Guild Wars 2

I read the wiki about stacking runes, but I’m confused.

If I craft two runes – for example, two Major Rune of the Undead – how do I apply/stack those to armor?

I apply the 1st rune to my helm, for example. When I try to apply the 2nd rune (of like type and kind) I get a message:
“if you apply this rune it will destroy the previous rune”

I remember trying this earlier and losing the first rune.

ALSO – I noticed sometimes runes automatically stack – even when I didn’t buy or craft them. I can’t find anything in wiki that explains how/where/why certain runes appear.

I assume the “automatic” runes apply when I’m fighting a particular kind of foe. For example, I noticed I have four Minor Rune of Hoelbrak on one piece of armor.

I DO understand that stacking beyond a certain point doesn’t add more effect.

Each piece of armor can only have one rune, period. If you try to put a second one on, the first gets replaced. When you look at your armor, and you see the bonuses for 3 or 4 or more runes, that’s the total amount of that particular rune that you have on all of you armor pieces combined, not for that one peice.

oh wow. I sure missed that. I read the wiki and ingame stuff. Seems a wee bit hard to figure out. So much appreciation for your help.