Surprise represents a moment where one side **doesn’t realise a fight is about to start**. It is **not** a full extra round. It happens **only at the start of combat**. #### The Core Rule (Read This First) > **Surprise is a condition, not a round.** Some creatures are surprised. Some aren’t. #### When Does Surprise Happen? Surprise happens when: - One side is **unaware** of the other - Combat begins suddenly This is usually decided using: - **Stealth checks** vs **Passive Perception** #### Determining Surprise (Step by Step) 1. The ambushing side rolls **Stealth** 2. The DM compares that roll to each creature’s **Passive Perception** 3. Any creature whose Passive Perception is **lower** than the Stealth roll is **surprised** 4. Combat starts as normal with **initiative** Note: Surprise is determined **per creature**, not per group. #### What Being Surprised Means If you are **surprised**: - You **can’t move or take actions** on your first turn - You **can’t take reactions** until that turn ends After your first turn ends, you act normally. #### What Surprise Does NOT Do Surprise: - Does **not** give a free round - Does **not** let attackers go twice - Does **not** automatically give advantage - Does **not** prevent initiative rolls #### Initiative Still Matters Even if surprised: - You still roll initiative - You still have a turn — you just do nothing on it High initiative still helps: - You regain reactions sooner - You act earlier next round #### Common Situations Explained ##### Sneak Attack Example A rogue hidden in shadows attacks: - If the target is unaware → target is surprised - Rogue likely has advantage - Combat starts immediately after the attack ##### Partial Surprise One guard notices something. Others don’t. Result: - That guard is **not surprised** - The others **are surprised** ##### “We Knew Something Was Wrong” If creatures were alert or suspicious: - The DM may rule **no surprise** - Or grant advantage/disadvantage instead #### What Cancels Surprise? You are **not surprised** if: - You knew enemies were nearby - You heard something approaching - You were actively watching - You had time to prepare Suspicion ≠ surprise. #### DM Rule of Thumb > **If a creature could reasonably react to the threat, it is not surprised.** --- #### Summary > **Surprised creatures lose their first turn, not the whole round.** ---