Rune Loop

Contents

When faced with the unknown, I hold my rune loop tight,
Certainty fills my soul, ready to do what's right.

— Extract from ancient Nomad poem

Purpose

The rune loop is a jewellery item, formed from a piece of string or twine with a pendant made from stone or wood or metal attached to it. The pendant has a rune carved in it with a specific meaning. They can be designed to be worn around the wrist, neck, finger, ankle or waist.
No two rune loops are identical. Each one is handcrafted, likely with a specific person and purpose in mind. The creation of a rune loop requires a Heks to form the rune as well as someone to create the loop, although this can often be the Heks as well. The creation of a rune can take a lot of energy and they are extremely powerful. A Heks can only make one or two in a day, which is why they are usually made for a specific individual.
Once the rune on the rune loop has served its purpose, the rune loop no longer functions. Often the use of its power will destroy or at least damage the item. This is why the loops are often made from string or twine rather than metal or anything more valuable. A person cannot actively decide when a rune loop is activated. The rune makes that decision.

Runes

Runes are one of the forms which magic in The Wilds takes. Magic is known to be a mysterious and inexplicable force and it can only be wielded by a Heks. While most Heks' are able to channel magic into some basic Runes, a Heks whose magic comes from the power of their emotions or a Heks who requires a physical component are said to be able to craft the most powerful runes.
Runes themselves are created by forming a symbol or several symbols, often into something that means they are indelible. Below are some examples of runes commonly found on a rune loop.

Home

To help a person find their way home.

Battle

To help a person perform well in battle.

Protection

To create a protective shield around a person.

Decisions

To help a person make a difficult decision.

Forms of Magic

Magic can take many forms. The most common is for it to be manifested from the source of the Heks. However, all Heks' can also apply magic in other ways, which are known as 'casting' their magic. Other forms include:

• speaking magic into existence
• embedding it in runes
• dreaming it
• casting it into another's mind

Not all of these forms can be performed by all Heks and some take many years to learn.