I would like input/advice on this Runemark idea

[Treebore]

I have been trying to come up with a unique feel to the Runemark class presented in the Winter Runes d20 book by TLG. I have come up with something I think will work and not be as potentially over powering as the original class. So here is a rough outline, let me know what you think is too much and ways to balance it or change it if you think of a way to do so.

Thanks for your help.

RUNEMARK

Ideas:

When other spell casters are memorizing Runemarks are making their rune stones for the day.

-Advantages:

All casting times in combat are immediate, on initiative round.

Only way to disrupt a Runemarks casting is to knock the Rune stone out of their hand, on or before their initiative.

Spells are cast by will alone, so they can still cast in areas of silence or even bound, as long as the rune stone is in one of their hands.

Even though there is no verbal or somatic component to casting their spells, most Runemarks act like there is.

No one can figure out the spell being cast until after it goes off, or see the rune stone itself.

Drawbacks/weaknesses:

Runemark spells are decided upon at the beginning of the day, no way to save a spell slot for later.

The rune stones that are every spells material component can be stolen, leaving the caster without spells until they can rest and make new rune stones.

All spells require a rune stone as a material component.

Other ideas:

Require different materials for rune stones, the higher the level the spell the more expensive the stone material is. Maybe:

1st and zero level spells: sandstone/common rock

2nd level: granite

3rd level: marble

4th level: Iron rich rocks (this does not mean pure ore, this just means a high content)

5th level: copper rich rocks (ditto)

6th level: silver rich rock

7th level: gold rich rocks

8th level: Quartz rich rock or Crystals

9th level: Garnet rich rock or crystals.

Higher value materials can be used for any spell level, but these illustrate the minimum value of a given spell level.

Maybe allow the rune stones to be re-useable, but if stolen or lost it takes a half hour/spell level/stone to remake them, once new material is obtained. Replacement rune stones (spares) can be made as time and material permits, and can be hidden, etc

All rune stones are generally 2 inches in diameter and a half inch thick, but can be round, rectangular, or square.

Any spell that has a high cost requirement such as ruby or diamond, must use a rune stone made out of a rock with a high ruby or diamond content, or impure to pure crystals of the same material. Any such requirement in excess of 100 GP requires that the appropriate material be acquired in addition to the rune stone and held in the same hand as the rune stone when the spell is cast.

Rune sticks must be used for scrolls

Potions must be put in a glass or stone container and have the appropriate rune scribed/carved onto the container as part of the creation process.

Wands, rods, staves and all other magical items are made much the same way as other spell casters make them, just runic symbols will be inscribed on the item in some fashion, preferably scribed or carved, but even inks can suffice as long as the inks are considered permanent.

[Combat_Kyle]

Interesting, I was wondering how do provide some optional caster classes to my players.
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[Julian Grimm]

I like it as a differing dicscipline of caster. But I don't know about carrying bags and bags of stones around for an extended period of time, say a long excursion in a large dungeon or long wilderness treks. But it would be easier than keeping track of material components.
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[Treebore]

I was figuring bags and backpacks of holding would eventually become very handy. They do for every class, in my experience. I was also thinking the girdle of many pouches would be very desireable for a Runemark.

Are the potential materials required for the rune stones clear enough? Or do you think I should describe/explain them better and maybe give a gp value?

Do you run your games so that such material requiremnets would add to the flavor of your game and the class, or is this just something that would be so glossed over as to not matter?

I probably should also mention that in the cosmology of Erde the rune magics are based on the words of creation and destruction, which were used by the "All-Father" and Inzae to create the two worlds and the creatures/beings of the void. So eventually, a Runemark can strive to learn the full words of these two "languages".

Also, my primary reason for even creating/using the Runemark class is to allow for a super high level campaign that would culminate in a Runemark mastering enough words of creation to bring the All-Father back to life.

This also involves a prophecy, much like in Robert Jordans "Wheel of Time" books, about someone who will be born again and again until the "All-Father" is brought back to life. It won't necessarily be the same soul, though. Even though I could explore some interesting possibilities with that as well.

Anyway, thanks for your feedback, and please share your thoughts. I am thick skinned and can take it.