How much do rogues learn about a trap with a successful Search?

[Magus Coeruleus]

A rogue whose Disable Device check beats a trap’s DC by 10 or more can study a trap, figure out how it works, and bypass it (along with her companions) without disarming it.

What if you don't beat it by 10 or, for that matter, what about just after you've found the trap with a Search check? How much do you learn?

Do you just know there's some sort of trap after finding it, and then need to score big on Disable to not only disable it but figure out what it was supposed to do, or do you get to know how the trap works with the Search check?

Btw, when I'm saying "how it works," I just means what's supposed to happen when it's triggered, not every last detail of the mechanism. For example, if opening a door locks all other doors in the room on the other side until it is closed again, how much can a Rogue learn just from making a successful Search check from outside the room, having studied the door?

Gratzi,
MC

 

[Kae'Yoss]

A successful Search check lets the rogue find the little metal plate trapmakers are required to put on the trap (regulation thing). On that plate he will find the product id and the serial number, and with a Knowledge (Dungeoneering) Check he can learn the specifics of that trap.


No, seriously: I think he'll find the trap's trigger and maybe some telltale signs (holes in the doorframe, a conceiled trap door on the floor or right above the trigger, a sigil). He will have an idea on the general working, but won't know for sure (the holes might release arrows or poisenous gas, the trap door above you a load of stones or a load of beholders, that sigil could do just about everything....)