This is how I do those (YM - and others - MV).
Quote from: chade01) to search something (in a room/forest/body/etc)
I made up a new skill Investigation, which is usually Wits based, but sometimes Perception.
Quote from: chade02) to spot (see) something - Wits attribute test?
Perception, TN based on how obvious it is.
Quote from: chade03) to hear (listen) something - Wits again?
Perception, TN based on how loud it is.
Quote from: chade04) to move silently (against one's perception) - Sneak skill test?
The sneaker rolls AG/Sneak, and the perceptor rolls Perception with TN based on the ambient noise etc. This one is in the book on page 40 - the Per TN is 5 for quiet, 8 for mild noise, 12 for loud noise, and +/- 2 for degree of alertness.
Quote from: chade05) how to check if one party surprise another? Ie, how to check which one hears/sees the other first? - a contested roll of wits against each others' per?
Doesn't usually come in in this way for me. If the group have hidden and camoflaged themselves well, or made successful sneak rolls, or whatever, then they get surprise. Without such an effort by either side, I usually give neither side surprise (remember that in many games, Surprise gives you a minor advantage, while in TROS surprise usually means the other guy is dead).
Brian.
Brian, thanks a lot for your quick answers! I really appreciate your help.. this was not the first time.
No worries, that's what I get paid for.
(or would do, if I got paid... *grin*).
Brian.