Legildur said:
Where feasible, yes. Particularly for doors/chests etc. If we are in a hurry for some reason, then normal search checks. So, after an initial listen check, he'll then take 20 on the last flight of stairs.
Legildur, let's talk a bit more about assumptions and standard operating procedure for dungeon exploration.
1. I will presume that Flannad is constantly looking and listening, relying on his keen gnomish senses to detect trouble. So, unless you want to state that he is looking or listening for something specific, you won't need to express this all the time. I will automatically make Listen and Spot checks for him as things move along. In fact, I'll post the results of such checks (if applicable) in the initial description of a new room or area, so if there is no Listen/Spot result described, you can assume he didn't note anything unusual.
2. It's fine to take 20 on search checks here and there, particularly for doors, chests, or other objects. However, to take 20 on every square foot of room and hallway implies a very leisurely pace, which doesn't make sense from a role-playing standpoint in this situation (after all, there are abducted children to save!) I'm not going to go so far as to disallow you from taking 20 on search checks, but do keep the situation in mind for future reference. Too much dallying will
likely certainly have negative consequences for the party. I will assume that doors, chests, etc., will be searched with a Take 20. For floors, walls, stairs, etc., you will need to specify in your posts whether a Search check is to be made, and whether it is a standard check, or a Take 20.
3. For rooms and corridors that Flannad scouts and finds non-threatening, is it fair to assume that he would then give the rest of the group the all-clear to join him in that location? If that's all right with you, I'll just post descriptions of these areas for the whole group (essentially assuming the scouting took place, but skipping the playing out of it). I fear otherwise the game would really bog down while Flannad scouts, and the five other players are left twiddling their thumbs. No fun for them, so I'd rather try to streamline things if we can. Obviously, in a situation where Flannad finds something interesting/dangerous, we'll make surprise checks, or role-play the event as needed. I'm just talking about the routine exploration here.
Please do let me know how you feel about these matters. I welcome opinions from the other players as well. Thanks!
