Runes add different properties to [[shield]]s or [[armor]] vs. [[weapon]]s, and sometimes shields and armor differ as well. See the [[Rune list|full runes listing here]]. Runes can be upgraded; 2 or 3 of one type, plus a particular gem type/quality, can be combined in the [[Horadric Cube]] to upgrade to the next higher level rune. Runes are most powerful when combined into special [[runewords]], so be sure you check the recipes for those.

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[[Image:R-el.gif]]

[[Image:R-zod.gif]]

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==Runewords==