Diffusing an Explosive Runes Bomb...

Bronn Spellforger

First Post
My 5th Level Wizard recently found the spellbook of a higher level Wizardess (long since dead). I'm pretty sure the book is trapped (it radiates magic), and I think it's probably Explosive Runes (though maybe Sepia Snake Sigil, but I'm less worried about that .. a little stasis might be nice).

After we get out of this dungeon, I'd like to try and see what's inside. I think Erase is a better option than Dispel Magic (assuming the Wizardess was 9th level, I would need a 15 or higher on Dispel Magic (DC 11 + her caster level (9), d20 + caster level (5)), but I would need only a 10 or higher on an Erase check (DC 15, d20 + caster level).

Of course, I hope to gain one or two more levels before we get out of here, so that may make the rolls easier.

The problem is that a failed roll means that not only would I take damage from Explosive Runes, but the book is likely to be destoyed.

My question is: Is it possible to cast Protection from Elements on the book? Or more likely, if I had the spell cast on myself, would the book be protected if I held it in one hand (and cast Erase with the other)?. Any other thoughts?
 

log in or register to remove this ad

Well, you could in theory use an identify spell to know for sure if it was explosive runes or snake sigil. Both traps though only trigger when you actually READ the runes. The use of dispel magic is also reasonable risk free. After all, you could cast it and then cast a detect magic to see if the spell has been removed. Sure it might take some time before you roll that 15, but you are sure you did not trigger the trap.
 

Madfox said:
Well, you could in theory use an identify spell to know for sure if it was explosive runes or snake sigil. Both traps though only trigger when you actually READ the runes. The use of dispel magic is also reasonable risk free. After all, you could cast it and then cast a detect magic to see if the spell has been removed. Sure it might take some time before you roll that 15, but you are sure you did not trigger the trap.

I don't think you could use Identify to determine the spells... but a good spellcraft check should do it.

Sadly, the new rules state that if you fail to Dispel or Erase an Explosive Runes, they explode.
 

Remove ads

Top