|
Post by Scott on Jun 28, 2010 14:17:01 GMT -5
How much action should be assumed? Can a party say in advance that they are searching for traps or secret doors as they go? While travelling down a long hallway, should the DM make the players say every 10’ “We look for secret doors” What about pit traps in hallways? Is a one time declaration enough? Thoughts?
|
|
Falconer
Enchanter
Knight Bachelor
AD&D, Middle-earth, Star Trek TOS
Posts: 330
|
Post by Falconer on Jun 29, 2010 8:48:51 GMT -5
Good question, and one I am currently grappling with. Check out pp. 8-9 of OD&D Vol. III and get back to us. I believe:
1. Players are by default proceeding slowly (about 120' every 10 minute turn is slow even for an armored person), which means they are assumed to be generally probing for traps with a 10' pole, as well as mapping. 2. Traps/pits are sprung on a roll of 1-2 even if the party is generally probing. Roll for each character! 3. Without declaring a specific search (i.e., in passing), Elves automatically detect secret doors on a roll of 1-2 (DM rolls). If a search of a specific spot (i.e. an “inch” of wall) is declared, then Elves will locate it on a 1-4, others on a 1-2 (DM roll). A search takes a whole turn. 4. I would generally rule that if the party declared a search of a specific spot where they suspected a trap, they would certainly find such and be able to avoid (or disarm) it. A search takes a whole turn.
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Jun 29, 2010 11:10:51 GMT -5
That's kind of my issue with making players declare everything. You have the party moving through halls at an incredibly slow rate, searching for traps and secret doors should be assumed, at least with a standard sized party.
|
|