Background: Runeforger
Prerequisite: Dwarf lineage
Runeforgers master their mind and body through the pursuit of runic traditions that focus their will. They learn to speak to and understand the very elements, especially earth and fire, and weave that knowledge into runes carved in metal, stone, or wood. Selecting the Runeforger background can inform much of the rest of character creation and development including helping guide selections and adding flavor to proficiencies, feats, classes, even spells.
A dwarf runeforger practicing his craft.
DD24
If you are playing with the 2024 DnD rules, here is the Runeforger Background:
Ability Scores: Constitution, Dexterity, Wisdom
Feat: Tavern Brawler
Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics and Arcana
Tool Proficiency: Choose one type of Artisan’s tools
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Artisan’s tools (same as chosen above), 2 Pouches, Robe, 35 GP; or (B) 50 GP
Special: You gain access to runeforger feats. You also learn the ability to engrave runes. It functions the same as scribing a scroll except you engrave a symbol in leather, metal, stone or wood using a tool proficiency you have; and you can do it as 1 level lower in time and cost with a Cantrip being 10 minutes and costing no gold.
Spell Lvl Time Cost
Cantrip 10 minutes 0 gp
1st 1 day 15 gp
2nd 1 day 25 gp
3rd 3 days 250 gp
4th 1 workweek 500 gp
5th 2 workweeks 2,500 gp
6th 4 workweeks 5,000 gp
7th 8 workweeks 15,000 gp
8th 16 workweeks 25,000 gp
9th 32 workweeks 50,000 gp
The DDB Homebrew Background Taluman Dwarf Runeforger can be found here.
DD14
If you are playing with the 2014 5e rules, use the Custom Background option to create a runeforger.
Skill Proficiencies: Choose 1 from Acrobatics or Athletics and 1 from: Arcana, History, Insight, Religion
Tool Proficiency: Choose 1 from: Mason’s tools, Smith’s tools, Woodcarver’s tools.
Languages: Choose 1 from Giant, Primordial
Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools with which you are proficient, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp.
Suggested Characteristics: select Acolyte options or add your own.
Feature: Runeforger Initiate
You gain the Martial Adept feat and gain access to Runeforger Feats as well as the ability to take the Rune Shaper Feat without a Spellcasting feature.
Recommended Maneuvers that emulate runeforger techniques include: Commanding Presence, Disarming Attack, Evasive Footwork, Feinting Attack, Goading Attack, Grappling Strike, Lunging Attack, Parry, Precision Attack, Pushing Attack, Riposte, Tactical Assessment, Trip Attack
We will be providing even more in depth information about playing a runeforger character soon.
Runeforger Feats
These are new Feats available only to dwarven runeforgers.
