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(→‎Bless: Should be possible to consecrate a faewood runestaff.)
 
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[[File:Stave.jpg|thumb|upright=1|right|Runestaff]]
A runestaff is a special defensive item designed for use by [[pure]] professions. Runestaves are also treated as [[Two-handed Weapons]] for offensive purposes (see note below).
Unlike most weapon types, a '''runestaff''' is utilized more for defense than for offense. A character of the spell casting professions may use this type of weapon. Held in the right hand, skill with a runestaff is based on the wielder’s overall magical knowledge. This arcane knowledge effectively translates into a rune staff "weapon" skill for purposes of parrying incoming attacks. Additionally, these wooden rune staves are capable of parrying magical bolt spells and missile weapons, whereas most other weapons cannot.


==Alternate Names==
== Advantages ==
The primary advantage of using a runestaff for defense versus other training paths is that the skills required are already considered to be a main part of a typical [[pure]] spell-caster's training path, and as such come at little to no additional cost to the player in terms of [[training point]]s. Runestaves are also the only form of defense which provide [[parry]] defense versus [[ranged]] (spell bolts, hurled weapons, arrows) attacks, although at a reduced rate.


Alternate names for runestaff include '''asaya''', '''crook''', '''crosier''', '''pastoral staff''', '''rune staff''', '''scepter''', '''staff''', '''staff-of-Lumnis''', and '''walking stick'''.
Unlike other weapons, a runestaff's full [[enchant]] bonus is added directly to a character's [[DS]] for all [[STANCE (verb)|stances]]. For example, a runestaff with a +25 enchant bonus will add +25 DS in stance offensive.


The runestaff is a different type of weapon than the [[quarterstaff]], even though both may use the noun "staff". One can {{mono|[[INSPECT]]}} a staff to determine its type.
== Runestaff Abilities ==


=== Flares ===
== Game Mechanics ==
Like other weapons, runestaves can be infused with [[flares]] and can inflict additional damage and/or criticals with a successful [[warding]] or [[bolt spell]] attack roll. Runestaves which flare in this fashion (rather than when used as a melee weapon), will flare less often (approximately 1/7 casts). [[Elemental Blade (411)]] can also be used on 0x runstaves in order to obtain elemental flares, though these will flare even less frequently. This is a popular tactic in areas with creatures which [[Disarm Weapon|disarm]] or [[curse]] adversaries, causing them to lose their weapon.


A runestaff may be used offensively as a melee weapon. When used in this manner it is classified as a [[Two-handed Weapons|two-handed weapon]] and its [[Attack Strength|attack strength]] is increased with training in the two-handed weapon skill. Compared to other two-handed weapons the runestaff does considerably less damage.
=== Wand-holding mechanisms ===
Typically released at limited entrance events such as the [[Ebon Gate]] festival, these staves are able to hold a [[wand]] which can be activated by the appropriate verb (e.g. WAVE or RAISE) once in place. The mechanism on wand-holding runestaves my be permanent:

<div {{log}}>The pale faewood staff is capped with an apparatus of two interlocked rings and three triangular segments that come together at a sharp angle. <b>The springs appear to be in absolutely pristine and perfect condition.</b> The tip is currently empty, revealing a deep recess in the center of the staff.</div>

Or degrade over time and require repairs, as apparent by the item's [[show description]] (in this case, a fresh yet degradable runestaff):
<div {{log}}>The pale faewood staff is capped with an apparatus of two interlocked rings and three triangular segments that come together at a sharp angle. <b>The springs appear to be in a flawless and undamaged state.</b> The tip is currently empty, revealing a deep recess in the center of the staff.</div>

== Training Requirements ==

Though any amount of training in magical skills will provide runestaff [[DS]], 8 ranks of magical skills per [[level]] will generate DS equal to that provided by training 1x ranks in [[Two-Handed Weapons]]. '''This does not include the 10 bonus ranks received by runestaff users'''. Each converted weapon rank adds 0.30 DS in offensive [[stance]] and 1.05 DS in defensive stance.

