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Those that choose to master the ability to create runes of power are runecasters.

Requirements

Class Features

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Runecasters gain no proficiency with any weapon, armor, or shield.

Spells per Day/Spells Known: When a new runecaster level is gained, the character gains new spells per day (and spells known, if applicable) as if he had also gained a level in whatever divine spellcasting class granted him access to 3rd-level spells before he added the prestige class. He does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained (improved chance of turning or rebuking undead, and so on), except for an increased effective level of spellcasting. This essentially means that he adds the level of runecaster to the level of whatever other divine spellcasting class granted him access to 3rd-level spells, then determines spells per day, spells known, and caster level accordingly.

If a character had more than one divine spellcasting class that granted access to 3rd-level spells before he became a runecaster, he must decide to which class he adds each level of runecaster for the purpose of determining spells per day and spells known.

Rune Craft (Ex): At 1st level, the runecaster gains a +1 bonus on Craft checks made to inscribe runes. This bonus increases to +2 at 4th level and to +3 at 7th level.

Improved Runecasting (Su): As a runecaster rises in level, he gains the ability to create runes that function more than once and have different kinds of triggers. These extra features increase the cost of the rune, as shown on the table.

Works When Read or Passed: Any attempt to study, identify, or fathom a rune's meaning counts as "reading" the rune. Passing through any portal that bears a rune counts as "passing" it. To affect a target, a rune must have an unbroken line of effect to it and be within 30 feet of it.

A rune that is triggered when passed can be set for almost any special condition the runecaster specifies. Runes can be set to trigger according to physical characteristics (such as height or weight) or creature type, subtype, or race (such as drow or aberration). They can also trigger based on good, evil, law, or chaos, or a creature's patron deity. They cannot, however, be set to trigger by class, Hit Dice, or level. Runes respond to invisible creatures normally but are not triggered by creatures that travel past them ethereally. When placing a rune with a "pass" trigger, a runecaster can specify a password or phrase that prevents the rune from triggering.

Rune Power (Ex): When the runecaster reaches 2nd level, his runes become more potent. The DC for all attempts to erase, dispel, or disable his runes, and for caster level checks to overcome the spell resistance of their targets, increases by 1. This increase does not apply to the DC of the saving throw (if any) to resist a rune's effect. This increase rises to 2 at 5th level and to 3 at 9th level.

Maximize Rune (Ex): At 6th level, the runecaster can create runes whose effects are maximized, as if by the Maximize Spell feat, without a ltering the level o f the spell used to create the rune. Maximizing a rune adds 5 to the DC of the Craft check required to inscribe it.

Rune Chant (Ex): A 10th-level runecaster may cast any divine spell to which he has access at +1 caster level by tracing a rune in the air as an extra somatic component. For spells with a casting time of 1 action, using this ability increases the casting time to 1 full round. The casting time for all other spells increases by 1 round when rune chant is used. This ability cannot be used on stilled spells, and it does not function with the maximize rune ability.

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