The Bent Rune

Although public opinion in the Upper Realm is generally anti-magic, there is a strong underground movement that practices and trades in magic. Members of any House must be discreet about their membership and studies, and take on roles in society that do not necessarily draw attention to their real beliefs.
But magic is used and desired by most people in the realm, even if they would not admit to it openly. Nearly every House has an outpost in which prospective members, active members, and those seeking their help can visit, and most operate unde the guise of a shop. They sell trinkets or goods as a front, but they often sell enchantments as well, as a way to fund their other studies and goals.
It is not just members of the Houses who use magic, but because there are those who do not tolerate magic at all, only those who know the secret symbol are welcomed into these shop backrooms: the bent rune. The bent rune is not a true rune, meaning that it does not affect any magic. It is simply an emblem that shoppers and members must show to the “shopkeeper” in order to gain access to enchanted goods, either by drawing on a surface or showing an image.
The bent rune is shaped like a directional arrow, but usually bent (the straight arrow, by comparison, is an indication of high status within the Ring of Magicians, usually an Archon). Whenever the shape of an arrow falls into the hands of anti-magickers, such as the guards of Haven, the bend is changed and communicated across the Houses. Therefore, anyone who receives an arrow rune as payment is encouraged to use it quickly, or else they lose access.
Having the bent rune is not the only way to access magic, but it is the system of referrals within the magic underworld and a means to keep their network safe from the anti-magickers.

Item type

Art