A runesmith uses a special set of tools in order to engrave gemstones with magical sigils. In addition to the information below, use of these tools follows the general guidelines for artisan’s tools found in chapter 2, “Tool Proficiencies”, of Xanathar’s Guide to Everything.
Runesmith’s Tools
Proficiency with runesmith’s tools allows you to etch magical runes into precious stones, as well as identify aspects of their lore when encountered in the world. A set of runesmith’s tools costs 25 gp and weighs 5 lb.
Components. Runesmith’s tools include a hammer, a set of chisels and needle files, a fine-haired brush, a pouch of powdered mithral, and a special alchemical lacquer.
You get expertise in Intelligence (Arcana) and Intelligence (History).
You get proficiency in Intelligence (Investigation).
Affixing a Runestone. You can affix a runestone to a piece of equipment using your runesmith’s tools. This activity typically takes no longer than 10 minutes, and can be performed as part of a short or long rest.
Runesmith's Tools
Activity DC
Identify the properties of a runestone 15
Determine the creator of a runestone 20
Crafting Requirements
Runesmithing requires proficiency with and access to runesmith’s tools—with proficiency representing the basic competencies needed to use the tools effectively. In addition to runesmith’s tools, a gemstone is required onto which the runes are engraved to fashion a runestone. The minimum required quality of the gemstone (as denoted by its value) depends on the strength of the runestone being created (as denoted by its rarity), as shown in the Runesmithing table:
Runesmithing
Runestone Rarity Gemstone Value DC
Common At least 10 gp 10
Uncommon At least 50 gp 15
Rare At least 500 gp 20
Very rare At least 1,000 gp 25
Legendary At least 5,000 gp 28
Crafting Process
Once all requirements are met, the process of creating a runestone is performed over a two-hour period, which can be split into shorter sessions such as during a short rest.
At the end of the period, make a craft check using your runesmith’s tools. When you make this check, you don’t benefit from any bonuses (such as Bardic Inspiration) except your own ability score and proficiency bonus, unless you benefited from the bonus for the duration of the period.
Runesmith’s tools modifier = your proficiency bonus + your Dexterity or Intelligence modifier (your choice)
On a success, the gemstone is engraved and becomes a runestone, otherwise the gemstone is destroyed. The DC depends on the rarity of the runestone, as shown in the Runesmithing table.
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