Sequester problem

[Dark Dragon]

One player (and future DM) in my group came up with an interesting question about Sequester and Symbol.

Well, here's the spell from the SRD:

Sequester
Abjuration
Level: Sor/Wiz 7
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Target: One creature or object (up to a 2-ft. cube/level) touched
Duration: 1 day/level (D)
Saving Throw: Will negates (object)
Spell Resistance: Yes (object)
When cast, this spell not only prevents divination spells from working to detect or locate the creature or object affected by sequester, it also renders the affected creature or object invisible to any form of sight or seeing. The spell does not prevent the subject from being discovered through tactile means or through the use of magic devices. Living creatures (and even undead creatures) affected by sequester become comatose and are effectively in a state of suspended animation until the spell wears off or is dispelled.
Note: The Will save prevents a character from being sequestered. There is no save to see the sequestered creature or object or to detect it with a divination spell.

While the spell is quite harmless as a creature protection, it becomes a problem when used with traps, especially with a Symbol of death. If I interprete the description correctly, it makes the targeted object, e.g. a Symbol, invisible and thus impossible to find for rogues (because it's a non-mechanical trap, it can't be felt around for). Detect Magic is blocked by the spell, so no help from spell casters.
I can't see any reason why a wizard shouldn't cast this spell on every Symbol or other trap in his home, dungeon, etc. to finish off any intruder. It would become more interesting if the wizard works together with a cleric (Greater Glyph of Warding...)

Any good rulings about this combo?

BTW: What's the material component for Sequester? It's missing in the SRD.

 

[Pax]

A Symbol is not an object -- it's a spell effect.

Problem solved.

Of coure, the best trick with this is, to cast it on the only bridge across a very wide, very deep chasm (preferably with something nigh-unavoidably-lethal at the bottom -- a river of molten lava would probably suffice at most levels). The BBEG, of course, knows it's there. The PCs don't.

And what's further ...

BBEG runs across the Sequestered bridge, in the process stepping (on the other side) on a subtle pressure plate, which closes a Sequestered door -- on which is yoru Symbol of Death. First PC to follow smacks into an invisi8ble door .. thereby triggering the Symbol.

Though, to be fair, it's conceivable/arguable the symbol itself would perhaps be visible, apparently hovering in mid-air (which would still serve a valuable purpose, to slow the PC's down as they sought to deal with the sucker, not knowing it's just written on an invisible door ...).

 

[ramesh11]

BBEG encounters the Sequestered bridge, while doing so tipping (beyond) on a refined stress plate, which shuts a Sequestered door if not here more about that dndguide.com-- on which is yoru Icon of Fatality. Initial COMPUTER to comply with slaps right into an invisi8ble door. consequently activating the Icon.

And also just what's additionally ...

Though, to be reasonable, it's conceivable/arguable the icon itself would certainly possibly show up, evidently floating in mid-air (which would certainly still offer an important function, to slow down the COMPUTER's down as they looked for to take care of the fool, unknowning it's simply composed on an undetectable door ...).

Trouble resolved.

Of coure, the most effective method with this is, to cast it on the only bridge throughout an extremely vast, really deep gorge (ideally with something nigh-unavoidably-lethal near the bottom-- a river of liquified lava would possibly be sufficient at most degrees). The BBEG, naturally, recognizes it exists. The Computers do not.

 

[TBeholder]

Necro with goshdangware? Cool.

Detect Magic is blocked by the spell

Why? It "prevents divination spells from working to detect or locate the creature or object". That's it. Not detection of everything remotely associated with it, recursively. Like auras of active spells that may be stuck on it.
Nor detection of itself.

Also, the original version sensibly gave it "Abjuration, Illusion/Phantasm" and specifically noted that magical devices allowing to see invisible (like Gem of Seeing) beat it as well.
As srd v. 3.5 clarifies, it's " invisible to any form of sight or seeing(as the invisibility spell)", i.e. beatable by anything that beats invisibility, and there's a lot of such countermeasures. And gives the Material component.