Soder, Runes & Scrolls
... chisel or nail, it's an ancient tool that carves rocks into Runes.
"If you are serious about learning the secret of Words, I suggest starting with simple Leyman's Words. The Root of Origin begins here. Once you understand a few root Words, we can begin channeling those into your Work. Now, let's begin with "Fire". This cave is chilly, yes?"
In the twilight of the Ice Age, as early Cultures first brushed against the sacred origins of Words, they began crafting crude tools to express them. Picks, mallets, and chisels, used to etch simple symbols and sacred grids into stone. What began as a means of preserving language soon unfolded into something far more potent. Unbeknownst to them, the raw imagination infused with energy and intent, when paired with the Word, carried extraordinary power. As the need to express in new and creative ways forged a synthesis of languages through Leymen's Tongue, through the simple tools that rose from carving Runes.
Shaped by the need of expression, these stone tools were crude but efficient. Stone-carvers refined alphabets and marked the passage of Time into enduring stone. Yet among the Sijinn Tribes, another craft was awakening: the art of inscribing channeled Magic. Their tools, elegant and arcane, spread through barter and Cultural exchange. Of these, none were more essential to enchanting scrolls or inscribing runes than the Soder. With its crystal-tipped shaft and a core aligned to frozen Source, the Soder turned Words into vessels of transformation. By inscribing enchanted language into matter, new inventions emerged.
Origin & Mythos
When the Sijinn rediscovered the myth of the Roots of Origin, they started to turn away from the use of Sijiqon, and develop their independent Elemental languages. Laced with the Magic Words harvested from consuming Wordcaps, the Sijinn would regularly convene in order to learn and share their languages. From those meetings, the Sodering Runes myths not only shared the languages but gave the Soder roots.
The Soder traces its origins to the Sijinn of Izeiqor, where the Talasi Water Tribes carved the first Ice Runes. Written in an attempt to capture the initial magic Words of their emergent Thalsen Script, the Talasi presented their Runes to the Sijinn. When asked how such enchanted letters had been achieved, the Talasi referred to a bone-handled tool tipped in magical Ice. Other Sijinn began shaping their versions of Runes from their own artistic Soders.
The Ornosi Earth Tribe were the second to innovate Rune-Craft. Bone, stone, or wood were common materials for a Soder, but Ornosi famously used huge mallets. In producing the Orren Script, Ornosi discovered that gemstones could be used in place of magical Ice. A young artisan kept breaking their tools in an attempt to write the perfect message to captivate a love interest. Unable to consider the perfect Word, the artisan smashed the stone they had been seated upon, only to reveal the first Gemstone Rune. Large mallets fell out of use due to the artisans' failed attempts initially, which led to an incredibly detailed, ornate runic script.
The Ashasi Fire Tribes developed a practice of using obsidian-tipped Soders after a myth of a young Ashasi who climbed into a volcano with a copper rod and returned with the Obsidian Runes.
The Rihusi Wind Tribe formed their Runes lastly, but their legend involved a flute-like tool and dust, freezing the words mid-air, creating unique Miasma Runes. Found used in Rihusi songs and poetry.
Soders were shaped by both the materials of the World and the meaning they carved. Magical Ice and Gemstone Soders became common among the Sijinn, prized for their affinity with certain Runes. Bone and Copper, though rarer, gained Ritual significance. Across Cultures and regions, the core form remained a humble but sacred tool.
Though much isn't known, the person credited through Divination and myth as the creator of the Soder was Aunale' of Talasi. While the Sijinn pursued the shape of Runes, Aunale' preferred different tools than the common implements of the Time. Instead, she isolated herself in a cavern of ice, where she crafted her Soder unwittingly with a piece of Magical Blue Ice. Legends claim that Aunale's specific Blue Ice Soder is capable of restoring broken Ice Artifacts or Relics. It went on to shape the intial letters and syllables of the Talasi language, carved in Ice Runes.
Ice Runes
The Soder traces its origins to the Sijinn of Izeiqor, where the Talasi Water Tribes carved the first Ice Runes. Written in an attempt to capture the initial magic Words of their emergent Thalsen Script, the Talasi presented their Runes to the Sijinn. When asked how such enchanted letters had been achieved, the Talasi referred to a bone-handled tool tipped in magical Ice. Other Sijinn began shaping their versions of Runes from their own artistic Soders.
Elemental Soders
Endowed with the Elemental Spirits of Sijinn.