<big>'''Note: Training in Two-Handed Weapons skill DOES NOT add parry DS. THW ranks only adds a bonus to the [[attack strength]] (AS) when the runestaff is used offensively. Do not train in Two-Handed Weapons unless you plan to swing the staff like a normal weapon.'''</big>
Select the appropriate formula from the three below to convert magical ranks to weapon ranks, or use the [[#Magic Ranks/Weapon Ranks Conversion Table|table]] below.
1. Less than 4 magic ranks per level
<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=65%}}>Parry Ranks = 10 + ((3 &times; magic ranks) &divide; (20))</div>
2. Between 4 and 11 magic ranks per level
<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=60%}}>Parry ranks = 10 + level + [((magic ranks) - (8 &times; level)) &divide; 10]</div>

3. More than 11 magic ranks per level
<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=50%}}>Parry Ranks = 10 + (level &times; 13/10) + [((magic ranks) - (11 &times; level)) &divide; 20]</div>

=== Magical Skills ===
{| {{prettytable}}
|-
| [[Elemental_Mana_Control|Elemental Mana Control]]
| [[Mental_Mana_Control|Mental Mana Control]]
|-
| [[Spiritual_Mana_Control|Spiritual Mana Control]]
| [[Sorcerous_Lores|Sorcerous Lores]]
|-
| [[Elemental_Lores|Elemental Lores]]
| [[Mental_Lores|Mental Lores]]
|-
| [[Spiritual_Lores|Spiritual Lores]]
| [[Spell_Aiming|Spell Aiming]]
|-
| [[Arcane_Symbols|Arcane Symbols]]
| [[Magic_Item_Use|Magic Item Use]]
|-
| [[Spell_Research|Spell Research]]
| [[Harness_Power|Harness Power]]
|}

==Game Mechanics==
A runestaff may also be used offensively. When used in this manner it is classified as a [[Two-handed Weapons|two-handed weapon]] and its [[Attack Strength|attack strength]] is increased with training in the two-handed weapon skill. Compared to other two-handed weapons the runestaff does considerably less damage.


{{Weapon table start}}
{{Weapon table start}}
Line 69: Line 20:
Note: To edit this table go to [[Template:Weapon table runestaff]]
Note: To edit this table go to [[Template:Weapon table runestaff]]


== Runestaff Defense ==
==Alternate Names==

*'''crook'''
*'''crosier'''
*'''pastoral staff'''
*'''rune staff'''
*'''scepter'''
*'''staff'''
{{top}}

==Runestaff Parry DS (Melee)==

Step 1: Calculate Base Value

<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=40%}}><center><tt>'''10 + Weapon Ranks + [[trunc]]([[Strength|STR bonus]] &divide; 4) + trunc([[Dexterity|DEX bonus]] &divide; 4) = Base Value'''</tt></center></div>

Step 2: Calculate Parry DS

<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=35%}}><center><tt>'''(Base Value &times; Stance modifier &times; 1.5) + Stance Bonus + Runestaff Enchant Bonus = Parry DS'''</tt></center></div>

<small>Note: Weapon ranks are derived from total magic ranks known (see [[#Magic Ranks/Weapon Ranks Conversion Table|conversion table]] below).</small>

===Example (Melee)===

Level 60 character, 660 total magic ranks, 20 STR bonus, 20 DEX bonus, stance guarded (stance mod 0.60 and stance bonus +40 from tables), +25 runestaff enchant bonus.

Step 1: Divide total magic ranks by level
<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=85%}}>660 &divide; 60 = 11</div>

Step 2: Locate 11 in the 'magic ranks per level' column, then multiply the character's level by the conversion factor shown in the table.
<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=75%}}>60 &times; 1.30 = 78 weapon ranks</div>

Step 3: Enter this value in the runestaff parry formula along with stats to determine the Base Value.

<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=50%}}>10 + weapon ranks + trunc(STR bonus &divide; 4) + trunc (DEX bonus) = Base value</div><br>
<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=65%}}>10 + 78 + (20 &divide; 4) + (20 &divide; 4) = 98 (Base Value)</div>

Step 4: Enter base value, stance modifier and enchant bonus into formula. Truncate result after each operation.

