Sigilism

Sigilism is a form of spellcasting in which the caster draws a certain symbol in the air, called a Sigil, which activates the spell. Sigils are unique to each spell, and are so intricate that the slightest wrong move could send the spell south. Sigils are typically drawn by the hands of the caster, but some use specialized tools to draw them instead. Sigils are special in that there is no associated language with them and they are among the most difficult arts to master, but are some of the most effective and immediate forms of magic. There is an alternative to Sigils, called Glyphs, which adhere to similar methodology aside from the fact that Glyphs are drawn on a surface instead of in the air. Glyphs can often be mistaken for runes, but their impermanent nature as well as their complete lack of relation to the language of Stone Giants are key differences from the products of runecraft. Another key difference between runes and Sigils and Glyphs is that Sigils and Glyphs are specifically designed to replicate spell effects. While runecraft can yield functions that would act in the same form through a series of runes, Sigilists specialize in the precise and swift execution of a whole spell in one character. So, if you ever see what you think might be either a rune or a Glyph, if you can read Stone Giant, you're in luck. Otherwise, see if whatever you see is a string of characters or one complex, singular character. If what you see is the latter, you are dealing with a Glyph.