Bone, Stone & Wood Runes
The Ornosi Earth Tribe were the second to innovate Rune-Craft. Bone, stone, or wood were common materials for a Soder, but Ornosi famously used huge mallets. In producing the Orren Script, Ornosi discovered that gemstones could be used in place of magical Ice. A young artisan kept breaking their tools in an attempt to write the perfect message to captivate a love interest. Unable to consider the perfect Word, the artisan smashed the stone they had been seated upon, only to reveal the first Gemstone Rune. Large mallets fell out of use due to the artisans' failed attempts initially, which led to an incredibly detailed, ornate runic script.Obsidian Runes
The Ashasi Fire Tribes developed a practice of using obsidian-tipped Soders after a myth of a young Ashasi who climbed into a volcano with a copper rod and returned with the Obsidian Runes.Miasma Runes
The Rihusi Wind Tribe formed their Runes lastly, but their legend involved a flute-like tool and dust, freezing the words mid-air, creating unique Miasma Runes. Found used in Rihusi songs and poetry.Naming the Soder
While the Sijinn each presented their Runes, none yet agreed on the name of the practice nor upon the most proper tool by which they'd inscribed their works. Each had a name, but the other argued. The Runes, when presented in pairs or combinations, seemed to reject each other. In a final moment of unison, the Words seemed to leap together, until one among them understood the Word. Soder became associated with Runes and script.
"It is not recorded the one who named the Word, but among them, it was thus known: 'Sonder'. Even in four languages, Words could be shared by Sijinn."
Soders were shaped by both the materials of the World and the meaning they carved. Magical Ice and Gemstone Soders became common among the Sijinn, prized for their affinity with certain Runes. Bone and Copper, though rarer, gained Ritual significance. Across Cultures and regions, the core form remained a humble but sacred tool.
Notable Figures & Legends
Inventor of the Soder
Though much isn't known, the person credited through Divination and myth as the creator of the Soder was Aunale' of Talasi. While the Sijinn pursued the shape of Runes, Aunale' preferred different tools than the common implements of the Time. Instead, she isolated herself in a cavern of ice, where she crafted her Soder unwittingly with a piece of Magical Blue Ice. Legends claim that Aunale's specific Blue Ice Soder is capable of restoring broken Ice Artifacts or Relics. It went on to shape the intial letters and syllables of the Talasi language, carved in Ice Runes.
Design & Function
Basic Soder
Shaped from simple, durable materials, the Soder's form reflects the Soul of its Artisan. Some are hollowed to ease channeling; others tightly bound to steady focus. The shaft itself is cosmetic. Some Cultures continued to use it as a chiseling tool with a mallet while others developed precise Soders, capable of engraving through the Soder's own enchantments.Advanced Soder
There are many variations on the common Soder. Some can be rolled along fabric while others contain multiple Runes for enchanting dense materials. Wide chisel-shapes were favored for wood and sculpting cold clay while precision tips and nails created elegant scripts.Rune and Scroll-Craft
Even without a Caster's intent, the Soder found itself applied as a literary device. With ink or dyes, Soders were utilized as crude pens for Scroll-Craft. Yet this same process was also used in crafting magical and mundane Runes. As a writing utensil, the mundane Soder found common use, but its ritual purposes kept the enchanted Runic Soders within tight circles. Object Enchantment
Soders craft magical Runes into items, such as gear, armor, tools, and weapons. By combining one or multiple Runes within an object, a new type of item is created. This woven pattern of Runes is called a Spell Matrix. Once inscribed, the matrix becomes a permanent part of the object.Mechanics & Inner Workings
With the ability to harness and channel potential Source, a Soder effectively draws out the Source of components associated with the desired Rune, Word, or outcome, and embeds their residual energies into an object. The Soder binds and tethers the energies from resources used in item or Spell-Craft. When consuming raw materials, their pure energies coalesce as the materials diminish, consumed. Drawing the glyph accurately while containing the residual Source energies and Word meaning strengthens Casters.When crafting or enchanting objects, Soders: "Draw", "Engrave", "Imbue", and "Scribe".
Craft & Manufacture
Crafting a Basic Soder
TTRPG- Crafting
Proficiency:- Tool Craft (Spirit)
- Cost: TBD Casho
- DV: 5/+1 per 2 Hours
- Consumes Components
To craft a Soder, a shard of Magic Ice, gemstone, or sacred bone is fastened to a handle using resin, sinew, or cord. This handle is about the size of a hand or forearm, crafted of simple materials. The Artisan then whispers the Word 'Soder', repeating with each breath focused, channeling energy into the nib. Awakening the shard's Source, the Artisan's intent is bound. When a new Rune is required, the bearer meditates on the Word until it settles clearly, then they carve a Magic Rune. If a 'nib' breaks, the tool is broken, and requires a new Magic Source replacement.