<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=40%}}>(Base Value &times; Stance modifier &times; 1.5) + Stance Bonus + Runestaff Enchant Bonus = Parry DS</div><br>
<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=55%}}>(98 &times; 0.60 &times; 1.5) + 40 + 25 = 152 Guarded Stance [[Melee]] Parry DS</div>

<small>Note: The 1.5 multiplier in the formula represents the two-hand weapon bonus which also applies to runestaff users.</small>
{{top}}

==Runestaff Parry DS (Ranged)==

This formula applies to all [[ranged]] attack types (bolt spells, thrown weapons and arrows).

<div {{prettydiv|margin-right=200px}}><center><tt>'''Ranged Parry DS = [(Base Value &times; Stance Modifier &times; 1.5) &divide; 2] + (Stance Bonus &divide; 2) + (Runestaff Enchant bonus &divide; 2)'''</tt></center></div>

===Example (Ranged)===

Level 60 character, 660 total magic ranks, 20 STR bonus, 20 DEX bonus, stance guarded (stance mod 0.60 and stance bonus +40 from tables), +25 runestaff enchant bonus.

Step 1: Divide total magic ranks by level
:660 &divide; 60 = 11

Step 2: Locate 11 in the 'magic ranks per level' column, then multiply the character's level by the conversion factor shown in the table.
:60 &times; 1.30 = 78 weapon ranks

Step 3: Enter this value in the runestaff parry formula along with stats to determine the Base Value.
:10 + weapon ranks + trunc(STR bonus &divide; 4) + trunc (DEX bonus) = Base value
:10 + 78 + (20 &divide; 4) + (20 &divide; 4) = 98 (Base Value)

Step 4: Enter base value, stance modifier and enchant bonus into formula. Truncate result after each operation.
:[(Base Value &times; Stance modifier &times; 1.5) &divide; 2] + (Stance Bonus &divide; 2) + (Runestaff Enchant Bonus &divide; 2) = Parry DS
:[(98 &times; 0.60 &times; 1.5) &divide; 2] + (40 &divide; 2) + (25 &divide; 2) = 75 Guarded Stance Ranged Parry DS
{{top}}

==Magic Ranks/Weapon Ranks Conversion Table==

To determine the number of 'magic ranks per level', divide the total number of magic ranks known, by the character's level. Ranks per level that fall between the table values are prorated.


{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 2em;"
{|{{prettytable}}
|-
|-style = "background:#DDD; color: blue"
!colspan=4|Table: Runestaff Parry Ranks Conversion
|-
!Magic Ranks<br>per Level
!Magic Ranks<br>per Level
!Weapon Ranks<br>Conversion
!Weapon Ranks<br>Conversion
!style="border-left: 2px #aaa solid"|Magic Ranks<br>per Level
!
!Magic Ranks<br>per Level
!Weapon Ranks<br>Conversion
!Weapon Ranks<br>Conversion
|-align=center
|-align=center
|'''1'''
|'''1'''
|Level &times; 0.15
|Level &times; 0.15
|style="border-left: 2px #aaa solid"|'''9'''
|
|'''9'''
|Level &times; 1.10
|Level &times; 1.10
|-align=center
|-align=center
|'''2'''
|'''2'''
|Level &times; 0.30
|Level &times; 0.30
|style="border-left: 2px #aaa solid"|'''10'''
|
|'''10'''
|Level &times; 1.20
|Level &times; 1.20
|-align=center
|-align=center
|'''3'''
|'''3'''
|Level &times; 0.45
|Level &times; 0.45
|style="border-left: 2px #aaa solid"|'''11'''
|
|'''11'''
|Level &times; 1.30
|Level &times; 1.30
|-align=center
|-align=center
|'''4'''
|'''4'''
|Level &times; 0.60
|Level &times; 0.60
|style="border-left: 2px #aaa solid"|'''12'''
|
|'''12'''
|Level &times; 1.35
|Level &times; 1.35
|-align=center
|-align=center
|'''5'''
|'''5'''
|Level &times; 0.70
|Level &times; 0.70
|style="border-left: 2px #aaa solid"|'''13'''
|
|'''13'''
|Level &times; 1.40
|Level &times; 1.40
|-align=center
|-align=center
|'''6'''
|'''6'''
|Level &times; 0.80
|Level &times; 0.80
|style="border-left: 2px #aaa solid"|'''14'''
|
|'''14'''
|Level &times; 1.45
|Level &times; 1.45
|-align=center
|-align=center
|'''7'''
|'''7'''
|Level &times; 0.90
|Level &times; 0.90
|style="border-left: 2px #aaa solid"|'''15'''
|
|'''15'''
|Level &times; 1.50
|Level &times; 1.50
|-align=center
|-align=center
|'''8'''
|'''8'''
|Level &times; 1.00
|Level &times; 1.00
|style="border-left: 2px #aaa solid"|'''16'''
|
|'''16'''
|Level &times; 1.55
|Level &times; 1.55
|}
|}
''Skills that contribute to runestaff defense: [[Arcane Symbols]], [[Harness Power]], [[Magic Item Use]], [[Spell Aiming]], [[Spell Research]], [[Mana Control]]s, [[Lore]]s.''


