Explosive Runes

[ScionJustice]

Can you have multiple Explosive Runes cast on one object?

 

[Vegepygmy]

I don't see why not, but remember that explosive runes are triggered when read, and very few (if any) people can read two things at once. So what's likely to happen is that the victim reads the first explosive runes, they detonate, and the victim stops reading, so no further explosive runes detonate.

Also remember that the object on which the explosive runes are written takes 6d6 force damage (no save). That's enough to destroy most objects on which explosive runes are written: books, scrolls, etc. So once again, only one set of explosive runes will detonate before they are all destroyed.

Lastly, remember that two abjuration spells within 10 feet of each other for 24 hours or more generate "visible energy fluctuations" that lower the Search DC to detect them by 4 (PHB, page 172). So in most cases, putting two explosive runes on the same object will just make it more likely that they're detected, without dealing any more damage to anyone.

 

[Starbuck_II]

I don't see why not, but remember that explosive runes are triggered when read, and very few (if any) people can read two things at once. So what's likely to happen is that the victim reads the first explosive runes, they detonate, and the victim stops reading, so no further explosive runes detonate.

Maybe wants to blow it up with dispel magic: making the item similar to a bomb. 2 6d6 no save (or save 1/2) attacks hurts.

Yes, dispel magic also blows up Explosive runes.

 

[Vegepygmy]

True, a failed attempt to dispel explosive runes will set them off.

Of course, there's no rule that says all the runes would be dispelled simultaneously; the DM would be well within his rights to rule that the first runes to detonate deal their damage before the next set goes off...in which case, the object carrying the runes will very likely be destroyed before a second blast occurs. (That's definitely how I would rule it.)

 

[Fellon]

Well this brings up another question (from 3.0 rules)

As you can see in the erase description:

Erase
Transmutation
Level: Brd 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One scroll or two pages
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: See text
Spell Resistance: No
Erase removes writings of either magical or
mundane nature from a scroll or from up
to two pages of paper, parchment, or
similar surfaces. It removes explosive runes,
glyphs of warding, sepia snake sigils, and
arcane marks, but it does not remove illusory
script or symbols. Nonmagical writings are
automatically erased if you touch them and
no one else is holding them. Otherwise,
the chance is 90%. Magic writings must be
touched, and you must roll 15+ on a caster
level check (1d20 + caster level) to succeed.
(A natural 1 or 2 is always a miss on this
roll.) If you fail to erase explosive runes, a
glyph of warding, or a sepia snake sigil, you
accidentally activate the runes, glyph, or
sigil instead.


So the question is why is there a range if you must touch the peace of paper

 

[frankthedm]

Magic runes MUST be touchedto have a chance
non magic writing can be erased at range with a 90% success rate.