Traps and Search-Need Help Quick!

[c0mA]

Failing a search check does not trigger traps. It can if the DM chooses so, but that is not the default in the core rules.

So searching for a trap with a Proximity, Sound, or Visual trigger does not set the trigger off? See DMG p.68

I would also think that searching for a trap that has a Touch trigger might, just might, set a trap off, depending on the sensitivity of the trigger. After all, Spot with your eyes, Search with your hands, or something like that.

Does anyone else have a method for dealing with this? And for the post above about the DM saying "umm, you can't take 20," I would let them try, then explain after the trap went off that one of their failures triggered it (if a failed Search check set this particular type of trap off.)

 

[Prism]

Well searching can be done from 10' without touch if needs be so you should be safe enough with a touch or location trigger to take 20

A sound, visual or proximity trigger if with a large enough trigger area could be set off before you even get a search roll. For example a spear shot out down a corridor might have a visual trigger of 60' and be pretty much impossible to search for without somehow avoiding detection first to enable you to close in. Many of these are magically enhanced though and would therefore would be visible to detect magic without a search roll, or could be fooled with magic

I don't think I would rule that a search roll set a trap off but I could see some of those traps (especially the visual and sound triggers) being set off without any chance of a search roll, unless the rogue was able to sneak up hidden and silently first

 

[c0mA]

Thanks Prism.

 

[glass]

As several people have already said, most traps aren't triggered by searching for them, so you can take 20. Some might be, and in those cases you can't. IMCs, I houserule away the searching from 10 ft away nonsense, which puts a few more into the latter category.

FWIW, any case where the characters might or might not be able to take 20 depending on circumstances they don't know about, they can try. If circumstances are such that they can't actually take 20, then I just call for a die roll anyway (or make it myself). In the case of potentially triggering a trap, I allow the searcher to pull back just in time if they make the initial roll.


glass.

 

[Pielorinho]

NOte that you "generally" must be within 10' of the object or surface to be searched; I read this as saying that under some circumstances you can search from farther away, and in some circumstances you must be closer than 10'.

Daniel

 

[William_2]

Yes, like the “Ransack a chest full of junk to find a certain item” example given. Not much chance you are NOT setting off traps on that chest in the course of such an attempt, I think. Basically I think DM and player should both be clear on whether each search attempt is just by looking, or also touching.

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

Perhaps grant a bonus for searching in a method that would set off a trap.. figuring the RAW search is mainly visual.. grant a +5 for feeling for a trap, but risk setting off any with Touch triggers.
IC this would represent pressing/lifting on tiles, sliding yoru hand around checking for trip-wires, etc..

Anywho.. just call me poster C..

 

[Pielorinho]

Perhaps grant a bonus for searching in a method that would set off a trap.. figuring the RAW search is mainly visual.. grant a +5 for feeling for a trap, but risk setting off any with Touch triggers.
IC this would represent pressing/lifting on tiles, sliding yoru hand around checking for trip-wires, etc..

Anywho.. just call me poster C..

That seems like a pretty good idea. Obviously, in some circumstances you CANNOT search without touching the material (e.g., if I want to discover which casket contains a portrait of my beloved, I have got to touch the caskets). But in other circumstances, a circumstance modifier seems entirely appropriate. I like it!

Daniel