Alter Aeon The Great Library

Welcome to the Alter Aeon Historical Archive!

Note - as with any topic, researchers should question the reliability
and veracity of these texts.  The library's aim is to preserve
documents, not verify accuracy.

AABN:  7804
Title: a book titled 'The Color of Magic'

"The Color of Magic" by Professor Gisela Aalfhaus

Many the layman has been stumped by the intricate runic formulae of
elemental enchantments and the rune-word glyphs of rustic druids. Runes
often overlap and intertwine in ways that make them indecipherable to
casual observers. However, there are a few simple signs, which, while not
entirely foolproof, hint at their meaning.

As mana is channeled through runes, it often causes them to glow. The more
powerful the magic being channeled, the brighter the glow.

Rapidly flashing runes indicate surges of power, while slowly brightening
and dimming runes indicate mana being stored and discharged in steady
cycles. A steady glow usually means the runes are maintaining a constant
effect, such as a ward.

The hue of runelight can reveal their elemental nature in a fairly
intuitive manner. Reddish or orange light indicates fire magic. Blue light
denotes elemental ice, while yellow light is from lightning magic.
Plant-based magic glow green, while blood and alteration magic gives off an
orange light. Purple means earthen or crystal magic is being employed.

None of these is an absolute indicator. Simple illusion spells or shadow
magic can alter the color emissions. Many runes do not glow bright enough
to be seen. The materials carved can alter the brightness. Wood and stone
are known to be particularly dim. Crystal is notorious for altering the
color of runelight.