- Discovery
- Design
- Revision
- Battle
Discovery
In War of the Rune, the magic system operates on predetermined rules. Initially, both sides have only a partial understanding of these rules. During the Discovery phase, the rules are investigated in order to gradually open up the magic system and unlock new uses for it. This can be done by investigating a Meaning or Element, increasing a side’s skill related to the chosen runic component. Raising skill levels in this way will always succeed.
Alternatively, it is possible to try some combination of known Runes as an experiment with the magic system to see what happens. Sometimes nothing useful will happen, as not every combination results in something magical happening. If the result fizzles, clues as to the reason for the failure will be provided. A successful runic system experiment will unlock a magical effect, this is still only theoretical knowledge until that effect is incorporated into a design.
Investigate Runic Component: Increase skill level with the selected runic component.
Runic System Experiment: Try a combination of runes to unlock an effect usable in a design.
Design
As in a standard arms race, this phase allows players to design new pieces of equipment for the armies they are supplying to utilize. In order to use a magical effect, it must first be unlocked and then a design that uses it must be made. A side may also choose to sacrifice a design to perform other actions instead. For example, they may experiment with a combination of runes. Finally, a design may be action may be spent to create a Hero. Heroes are assigned to a battlefield to provide a bonus to that sides luck roll. As of game start, only Mortal Heroes can be created.
Create a Design: Create a new piece of equipment with which to win the war.
Runic System Experiment: Try a combination of runes to unlock an effect usable in a design.
Create a Hero: Describe a Hero who has arisen to champion your side.
Revision
As in a standard arms race, this phase is used to improve existing equipment. All revisions should list the existing piece of equipment that is being upgraded. Note that it is fine to list a piece of equipment not referenced as being in the side’s possession as long as it could reasonably be available.
Battle
This is the bit where I write a battle report. Each report covers how the two armies compare to each other, taking into consideration the equipment they each have available as well as the terrain they are fighting on and the season they are fighting in. For each battlefield, a D6 luck roll will be made for each side.