Searching with monsters present--allowed!

[mitchiemasha]

I play NA rules and I reveal entire rooms or corridors.

But from what I'm reading here... is that the intention of the NA rules??? How you play is how we play but this extra emphasis on "looking" and "seeing" does raise a question that in the UK version most don't consider (even though it does unintendedly use the word "visible" in a previous paragraph).

Taking Jalapenotrellis comments

Regarding revealing, I always thought that part was fairly clear--reveal a whole room, but only reveal by line of sight in a corridor.

We can tell that some interpret the NA version that way. And, I completely "see" why!!!

[mitchiemasha]

Perhaps people are drawing too much attention to the word and generic use of LoS for range attacks... When in actual game logic or even real world logic, everything in the area is visible, simply being in that area (room or corridor)...

Anyways... that's me for today, I best get prepared for work!!!

[Kurgan]

I've always taken it to mean "visible" means the figures are on the board. Monsters in room/corridor, you can't search. HOWEVER, the "only visible monster(s) are/is asleep" is fine by me. I think I even allowed it one time in that very specific case. ("see" means LOS for the player, so I don't think it's fair to just move slightly so no monsters are in LOS and then search between them for stuff).

Now I did create a new Character Class, the Ranger, who has a once-per-quest ability where he CAN search a room/corridor that has monsters visible (and it will also reveal any secret doors too). Or he can he can choose to search a square behind an open door for a trap without setting foot in the room. So he gets to "break the rules" once per quest, basically. I rationalize it as based on his superior perception skills utilized to the full at a decisive moment.

Considering stalactite traps in the BQP are instant hit, and appear behind doors, this is essential unless I changed every instance on the quest map (and I prefer to play it as written the first time played unless it's a blatant typo).

[wallydubbs]

Despite the loophole Daedalus has pointed out, the only time I allow a hero to search (be it Treasure, traps or secret doors) with a monster present is when he's under the spell "Invisibility", because the hero cannot be attacked and is therefore is in no immediate danger.
But now upon thinking about it, if there is a long corridor that has heroes on one side, with the Barbarian in the lead, and monsters on the other end; the Barbarian, because he can be attacked cannot search. The other heroes shouldn't be able to see clearly past the Barbarian or monsters, so can't search that end of the corridor. However, they might be able to search their half of the corridor so long as there are no monsters on that side.

[mitchiemasha]

It's hard to keep track of these threads but did we mention "THIEF SKILL: Search in the presence of Monsters" a unique character trait or perhaps a "Ring of Awareness".

I don't support the Japanese version of making it doable by default then switching it up later as a choice.
I'd support searching if "Sleep" or "Invisibility" has been used and even quests that make it possible or not possible regardless to skills and artefacts, due to what ever relevance that quest provides to apply the reasons.

Some might say searching breaks invisibility, which could be met half way, depending on outcome, Wandering Monster. Setting off a Spear Trap (UK ed) would be OK and just add to the monsters confusion, distraction. Unless you set it off standing on it.

[The Admiral]

I don't support the Japanese version of making it doable by default then switching it up later as a choice.
I'd support searching if "Sleep" or "Invisibility" has been used and even quests that make it possible or not possible regardless to skills and artefacts, due to what ever relevance that quest provides to apply the reasons.

Yep, I think common sense is the rule of thumb. Wandering around looking in drawers and feeling for loose floorboards just is not an option with a live monster in the same room or corridor that is aware of your presence. The only character we have had with the ability to search with monsters present was the Dwarf Revealer, and that is more to do with his acute senses as to what is present with almost no physical effort.

[Anderas]

I allow to search for treasure as soon as there is the slightest hint that the monster might probably not be in direct line of sight.

Eh that's fun.

One Hero less who attacks my poor Monster, and the discussions between the heroes after are just popcorn worthy. One time one of those got 1d6 x 10 gold but lost his turn. While the others were fighting next room. That was so cruel. But so good.

[wallydubbs]

Some might say searching breaks invisibility, which could be met half way, depending on outcome, Wandering Monster. Setting off a Spear Trap (UK ed) would be OK and just add to the monsters confusion, distraction. Unless you set it off standing on it.

Well it doesn't say you can't trigger traps while invisible. Since the spell itself already has limited use, one could potentially use this as a safety precaution:
Search for Treasure while invisible and you get a Wandering Monster, it doesn't get to attack.
Just opened a door with multiple monsters on the other side of the room, but everyone's worried there'll be traps between you and them; send in an invisible hero to search for traps.

One time one of those got 1d6 x 10 gold but lost his turn. While the others were fighting next room. That was so cruel. But so good.

It could be worse, the hero could've been using Treasure Horde from Spells of Detection and drawn 1d6 x 10 gold with a Wandering monster. Imagine the hero trying to pick up scattered gold pieces around the room while a monster beats on him.

[torilen]

I have since developed a Halfling. A racial character who can search while monsters are around,
Because they’re good at hiding and are smaller and not noticeable.

This chapter has to have weapons and armor sized for them, however. Weapons cost 50 gold more,
and armor costs 100 gold more. They also get 1AD extra against large/tall monsters, with more
AD against even larger creatures.

[The Admiral]

I have since developed a Halfling. A racial character who can search while monsters are around,
Because they’re good at hiding and are smaller and not noticeable.

I like that. Very Hobbitesque.