I am trying to make the best possible load out to use runes. Here are some general questions I have.

Which type of magic makes for the best Rune? Fire, frost or shock?

Are Runes effected by perks? As an example, if I have Frost enhancing perks, with an enemy be slowed after triggering my rune? Will he potentially desintegrate at low health from a shock rune? Will he be staggered if I have the Impact perk?

How much more poweful are dual cast runes?

You might have to just test it yourself... Mostly because I'm guessing the people who actually like the Rune spells are the vast minority.

depends on who your fighting. i use lightning because it drains enemy magicka, and i only have a hard time with other wizards. i believe the perks do affect the runes.

very good questions, hopefully someone more experienced then me will answer- generally speaking I think fire is the most damaging in general...

Hmm, you're probably not going to like what I have to say.


Runes are extremely weak at the higher levels. They are intended to be used at sort of the mid-range of the game. Since destruction spells do not scale at all and there are no upgraded versions of spells, by the time you get to the end, they are incredibly weak and nearly useless. To base a character design on them would be a mistake at this point.


Here are the rune spells for review though:

Fire Rune - Cast on a nearby surface, it explodes for 50 points of fire damage when enemies come near.
Frost Rune - Cast on a nearby surface, it explodes for 50 points of frost damage when enemies come near.
Lightning Rune - Cast on a nearby surface, it explodes for 50 points of shock damage when enemies come near.

I am primarily wanting something to slow down nearby targets for archer character, which is why I am hoping the stagger effect and slowing effect are present in runes - so I can get a better shot.

frost damage slows enemies down.

Runes and cloaks aren't affected by perks. This is a bug I hope they fix!

Dual casting is broken with them as well. Neither of these issues are generating much attention. I recommend you post in the software issues board so it's not just me bugging beth.