Runed GuardThe rune at the base of the blade means 'to strike true' or 'truth.'
Acquisition Drop restricted Drop level: 1 Dropped in the Red Vale after surviving an Obelisk of Rust encounter.Metadata Item class: Quest Item Metadata ID: Metadata/Items/QuestItems/Gallows/Act1/RunedArtifact2
It drops upon surviving the ambush happening on investigating either the first or second of 3 Obelisk of Rust found throughout the area and is needed to progress Secrets in the Dark.
Investigating the third obelisk later in the area summons the Rust King, which needs to be defeated as well.
(The other ones being Runed GirdleRuned GirdleThe rune on the buckle means 'unity' or 'safety from harm.' and Runed Skull CapRuned Skull CapThe rune emblazoned on the crest means 'freedom' or 'for a worthy cause.')
If all 3 items have been acquired, the player can bring them to Renly in Clearfell Encampment in order for him to forge Runed SpikesRuned SpikesTogether, the runes are an oath of peaceful passage and a request for freedom in pursuit of an important cause., which are needed to free the Hooded One and further progress the quest.
Item acquisition
Runed Guard has restrictions on where or how it can drop.
Dropped in the Red Vale after surviving an Obelisk of Rust encounter.
Secrets in the Dark.
Runed GirdleRuned GirdleThe rune on the buckle means
and 
Runed Skull CapRuned Skull CapThe rune emblazoned on the crest means
)
Runed SpikesRuned SpikesTogether, the runes are an oath of peaceful
, which are needed to free the Hooded One and further progress the quest.
