Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Tequila_Sunrise 04-04-07, 08:19 AM	How do you describe a rogue searching for, and finding, a magical trap? Has there ever been a novel in which this is described? I'd love to hear about it.
Sajek 04-04-07, 10:16 AM	I always just describe it more or less "You detect magical protection in that square" or something like that. If it's more specific, then "You find a strange glowing rune atop the doorframe."
Imatash 04-04-07, 10:34 AM	The new FR series House of Serpents has some Rogue skills. It is better for psionics though. As a DM I say stuff like "You search the door frame and find a loose stone. Moving the stone you are able to throw a small lever and the door opens." I make all characters roll a bunch of times then use the d20 results with their skill modifiers rather than have them roll a 5 and know they sucked at finding the trap. So I would do this: Rogue"I would like to look at the chest for traps. I would check his pre-rolled numbers and start randomly by rolling a d20 and that is where I would start for all of them. I do that secretly. DM "Rogue what is your search modifier? Rogue "+8+ I would then check the list sheet. It is a 14 so he scored 22. DM "You begin by looking at the hinges and there is some arcane ruins across the hinges indicating some sort of trap" Rogue "I would like to disarm the trap" Wizard "Wait I will attempt to cast Dispel Magic first" Rogue "No you only have one left wait for a more important use." Fighter "Wait I tie a rope around his waste and everyone else moves back" DM "You tie and rope around the Rogue's waist and everyone moves back. What is your Disarm Traps? Rogue "I am using my special tools so it is an 11." I again check the list sheet. It is a 2 + 11 he scored 13. DM "You begin by trying to remove the runes and you do so but as you lift the lid you see one rune you missed and there is a whoosh sound as a cloud of green gas fills the area. Roll a Fort Save." Hope that helps Imatash
Imatash 04-05-07, 11:00 AM	Just read Realms of the Dragons....anthology of short stories. Standard Delving Procedure by Lisa Smedman. Two rogues searching a dungeon complex. LLOST- Listen, LOok, Search for Traps ERROR- Enter Right Return Opposite Right FAIL- Feel Air, Inspect and Listen MISS- Manipulate Inspect Slide and Shove The short story has the characters using these short forms during their search and exploration of the dungeon. There are good examples of their techniques. Imatash