Spells: Rune spells not absorbing spell damage.

[Throb]

They're not supposed to be melee damage only, is the point. In fact, the entire rune/skin line (nec, mage, wiz, enc) always absorbed direct spell damage on live.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EverQuest

Lastly, Enchanters possess the unique Rune line of spells, which creates a magical protective buffer against all forms of damage until it has been worn down.