Flamestrike
Legend
If you are disguised with an alter self as someone's loved one, and then stabbed them, then yes that would be surprise as far as I'm concerned.
But guards escorting a potentially hostile threat? Absolutely not. That would be initiative. Same deal if two groups are negotiating parlay.
Surprise should only trigger when the party being surprised is caught completely and utterly unaware. Even mild suspicion would make surprise impossible.
If I was escorting some enemy orc prisoners and the DM declared that they attacked me and got a surprise round, I'd be furious.
But guards escorting a potentially hostile threat? Absolutely not. That would be initiative. Same deal if two groups are negotiating parlay.
Surprise should only trigger when the party being surprised is caught completely and utterly unaware. Even mild suspicion would make surprise impossible.
If I was escorting some enemy orc prisoners and the DM declared that they attacked me and got a surprise round, I'd be furious.