Farenheit 451 - opinions sought

[roytheodd]

I'm in the throes of designing the lair of a fire dragon and I was hoping to have the core den be heated to remarkable temperatures. My question is this, do you think a spell scroll would burn at the same temperature as regular paper? Basically, I'm trying to figure out if it's feasible to have the den be cooking hot and still have scrolls and/or spell books in the hoard. Also, I do understand that paper might not be the right medium to be worrying about, but it illustrates my point and is a good reference for us all. Thanks in advance!!

 

[haiiro]

Ultimately, I'd say you can just decide that spell scrolls in your campaign are generally made to be somewhat resistant to heat and flame -- "it's magic."

If that doesn't cut the mustard, I'd say that scrolls made of regular paper would catch fire at the same temperature that paper normally does. Other materials -- vellum, heavier paper, etc. -- would probably be able to withstand somewhat higher temperatures (a few degrees). Neither would last long near actual flames.

Scientifically speaking, I have no idea. But as a DM, one of the above options would work for me.

 

[Cedric]

Have one corner of the den cooled by a natural air vent that keeps some moisture and cooler temperatures swirling in that area, which will have become the Dragon's Library.

It can be a nice, chilly 200 degrees while the rest of the room boils.

Cedric

 

[Umbran]

Also, remember that the temperature required to "cook" is nowhere near the ignition temperature of paper. 350 degrees Farenheit will cook your roast (and your PCs) quite nicely, and 212 degrees F will have them boiling in their plate mail. Neither will have the paper bursting into flames.

 

[Cedric]

You've given me an idea for the next Red Dragon I throw into a game. This same kind of hot, hot lair...and my opening move will not be "breathe fire" ... it will be Dispel Magic!, maybe even setup some dispel magic "traps" which are activated by a magic mouth saying the command word?

I like it!

Cedric