Explosive Runes

Abjuration [Force]
Level: Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: One touched object weighing no more than 10 lb.
Duration: Permanent until discharged (D)
Saving Throw: See text
Spell Resistance: Yes

“Have a nice day, I have rigged this piece of paper to explode.”

You trace these mystic runes upon a book, map, scroll, or similar object bearing written information. The runes detonate when read, dealing 5d6 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). Any other objects within the 10 foot radius that carry another instance of the explosive runes are burned out, the explosive runes disappating harmlessly.

You and any characters you specifically instruct can read the protected writing without triggering the runes. Likewise, you can remove the runes whenever desired. Another creature can remove them with a successful Dispel Magic spell but attempting to dispel the runes and failing to do so triggers the explosion. Since you automatically succeed on all dispel checks against spells you cast yourself, you cannot trigger your own explosive runes with Dispel Magic.

Note: Magic traps such as explosive runes are hard to detect and disable. A rogue (only) can use the Search skill to find the runes and Disable Device to thwart them. The DC in each case is 25 + spell level, or 28 for explosive runes.

Augment: For every additional spell point you spend, this spell’s damage increases by 1d6.