17.32 The skill of Runes.

Runes are also fashioned by members of the Alchemists, Artisans, Craftmasters or Loremasters Guild. They are usually attached to items to give them protection or extra powers. They can be left on the ground to effect passers-by or, most effectively, attached to a rune stave or totem and form cumulative effects. Runes are activated by being seen, or touched. You could also deliberately activate a rune by typing ACTIVATE <rune>. You can cause others to be affected by your runes by showing them - type SHOW followed by the rune, followed by the player you wish to show it too. It is possible to avoid seeing most runes by being blind - though you would need a potion of innersight of the herb of ucklice to enhance your senses sufficiently to overcome the obvious perils of wandering around blind. Members of the Loremaster profession can affect the sequence of prominence of a rune - the number of prominence is shown in RUNELIST or PROBE (with enough Itemlore). This number determines the priority of execution of runes, as one might use in an order of revelation on a rune stave.

Bell        Sets off an alarm when activated, informs owner.
Snowflake   Protects an item by making it too cold to take.
Oval        Protects weapons wielded from the spiritual blade bar.
Ankh        Destroys spiritual activity and defences when activated.
Crescent    Destroys candescence activity and defences when activated.
Spear       When placed on an item or arrow, ensures it always strikes.
Charm       Augments the effects of magical offensive acts.
Talisman    Increases your Constitution skill which defends against magic.
Fist        Creates a silver sentinel to protect and guard your item.
Key         When activated it locks all doors magically, stopping thieves.
Bug         For listening in on conversations, whether in Avalon or not.
Pyramid     When placed on the ground it protects from summoning and gates.
Quarrel     A rune in the form of a silver arrow which can banish demons/undead.
Spiral      When activated it fascinates the onlooker so that they cannot move.
Flame       Restores sight to one who has blinded himself.
Knife       When activate it causes fear in the onlooker making them flee.