Surprise (game mechanic): Difference between revisions

{{SmIconLink|Surprised Condition Icon.webp|Surprised (Condition)|Surprised}} is a special [[Conditions|Condition]] that can affect [[List of Creature Types|Creatures]] during the first round of combat. When one side of a combat encounter is unaware of the other side, they may be '''Surprised'''. A '''Surprised''' creature cannot take any [[Action]]s or [[Reaction]]s for one combat round. Characters with the [[Alert]] feat, the [[Feral Instinct]] feature or under the effects of certain items (like the {{RarityItem|Elixir of Vigilance}}) cannot be '''Surprised'''.  

== Achieving Surprise ==

'''Surprise''' can be achieved when initiating combat by attacking an unaware enemy while [[Hide|Hidden]] or [[Invisible (Condition)|Invisible]].

* Some creatures, even when '''Surprised''' themselves, may call out to nearby allies to prevent them from being '''Surprised'''.

* Certain combat encounters are rigged to always '''Surprise''' either the player's party or the enemy party when the proper conditions are met. For example:

** The first encounter with the [[Lesser Imp]]s during the [[Prologue]] always grants the player a '''Surprise''' round.

** A [[Mimic]] will always '''Surprise''' the player's party when interacting with it in its disguised form. Attacking it from range will start the battle without being surprised.

** In the Underdark Beach, a Duergar might spot you, talk to you and call their leader. If you wait for their leader your party is surprised; if you choose to attack, all of the enemies in the area are surprised instead.