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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Abraxas" data-source="post: 1386303" data-attributes="member: 1266">Except that on page 65 of the PH it gives an example of taking 20 using the search skill.   The barbarian in the example in the PH could use search to find a simple trap (Page 81 of the PH "anyone can use Search to find a trap whose DC is 20 or lower"). If the threat of not finding a simple tripping chain trap (DMG pg 71, Search DC:15) that may or may not be present (the barbarian doesn't know) was a enough of a distraction that he couldn't take 20 or if the failure to find said trap was actually a penalty for failure as defined by the take 20 rules then they would not have created an example showing how a character can take 20 while searching. The problem, as I see it, for some DMs is the on/off nature of take 20 with the search skill.  The DC the DM sets will either allow the rogue to always or never find the trap (If the rogue searches in the right place).  I don't see this as a problem.  The chance and excitement comes into play when disabling or bypassing the trap (where the rogue can't take 20).  If you want to add an element of chance in the finding of the trap in the first place, use a floating DC.  Set a base DC with a +/- variable that is rolled everytime the rogue searches for that particular trap.  So set the pit trap DC at 22 and roll a d10.  If an even # is rolled add #/2 to the DC.  I an odd # is rolled subtract #/2 (round down) from the DC.  There you have it - a bit of random chance that doesn't always penalize the player.</blockquote>

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