Dwarven auto-Search (stonecutting) -- reg. roll, take 10, or either?

[Magus Coeruleus]

Hey folks,

A dwarf who merely comes within 10 feet of unusual stonework can make a Search check as if he were actively searching

Do you roll those checks normally on d20, assume the dwarf is taking 10 when doing this, or let the player (or DM if it's an NPC) decide? It doesn't specify, but says "as if he were actively searching," which suggests that it's the dwarf's choice since if you were actively searching you'd have that choice. On the other hand, you can't take 10 when you're distracted. Are you "distracted" if you're walking along and not specifically paying attention for unusual stonework? Conversely, would you force a take 10, saying that if you're just getting these automatic checks without really trying that you assume average performance?

I don't think this is as much a straight-up rules question as much as my wondering how other people choose (or would choose) to adjudicate it.

Thanks,
MC

 

[Henrix]

I (DM) roll in secret behind my screen every now and then.

But I have also assumed they'd find anything they could with a roll of 10, to minimize hassle.

Taking 10 is generally not an issue, as long as they are not searching actively.

 

[HammerFist]

The character doesn't know, so the player shouldn't know.

The DM should have all Dwarf and Elf characters' Search skills written down, and roll behind a screen whenever it is applicable.