The Cyclops Eye
Instead of a statue, the black gem is set in the eye of a cyclops carved in bas relief on the wall.
Touching the gem triggers a Failure.
Gem. A Perception or Investigation check, or an examination of the gem, reveals that the gem is worthless black glass. Smashing the gem results in a Critical Failure. Covering the gem blocks the darkness effect.
In the Darkness. Each time the trap is triggered, a grinding sound is heard as a slab of stone within the area of darkness noisily retracts, exposing an alcove containing an item from the Minor Treasures table. The alcove stays open for 1 round, and then the slab noisily grinds shut again. While closed, the stone slab can be discovered with a DC 20 Investigation check and can be opened with a DC 18 Strength check. The slab is an object with AC 20, 20 hit points, and immunity to poison and psychic damage.
Magical Effect. This is a magical effect created by evocation magic. Casting dispel magic on the gem triggers a Success.
- A creature can make a thieves’ tools check to remove the gem.
- An Arcana check enables them to dampen the gem’s magic for one round and allow it to be removed safely.
Potential Outcomes
Critical Failure. The glass gem shatters in its socket, releasing a darkness spell centered on the statue. The darkness is permanent until dispelled. See In the Darkness.
Failure. The gem casts darkness with a duration of 1 minute. The trap automatically resets after 1 minute. See In the Darkness.
Success. The gem can be removed safely, disabling the trap.
Critical Success. As a Success, except the gem retains some of its magic. It can be used like a spell scroll of darkness .