
I draw my Longsword and move stealthily down the stairs. (Move Silently and Hide In Shadows).
"Well it seems we have two choices. Davik do you mind seeing if these stairs are trapped before we head into the darkness. Can you see anything down those steps?"
Out of character: Is it regular darkness or magical? Would my character be able to tell the difference or would the mage npc?
Davik checks the stairs for traps, ad well as the immediate area (Find/Remove Traps)
Out of Character: Do you roll this as well?
It doesn't take long for Davik to figure out that the darkness is magical in that it has a defined beginning and light will not penetrate it.
Out of Character: : Yes, I'll roll your find/remove traps.
"There's some kind of magical darkness in this area," says Davik "It's difficult to see beyond this to see if the stairs are trapped. Can any of you do anything about it?"
Out of Character: Would casting Light on the darkness negate it? What do I roll to see if I know about that?
Ardo takes out the coin he had a continual light cast on in the keep. "I guess the did not run away. Do you think this coin will work in that darkness area?"
Hunter sighs, takes out his arrow, notches and arrow, pulls back on the bow string and lets and arrow go into the darkness waiting to see what happens.
Hunter lets loose an arrow. You see it disappear into the darkness and then the metal arrow head skip off of stone.
Anybody that has Spellcraft skill can make a roll against it to determine if they know what will negate the darkness. Failing that, it's the old 'trial and error' operation.