Runic Magic



Runic magic is truly something different. No spellbooks and no reagents are needed for that way of magic. Beside the inner powers of the mage, only two items are needed to use this way to cast magic. It is a interesting experimental way of spellcasting, however, and it is unreliable and sometimes even downright dangerous, because the effects are unpredictable and spell backfires are common. This is why this kind of magic is only a small experiment in Britannia, while the magic users put only trust in the established way of magic. Darker forces like the Guardian aren't so careful, and brutally force through experiments with this magic on some of his worlds. But with increased skill in casting the unpredictability factor drops considerably.

The Runebag
The Runebag is essential, because only in this specially enchanted black bag, the Runes can be transported without problem and without it, their magical powers aren't activated. Every rune not actively needed is stored in it, ready for fast access in case of emergency.

The Rune Stones
The most important items. The Rune Stones are small, metallic squares, with the runic letter of the corresponding Word of Power engraved into them. It is them, with which the spells are cast, as they provide the bridge between the Ether and the real world, focusing the will of the spellcaster. It should be noted, that not every Word of Power is present, and only 24 runes exist. There are no XEN and ZU runes.

The Casting
Casting is very simple. The needed Rune Stones (up to three) are held between the fingers of one hand, and the fitting Words of Power are spoken. The rest depends on the mana storage and experience of the spellcaster.

History
In Britannia, Runic Magic was first encountered in Ultima Underworld I, where it was experimental in the Abyss. In Ultima Underworld II, Nystul experimented with it as well, studying its prior usage and noting that it only works with weakened dimensional walls.

On other worlds, such experiments were done as well, like Tarna, Atarka and Rhiannon. It is unknown if it was standard magic on the dead worlds, but Altara on Atarka was surprised that the Avatar did Runic Magic, clearly showing that it is NOT their standard way of doing magic.

Of Spells unmentioned...
Despite having every known spell documented, there are several spells whose knowledge has to be gained. Note that this goes only for Ultima Underworld II, since all the secret spells from the first part are known and in the spell chart by that time, and no longer a secret.