Search and Observe (Spot)?

It might simply be the fact that it is 2:10 AM right now, but I cannot grasp why Search is necissary when Observe (Spot) seems to do the same thing. Am I simply failing my Search test to find the difference in the book? The only difference I can possibly imagine would be that search is more of an active skill check, as the skill of the same name in 3rd edition D&D- poking around in a room to find a hidden door, sifting through a pile of silver pennies to find a silver piece, etcetera. The book simply does a poor job of stating this, in my opinion, if this is so.

Opinions?

You got it. Observe is more of a passive skill, working when a PC notices something they might not have seen at a glance.

Search is more active, used when a PC is specifically taking the time to look for something.


Walking through the woods and want a chance to avoid an ambush? Observe (Spot) or (Hear).

Going into a forest and looking for lost ruins? Search.