Looking for Prestige Class

[Visigani]

and I raise you SRD:

You trace these mystic runes upon a book, map, scroll, or similar object bearing written information. The runes detonate when read, dealing 6d6 points of force damage. Anyone next to the runes (close enough to read them) takes the full damage with no saving throw; any other creature within 10 feet of the runes is entitled to a Reflex save for half damage. The object on which the runes were written also takes full damage (no saving throw).



You don't have to actually be the one reading the runes to take damage from them. You just have to be close enough to them to be able to read them. Reading them activates them, but illiteracy doesn't protect you from the damage. If a barbarian stands next to the wizard reading the runes then the barbarian takes just as much damage as the Wizard does and therefore is not saved by being illiterate.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

So clearly, a Barbarian would be wise to stay a safe distance away from all books and other sources of writing when someone decides to actualy read them.

Could be a fun phobia for a PC to have, sorta like Durkon with his trees issue in OotS.

 

[xigbar]

and I raise you SRD:

You trace these mystic runes upon a book, map, scroll, or similar object bearing written information. The runes detonate when read, dealing 6d6 points of force damage. Anyone next to the runes (close enough to read them) takes the full damage with no saving throw; any other creature within 10 feet of the runes is entitled to a Reflex save for half damage. The object on which the runes were written also takes full damage (no saving throw).



You don't have to actually be the one reading the runes to take damage from them. You just have to be close enough to them to be able to read them. Reading them activates them, but illiteracy doesn't protect you from the damage. If a barbarian stands next to the wizard reading the runes then the barbarian takes just as much damage as the Wizard does and therefore is not saved by being illiterate.

I agree with you on that, all that's being said is that a Barbarian couldn't actually *activate* them.