A Grain of Sand

This article is part of Runarcana + and isn’t canon to Runarcana RPG

“A grain of sand can hold every secret of the desert, of the world, and even of the universe.”

This was one of the teachings Azir gave his disciples in the art of sand manipulation. His explanations were deeply versed in Shurima’s classical philosophy, with an impressive number of quotations from the great librarian, the god-warrior Nasus, keeper of the sands.

Sand magic isn’t just about the temporary creation of sand; it takes hold through the manipulation and transmutation of everything that exists, reducing it to tiny grains. With these words, the Emperor stopped being an imposing figure and became a wellspring of knowledge, a channel for the wisdom of antiquity and even the mysteries of the Sun Disc.

Few learn the mysteries of the desert, and almost no one can command its sands the way Azir does. Mastering this power and knowing the secrets of the sands is a gift granted only to Azir’s most faithful and capable followers.

Every lesson he taught was given with a true and proud spirit, of what Shurima had once represented and what he devoted himself to it becoming in the present. When they spoke with him, his disciples would even forget they stood before a god-warrior with power enough to turn Shurima into an immense void.

Thanks to this, Azir’s disciples became more loyal than he could ever have imagined, for they saw in his words the reflection of his actions; they realized that he believed and acted truthfully by his ideals, even if his severity was often misunderstood.

When the disciples were finally ready, the Emperor himself tested them and honored them with the right to call themselves Sandcrafters; from then on, they spread out to bring the good news of the Emperor’s return.

Mechanics

Among the Elemental spells, there’s a Mystery called “Desert.” Although most known spells of this mystery deal with sand, the desert mystery connects not only to sandy ground, but also to corrosion and the crushing entropy that eventually consumes all things. Desert isn’t limited to that, either; it often represents the capture or birth of unlikely life, amid adversity and triumphant even in inhospitable territory.

Spells of the Desert Mystery

• Sand Arc

• Sand Whirlwind

• Sand Pillar

• Sand Gravitation

• Corrosion

• Sandstorm

• Sand Dragon

• Sand Coffin

Runes for Creatures

• Quicken Breath

Creatures

• Desert Dragon