Taking 20 on traps search

[IceBear]

"The character generally must be within 10 feet of the object or surface to be searched."

Well, yes, I wouldn't let someone find a trap from more than 10 feet away...what is it, a sign saying "trap here"?

No, but if you remember Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indy notices scuff marks on the stone and then sees the holes the darts shoot out of. Yes, he was closer than 10ft, but he also wasn't in that "square" or actually touch anything in it.

I can forsee circumstances where you might have to actually search the square that the trap is in to find it, but discolorations, scrapes, and holes/triggering mechanisms might be noticeable from a distance.

As was said, if they want to Take 20 on every 5ft square then they're wasting a lot of time that gives the dungeon denizens time to prepare, wandering monsters time to find them, the evil wizard time to finish his world ending spell, the evil priest time to complete his sacrifice, etc. Time should be a factor in the adventure and Taking 20 all the time will affect this.

IceBear

 

[Pagan priest]

Here's a bit of a summary:


2> Careful:
This will mean that people in the front rank do not get spot checks to see monsters coming and do not act in the surprise round. If only one person in the front rank is searching for traps, then speed will be similarly reduced.

3> Paranoid:
Again, people in the front rank do not get spot checks to act in the surprise round.

I have to call you on this bit. I can see absolutely no rational for allowing the searchers no spot check at all. The best that can be justified is to add a penalty, probably the ubiquitous -2, certainly not more than a -5. Any more than this is simply an attempt to punish the characters for the player's caution.

On the other hand, I could see some sort of random roll to see if the character is prone, kneeling, or standing up as the surprise round begins.

 

[smetzger]

I have to call you on this bit. I can see absolutely no rational for allowing the searchers no spot check at all. The best that can be justified is to add a penalty, probably the ubiquitous -2, certainly not more than a -5. Any more than this is simply an attempt to punish the characters for the player's caution.

On the other hand, I could see some sort of random roll to see if the character is prone, kneeling, or standing up as the surprise round begins.

I agree, the only time according to the rules you wouldn't get your spot check is if your blind.

 

[Legildur]

Which is why Dwarven Rogues are at an advantage when taking point in a dungeon. Assuming most traps in a corridor involve stonework (pits for example), they get a free Search check with Stonecunning.

My halfing Rogue9/Ranger1/Dungeon Delver2 is about to pick up Stonecunning (with the 3rd level of DD), which will make his life a little bit easier than the 5ft per round Search rate that he occasionally employs. And I can’t wait until he gets the Darkvision ability at 5th level.

Should have been a dwarf……

 

[Steverooo]

Which is why Dwarven Rogues are at an advantage when taking point in a dungeon. Assuming most traps in a corridor involve stonework (pits for example), they get a free Search check with Stonecunning.

The scuttlebutt (for what it's worth) is that Rogues will be getting a free check when within so many feet, at fifth level or so... Just hafta wait and see!

To the original question: I wouldn't have allowed it, but after reading this, probably would. Hmmm...