Wulfwald RPG Magic Systems: 3 Dweorgas Rune Magic - Part 2 The Dweorgas Runes

The Runic font hasn't copied over, but you can see the Anglo-Saxon futhorc here

THE DWEORGAS RUNES

Runes and Their Meanings

Each rune has its own sphere of influence that forms the basis of the magic that can be created with it. This relates to its literal name and the more esoteric connections to that rune.

For example, the first rune, of the first Aett (family) is Feoh, Cattle. This rune can obviously be used for any type of magic that relates directly to cattle, perhaps stopping the cattle of an enemy clan from stampeding while you steal them for instance. But Cattle also represent wealth in all its forms and the rune Feoh can be used in magic relating to wealth.

Each rune is read and used in the way depicted, but many can be used in reverse (upside down) some however can't because they are the same when reversed. They may however be used in opposition or in the opposite of their normal meaning.

Most times using a rune in reverse or opposition is simply a case of reversing its normal usage. For example, the rune Ur (Strength) can be reversed to cause weakness. However, many reversed runes, or runes in opposition, are not exactly the opposite of their normal meaning, but have subtle or even wildly different meanings when used this way.

The keywords listed for each rune gives you a few examples of what the rune relates to, and also what it relates to when reversed or used in opposition. These keywords are not exhaustive, neither are they limits of usage. They are in fact just the beginning, the most obvious spheres of influence, or relationships, and ways to use each rune.

The First Aett

f F – Feoh, Cattle

Relates to: Wealth, cattle, chattel, herds, property, winning land, possessions, luck, abundance, energy, protecting wealth.

Reversed: Greed, cowardice, stupidity, poverty, avarice, enmity over money.

u U –Ur Aurochs, Strength

Relates to: Strength, tenacity, potential, power, imposing your will on the world.

Reversed: weakness, brutality, cruel domination.

T TH – Thorn, Sharp

Relates to: Thorns, evil, gateways, giants, destruction, sharp attack, difficult powers to control once unleashed.

Reversed: Danger, defencelessness, betrayal, lies.

o O – Os, Mouth

Relates to: Speech, magic, power, prophecy, gods, sounds, signals, revealing messages, insight, communication, divine oracle.

Reversed: Vanity, misunderstanding, manipulation, delusion.

r R-Rad, Road

Relates to: Travel, rewards, riding, spiritual journey, change, soul,

Reversed: Delay, crisis, setbacks.

c C – Ken, Torch

Relates to: Light, beacon, leadership, protection against burning, guiding light.

Reversed: Darkness, disease, breaking of fellowships, false hope.

g G – Gyfu, Gift

Relates to: Offering, sacrifice, generosity, food, balance.

In Opposition: Greed, dependence, over-sacrifice, crooked, bribes.

wW W –Wynn, Joy

Relates to: Glory, air, associated with wands, foresight, wisdom, making magic, temporary happiness.

Reversed: Delirium, possession, berserker fury.

Second Aett

h H – Hagl, Hail

Relates to: Adverse weather, snow, sleet, hail, disruption, uncontrolled forces, trial.

In opposition: Stagnation, loss of power, a calm worse than the storm, inactivity.

n N – Nyd, Need

Relates to: Hardship, want, lack, famine.

Reversed: Surviving or overcoming need.

i I – IS, Ice

Relates to: Ice, cold, extreme cold.

In opposition: Plots, deceit, blindness, pride.

j J – Gar, Spear

Relates to: Victory in battle, breaking through, careful planning, plenty (as in harvest)

In Opposition: Sudden setbacks, reversals, bad timing.

I Eo – Eoh, Yew

Relates to: Death, the underworld, the dead.

Reversed: Confusion, weakness, destruction.

p P – Peorth, Hearth

Relates to: Hospitality, laughter, entertainment, the braking or making of bonds (physical and metaphysical), also refers to the home and female mysteries.

Reversed: Addiction, stagnation, loneliness, malaise.

x X – Eolh, Elk

Relates to: Protection, wards against spells and evil, guardian.

Reversed: Taboo, warning.

s S – Sigel, Sun

Relates to: The sun, warmth, good fortune, sunlight, sky, victory.

In opposition: False council, wrath of gods.

Third Aett

t T –Tir, Tiw (god of war)

Relates to: Warrior, courage, glory, order, law, honour, leadership, swords.

Reversed: blocked communication or energy, mental paralysis.

b B – Beorc, Birch

Relates to: Fertility, healing, magic, love, earth, growth.

Reversed: Family problems, infertility.

e E – Eh, Horse

Relates to: Horses, pride, adventure, increased speed, raw power

Reversed: Reckless, haste, restlessness, confinement.

m M – Monn, Man

Relates to: Humanity, friendship, the self, people, the body

Reversed: Cunning, craftiness, slyness.

l L – Lagu, Water

Relates to: The sea, lakes, rivers, dreams, fantasies.

Reversed: Madness, obsession.

N NG – Ing, Ing (Son of Woden)

Relates to: Kings, peace, plenty.

In opposition: Movement without change, labour, work.

d D –Deag, Day

Relates to: Reason, understanding, dispersing evil spirits, awakening.

In opposition: Completion, coming full circle, night, darkness, evil.

E OE – Ethel, Homeland

Relates to: Freedom, security, prosperity, stability, law, inherited property, spiritual heritage.

Reversed: Clannishness, lack of custom, prejudice.