Traps occupy an odd space in encounter design, since they typically only work as expected if nobody notices them. Unless encountered...

A staple of RPGs is the challenges that the player characters face as they adventure. Perhaps the most diverse and interesting...

As important as rules are for a role-playing game, they are only the skeleton. Its the stories told using those rules that make for fun...

Whereas other classes have innate magic, or are granted their magic by deities, blood or other powers beyond their control, Wizards earn...

It's inevitable. No matter how many classes there are, will be, or how diverse the options are within those classes, there will be...

We interrupt our ongoing exploration of the design of Realm of Runes to let you know that Lee Draper (also the one writing these blogs)...

Potent spellcasters by inheritance rather than choice, Sorcerers draw upon the capability of their magically-infused blood for...

One important aspect of any tabletop roleplaying game is not covered in the rules, but is the rules themselves, and how they're supported...

Ever since the class was simply called "Thief," Rogues have been a major part of the iconic party construction, and one of the first...

One aspect of roleplaying games that often goes overlooked is language and communication. Even when multiple different languages are in...

Skilled hunters and outdoorsmen, Rangers are often more at home in the wild than they are in civilization. While some Rangers are to...

Tabletop roleplaying games have a long tradition of allies that are not other members of the party, but are subservient to one particular...

Many people venerate deities. Few of those show sufficient devotion and aptitude to draw magical power from those deities. Even fewer...

Magic items play an important role in fantasy RPGs. Usually too expensive to be included with starting equipment, they serve as...

Ever since the beginning, Monks have had a strange place in the world of tabletop role-playing games. They're a breath of eastern...

When making use of equipment in Realm of Runes, that equipment's properties are as important as your skill with it. There are three...

Whereas Barbarians are typically characterized by sheer brute force, vanguards instead make their impact through clever tactics and...

Magic is a fundamental aspect of Realm of Runes, and its presence and influence seeps into every aspect of the system. Of the twelve...

Wardens and agents of the natural world, druids draw their power from nature itself. There are many similarities between druids and...

Wisdom is an important mental ability in Realm of Runes. It governs Perception, Will - perhaps the most critical of saving throws - and...