DM Q&A Searching bushes & logs

[shimmerxxx]

Only a minor point this time, but I could use a little clarification.

When I search a bush to see if there are any edible berries etc, does that mean I'm doing a full search, or just having a quick look?

I ask because I've only been checking each bush/log once then moving on whereas some people I've travelled with will check several times over (or until they find something).

Seems a bit weird to keep checking a bush that you've already checked for berries and found none the first three times.

Thanks

[ShadowCatJen]

The folks you've been traveling with should only be checking it once then moving on. Especially if you guys are heading off in some far off direction and are not planning on sticking around.

[Munroe]

My understanding is that checking it multiple times is acceptable. There is no Take20 on the check so it rolls each time. The chance of finding something is generally low enough, as is the value of the found items, that it is basically a waste of time to try to farm a hedge or shrub. Yes, farming it is possible. Profitting from the farming? Good luck.

[HeatherRae]

I have made a practice of checking the bush until I get an actual Search Check (which I usually fail, as I don't have the darn skill! LOL). Have I been going about this all wrong?

I am really tempted to just start eating the leaves ... because i like to pretend i am a bunny.

[DM Justicar - Creator of FRC]

It is purposly established to be somewhat vague. Let's not spoil it for others who might want to randomly search. Different methods may reveal different results. Different skills/classes will yield different results. Past telling you that - I could only ruin the fun.

[Savage]

Would it be possible to change the script so that in reports on the other window not the chat window? If someone checks a bush ten times everyone is spammed the message on the chat log.

Also, when someone in my party rests I see thier messages for You feel hungry and You eat food... This is not a problem and it does not bother me, but maybe that could be made to just report to them instead of the party?

Also, I would like to ask the DM team if it would be possible to script it so that there is a constant message that "Hoot smells like a rotten fish" around him. Thanks!

[DM Justicar - Creator of FRC]

We tried several different methods of dealing with this but unfortunately it is staying as is.

[DM Richard (Retired)]

savage said:

Also, when someone in my party rests I see thier messages for You feel hungry and You eat food... This is not a problem and it does not bother me, but maybe that could be made to just report to them instead of the party?

Isn't it just embarrassing when your stomach growls around company. ;D

[Quadhund/Greenhouse]

Off the top of my head, the script is probably using the function SendMessagetoPlayer (or something like that). I think the current implementation is best suited because it not only appears in the players combat log, but also gives them a visual which works out well for our less observant players.

And why the hells are all these players jumping the DM forums! Now I got's to go and make all kinda edits

[ShadowCatJen]

Ahem.. okay, apparently the crew needed to clarify it between ourselves. I think the overall call is...

There is nothing wrong with checking a bush/mushroom/log more then once, but be a little sensible about it.

Don't hold up your adventuring party for it if they are aiming to get somewhere and you're just trying to get one little berry. If you don't find that berry and the party is moving on, then stop trying. It's not like you or your character is going do absolutely die without finding that strawberry.