Runestone Runestones are stone slabs , with messages carved into them . These messages could be warnings , instructions , stories and accounts of events . They vary in shape and size depending on the creator and time they were made . Some runestones even have magic enchantments installed into them . History . The ancient civilization known as the Adamant Kingdom of Xothaer , was home to numerous dwarven scholars . They recorded vast amounts of information on runestones . These records are still found today underneath the Cloud Peaks in various conditions , most shattered . Around 1370 DR the people of Iltkazar were famous makers of Runestones . Description . Runestones are large slabs of durable stone , usually about an inch thick . The have stories , instructions and accounts of events carved into them . Runestones can have messages carved into one or both sides . Runestones were sometimes carved with images or runes in relief . This meant they could be used as seals or a temporary path markers when pressed into wet mud . Although extremely rare , runestones have been discovered made of precious metals . Variations . Dwarven Runestones . Dwarven runestones are written in the Dethek script . They usually come in diamond or circular shapes . The text starts at the edge and spirals into the center , where an illustration ( such as a clan symbol ) is usually carved . Due to this they are read from the outside eadge to the centre Dwarven runestones are also used to mark graves , where an illustration of the dwarf in question would be carved into the center of the stone . < / ref > Most Dwarven runestones are used as maps and clues to hidden hordes of treasure . These stones are some of the most sought after by greedy adventurers . Ward Tokens . Ward tokens are small slabs of stone , usually no bigger than a clenched fist , with magical properties . Ward tokens are used to reveal hidden doors , grant access to magical rooms and even travel across planes . Ward Tokens usually have a single rune or symbol inscribed into them as a clue to their purpose . Most runes do not appear to be magical until used , this makes it hard to tell the difference between a fake and a genuine ward stone . Durlag Trollkiller created various ward tokens as a means of navigating his dangerous , trap filled home , Durlag ' s Tower . Due to the adventuring popularity of the tower , many fake ward tokens were created by merchants to sell to adventurers . A few of the original ward tokens are in circulation but are indistinguishable from the genuine ones . This runestone is said to explain the whereabouts of the legendary Hammer of Thunderbolts . These runestone grant access to the ancient city of Thunderholme . Although some were recovered , many are still lost or hidden . A fragment of this runestone was discovered several hundred years after it was made . It details the events of the Spawn Wars . In 1374 DR , Cragwarden Samiel Tussin discovered two runestones southwest of Trythosford at Itzcala . The two stones described the events of the Rockfire Disaster of 987 DR . This series of runestones explains the history of Clan Duergar . They were discovered in 1383 DR by the crusaders of the Great Rift . This huge runestone stands 15 ft tall and 10ft wide . It rests on the highest peak of the Marching Mountains . The commemorates the dwarven king Aldir Velms leading the dwarves to the mountain range and the founding of High High Shanatur . The rune dates this event as Day 75 of the Known Runestones . 492nd year of the founding of House Axemarch .