D&D 5E Combining player-directed search with skill-based searching

[Sadrik]

Also you could probably combine active searching and rolling, eg, if the player says he searches in the right spot for a secret door, and describes it well, grant adv on the search roll?

that way the skill is still relevant, but if you take the time to roleplay it, you get a bonus

But then they know something is up with the right spot to search if you are giving them advantage. Better to modify DCs...

 

[Psikerlord#]

But then they know something is up with the right spot to search if you are giving them advantage. Better to modify DCs...

Ah good point, I think somewhere it says adv on passive is about +5, so maybe reduce DC by 5 (or add 5 to their roll - secretly)