Greetings,

Which of the runes can be used as sources of elements for the purposes of spells? I expect only the ones that actually are engulfed in flame do, but wanted to confirm.

Fire - the description says that the blade is alight so I expect that counts
Frost - while an argument can be made for water, it simply says that the blade is cold. I expect it doesn't count.
Stone - probably works as a source for earth as a wand as it gives any earth spells cast with the rune a bonus to damage. I'm not sure if it would apply for any of the others though.
Nier - should be a source of fire as the blade is engulfed in flame
Fire Dragon - As Nier

With a sweep of his hat,

Paul

My understanding is that spells which require a source of a particular element use up the element with the casting. If that is true, I'm not sure if runes would be able to produce a source enough to power a spell.

John

I have seen nothing in the rules which say a rune functions as a source of an element in the rules. It has been said that using a source for a spell uses UP the source. If the runes are allowed as a source, it would deactivate the rune, needing you to reactivate it every time you cast from it.

John, Cody, understood. I hadn't remembered about the source being used up. I'm fine with runes not counting or effectively snuffing out the flames and needing to be reactivated. Just need to pass along the answer to someone else.

With a sweep of his hat,

Paul

Do you have a reference for this? If true, it would be a pretty large impediment to any casters who can't use themselves as a source. I fully understand needing a fire/torch to cast a fire spell, but only being able to use that source once would be rough.

How many ticks to re-light a torch?

It was most recently mentioned in response to questions around "Solidify Water". James wasn't sure if it was for all spells but at least that one used the source.

I recall, but can't quote, this being mentioned on previous boards as well. Someone else may have an appropriate quote or perhaps it never made it into 'official standing'.

John

Solidify water is supposed to use up its source as a limitation on an otherwise very potent control spell. To my knowledge other sources are not consumed with casting ... though I don't necessarily object to that ruling either.

Either way I have seen human Nierites using torches as a fire source. I see no reason why a flaming sword wouldn't work.

Solidify Water has had some "tweaking" done to it... and it does not specifically use up its source

I rather limit the spells usefulness then move to "spell components" as some balancing mechanic

ah but Pedro i was looking forward to using other people as water sources... Do you have a write up of what that spell is going to look like? I would be interested to see what you came up with!

~T

@Pedro (or other PCI rules virtuosos): Does an elemental spell use up a source if using--say--a waterskin or torch? How does this work for--say--a fire rune?