A rogue and only a rogue...

ergeheilalt · Apr 24, 2003

IMC I have normally only allow rogues to search for traps. Depending on the situation and type of trap, a character with craft (traps) or knowledge (Engineering) may also notice the trap. I dont think that going one way or the other will break the rogue class, but I do think that it should be something that is a hallmark of the rogue class.

Erge

Lord Pendragon · Apr 25, 2003

Traps.

I like the traps rules as is. I see the classes as less RP-oriented, and more RP-neutral skill-sets. A level of rogue includes training in the disarming of more complicated and magical traps. So a PC who wants to disarm complex traps needs to take a level of Rogue. It's just that simple. Just as a PC who wants to channel positive energy needs to take a level of Cleric, even if he isn't particularly religious.

In game, a Fighter19/Rogue1 can portray himself as a pure warrior who happened to be trained in disarming traps by a fellow inmate while he locked up in prison. The level of rogue doesn't mean he's thief-like or shifty or anything.

Actually, players presuming that they know about a PC by the class-levels the PC has taken is a pet peeve of mine. I once had a Fighter/Rogue who was, in-game, a dancer/martial-artist. She would have been insulted if she were called a thief, and I was annoyed when a fellow player once referred to her as "sneaky" because she had rogue levels, even though she'd never done anything sneaky for the entire campaign.

Red Baron · Apr 25, 2003

Just be prepared to rule-0.

For instance, if a trap is relatively simple but very well hidden (like a simple but carefully concealed deadfall with a Search DC of 20+) I'd allow any character to try to find it -- it's obviously a trap, if you can just spot it. However, something complex (a subtle trap involving lots of gears and cogs, or something) would require a rogue to find even if its DC were relatively low, since only rogues are specifically trained to find that kind of thing.

(Of course, in the latter case, I might also allow a character with at least 5 ranks in Knowledge (architecture and engineering) to make a Search check to find it...)