Arcane Illuminated runes

An atmospheric illuminated rune display with interchangeable fantasy tiles.

Designed as a decorative ambient display piece for fantasy interiors, RPG rooms, DnD setups, gaming spaces or atmospheric desk decoration, this project combines 3D printing and programmable RGB lighting into a customizable magical-looking artifact.

The system features interchangeable illuminated rune tiles, indirect ambient lighting and a layered modular construction that allows endless combinations and future expansions.

The design is built from separate modular parts:

• Outer housing with engraved rune details, or alternatieve housing with hinged lid

• LED base plate with ESP32-C3 SuperMini holder

• Spacer/light chamber for smooth diffusion

• Removable tile frame

• Interchangeable 45x45 mm rune tiles

The current setup uses:

• ESP32-C3 SuperMini

• 3x WS2812 LED strips

• 36 addressable LEDs total (3x12)

The lighting uses a standard WS2812 LED strip cut into 3 separate sections of 12 LEDs each (36 LEDs total). The three sections are connected in a serpentine layout as shown in the assembly photo. Make sure the data direction arrows on the LED strips follow the correct signal path from the ESP32-C3 through all three strips. Wire colors used in this project: Red = +5V White = GND Green = Data (connected to ESP32 GPIO4) ESP32 Code and loading instructions are in the attached PDF guide.

ESP32 Code and loading instructions are in the attached installation guide.

An optional hinged case variant is also included as an alternative housing style.
The translucent lid softly diffuses the RGB lighting, creating a different ambient look while remaining compatible with the same modular internal system.

 Included are both engraved rune tiles and STEP files for blank 45x45 mm tiles, so you can create your own runes, faction symbols, game icons or personalized designs.