I love flaring runestaves...

[Sadrael]

You intone a phrase of elemental power while raising your hands, invoking Mana Leech...
Your spell is ready.
You gesture at a rotting woodsman.
CS: +147 - TD: +76 + CvA: +25 + d100: +48 == +144
Warding failed!
A dull grey beam momentarily materializes between you and the rotting woodsman!
The rotting woodsman shakes violently!
You feel a sudden rush of power as you absorb 21 mana!

** Your ebonwood staff emits a searing bolt of lightning! **

... 30 points of damage!
Horrifying jolt to forehead. Brain explodes in a stunning display of light!

[You have 13 kills remaining.]
You hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separates itself from the rotting woodsman's body as it rises, disappearing into the heavens.
The rotting woodsman falls to the ground, a lifeless lump of flesh.
Cast Roundtime 3 Seconds.
>

[Malgaftan]

Is that something new? Maybe a special rune stave? It's been a few years since I played but my wizard was my favorite character by far and I don't remember that ever happening.

Looks awesome though.

[Jace Solo]

Flaring runestaves happened this year. They're pretty awesome. Outside of the elements they have ones that flare mana and casting increases to CS, etc.

[droit]

It's a pretty new development. If your runestaff has flares (just like weapon flares), they can now activate on any offensive, single-target spell you cast.

[WRoss]

And the mana ones work whenever you cast a spell.

[Fulmen]

Or eat an herb that's useful to you. About a 1/4 chance, perhaps?