In order to benefit defensively using a rune staff, it is best to have at least eight magical ranks per level. A magical rank can be in any magical skill in the Character Manager, and each skill, regardless of cost, is weighted equally. Eight magical ranks per level is equivalent to 1x training in two-handed weapons and provides defenses as if the user had 10 additional parry ranks. Each additional magical rank per level will increase the caster's effective weapon ranks. To be proficient with a runestaff, it is expected that a typical caster will have 10.5 to 11 magical ranks per level. Provided they are 3 ranks spell research and 1 rank harness power, 4 ranks is perfectly adequate. General all round magic proficiency will result in around 11 ranks, but they aren't needed to be adequate with a runestaff. CS heavy builds will normally have 6-8 ranks and work best with runestaves.
==Stance Modifiers==


{|
{|{{prettytable}}
|-
|-style = "background:#DDD; color: blue"
| style="background: #f2f2f2; padding: 1em; border: 1px dashed red;"| <span style="color: red;">Note</span>: Training in Two-Handed Weapons skill DOES NOT add Parry DS. THW ranks only adds a bonus to the [[Attack Strength]] (AS) when the runestaff is used offensively. Do not train in Two-Handed Weapons unless you plan to swing the staff like a normal weapon.
!Stance
|}
!Modifier

Runestaves are also the only type of weapon which provide parry defense versus ranged attacks ([[bolt spell]]s, [[Thrown Weapons|hurled weapons]], [[Ranged Weapons|arrows]]). When parrying these ranged attacks, rune staves provide half their normal parrying bonus.

Unlike other weapons, a runestaff's full [[enchantment]] bonus is added directly to a character's [[Defensive Strength]] for all [[STANCE (verb)|stances]]. For example, a runestaff with a +25 enchant bonus will add +25 DS in stance offensive.

=== Melee ===

{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; clear: both;"
|-style = "color: blue"
! Stance
! Modifier
|-align=center
|-align=center
|'''Offensive'''
|'''Offensive'''
Line 225: Line 109:
|0.70
|0.70
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; clear: both;"

|-style = "color: blue"
==Stance Bonuses==

{|{{prettytable}}
|-style = "background:#DDD; color: blue"
!Stance
!Stance
!DS Bonus
!DS Bonus
Line 251: Line 132:
|50
|50
|}
|}

{{Equation box|'''Parry Defense Strength (DS) formula, runestaff vs. melee attacks:'''

:{{math|DS &#61; [Base Value] &times; [Stance Modifier] &times; 1.5 + [Stance Bonus] + Staff Enchant Bonus}}}}

where

:{{math|1=[Base Value] = [Parry Ranks] + &lfloor;STR/4&rfloor; + &lfloor;DEX/4&rfloor;}}

:{{math|[Parry Ranks]}} is shown on the conversion reference table; add 10 bonus ranks to the converted value.

:{{math|1=[Stance Modifier] = 20% + Stance / 2}}
::''Example: In Stance Guarded (Stance = 80%), the Stance Modifier would be 20% + (80% / 2) = 60%''

:{{math|1=[Stance Bonus] = Stance &times; 50}}
::''Example: In Stance Guarded (Stance = 80%), the Stance Bonus would be 80% &times; 50 = +40 DS''

=== Ranged ===

{{Equation box|'''Parry Defense Strength (DS) formula, runestaff vs. ranged attacks:'''

:{{math|DS &#61; ([Base Value] &times; [Stance Modifier] &times; 1.5) / 2 + [Stance Bonus] / 2 + [Staff Enchant Bonus] / 2}}}}

=== Example Calculation ===

Level 60 character, 660 total magic ranks, 20 STR bonus, 20 DEX bonus, stance guarded (stance modifier 0.60 and stance bonus +40), +25 runestaff enchant bonus.

