Explosive Runes
(Alteration)

Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: Special
Casting Time: 3
Area of Effect: 10-ft. Radius
Saving Throw: None or 1/2

 By tracing these mystic runes upon a book, map, scroll, or similar object bearing written information, the wizard prevents unauthorized persons from reading his material. The explosive runes are difficult to detect--5% chance per level of magic use experience of the reader; thieves have only a 5% chance. But trap detection by spell or magical device always finds these runes.
 When read, the explosive runes detonate, delivering 6d4+6 points of damage to the reader, who gets no saving throw. A like amount, or half that if saving throws are made, is suffered by each creature within the blast radius. The wizard who cast the spell, as well as any he instructs, can read the protected writing without triggering the runes. Likewise, the wizard can remove the runes whenever desired. Others can remove them only with a successful dispel magic or erase spell. Explosive runes otherwise last until the spell is triggered. The item upon which the runes are placed is destroyed when the explosion takes place, unless it is not normally subject to destruction by magical fire (see the item saving throws in Chapter 6 of the Dungeon Master Guide).

Summary of Dispel Magic Effects

SourceofEffect	Resists As			Result of Dispel
Caster		None				Dispel automatic
Othercaster	ability	Level/HD other caster	Effect negated
innate		ability	Level/HD other caster	Effect negated
Wand		6th level			*
Staff		8th level			*
Potion		12th level			Potion destroyed
Other magic	12th, unless special		*
Artifact	DM discretion			DM discretion

  * Effect negated; if cast directly on item, item becomes nonoperational for 1d4 rounds.