Explosive Runes Trap
A cozy study contains shelves lined with books and an iron desk. Resting on the desk is a metal-bound book.
Opening the spellbook without speaking the passphrase “Hungry Flame” triggers a Failure.
Book. The metal-bound book is a spellbook containing burning hands , scorching ray , and glyph of warding . The book’s cover is emblazoned with a stylized golden sun. The words “Hungry Flame” are written on the book’s spine. The book’s pages are metal and are immune to fire damage.A creature that makes an Arcana or History check knows that many mages use passwords and other tricks to protect their spellbooks against thieves.
Glyph. An Arcana, Investigation, or Perception check reveals that the sun symbol is a glyph of warding .
Spell Effect. This is an evocation effect created by a 3rd-level spell. Casting dispel magic on the sun symbol triggers a Critical Success.
- A creature can make an Arcana or thieves’ tools check to disable the glyph.
Potential Outcomes
Critical Failure or Failure. The glyph explodes as the explosive runes version of a glyph of warding . Each creature within 20 feet of the glyph must make a Dexterity saving throw , taking 22 (5d8) fire damage on a failure or half damage on a success.
Success. The glyph is damaged. A second Success triggers a Critical Success.
Critical Success. The trap is disabled.