D&D 5E Search as a Bonus Action

[Ganymede81]

Various feats and class abilities permit characters to do fun things with their bonus action. Some can dodge, disengage, or hide as a bonus action, while others can make extra attacks or cast spells. Rangers can even order their pet to do stuff with a bonus action.

One mechanic that has yet to be tied to a bonus action is the Search Action, the action that allows characters to actively search for hidden foes.

You'd think a search as a bonus action would be perfect for barbarians and rangers, and even some rogues, but I have yet to see it implemented, even in a UA article. Why do you think this possibility was missed?

 

[KahlessNestor]

Maybe because it implies a lot more necessary time than a BA would allow?

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[Ganymede81]

I'm not sure that's it.

A search action can be done in six seconds, like every other action. If a thief can pick a lock as a bonus action, I have trouble imagining that searching was disallowed on realism grounds.

 

[KahlessNestor]

I'm not sure that's it.

A search action can be done in six seconds, like every other action. If a thief can pick a lock as a bonus action, I have trouble imagining that searching was disallowed on realism grounds.

I don't know. A Perception check can be done in that time, but a search seems to imply a bit more dedication of focus. Perhaps if it's some kind of small, dedicated area it could be done in 6 seconds.

And a cheap lock can be bumped pretty quickly. Just because a rogue can pick a lock as a bonus action doesn't mean I can't make him do several bonus actions depending on the complexity. This was a common element of 4E. It just means he doesn't need as much focus (an action) as another character and can multitasn better.

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[Ganymede81]

The Search Action, alongside its benefits and limitations, can be seen on page 193 of the PHB.

 

[feartheminotaur]

Because there are red-headed step-children of actions...Help anyone?!

I would tie it to the Interact action. Sort of a "you can interact with the world around you - potions, looking for hobbits, etc." as a bonus action. That would be pretty sweet in a Rogue sub-class, as a terrain feature for a Druid land, or representing a scent oriented Barbarian totem.

 

[Quickleaf]

Various feats and class abilities permit characters to do fun things with their bonus action. Some can dodge, disengage, or hide as a bonus action, while others can make extra attacks or cast spells. Rangers can even order their pet to do stuff with a bonus action.

One mechanic that has yet to be tied to a bonus action is the Search Action, the action that allows characters to actively search for hidden foes.

You'd think a search as a bonus action would be perfect for barbarians and rangers, and even some rogues, but I have yet to see it implemented, even in a UA article. Why do you think this possibility was missed?

I think there is nothing wrong with that at all. Consider that dragons can use one of their 3 legendary actions each round to Detect (aka. make a Perception check).

Personally, I find the idea of Searching as a bonus action far less taxing on my suspension of disbelief than a thief picking a lock as a bonus action.

I mean, a bonus action is 2 seconds or less right? I open the door in 2 seconds or less. That's called using a key or just opening the frickin' door, not picking a lock. This is NOT a 2 second activity, even with an older lock... grumble, grumble...

Unless...unless the professional thief's solution is the same as the barbarian's...smash it?

 

[FormerlyHemlock]

Maybe because it implies a lot more necessary time than a BA would allow?

Hmmm. And yet, WotC doesn't seem to have done a lot of thinking about "necessary time" for other mechanical options for your action/bonus action/etc. (Just look at how many different things a bard can use his mouth for simultaneously.) And fighters can Search with an Action Surge.

 

[Ganymede81]

Because there are red-headed step-children of actions...Help anyone?!

I would tie it to the Interact action. Sort of a "you can interact with the world around you - potions, looking for hobbits, etc." as a bonus action. That would be pretty sweet in a Rogue sub-class, as a terrain feature for a Druid land, or representing a scent oriented Barbarian totem.

Thieves already have this in that they can use the Use an Object action as a bonus action.

Likewise, at least Purple Dragon Knights get access to the Help action as a bonus action.

I believe the only one left out in the cold is the humble Search.

 

[Flamestrike]

I agree. For mine it should be a Ranger feature similar to cunning action.

Its really useful spotting hidden creatures. Search action as a bonus action is the counter to hide action as a bonus action for Rogues. On your turn you can quickly scan your environment as a bonus action, make a perception check to spot a hidden foe, and (if succesful) use your action to hit them.

And it is in UA. Investigator Rogues get the ability.