What are Glyphs?
Glyphs are items which an individual applies to improve certain spells. For example, a Hunter might apply a glyph that increases the number of snakes produced by their Snake Trap. The glyph enhances an existing spell.
Each glyph can only be used by members of one class. Some glyphs also require the user to have reached a certain personal ((character)) level. You do not need to be an Inscriber to use glyphs: Only to make them.
Inscribers can create glyphs for all classes. Once created, these glyphs can be traded or mailed to others. Glyphs remain in your inventory until they are applied (used). Using a glyph destroys it.
Glyphs fall into 2 categories: Major and Minor. As the names suggest, major glyphs give an important boost to a commonly used spell, and minor glyphs give less important advantages. Not all glyphs are trained: All minor glyphs, and some major glyphs, must be discovered.
Individuals have a number of glyph slots, based on their level:
- Level 1-14: None.
- Level 15-29: 1 Major, 1 Minor.
- Level 30-49: 2 Major, 1 Minor.
- Level 50-69: 2 Major, 2 Minor.
- Level 70-79: 2 Major, 3 Minor.
- Level 80: 3 Major, 3 Minor.
Individuals with dual talent specs (2 sets of Talents) gain twice as many glyph slots: 2 complete sets of glyph slots, one for each talent spec.
How to Use Glyphs
Both major and minor glyphs are used in the same way:
- Create or trade a glyph, so that you have at least 1 in your inventory. Glyphs stack in sets of 20. The glyph must be usable by your class.
- Open your Talents from the icon on the main toolbar. If dual-spec'ed, select the set of Talents you wish to apply glyphs to.
- From the bottom tab of the Talent view, select "Glyphs". This tab will not be found if you are under level 15 - you must be at least level 15 to use glyphs. Each of the circles is a slot that a glyph can be applied to.
- Click on the glyph in your inventory. Then click on one of the circles on the glyphs tab. Select an empty circle (unless you wish to replace an existing glyph). Select either a major or minor circle, depending on the type of glyph you are applying.
- Applying the glyph destroys the item in your inventory. You gain the glyph's spell improvement. The applied glyph will remain applied until you decide to replace or remove it.
- Replacing a glyph automatically removes the previous glyph in that slot. If you just want to remove the glyph, Shift-Right click on the glyph slot you want to clear. Replacing or removing a glyph destroys it.
- Glyphs can be added, replaced, or removed by an individual, with only 1 known limitation: All slots on the same Talent view must contain a unique Glyph: You cannot apply 2 or 3 glyphs with the same name at the same time, to the same talent spec.
Are Glyphs like Enchants or Gems?
The mechanics are similar: Inscription's materials are created by breaking down other items (Milling is similar to Disenchanting or Prospecting). Glyphs are also applied permanently, like enchanting a weapon or socketing with a gem.
But as used, glyphs feel more like potions than enchants: Glyphs are almost as easy as potions to make. A typical glyph is created with only 5-10 herbs - any herbs of the appropriate level. Those materials are still far easier than gathering the materials for an enchant.
Learn More
- Glyphs - Recipes scibes use to create gluphs.
- Also in Basics: Why Inscribe?, Tools and Methods, Milling, Products, and Frequently Asked Questions.
