Level Up (A5E) Spike growth question

[lichmaster]

Yes of course, I was just pointing out that it's not immediately obvious where the hazard is even after taking damage

 

[Distracted DM]

The creature can make a perception check tells me that it requires an action like any other check of this kind during combat... I guess "something doesn't seem right, do you want to proceed or make a perception check" etc. but you're right it's not an easy call. I wonder if it's been asked previously here or in one of the Discords.