ESODecoded

Runeblades

Arcanist · Herald of the Tome · Active — base skill and all 2 morphs, exact values.

data retrieved 2026-08-23 · datamined via UESP

At a glance

Class / categoryArcanist
Skill lineHerald of the Tome
Skill typeActive
Morphs2
Base cost2700 Magicka
Unlocks atLevel 1

Base skill & morphs

BASE Runeblades2700 Magicka · unlocks lvl 1

Craft a series of Apocryphal runes before launching them at a foe, dealing 695 Magic Damage three times and generating Crux. This ability deals 3% increased damage for each active Crux when cast.

MORPH Escalating Runeblades2700 Magicka · unlocks lvl 1

Craft a series of Apocryphal runes before launching them at a foe, dealing 696 Magic Damage, 766 Magic Damage, and 917 Magic Damage and generating Crux. The last rune explodes, dealing damage to all enemies within 8 meters of the target. This ability deals 3% increased damage for each active Crux when cast.

MORPH Writhing Runeblades2700 Magicka · unlocks lvl 1

Craft a series of Apocryphal runes before launching them at a foe, dealing 718 Magic Damage three times and generating Crux. This ability gains between 1095 and 2191 Weapon and Spell Critical rating and deals 3% increased damage for each active Crux when cast.

Morph differences

What each morph changes relative to the base skill — exact datamined text only, no recommendation of which to pick.

Runeblades BASE

Craft a series of Apocryphal runes before launching them at a foe, dealing 695 Magic Damage three times and generating Crux. This ability deals 3% increased damage for each active Crux when cast.

Escalating Runeblades MORPH

Changes vs base: Craft a series of Apocryphal runes before launching them at a foe, dealing 696 Magic Damage, 766 Magic Damage, and 917 Magic Damage and generating Crux. The last rune explodes, dealing damage to all enemies within 8 meters of the target.

Writhing Runeblades MORPH

Changes vs base: This ability gains between 1095 and 2191 Weapon and Spell Critical rating and deals 3% increased damage for each active Crux when cast.

Champion Points that modify Runeblades (5)

Matched by us from the datamined text on both sides — the star's own condition and this skill's own damage — not a relationship the game ships. Universal stars (Precision, Piercing, Fighting Finesse, Backstabber) apply to every damaging ability and are left out on purpose.

StarWhenThe star saysMatches because this skill…
Master-at-Armsonly while slotteddamage done with direct damage attacksdeals direct damage
Biting Auraonly while slotteddamage done with area of effect attackscan hit more than one enemy
Deadly Aimonly while slotteddamage done with single target attackshits a single target
War Magealways activeWeapon and Spell Damage to Magical attacksdeals Magic Damage (Magical)
Wrathful Strikesonly while slottedWeapon and Spell Damage to your damaging abilitiesdeals damage

FAQ

What are the morphs of Runeblades?

Runeblades has 2 morphs: Escalating Runeblades, Writhing Runeblades.

What's the difference between the Runeblades morphs?

Escalating Runeblades: Craft a series of Apocryphal runes before launching them at a foe, dealing 696 Magic Damage, 766 Magic Damage, and 917 Magic Damage and generating Crux. The last rune explodes, dealing damage to all enemies within 8 meters of the target.

Writhing Runeblades: This ability gains between 1095 and 2191 Weapon and Spell Critical rating and deals 3% increased damage for each active Crux when cast.

How much does Runeblades cost?

2700 Magicka.

Where does Runeblades come from?

Arcanist · Herald of the Tome skill line.