Rune key

Rune keys (also known as Rune devices, Rune artifacts or Salvation's asunder in ) are unique devices that were created by the Niex, better known as the Precursors. While their original purposes have remained undetermined since the time of the , they have been noted for the profound effects they often have when wielded by sapient life forms such as members of the Forerunner, , or races. Individual Rune keys possess unique powers, most of which vary greatly. A total of 47 Rune keys have been identified and confirmed, while many others are rumored to exist. Their powers are so potentially great, that myths and legends have circulated regarding the usage of such devices in numerous cultures.
==Description==
Active Rune keys are small (24.23 cm), solid orbs of light, often engraved with Niex glyphs and etchings. The color that each key glows is dependent on the ability of the individual key. A wide variety of Rune keys have been identified, with only a few identical models known to exist. The most common varieties are orange orbs that bestow remarkable strength, and yellow orbs that grant greatly enhanced agility. Rarer keys, such as those colored red, blue, and green, offer temporary invincibility that can be channeled at any given time, the ability to bend and alter space, and the ability to bend and alter time, respectively. 
Rune keys bestow their special ability to the first sapient being that comes into contact with them. Once the sphere is touched, it loses its glow and shrinks into a small, metallic ball no larger than seven centimeters. Once contact occurs, they are no longer active, and their power has been transfered to the being who has touched it. They can now channel there ability at any given time, with cooldown time varying between activation.
While a variety of the galaxy's most renowned researchers have attempted to unlock their secrets, they seem to defy just about everything known to science. For instance, the source of their powers is unknown, and they never seem to become depleted of energy. Their composition is not identifiable, yet they are evidently metallic, which poses another mystery. Those who recognize Niex technology best, believe that Rune devices are either neurally reinforced or composed of neural matter, with the latter being more likely. This would explain why Rune keys are invulnerable to virtually every form of damage, with the only exception being damage directly inflicted by other Rune keys.
==Trivia==
*The existence of Rune keys may rationalize myths and legends regarding heros and gods in ancient human history.
category:Technology (AU)