This update addresses a lot of issues around runes. I've made a few changes to the existing system, and added a few new things that hopefully makes this game more enjoyable. Here are the changes:
Rare Runes
One of the issues with runes is that they are just puzzle pieces to your overall strategy... useful, but not that "exciting". Rare Runes are hopefully the solution to this problem, they are the OP version of the normal runes that can boost your strength significantly, and as their name suggests, they have a relatively rare chance to spawn. The only way to get them is through battles and encounters, you can dismantle the ones you don't want, but you can never craft them.
That being said, I don't want to make the tiered runes (Attack I, Poison I.. etc) completely obsolete, so the rare version of those runes are around the strength of a tier 3 normal version. Which means the tier 4 version of poison (Poison IV) would still be stronger than the rare version of poison (Poison+).
Mixed Runes
Mixed Runes are dual-elemental runes that can only be crafted in the forge. They are the "mixed" version from the runes they are crafted from, which can be really strong, and potentially game breaking. There are six new mixed runes at the moment, along with Amplify and Invigorate.
Other Changes
1. All the base runes are now unlocked by default to give players more choices in the early game.
2. Runes are now spread out evenly in the realms menu. The ones that are already unlocked are now removed. Tier 4 runes can now be unlocked and crafted.
3. As a result of change 1, all champions now unlock three elemental runes on recruitment.
4. Tiered runes will appear more often as a reward post battle.
5. Added two new weapon runes:
- Taunt: Make the target enemy attack you if possible.
- Ease: One of the cards in your hand will cost 0 during this battle.
6. Added an Assist Rune tab in the Rune Panel.
7. Removed runes that are uncraftable from the forge.
8. Tweaked Purify and Nurture so that they are relatively more balanced.
9. Fixed an issue where crafting some runes in the Signs menu doesn't visually increase the count.
10. Fixed an issue where card upgrades can be clicked multiple times in a row.
These are all the changes, some of the rare runes may be too strong or not strong enough. I'll make adjustments if necessary in the future.