Rune Stones

About this board game

Rune Stones is a deck-building and hand-management game for 2–4 players, with games lasting about 60 minutes. In the role of competing druids, you will summon magical creatures, gather precious gems, and forge artifacts in a bid to become the most powerful druid.

Every card has a unique number, creating a challenging choice whenever you play. Two cards are always played together: the higher-numbered card is removed from your deck, while the other goes to your discard pile. Choose carefully which cards to buy and how to use them, or you may lose your most valuable cards.

On each turn, choose one of three options:

• Summon Creatures: Spend the required spell power from cards in your hand to take new creature cards from the display.
• Play Cards: Pair two cards to gain resources, cards, or points, accepting the risk of removing the higher-numbered card.
• Forge Artifacts: Spend gems at the six dwarf forges to create artifacts.

Once you have at least two artifacts of different colors, you can combine them into a rune stone. Each rune stone grants a permanent special ability and valuable points, helping you acquire gems and artifacts more effectively. Using more artifacts to create a rune stone earns more points, but gaining its ability earlier may be just as important.

The first player to reach 65 points triggers the end of the game. After the round is completed, the druid with the most points ascends the throne. With its blend of deck-building, resource gathering, tactical card loss, and long-term ability choices, Rune Stones turns every decision into a test of magical planning.