Geas Trap
A table has been set with a vase of flowers, an envelope sealed with wax, a shortsword, a scroll, and a string of prayer beads.
Breaking the seal on the envelope triggers a Failure.
Magic Items. The sword, scroll, and prayer beads radiate magic. Touching or moving any of the three items causes the other two to vanish instantly. The sword is a +2 shortsword; the scroll is a spell scroll of geas ; and the beads are a necklace of prayer beads.
Envelope. An Arcana or Investigation check, or an examination of the envelope, reveals a glyph of warding on the envelope’s wax seal. Inside the envelope is a note that reads: “In exchange for this gift, do not harm the lord of this place.”
Spell Effect. This is an abjuration effect created by a 5th-level spell. Casting dispel magic cast on the envelope’s seal triggers a Success.
Spell Solve. Breaking the envelope’s seal with mage hand or a similar effect triggers a Success.
- A creature can make a Dexterity check to open the envelope without breaking the seal. A creature proficient in the Sleight of Hand skill or with forgery kits can add their proficiency bonus to the roll.
Potential Outcomes
Critical Failure or Failure. The glyph of warding activates, casting geas on the creature that broke the seal. The victim telepathically hears the command “Do not harm the lord of this place.” When the victim meets a particular creature within this dungeon, they understand that this is the creature they are forbidden to harm. Dealing damage to that creature or targeting the creature with a spell that forces a saving throw is forbidden by the geas. The geas can’t be removed while any member of the party possesses one of the three magic items found beside the note.
Success or Critical Success. The geas spell is not cast, and the trap is disabled.