Step 1: Divide total magic ranks by level
:660 / 60 = 11

Step 2: Locate 11 in the 'magic ranks per level' column, then multiply the character's level by the conversion factor shown in the table.
:60 &times; 1.30 = 78 Weapon Ranks

Step 3: Enter this value in the runestaff parry formula along with stats to determine the Base Value. Remember to add 10 bonus ranks.
:10 + Weapon Ranks + truncate(STR / 4) + truncate(DEX / 4) = Base Value
:10 + 78 + (20 / 4) + (20 / 4) = 98 (Base Value)

Final Melee DS: Enter base value, stance modifier and enchant bonus into formula. Truncate result after each operation.
:[Base Value] &times; [Stance Modifier] &times; 1.5 + [Stance Bonus] + [Runestaff Enchant Bonus] = Parry DS
:(98 &times; 0.60 &times; 1.5) + 40 + 25 = 152 Guarded Stance Melee Parry DS

Final Ranged DS: Enter base value, stance modifier and enchant bonus into formula. Truncate result after each operation.
:[Base Value] &times; [Stance Modifier] &times; 1.5 / 2 + [Stance Bonus] / 2 + [Runestaff Enchant Bonus] / 2 = Parry DS
:(98 &times; 0.60 &times; 1.5 / 2) + (40 / 2) + (25 / 2) = 75 Guarded Stance Ranged Parry DS

== Properties and Scripts ==

=== Flares ===

Like other weapons, runestaves can be infused with [[flares]] and can inflict additional damage and/or criticals with a successful [[warding]] or [[bolt spell]] attack roll. Runestaves which flare in this fashion (rather than when used as a melee weapon), will flare less often (approximately 1/7 casts). [[Elemental Blade (411)]] can also be used on 0x runestaves in order to obtain elemental flares, though these will flare even less frequently. This is a popular tactic in areas with creatures which [[Disarm Weapon|disarm]] or [[curse]] adversaries, causing them to lose their weapon.

[[Acuity]] flares are a special type of flare that increases attack and casting strength for one cast. Acuity occurs just before the attack resolves, giving a better chance of a successful hit. This can be a property of the staff itself or a potential benefit of [[Ensorcell]].

=== Bless ===

Unlike with melee and missile weapons, typically a spellcaster will not need a [[blessing]] to be able to hit [[undead]] with full effect with magic (as they would not be physically swinging it). Runestaves can still be blessed by a Cleric to give them holy water flares and to [[anchor]] non-corporeal undead (as long as the blessing Cleric meets the requirements for those effects). [[Faewood]] is a holy material so a faewood runestaff would be considered blessed when held by a Cleric or Paladin, but it does not inherently have flares or anchoring, so the natural blessing is only visible when trying to swing it or use a combat maneuver, or if a Paladin [[Consecrate (1604)|consecrates]] it for plasma flares. Faewood is easier to [[Sanctify (330)|sanctify]], however, and sanctification has many benefits for spellcasters against undead.

=== Scripts ===

Runestaves may have some scripts that give them additional roleplaying and/or mechanical benefits. These are typically released in limited quantities from [[festival]]s and [[pay event]]s. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list as there are numerous different scripts in the world, and many are not exclusive to runestaves.

Roleplaying only:
*[[Orb Staff]] - These staves are tipped with a glowing orb.
*[[Xojium]]

Mechanical:
*[[Gem-eating runestaff]]
*[[Globus Elanthias]]
*[[Nerve Staves]]
*[[Rotflares]] - Not exclusive to runestaves but are designed for sorcerers, scaling with necromancy lore training
*[[Sigil Staff]]
*[[Surita runestaff]]
*[[Wand-holding runestaff]]


