Passive Trapfinding?

[Olaf the Stout]

Yep, same here. In addition, it allows me to assume that, unless otherwise specified, trapfinders are Taking 10 at searching at all times when moving at normal speed (-5) through a dungeon. Thus, a typical 10th level rogue with a +15 search check, would be automatically finding any traps, treasure or secret doors with a search DC of 20 or lower.

Actually, according to your rule, a PC would have to move at 5ft less than his normal speed in order to only get a -5 on his Search check.

One of the things I discovered in the PHB rules is that it doesn't cover what the negative modifier is to your Hide check when you are moving at normal speed. Up to less than normal speed is covered (0 or -5), as is running or charging (-20). For some reason normal speed got overlooked though.

Personally I use a -10 modifier for hiding while moving your normal speed. I know some people that use a -15. Of course, in your own game, feel free to do whatever you want. But you already knew that!

Olaf the Stout

 

[Voadam]

I have a house rule I stole from Voadam:

1) All characters can search for traps of any DC (provided, of course, they have the appropriate level of search)
2) The trapfinding ability of rogues, now useless, is replaced with the ability to earn a free search check (similar to elves and secret doors) when coming within 5' of the trigger mechanism or area of effect of a trap.

I didn't even notice it missing.

I adapted it from the Everquest RPG PH where there is no trapfinding requirement for over 20 DC traps and rogues get (I think it is called) trapsense but at a -10 penalty.

I liked the idea of rogues being great at trapfinding and reducing the need for PCs to be calling out for constant checks so I house ruled it. -10 fits in well with the default but means it won't really be effective until high level.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

I have a house rule I stole from Voadam:

1) All characters can search for traps of any DC (provided, of course, they have the appropriate level of search)
2) The trapfinding ability of rogues, now useless, is replaced with the ability to earn a free search check (similar to elves and secret doors) when coming within 5' of the trigger mechanism or area of effect of a trap.

I've been using that for ages.

 

[Vegepygmy]

1) All characters can search for traps of any DC (provided, of course, they have the appropriate level of search)
2) The trapfinding ability of rogues, now useless, is replaced with the ability to earn a free search check (similar to elves and secret doors) when coming within 5' of the trigger mechanism or area of effect of a trap.

That's how I do it, too.

 

[Warren Okuma]

1) Bag of tricks
2) Herd o' sheep.

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

If I was going to create a passive trap finding system, I'd probably use a Spot check to know something isn't quite right but then require a successful Search check to actually locate the trap.

 

[Pbartender]

I have a house rule I stole from Voadam:

1) All characters can search for traps of any DC (provided, of course, they have the appropriate level of search)
2) The trapfinding ability of rogues, now useless, is replaced with the ability to earn a free search check (similar to elves and secret doors) when coming within 5' of the trigger mechanism or area of effect of a trap.

Hey Psion, it just occurred to me...

Using this houserule, what happens when you have an elf rogue who comes within 5' of a trapped secret door, and makes the automatic Search check to find the trap but not the secret door?