Puzzle Box ideas requested!


Advice

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

Hi!
I'm GMing an Oriental-type campaign, and the PCs recovered a puzzle box from the BBEG they finally vanquished. How can I make opening the puzzle box cool and exciting? It's relatively large, since it contains lots of scrolls of starcharts.
I want it to be more than a series a Disable Device skill checks.
Any ideas?

Liberty's Edge

All I can think of is to present the players with a real puzzle box and have them try to solve it, but that could be very frustrating if the players are not inclined to that sort of thing. If that's the case, or if you don't want to go through the trouble of acquiring a puzzle box, I would just stick with skill checks, mostly Disable Device and Knowledge (Engineering).


Spoiler:
There's a magic item called a Chelish Crux that's essentially a puzzle box with goodies inside. Its from the Council of Thieves adventure path and the rules for it can be found here: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/wondrous-items/c-d/crux- chelish

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

Neat, OmegaZ! I might not use that exact item, but it is extremely inspiring!


I like the idea of disable device checks rather than presenting an actual puzzle, but I also think that there should be some thought put into it and not just a bunch of rolls.

I also like the idea of having a bunch of protective wards put on the box that are countered by a certain spell or item. I am pulling this idea from the chart associated with the Prismatic Wall spell. Spellcraft rolls to identify the spell/other magical thing warding that "Layer" and then using the correct spell/item/command word to deactivate it before moving on to the next one.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

I think I might have it have extra hidden compartments that are "traps" and will release poisonous insects, poisonous gas, acid, stuff like that.

It WAS owned by a naga sorcerer, so some spell requirements MIGHT be warranted, but the party is made up of an oracle, a ranger/rogue/shadowdancer, and a warlock, so their spell selection is extremely limited with very little overlap with sorcerers. Maybe mage hand? The oracle is haunted and has access to it, as did the naga.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

OK, I think I'm going to go with a series of DC 20 Disable Device checks, but if you miss by 5 or more, a trap goes off.

Now I need ideas for traps.

1. poison needle stick
2. 5 foot cube of poisonous gas
3. poisonous insect or fine sized construct
4. squirt of acid
5. ?
6. ??
7. ???
8. ????

Any other ideas for traps? I want them to be small enough to fit in a 2 by 2 by 2 puzzle box.

Also, I'd like some ideas for treasure in the puzzle box.

1. Scrolls of moment of prescience, truestrike, and heal.
2. Star charts of low hanging stars (plot device)
3. Scrolls?
4. More scrolls?

Mostly, I want scroll-like or written material-like magic items.


Here is a couple of ideas:

Maybe a journal containing cryptic information about your plot?
Perhaps a couple of Wands could be in this box?
A spyglass?
A magical inkpen that is always full of ink?
A fossilised banana?


It could be a Cube of Force, or Cubic Gate.
It ciuld hold a Maleficus Spike

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