==Resources==
==Resources==
*[[Runestaff (saved posts)]]
*[[/saved posts|Saved posts]]
*[[Wand-holding runestaves (saved post)]]
*[[Wand-holding runestaves (saved post)]]
*[[Two-handed Weapons]]
*[[Two-handed Weapons]]
Line 261: Line 215:
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/combatguide.asp#staves Combat Guide: Rune Staves], on Play.net
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/combatguide.asp#staves Combat Guide: Rune Staves], on Play.net
*[http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Hunting%20and%20Combat/Runestaffs%20and%20Magical%20Staves/view Officials folder]
*[http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Hunting%20and%20Combat/Runestaffs%20and%20Magical%20Staves/view Officials folder]
{{top}}


[[category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Items]]
[[category:Magic]]
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Magic]]

Latest revision as of 18:22, 17 January 2022

Runestaff

Unlike most weapon types, a runestaff is utilized more for defense than for offense. A character of the spell casting professions may use this type of weapon. Held in the right hand, skill with a runestaff is based on the wielder’s overall magical knowledge. This arcane knowledge effectively translates into a rune staff "weapon" skill for purposes of parrying incoming attacks. Additionally, these wooden rune staves are capable of parrying magical bolt spells and missile weapons, whereas most other weapons cannot.

Alternate Names

Alternate names for runestaff include asaya, crook, crosier, pastoral staff, rune staff, scepter, staff, staff-of-Lumnis, and walking stick.

The runestaff is a different type of weapon than the quarterstaff, even though both may use the noun "staff". One can INSPECT a staff to determine its type.

Game Mechanics

A runestaff may be used offensively as a melee weapon. When used in this manner it is classified as a two-handed weapon and its attack strength is increased with training in the two-handed weapon skill. Compared to other two-handed weapons the runestaff does considerably less damage.

Weapon AG Cloth Leather Scale Chain Plate RT Min RT Damage Type STR/DU
AsG 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Runestaff DF .250 .200 .150 .150 .075 6 4 Crush 20/270
AvD 10 15 14 13 12 10 8 6 4 15 11 7 3 10 4 -2 -8

The standard runestaff has a weight of 4 lbs.

Note: To edit this table go to Template:Weapon table runestaff

Runestaff Defense

Table: Runestaff Parry Ranks Conversion
Magic Ranks
per Level
Weapon Ranks
Conversion
Magic Ranks
per Level
Weapon Ranks
Conversion
1 Level × 0.15 9 Level × 1.10
2 Level × 0.30 10 Level × 1.20
3 Level × 0.45 11 Level × 1.30
4 Level × 0.60 12 Level × 1.35
5 Level × 0.70 13 Level × 1.40
6 Level × 0.80 14 Level × 1.45
7 Level × 0.90 15 Level × 1.50
8 Level × 1.00 16 Level × 1.55

Skills that contribute to runestaff defense: Arcane Symbols, Harness Power, Magic Item Use, Spell Aiming, Spell Research, Mana Controls, Lores.

In order to benefit defensively using a rune staff, it is best to have at least eight magical ranks per level. A magical rank can be in any magical skill in the Character Manager, and each skill, regardless of cost, is weighted equally. Eight magical ranks per level is equivalent to 1x training in two-handed weapons and provides defenses as if the user had 10 additional parry ranks. Each additional magical rank per level will increase the caster's effective weapon ranks. To be proficient with a runestaff, it is expected that a typical caster will have 10.5 to 11 magical ranks per level. Provided they are 3 ranks spell research and 1 rank harness power, 4 ranks is perfectly adequate. General all round magic proficiency will result in around 11 ranks, but they aren't needed to be adequate with a runestaff. CS heavy builds will normally have 6-8 ranks and work best with runestaves.

Note: Training in Two-Handed Weapons skill DOES NOT add Parry DS. THW ranks only adds a bonus to the Attack Strength (AS) when the runestaff is used offensively. Do not train in Two-Handed Weapons unless you plan to swing the staff like a normal weapon.

Runestaves are also the only type of weapon which provide parry defense versus ranged attacks (bolt spells, hurled weapons, arrows). When parrying these ranged attacks, rune staves provide half their normal parrying bonus.

Unlike other weapons, a runestaff's full enchantment bonus is added directly to a character's Defensive Strength for all stances. For example, a runestaff with a +25 enchant bonus will add +25 DS in stance offensive.

