listen and spot checks. Active vs Inactive checks?

[VorpalStare]

There are two types of checks in these circumstances. Active checks, which take a Standard Action, and involve a character deliberately attempting to spot something, such as the location of a enemy he knows is hidden somewhere in the shadows.

Pinotage

I believe that an active spot is a move action: PHB p. 83:

Trying to spot something you failed to see previously is a move action.

This way, you can actively spot something hiding and be able to do something about it (with your standard action) before it moves again.

 

[Pinotage]

I stand corrected. Seems to be a common occurance these days. Brain overload!

Pinotage