I'm only doing skill checks when absolutely necessary, and I'd imagine it's mostly going to be spot and listen checks, so I figured I'd just assume you would maximize those skills. What's 'dramatically appropriate' counts for a lot.
Also, opinions on character death? The way I usually do things, I'm not actively trying to kill chars, but if you do something stupid, you *WILL* suffer the consequences. Is that okay, or would you rather I let the dice decide? Keep in mind, ressurection magic is pretty much out of the question.