Time to Craft: 3-4 Hours
Time to Craft: 3-4 Hours
Ash Soders
Ashasi Ash Soders are rolled across fabric or wood to leave small burns in the shape of their Ashen Script. Crafted using sacred ash and bone and tipped with topaz, an Ash Soder left important messages or recorded important myths of the Ashasi Tribes. Ceremonial in nature, Ash Soders were popular story-telling devices. The gemstone tip of this unique Soder increases with heat; when in use, the Soder warms as it channels or enchants with Fire Source. 
Scorch-Mark Runes
Bad penmanship, referred to as 'Scorch-marks'.
Cultural Versions & Variations
Aelven Soders
Aelven Stylus
The migrant Aelves of Izeiqor brought the initial enchanted Soders to distant lands, but the Aelves adapted the Aelven Stylus- a style that favored a narrow, chiseled tip. Often contained a hollow compartment to allow for enchanted properties, the Stylus never fell out of popularity with the Aelves and their kin. Aelven Stylus were used with dye to make cloth or painted Scrolls. The Aelven Stylus lost the ability to carve or engrave upon objects.Root-Born Runes
In an attempt to mimic the Wordcaps, where many of their magical Words derived, the Aelves created a type of Stylus known as a Rooted Stylus. With one associated Word, this enchanted Soder can place a Rune inside the seed of fruit-bearing trees. Once the seeds sprout, the enchanted Word can be found on the fruit or the roots. The Rooted Stylus only works on the plant that it's carved from. Aelven Artisans often used the same Soders. Folk Soders
Mystic Chisels
The Myst Folk of Isaleir were known for adapting the Soder after trading with traveling Sijinn Pilgrims. Their Soders were based off of the old Ornosi design, which includes a large mallet. This actually worked well in carving Runes into their vessels and shelters. These types of Runes were distinct from their language, but informed much of Isaleirian Culture. Found on trail markers, Mystic Runes navigated coasts and glaciers by marking Folk Stones.Mythic Chisels
As story-tellers, the Myth Folk were intrigued by the Soders, and created tools called Mythic Chisels. The Myth Folk favored a set of varying tools, mainly formed from old antlers or horns. This allowed the Myth Folk to create a range of expressions within their letters and grids. This featured in their Cultural work, as clay pots began to feature additional properties. Using the chisel, Mythic Totems were also figures of fable, speaking with stone mouths in phrases known to the Folk.Rune Fang
Among the Buniru and Proto-Human Tribes, the ancient carving tools were not as useful as the Rune Fangs. Thought to be interpretations of the Soder, Rune Fang were often literally the fang or nail of a creature that had been inscribed with Words sacred to these Cultures. This tool sometimes became a weapon as well, like a primitive dagger. Rune Fangs carried potent enchantments meant for battle.
Legacy & Historical Significance
The Soder is an amazing tool that revolutionized different aspects of early Cultural lifestyles. Arts and fashion, language and script, magical Craft and enchantment- the Soder was a tool that carved the way for survival in the lands of forever frost. By leaving these impressions and reliefs in stone, each Culture had access to recorded history.
Even a mundane Soder with a chiseled tip could cut and scrape the stone with more efficiency than cruder, older methods. The Folk Arcs became products of the Soder's refined edge. In following Ages, the Soder would be known as other names, such as the Solder, until diverging into other Technologies. Yet as a tool it never lost its utility, carving legacy.
Access & Distribution
WIP- TBD
Arx- Core D10 System TTRPG information is currently WIP. Thank you for your patience! Evolution & Technological Innovation
Scrivener of the Modern Age
In Pathon's Modern Age, people use a special stylus called a Scrivener that interacts with most Technology, but also serves its common function as a writing tool. While the World of magic and industry changed around it, the Scriviner still resembles its ancestor.
There are many innovations brought about by the advent of the Scriviner. Colored printers, cameras, phones, all use similar Scrivener Technology. Still, today people scribble on tablets of light and sound rather than stone, inscribing their thoughts to the World.
Runic Chisels
This Article reviews a primitive tool related to item Enchantment and Rune-Craft.
Soder
Wood or stone chisel, crowned in magic Ice or crystal; engraves items.
