Runestones

Sages across Mara tell tales of these ancient stones of mystical power. The Grand Sages of the Mountain Monastery upon the Braxath Highlands have dedicated their lives in the study and security of these stones. There is a great mystery to these stones, as they are now inert. The only evidence of these marked stones yielding great power is the tales and records which engraved on the walls within the Mountain Monastery.

The Runic Language

From studying and recording the engraved walls, the Grand Sages have found many notable features and characteristics to these stones. The most obvious is the engraving which each stone has, is of an ancient language which is a mix of Old Marani and, the language of the gods, Celestial. Hence the Grand Sages only have to translate the Marani portion of the runic scriptures.
Attempts to recreate these Runestones have been made, and people across Mara are still found to be attempting to recreate the long lost power; despite it is illegal for anyone outside of the Mountain Monastery to even attempt such deed. However, all attempts have failed.

The Runic Pillars & Monuments

Many of the Runestones come in different sizes. The most notable ones are the various pillars across Mara. One of the most famed pillars is the Pillar of Judgement in Ohlmstir, which is used as a centre stage for demonstrating law and justice. Many villages contain these Runic Pillars, also known as Obelisks. All of which are treasured and maintained by the Sages of these settlements. It is believed these Pillars protect the people from Hallowed Beasts from the Hallowed Heavens. Therefore defacing them in any way is not only illegal, but it is said the whole town will be displeased by the Gods and misfortune will be bestowed upon the whole settlement. Therefore punishment of such vandalism is often either exile or execution; though many villages would view this as the easy way out. Something for visitors to remember.

Henges

Decorating the landscape are ancient circular stone henges, which consist of multiple Runic Pillars carefully placed in a circle. These Henges are often located between settlements, and some are even built around them. All of the known Henges are upon hilltops. These locations are used as places of preaching, worship and sacrifices; as it is these structures and the Runic scribings which powers the monuments protective power.

Runic Items

As crafting any Runic item or scribing is illegal and is exclusively allowed for the Grand Sages of the Mountain Monastery, possessing such objects is not; as the powers have gone. However, as the crafting of such items is illegal, people still find ways of creating them for selling later on. Hence any merchant selling the Items are rigorously checked by the town's guardians, often resulting in confiscation. It is with the saturation of these counterfeit items, which makes the value of real Runic items higher. Such Runic items are most often owned and worn by the highest of the society, such as Head's of Households and Dynasties. These items are regularly and strictly exclusive to the owner's families and are passed down through generations. Therefore the only value is the sentimental sort to this commodity.

Essentropy

From studying the ancient Runic language, the Grand Sages of the Mountain Monastery has deduced many of these stones held a certain mix of two energies. It is the energies which fuel life and existence itself; Essence and Entropy, with the mix of the two being called, Essentropy. The Grand Sages use this term, as it was the power from both energies which gave these stones magic abilities.

Inert Powers

Perhaps only the Gods know why these stones have lost their powers? That is to say, they have at all. Many Marans hold close to their hearts the belief of the power of these stones is still active. Perhaps they are dormant and are waiting to be awakened once more? It is these questions, and more, which puzzles the Sages across the lands.

Runic Elements

Fire

Scribed with inks of red, these stones allows the user to create the power of Heat. Powers of this element can range from simply warming a handheld stone, to massive blazes.

Ice

Fire's opposite, Ice; with runes often carved with a light blue ink. These grand the user the power of Frost.

Air

These grey runes have the power of the Wind. An invisible force which can, apparently, move mountains if powerful enough.

Lightning

This rune has the ability to bring down thunder from the skies, as well as the ability to control light.

Nature

Also known as the Rune of Life and Death, as from the ancient records; this rune had the ability to create and destroy life. Hence, the Grand Sages regard this as the most dangerous; for its Necromantic and Entropic powers.

Wild

Favoured by those who wished to mimic the powers of the Celestial Rangers, yielders of this rune may call upon the aid of the Wilderness or even become part of the Wilderness themselves.