Advice on a Runesmith build.

[Elric VIII]

So, I have an inkling to play a Runesmith sometime in the future and I would like to get some ideas for unique and interesting combinations on this build. I think I would like to use a Wizard base (as opposed to Sorcerer with Arcane Preparation), in spite of the Dwarven Sorcerer sub levels.



I know that there is a fair amount of Dwarf-only content out there, so are there any other classes/feats that I can pick up for this build that play off of Dwarf-ness?


My first thought would be to start with Crusader for the proficiency and go into JPM to grab Thicket of Blades and be a tanky caster. Abjurant Champion wouldn't be that necessary since I will be able to wear heavy armor and a shield anyway. Is there anything outside the standard gish stock that I should consider for this idea?


Flavor-wise the Geometer would go nicely with the Runesmith, but would I be able to do things like inscribe Glyphs of Warding on my shield or on stone tablets to be thrown near enemies? The text of Glyph leads me to believe the answer is "no," but there might be rules with which I am unfamiliar.


I'd love to hear any Runesmith-based concepts you might have cooked up. I just know I want to use this class because it looks fun and I've never played a Dwarf before. So feel free to share.





P.S. - I recall seeing another thread that said Runesmiths can get a higher amount of spells than their daily allotment, how does that work, exactly?

[Keld Denar]

Assuming you are taking the Fighter dip for the HWP req (building Fighter1/Wizard4/RunesmithX/Y/Z), you could take the Dorf Fighter racial sub from Races of Stone. Gives up your bonus feat for Weapon Focus with ALL axes, which is about an even trade (assuming you wanted Weapon Focus), but it also has a d12 HD, which is pretty nice for your first level. You could easily start with 16-17 HP at 1st level.

As long as you are using a bladed weapon (axes are bladed), you REALLY want to look up the Whirling Blade spell. It's a gish's only ranged attack needed. Everything you love about being a magical badass melee machine, now at a range of 60'.

[MirddinEmris]

Some time ago i played Fighter(dwarf subst)1/Focused Transmuter4/Runesmith5/Geometer5/Earth Dreamer5 build and really had fun. I took Knowledge(architecture and engineering) and Apprise skills and many earth/stone theme spells (move earth, shape stone etc, there are plenty). By the end of a campaign, Thorgrim Stonecutter was a renowned architect, artisan and a hero, blessed by a King Under The Mountain and Moradin avatar himself for saving dwarven capital and especially Hall of Time (big, very big hall,where every column and wall contains engraved records of dwarven history) and helping big time in the Second Underwar.

I remember that i took feats without really hard thinking, Earth Sense, Quicken Spell and Craft Contingent Spell were important, other - not quite so (something like Apprentice(artisan)). You could also swap Earth Dreamer(and one level of a wizard) for Master Specialist and Fighter for Cleric (or anything else with Heavy Armor proficiency up to you taste) if you want. With fighter subst levels as your first level and good Con score (my was 14 +2 racial), your survivability on early levels will be overshadowed only by big and tough martial characters (so much for a squishy wizard ;) ) and with runesmith ability, you could pass as a fighter on a first look (let the enemy underestimate you until it's too late).

If you want a gishy type character, then take shielded spellcasting from RotS and don't dismiss Abjurant Champion, because you better taking +9 shield AC from a spell (which will be a swift action) than buy +5 Heavy shield for +7 shield AC, instead enchant your shield with useful abilities (Heavy Fortification, Death Warding, etc). Same with armor.


P.S. - I recall seeing another thread that said Runesmiths can get a higher amount of spells than their daily allotment, how does that work, exactly?

I think that's because their 3rd and 5th level abilities - first one lets you prepare spell in form of runes ( taking +2 to spell level) which like scrolls but better in every possible way (give your party rogue rune of Invisibility, so he would activate when he needs it and don't bother you, or prepare a couple of Teleport runes for a rainy day - the possibilities are endless). Second one let's you trade one spell slot of a one level higher for casting a spell as spell-like 2/day (pay XP and GP for a spell once and then use it to your heart content - i suggest Limited Wish).

Have fun :smallwink:

[Just to Browse]

Watch out on losing caster levels. The runesmith won't take up all of your caster levels, so you need to plan to bounce into another gish PrC.

Thicket of Blades is also awesome, but it's probably quite a ways off depending on where you start from--make sure to pick up Combat Reflexes along the way!

Like Keld Denar said, the 1 level Dwarven Fighter Sub-level is awesome, especially with whirling blades.

P.S. Runesmiths' last class feature lets them turn one of their spells into a spell-like ability that they cast twice per day by giving up a spell slot (permanently) of 1 level higher, which is probably what you're hearing about. Put it on your favorite buff spells and go to town.

[Elric VIII]

Ah, in rereading the class I see that the share runes ability lets you make the runes by expending spell slots, using or saving them for later requires no slots.

So it seems like this can just be a good complement to a standard gish build.

Thanks for the advice.

[Zonugal]

I think Crusader is a much better investment then Fighter as all you really need from a martial class is the BaB boost and the heavy armor proficiency.

A build like Dwarf Wizard 4/Crusader 1/Runesmith X can nab you 2nd-level Devoted Spirit, Stone Dragon & White Raven maneuvers.

And if you extend the build to Dwarf Wizard 5/Crusader 1/Runesmith X you can add the Spontaneous Divination acf to it all.

[DeusMortuusEst]

... and helping big time in the Second Underwar. ...

I read that as 'Second Underwear' and I thought "That sounds like an interesting campaign, though the mix isn't quite what I'm used to." :smalltongue:

And I know more about runesmiths now than I did when I woke up. Nice.