Well, you don't need to be a great scripter to create explosions, you don't even need to script
Considering there're already ready scripts (altillery, smoke screens and whatnot) available in the Snippets section. In suggest you browse through there first for some ready-made scripts...who knows, you might even learn something
But no, when using triggers and in-game commands, you're bound to be up against alot of writing. Remember that scripts are really just an infinately simpler way of doing everything....if you've mastered the on Activation and Condition fields, scripting itself should be no problem
Just download a tutorial or three, and you'll learn in no time. Trust me on this one.
Well, g'luck in any case.
Wolfrug out.