Dwarves and Elves—the eldest races of Middle-earth—long ago discovered the powerful secrets trapped within Runes. The Rune-keeper is a masterful linguist, both fighter and healer, who can readily inscribe words of savage fire, cutting ice, wards and protection, and welcome healing in defense of his fellowship and against the shadowy forces of the Dark Lord Sauron.

Beginning Levels

Rune-keepers are not armed with the traditional sword or staff, and they are limited to wearing only light armor. They start their adventuring careers with a Rune-stone—a weapon far more versatile than anything a smith could forge. On such a stone a Rune-keeper inscribes words of power that ultimately affect the surrounding world.

As your Rune-keeper gains levels, he increases his repertoire of rune-words to inscribe on his Rune-stone. These powerful Rune-stones can summon raging fires and bone-numbing ice storms, as well as potent healing words and beneficial visions to assist a fellowship. All rune-stones have affinity to the elements they were made to represent, either fire, lightning, or frost. This affinity will change how some of his skills function.

Rune-keepers are unique in that they can change roles in a battle, healing during one confrontation with the enemy and releasing a fury of fiery attacks the next. It’s even possible to alternate between the two, walking a fine balance between healing and DPS, though such a transition is costly. The balance between healing and DPS is managed by the Attunement system.