Trapfinding: usefull at lower levels? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Trapfinding: usefull at lower levels? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Nicholas the Paladin
02-25-07, 11:58 AM Hi Guys,

I'll start a beguiler at 1st level in a few weeks. One of it's features is the trapfinding ability.

What I understand is, that it is in fact a combination of 2 skills: 'search' and 'disable device.'

When I read these two skills, it strikes me that the DC to make is rather high:
- Search - DC 21: on a search to find a simple mechanical trap (magical traps are even harder)
- Disable Device - DC 20: to disarm a standard trap (complex traps are DC 25)

It doesn't seem to be wise to spend 4 ranks on these two skills at 1st level; since you really don't know if your search/disable device has worked. The trap could go of in your face.

At first I wanted to select (6 + INT) skills, that I would steadily increase at every level. (I wanted to choose a fixed set of skills that defines my role in the group).

Right now I feel that spending skillpoint on Search and Disable Device is a waste of Skillpoints, and should be spent on Skills that are more fun at lower levels. Maybe later, I will spend skillpoints on Search and Disable Device.

Am I right at this?
TheCobra
02-25-07, 12:29 PM Search - DC 21: on a search to find a simple mechanical trap (magical traps are even harder)

That's why you take 20 when looking for traps. I strongly suggest maxing out the search skill. Traps aren't the only things it's nice to find. You can also find items (i.e. sweet loot), secret doors, and so on.
Emeramber
02-25-07, 01:25 PM As a beguiler, Int is probably your primary stat, so 4 ranks in search is going to net you a +6-8 search. Even at +6, that's a 26 on a take 20 (for those spots you're really paranoid.) I'm biased, of course, as my pattern is to quickly grab as much search and disable as I can, especially at low levels. Because you're going to face that trap anyways, better a chance to notice it than no chance, right?

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Nicholas the Paladin 02-25-07, 11:58 AM	Hi Guys, I'll start a beguiler at 1st level in a few weeks. One of it's features is the trapfinding ability. What I understand is, that it is in fact a combination of 2 skills: 'search' and 'disable device.' When I read these two skills, it strikes me that the DC to make is rather high: - Search - DC 21: on a search to find a simple mechanical trap (magical traps are even harder) - Disable Device - DC 20: to disarm a standard trap (complex traps are DC 25) It doesn't seem to be wise to spend 4 ranks on these two skills at 1st level; since you really don't know if your search/disable device has worked. The trap could go of in your face. At first I wanted to select (6 + INT) skills, that I would steadily increase at every level. (I wanted to choose a fixed set of skills that defines my role in the group). Right now I feel that spending skillpoint on Search and Disable Device is a waste of Skillpoints, and should be spent on Skills that are more fun at lower levels. Maybe later, I will spend skillpoints on Search and Disable Device. Am I right at this?
TheCobra 02-25-07, 12:29 PM	Search - DC 21: on a search to find a simple mechanical trap (magical traps are even harder) That's why you take 20 when looking for traps. I strongly suggest maxing out the search skill. Traps aren't the only things it's nice to find. You can also find items (i.e. sweet loot), secret doors, and so on.
Emeramber 02-25-07, 01:25 PM	As a beguiler, Int is probably your primary stat, so 4 ranks in search is going to net you a +6-8 search. Even at +6, that's a 26 on a take 20 (for those spots you're really paranoid.) I'm biased, of course, as my pattern is to quickly grab as much search and disable as I can, especially at low levels. Because you're going to face that trap anyways, better a chance to notice it than no chance, right?