Spot or search ?

Emil_vinkel · Post by **Emil_vinkel** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 8:06 am

What skill do one use to find secret doors, spot or search?
Thanks in advance
Emil Vinkel

kombinat · Post by **kombinat** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 8:10 am

Search.

Emil_vinkel · Post by **Emil_vinkel** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 8:10 am

Thanks

Rain&Clouds · Post by **Rain&Clouds** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 8:24 am

Feels kind of wrong though

Most SECRET doors should be found with Spot

Maybe the DM's can change that in some of the most secret doors? (the one no one has an idea they are there).

Final Shinryuu · Post by **Final Shinryuu** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 8:26 am

Players Handbook 3.0 says Search is used to find hidden objects and secret doors, Spot is only for hidden creatures.

Vergilius · Post by **Vergilius** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 8:27 am

Search is the correct skill, not spot. Finding secret doors requires more than simple spotting. Searching involves going over patterns in the pavement and wall that you may already be able to see. Of course, if we really wanted to be picky, we could make you do both checks.

Kareth · Post by **Kareth** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 9:31 am

Vergilius wrote:Search is the correct skill, not spot. Finding secret doors requires more than simple spotting. Searching involves going over patterns in the pavement and wall that you may already be able to see. Of course, if we really wanted to be picky, we could make you do both checks.

Both checks would make sense to me, you might "spot" that something doesn't look right, but unless it is an obvious secret door, then you will probably need to "search" for the way to open it. For me search means that the effort of actually spending time looking is involved.

Rain&Clouds · Post by **Rain&Clouds** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 9:36 am

Yes, I meant the same thing Kareth says

If you aren't actively looking for a secret door, you would first need a spot check (in my opinion anyway)... so maybe both checks would be a nice idea

But the spot check should be kept low, for the people who know what they're looking for

kombinat · Post by **kombinat** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 9:43 am

Kareth wrote: Both checks would make sense to me, you might "spot" that something doesn't look right, but unless it is an obvious secret door, then you will probably need to "search" for the way to open it. For me search means that the effort of actually spending time looking is involved.

Which is why we have... dun dun duuuuun... Detect Mode!

Edit: Oops!

Rain&Clouds · Post by **Rain&Clouds** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 9:46 am

But search means you are, well, searching!

Like if a rogue is next to you and you notice he has a hidden dagger in his sleeve - you would need a spot check to notice it. But if you thought he had one and started to look for one in his body, that would be a search check.

Shadow Monkey · Post by **Shadow Monkey** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 9:53 am

Search Mode

Isn't it Detect Mode?

kombinat · Post by **kombinat** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 9:55 am

Oh yeah!

Been playing elves so long I haven't needed it for such a long time I forgot..

Chemical-Burn · Post by **Chemical-Burn** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 8:36 am

is spot used aginst someone trying to pick pocket you? and how exactly is this done? from what I can guess its a d20 + spot vs d20 + pp skill?