Melee

Stance Modifier
Offensive 0.20
Advance 0.30
Forward 0.40
Neutral 0.50
Guarded 0.60
Defensive 0.70
Stance DS Bonus
Offensive 0
Advance 10
Forward 20
Neutral 30
Guarded 40
Defensive 50
Parry Defense Strength (DS) formula, runestaff vs. melee attacks:
DS = [Base Value] × [Stance Modifier] × 1.5 + [Stance Bonus] + Staff Enchant Bonus

where

[Base Value] = [Parry Ranks] + ⌊STR/4⌋ + ⌊DEX/4⌋
[Parry Ranks] is shown on the conversion reference table; add 10 bonus ranks to the converted value.
[Stance Modifier] = 20% + Stance / 2
Example: In Stance Guarded (Stance = 80%), the Stance Modifier would be 20% + (80% / 2) = 60%
[Stance Bonus] = Stance × 50
Example: In Stance Guarded (Stance = 80%), the Stance Bonus would be 80% × 50 = +40 DS

Ranged

Parry Defense Strength (DS) formula, runestaff vs. ranged attacks:
DS = ([Base Value] × [Stance Modifier] × 1.5) / 2 + [Stance Bonus] / 2 + [Staff Enchant Bonus] / 2

Example Calculation

Level 60 character, 660 total magic ranks, 20 STR bonus, 20 DEX bonus, stance guarded (stance modifier 0.60 and stance bonus +40), +25 runestaff enchant bonus.

Step 1: Divide total magic ranks by level

660 / 60 = 11

Step 2: Locate 11 in the 'magic ranks per level' column, then multiply the character's level by the conversion factor shown in the table.

60 × 1.30 = 78 Weapon Ranks

Step 3: Enter this value in the runestaff parry formula along with stats to determine the Base Value. Remember to add 10 bonus ranks.

10 + Weapon Ranks + truncate(STR / 4) + truncate(DEX / 4) = Base Value
10 + 78 + (20 / 4) + (20 / 4) = 98 (Base Value)

Final Melee DS: Enter base value, stance modifier and enchant bonus into formula. Truncate result after each operation.

[Base Value] × [Stance Modifier] × 1.5 + [Stance Bonus] + [Runestaff Enchant Bonus] = Parry DS
(98 × 0.60 × 1.5) + 40 + 25 = 152 Guarded Stance Melee Parry DS

Final Ranged DS: Enter base value, stance modifier and enchant bonus into formula. Truncate result after each operation.

[Base Value] × [Stance Modifier] × 1.5 / 2 + [Stance Bonus] / 2 + [Runestaff Enchant Bonus] / 2 = Parry DS
(98 × 0.60 × 1.5 / 2) + (40 / 2) + (25 / 2) = 75 Guarded Stance Ranged Parry DS

Properties and Scripts

Flares

Like other weapons, runestaves can be infused with flares and can inflict additional damage and/or criticals with a successful warding or bolt spell attack roll. Runestaves which flare in this fashion (rather than when used as a melee weapon), will flare less often (approximately 1/7 casts). Elemental Blade (411) can also be used on 0x runestaves in order to obtain elemental flares, though these will flare even less frequently. This is a popular tactic in areas with creatures which disarm or curse adversaries, causing them to lose their weapon.

Acuity flares are a special type of flare that increases attack and casting strength for one cast. Acuity occurs just before the attack resolves, giving a better chance of a successful hit. This can be a property of the staff itself or a potential benefit of Ensorcell.

Bless

Unlike with melee and missile weapons, typically a spellcaster will not need a blessing to be able to hit undead with full effect with magic (as they would not be physically swinging it). Runestaves can still be blessed by a Cleric to give them holy water flares and to anchor non-corporeal undead (as long as the blessing Cleric meets the requirements for those effects). Faewood is a holy material so a faewood runestaff would be considered blessed when held by a Cleric or Paladin, but it does not inherently have flares or anchoring, so the natural blessing is only visible when trying to swing it or use a combat maneuver, or if a Paladin consecrates it for plasma flares. Faewood is easier to sanctify, however, and sanctification has many benefits for spellcasters against undead.

Scripts

Runestaves may have some scripts that give them additional roleplaying and/or mechanical benefits. These are typically released in limited quantities from festivals and pay events. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list as there are numerous different scripts in the world, and many are not exclusive to runestaves.

Roleplaying only:

Mechanical:

Resources