The Runelords

David Farland’s Runelords series may be divisive in some regards, but his unique magic systemsare hard to deny. The concept of Endowments is by far the most interesting of the two, introducing the user to unimaginable power. Via facilitators, runelords can take on the attributes of another person, but it must be voluntary. If somebody is intelligent, they can give that intelligence to somebody else, and will have a lower IQ until the runelord dies. As you would expect, few are willing to give up such traits, but the system is also open to tampering. Raj Ahten has been lying, manipulating, and blackmailing to stealendowments for many years. Rather than asking for volunteers, he will happily hold citizens at sword point to consolidate his power. Alongside endowments is a more traditional, elemental magic system. The four powers, Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind are constantly fighting for power, using humans as their tools. The kingdom of Rofhavan is also home to giants, wights, and insectoids, all tying into Farland’s beautiful world.