposite effects like telling a object to both move and stop will cause the effects to cancel each other out. The rune will basically not work. 
• Runebound objects are part of everyday life in my world, and objects like self-sweeping brooms (or flying ones if you think carefully about it XD), automations powered by runes, like golems and animated statues. It allows for many cool things to happen, and I can't wait to tie all of these ideas into a story world 

That's all I have for now. I have some things that I am not sure about yet, and if people can help me brainstorm some ideas that would be great: 

1. What are some possible limitations for Runescribing? I can't think of anything except maybe magical ink. 
2. What other types of runes can there be?
3. What are some ways that runes can be used for besides automations? 

Please let me know if you have any questions, disagreements, agreements, or something like that. I would answer all of them  

I created a magic system similar to this except, depending on the subtype of rune-based magic, only a necromancer could do it, and it had to be written in blood. Not to mention they couldn't be written in the air.

[Shardwatcher01 he/him]

cool

[AltonicKeys he/him]

On 6/25/2024 at 11:59 PM, NiightLiight said:

2. What other types of runes can there be?
3. What are some ways that runes can be used for besides automations? 

2. Drawing upon DnD's schools of magic, you already have Enchantment and Transmutation. I think the most interesting would be Abjuration, runes which produce non-physical, protective and warding effects. The obvious application can be like magic barriers, but maybe it can do like a zone of truth, or a rain caller, or rain-go-away-er. Maybe like a rune-disabling rune? 

3. Ignoring the magical consequences and drawbacks, let's talk about people. One thing I've seen is magic tattoos. Though yeah humans already have sentience, Cognition, Movement and Sentient runes don't grant much, but they could perhaps further enhance human aspects.
You can use a movement rune on your fist, so when activated can give even more speed to your punches, or on your legs to run faster. I guess you could use a stronger rune to move your entire body, so you have a quick movement option. Also environmentally-friendly cars 
Cognition (or maybe Sentience?) runes can potentially specialize someone's knowledge, so you can have a person who knows everything about cooking, but less about history. 
Enhancement runes don't have very diverse applications. I guess you can enhance your fist hardness for, well, harder punches. You can enhance your legs to withstand higher drops, or maybe your bones. Runescribe on your bones??? That's an idea.

How about Transformation runes on their body. Turn your fist into steel for harder punches (please don't mind my insistence on punching haha). Turn all your bones into steel so they're much better in combat, at the expense of blood health? Maybe the more extreme people can transform into other animal parts. Turn your left arm into a bear arm. Turn your teeth into a snake's fangs. Turn your eye into a cyborg laser eye. Unless Transformation only affects the material, and not more complex concepts. In which case just turn your bones into steel, you probably don't need that bone marrow anyways.

Then there's offensive applications. Movement Rune a guy backwards away from you, or towards your waiting spear. Cognitive Rune a guy into not knowing anything? Remove their knowledge? If you can do like reverse Enhancements, make a guy's arm into mush so they punch like a soggy bagel. Transform a guy's leg into air. Transform the whole guy into air while you're at it. Or at that point gold for profit. That's a villain idea right there, kidnapping people and Transforming them into valuable resources.