I read a book a long time ago that felt like it was the start of a series. I forget most of the details but it has a very unique magic system based on runes. What I remember is that:
- The main character is female I think
- Magic requires runes, crafted by "rune smiths", but must be cast by a separate person. It might be possible that magic requires 3 people, but I forget what the third person might do.
- People who can create magic are either rune smiths or the people who can actually cast. Each person has only the one or the other talent.
- The main character I believe has some special ability relating to magic, but I'm not sure anymore what it is.
I remember the thing that stood out the most for me was the magic system requiring multiple people for it to work.
I read it some time between 2003-2005. The book was at the local library so I don't know if the time I found it will help with the date of publication. After reading the description of Runelords and the first few pages of the first book I am convinced that the book I am looking for is not Runelords.