Runes for use in item sockets (NOT D2 Runes!!!)

First off, even though I put it in the title, I do NOT want D2 runes/runewords.

Rather, I believe that various stone runes that act as a buff/debuff on the items they are placed in would add a whole new level of customize-ability to the game.

The stone material that the rune is etched on could act as a sort-of affix for the rune (ie- Sapphire runes always add Cold Resist to armor items and Cold Damage to weapons) whereas the actual engraved rune itself could act as a secondary affix (adding stat bonuses, armor, etc.).

The runes should be able to be placed in any socket of an item, but to balance them out they should subsequently remove the socket in which they are placed. Permanently. No using a jeweler's orb to regain lost sockets. Another option would be to basically "lock" that socket (cannot take a rune out yourself) and allow the player to "unsocket" a rune at a blacksmith for trade of a rare orb (regal?) or even create a new orb for removing runes ("Cleansing Orb" removes all runes from one item).

Furthermore, items with runes cannot have jeweler's orbs used on them to later attain more sockets. Making the use of a rune a thing to be contemplated carefully.

This would allow runes to be very powerful with only moderate additional buffs without making them completely overpowered.

Anyways, discuss...

I got the idea while looking at my gear and realizing I had an extra blue socket in my boots, unlinked to any of the other 3, and realized I didn't need it or any other skills that I could put into it. Sure, I could just use fusings and chromatics until it becomes more useful and linked, but this idea popped into my head and I figured I would share.

Even if not implemented, it gives the devs some food for thought. :)

I get the idea behind the buffs but there are support gems that give additional elemental damage and I don't think that runestones, which contain old germanic writings will fit in PoE which has nothing to do with germanic races or their religion/language.
Diablo on the other hand involves a germanic barbarian and fits well with act 1 and act 5.

So in short... Support Gems which acts like weapon/armor buffs, right ?

Seems nice for me.

Except that Diablo takes place in the fictional world of Sanctuary. I am pretty sure Germania doesn't exist in that fantasy world.

In short, yes, the "runes" would be more or less permanent/semi-permanent buffs for armor and weapons.

It'd be a cool option to have. PM your suggestion to someone on the team, maybe, in a polite and brief way.

Seems like a good idea filling up useless sockets.
Usually I level a gem or keep a skill I use very rarely.

I disagree with a hefty penalty for using a rune.
I think the rune itself should be destroyed, used like an orb.

If the runes were simple they could be etched at a blacksmith for a price. Simple as in there are five runes, stone(physical), flame(fire), storm(lightning), frost(cold) and they put a fixed property into the items socket.

But I like it more if there were numerous different runes with alot of functions, like orbs but with the purpose of filling empty sockets. Once removed, they'd be destroyed..


On the other hand I think that there are alot of options and that sometimes there just shouldn't be anything to put into a socket.
Since sockets and gems play a large role in how powerful the character is, being able to socket everything would perhaps be too good, if there is such a thing!


I think it's a great idea! Can really feel this.