I also associate runes with magic (being an old stand-by for explaining how Dwarves are so good at making magical weapons even in worlds where they can't cast spells).
However, Webster also defines rune as a song or a poem. Lo and behold, the Carmina Gadelica has several examples. What struck me about these examples is how Christian and Trinitarian many of them are. For example:
I am bending my kneeAfter doing a little research, I found out that a runic alphabet was in use in Southern France several centuries prior to the assumed time frame of Averoigne (circa AD1100-1300). Therefore, not only do I have several possible "lullabies" but an ancient script with which they can be recorded.
In the eye of the Father who created me,
In the eye of the Son who purchased me,
In the eye of the Spirit who cleansed me.
In friendship and affection.
I am not going to stop there, however. Take a look at this rune:
Today is the Day of Bride,Note the implied Protection spell (from Dragons? Devils?). It suggests that this rune (a poem) unlocks a rune (a letter carved into an item) in order to get a runic (spell) effect. This sets up a very cool built-in quest to magical items that also gives players a clue as to what an item does: the rune (poem) gives a clue as to the effect of the rune (letter) and these two can be in different locations.
The serpent shall come from the hole,
I will not molest the serpent,
Nor will the serpent molest me.
In context of the Chateau des Faussesflammes, I plan on using this construct primarily with the Purple Piper, who will be a source of runes (poems), but not necessarily runes (letters).
You have some of the coolest finds...
ReplyDeleteEric
Cool. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteAs your version of Averoigne becomes more developed through play, do you think you might consider publishing it?
ReplyDeleteI know people have done D&D and other RPGs with explicitly Christian themes, but I don't think it's something we've seen from the OSR.