[Keth Durgan]

Here it is. Inspired by The Davinci Code. Apparently, Leonardo drew up plans for these, though I don't know whether any were ever actually made. Hope you like my interpretation.

Codex
This item looks much like a scroll case. However, it has several (3 to 6) bands near the center. These can be rotated around the cylinder, and are typically covered with runes or numbers, though some may have magical writing only visible with certain spells. The premise of a codex is to safely store documents or plans of extreme secrecy or importance. Inside, the paper to be protected is wrapped around a vial of acid or other corrosive substance. When the codex is locked, any attempt to forcibly open it will cause a small hammer to break the vial, destroying the document. Due to their nature, codices are very rare and expensive. However, when a normal lock will not suffice and magic is not an option, they are a viable alternative. Without the proper code, the codex cannot be unlocked.

When unlocked, one end of the codex slides off to reveal the hollow area. However, if this area is pulled with the wrong combination word (ie - someone is trying to guess the password), there is a 10% chance the hammer will break the vial inside.

Stats
3 letter / digit combination 500gp
4 letter / digit combination 1000gp
5 letter / digit combination 2500gp
6 letter / digit combination 5000gp

[Dthclaw]

Nice. Although what you could use to go even farther (and prevent anything short of a wish or similarly ludicrously powerful magic from negating the effect) is that each is tied to a one-use "mini-disentegration" that isn't strong enough to injure the thief, but potent enough to reduce the paper to a trace of dust.

[Keth Durgan]

I had thought about that. I'll probably make some magic versions, but even the mundane versions are quite potent for many campaigns.

[Dthclaw]

True. I certainly love the concept.

Perhaps other, more 'exotic' variants for other type of things?

Say, perhaps, that you (or someone a long time ago) wanted to store a very special, very powerful sword or some such away. Maybe have a big version of the codex substituting acid released by a hammer with, say, rust monster extract, or an anti-magic oil that sucks the power of the weapon into nothingness.

You can really play around with this thing. Giving me ideas... evil ideas... you should all be very worred now...

mumble mumble atomic mutants with gamma vision mumble mumble

[Rintaran]

I like this thing. Don't mind if I make a bit of use of it in my campaign world do you?

Personally, I prefer the mundane to the magic whenever the opportunity arises. When there's a simple explanation, or a simple method of destroying something, chances are better that they'll actually work right. It's all about KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)

[Raven Bloodmoon]

I like this a lot. I can already see a wizard making some of those markings symbols and the like. Nothing like accidentally touching the DEATH rune...oops...

[Keth Durgan]

Feel free to take and use it as you see fit. Like I said, I'll probably be making some simple magic ones in the next few days (on my way to work right now). Glad people seem to like it.

[Dthclaw]

You know, for a really sick combination make one of those runes a disguised focus for trap the soul...

I personally think I might use this. There are just too many demented possibilities to pass it up

[RedSlayer]

[indent][size=1]"I Prepared Explosive Runes this Morning..."

[size=2]Yeah, I could see the use for this.

[Keth Durgan]

Glad people seem to be enjoying it. I haven't been able to figure out an appropriate situation to incorporate one of these yet, but please let me know if you use it and how it went. I'd love to hear about it.

[Dthclaw]

Actually, I've already got plans for these puppies to be the means of transporting orders between members of a certain secret organization in my campaign. And more than a few of them will be trapped in evil ways

[Keth Durgan]

I'm actually incorporating them in much the same way. The major NPCs in my campaign are completely unrelated, and very few even know that they are in league with each other. Their communications will be sent in these, and if the party can figure any of them out, they'll have a link to the next NPC in the chain.

[Raven Bloodmoon]

Sounds nice. I will definitely be adding these to the list of evil little devices in my campaign setings

[Axel]

One could make such a demented trap. In place of the message and acid you place a compound that, when exposed to air, experiences a violent explosion. Reverse the locking mechanism so that only one combination keeps the trap locked. Alternatively you could simply ensure the code be discovered. In either case you ensure this codex will be "intercepted" by your enemies, who will naturally pride themselves on discovering your hidden message. When they try to read it... BOOM.

And with magic available, not only can every rune become a trap of some sort, but the message contained within could easily be nothing but the most horrific magical trap you can think of. And I know you lot can think of quite a bit.

[Dthclaw]

*innocent look*

What, us? No... we could never engage in such horror