Availability
Distribution:
Ritual, Uncommon
Region:
Global
Demographic:
Multicultural
Ritual, Uncommon
Region:
Global
Demographic:
Multicultural
Base Price
TBD Casho
TBD Casho
Fabricate
Tools:
Cutting Tools
File or Chisel
File or Chisel
Grain Stone
Tuning Fork
Tuning Fork
Materials:
Wood, Stone, Bone, or Metal (Shaft)
M. Ice, Gems, Relic Bone (Nib, Source)
Resin, Cord, or Sinew (Bindings)
Wood, Stone, Bone, or Metal (Shaft)
M. Ice, Gems, Relic Bone (Nib, Source)
Resin, Cord, or Sinew (Bindings)
Technology
Originator:
Aunale' of Talasi
Invented first Soder and Ice Runes.
Aunale' of Talasi
Invented first Soder and Ice Runes.
Origin:
Izeiqor
Izeiqor
Established:
IA / 2nd Era
IA / 2nd Era
Original Materials:
Bone, wood, or stone handle tipped in Magic Ice; infused by Caster's Source.
Bone, wood, or stone handle tipped in Magic Ice; infused by Caster's Source.
Common Names:
Stylus (Aelven)
Rune Fang (Buniru, P-Human)
Stylus (Aelven)
Rune Fang (Buniru, P-Human)
Variants:
Aelven Stylus
Ash Soders (Ashasi)
Ice Soders (Talasi)
Fluted Soders (Rihusi)
Gemstone Soders (Ornosi)
Mystic/ Mythic Chisels (Folk)
Aelven Stylus
Ash Soders (Ashasi)
Ice Soders (Talasi)
Fluted Soders (Rihusi)
Gemstone Soders (Ornosi)
Mystic/ Mythic Chisels (Folk)
References
Mentioned Articles
Ethnicity
Myth
Entry for Worldbuilding Summer Camp 2025
Answering: "A cutting edge technology expected to change the future"
All Arc Sagas' © content, including but not limited to original assets, mechanics, settings, is the intellectual property of Myth-X, unless attributed otherwise.
Arc Sagas' universe and the Arx-Core D10's System (TTRPG) are © Myth-X, 2023–2025. AI assets generated via perchance.org or Elara-AI; all AI Images edited, watermarked by Myth-X. Iconography sourced from RPG-Awesome or Font Awesome. Content is hosted and displayed via World Anvil.
All rights reserved. Redistribution or commercial use without express permission is prohibited.
Arc Sagas' universe and the Arx-Core D10's System (TTRPG) are © Myth-X, 2023–2025. AI assets generated via perchance.org or Elara-AI; all AI Images edited, watermarked by Myth-X. Iconography sourced from RPG-Awesome or Font Awesome. Content is hosted and displayed via World Anvil.
All rights reserved. Redistribution or commercial use without express permission is prohibited.
Hi there! A neat way to expand on the magic of runes by including different methods of scripting. I enjoyed working through your article and selected it for inclusion in my 2025 Summer Camp Reading Challenge article. Feel free to read more at
2025 Summer Camp Reading Challenge
WIP - The Chaos Bringer: A Dark Fantasy BG3 FF
"Thou dost not meddle in the affairs of dragons, lest thou be chewed in self-defense..."
Thank you for including my work with your Reading Challenge! I want you to know that I appreciate the substantial feedback you've provided. I also appreciate the time you spent reading Soder, and with your feedback, I'll polish this and other Articles like it. Thank you!
I really enjoyed the article, rune are always a fascinating subject and paired with magic makes them even better. The system you created is intriguing, and I'm glad that my feedback had made a positive contribution!
WIP - The Chaos Bringer: A Dark Fantasy BG3 FF
"Thou dost not meddle in the affairs of dragons, lest thou be chewed in self-defense..."
I have to agree. You mentioned in your Reading Challenge forms of Runes, and I do wish to confirm that the base inspiration is there. I thought it might be interesting to know that when it comes to the Aelven / Elvish forms of Runes and script, I imagine they had a practice similar to Ogham, in that it was typically done on wood in vertical alignments for Divinatory or Ritual practice. Small details, but I think stuff like this adds up, and builds a very nice picture in the end. Words and the forming of Phrases will feature heavy in Arc Sagas' mechanics as a TTRPG, so something like this checks many World-Building boxes, imo. And yes, absolutely! I believe I'll shift the Historical information up in Technology Articles moving forward. That was a good call; it makes more sense in these kinds of Articles, where the History is more the subject than craft or design. Arc Sagas is an evolving, innovating process, and it's not without support like this that I can improve on the design. Thanks again, for being a reader and for including AS in your Summer reading! I'm sincerely and super happy you enjoyed!
♪（〜^∇^ )〜
WIP - The Chaos Bringer: A Dark Fantasy BG3 FF
"Thou dost not meddle in the affairs of dragons, lest thou be chewed in self-defense..."