Creates a magical rune that explodes when read.
Original D&D[]
Debuted in Supplement 1: Greyhawk, for the magic-user.
- Spell Level 3
If read by someone other than the caster, the rune explodes, destroying the surface they are written on and dealing 4d6 points of damage to the reader (without a saving throw). The caster can disable the runes whenever they desire, and a magic-user two or more levels above the caster has a 50% chance of detecting the runes before they explode, and can remove them with a 75% chance of success.
AD&D[]
Explosive Runes[]
Debuted as a spell for magic-users in the Player's Handbook.
| Level: 3 | School: Alteration |
| Components: V, S | |
| Range: Touch | Casting Time: 3 segments |
| Duration: Special | Saving Throw: Halves |
| Target: Touched surface | |
The caster places mystic runes on some surface that explodes when read. The runes last until they are erased, or triggered. The reader only has a 5% chance for each level of magic-user they possess to detect the runes for what they are (thieves have only a flat 5% chance). When read, the runes explode on the reader, who is dealt 6d4+6 damage without a save. Creatures within 1" of the explosion's center are dealt the same damage, but are allowed a save vs. magic to halve it. The surface that the rune is written on is also destroyed in the explosion, unless it is not affected by magical fire.The caster, and any magic-users they instruct, can read the rune without triggering it, and the caster can likewise remove the rune whenever they desire. The runes can also be removed with a dispel magic spell.