The Origin of the Rune Warriors

The Rune Warriors

The Rune Warriors are a symbol of the Frostmen's adaptability and will to survive, born from a time of deepest hardship. During the Exodus, when the warmth of the outside world harmed their sensitive bodies, they faced the challenge of procuring food far from the cold safety of their ships. Efforts to create temporary magical cold came at a high cost: exhausted mages, lost lives, and drained resources. But from this desperation emerged a brilliant solution – the invention of the rune armor. These masterpieces of magic and craftsmanship preserved the cool environment within and enabled missions that had previously been unthinkable. Over time, they came to be known as “Rune Warriors” – a designation that reflects not only their function but also their legendary status.  

Duties during the Exodus

During the Exodus, the Rune Warriors played a central role in ensuring the survival of the exiles. Each ship’s community had a squad of up to ten Rune Warriors who regularly went on hunts. They ventured into the hostile warm lands near the equator or into the depths of the sea to procure urgently needed food. Their armor not only protected them from the heat but, thanks to embedded runes, made them lethal fighters. Some runes enabled them to hunt with ice projectiles or granted them increased mobility and endurance, allowing them to adapt to extreme conditions. The Rune Warriors were more than just hunters – they were protectors and survivalists, ready to risk their lives for their community.  

Duties in Vintergard after Landfall

Upon arrival in Vintergard, the Rune Warriors assumed a central role in building and securing the new habitat. Thanks to runes of strength, they were able to perform tremendous feats that facilitated the construction of settlements and protective walls in the harsh environment. Whether hauling heavy blocks of ice or shaping stone foundations – their superhuman strength made them indispensable to the community.   The Rune Warriors also took on the defense against the dangerous ice creatures that roam Vintergard. They bravely faced threats – from aggressive polar bears to gigantic iceworms whose massive bodies and magical abilities could be deadly. Their armor and runes made them fearless warriors, defending both their home and the people within it from attack.   But the Rune Warriors were not just fighters – they were also rescuers in times of need. If someone fell into the icy sea, a Rune Warrior would dive in without hesitation, protected by the magical cold of their armor, and retrieve the drowning person safely. Their ability to move under extreme maritime conditions made them life-saving heroes of the community.   With this wide range of duties, the Rune Warriors became the backbone of the Frostmen in Vintergard – both as defenders of life and as architects of their future.