Few match the Rune Fencer in terms of power and elegance, but it's the mystery behind this fierce combatant that sets it apart from most of its compatriots. Outside of Adoulin, what is known of this job lies in various literary works detailing the first Rune Fencer, the swordsman Sverdhried, and the origins of runeology, the art of using runes for offensive and defensive purposes.

Read on to learn about the history of the Rune Fencer, and let us know what you think about it over on the ZAM forums!

From Playonline.com:

Lightness of step is but a trifle for masters of the elements.

Let ye who face foe exploit his weaknesses through the blessings of the elements.

Victory is nigh when ye see through a rival as one does a pane of glass.

Should these covenants remain unbroken, the runes will guide ye to certain triumphs.

—From An Introduction to the Runic Arts, a treatise by Octavien.


Rune fencers conjure an ancient elemental script that harbors primeval forces—and bend them to their very will. They call forth the latent potential bubbling just beneath the ink, turning it into either tempestuous blades that carve the flesh of foes or ethereal shields that protect the meek. This delicate balance between fury and virtue is the hallmark of runeology, and those walking down its path must heed this accord if they are to become masters of the craft.

Sverdhried, the Rune Fencer

Asky-wask if you don't understand.
Keep on fightaruing until you've experienced it firsthand

Runic ener-wenergy lies within the soul,
While swordsmanship skills are physical manifestations of strength.

Daily training-waining leads to greataru progress.

Inventions and insight are tools of the future!

From Amchuchu's addendum to The Order of Orvail Family Precepts.

The Order of Orvail, managers of the Inventors' Coalition, are the safekeepers of the mystical blade said to have been wielded by Sverdhried himself. Many long days and nights were spent sharpening its edges, refining its grip, and enhancing its potential as a magical conduit, until it was finally able to harbor three runes at a time. Further uses for Sverdhried's runic magic were studied and conceived throughout the years, finally manifesting themselves as "wards," which confer elemental protection upon the engraver, and "effusions," which expend the power of the runes to create a burst of magical energy.

Though even Sverdhried had to spend half a decade learning the runic arts, those swearing allegiance to Orvail in recent years have concocted a method of mastering their mysteries in mere weeks. Of course, such training brings with it risks of its own.

This training involves the carving of runes into one's very flesh in tandem with the mastering of mystic algorithms tested through deductive presentation. Conquering both the physical and intellectual aspects of this regimen is vital to walking the path of runes and eventually declaring oneself a rune fencer.

Illustration: Mitsuhiro Arita