Explosive Runes

It’s not wise to simply leave explosive runes up all over the place. Innocent people might inadvertently read them and set them off.

If you own something that must not fall into the wrong hands and that is usually kept under wraps or at least in a private chamber, then explosive runes can help. Have the spell cast on the object in question and instruct the caster to allow you and anyone else you care to name at that point to be able to read the rune without detonating it. Then, when someone unauthorized comes across the rune, it explodes, doing damage to the reader but—possibly more importantly—damaging the inscribed item as well. This form of security is all or nothing; use it only on documents and so forth that are better off destroyed than falling into the wrong hands.

Explosive runes can also be used as a simple trap by placing it near your valuables. If you want to keep your valuables intact, however, remember to protect them from the resulting explosion.

One neat trick to do with explosive runes is to suspend a load of heavy rocks above a secret area by means of a net or wooden props. Then place a note that reads “Look up” in the area. If the intruder looks up, she sees the rune. When it detonates, it not only does damage but also burns away what’s supporting the rocks, releasing them and burying anyone in the area. The total damage varies according to the kind and amount of load used. Treat it as a falling block trap.

Smart characters link explosive runes with a permanent alarm or some other system to alert the character or guards to the fact that someone has set off the rune. Otherwise, the intruder might recover and move on without anyone realizing her presence.

The DC to find and to disable an explosive runes trap is 28.

Casting: 150 gp (Wiz5) or 180 gp (Sor6)