5-foot step in the surprise round

[Doug McCrae]

In addition to a standard action, can you take a 5-foot step in the surprise round?

 

[frankthedm]

As long as that standard action involves no movement.

 

[Doug McCrae]

Can you cite a source for this?

Page 137 of the PHB seems to indicate you don't get a 5-foot step.

combatants who started the battle aware of their opponents each take a standard action during the surprise round. You can also take free actions at the DM's discretion.

No mention of a 5-foot step, only standard actions and (maybe) free actions.

Whereas page 144 seems to indicate you do.

You can move 5 feet in any round when you don't perform any other kind of movement.

Overall this seems inconclusive either way.

 

[The Souljourner]

Can you cite a source for this?

Page 137 of the PHB seems to indicate you don't get a 5-foot step.

No mention of a 5-foot step, only standard actions and (maybe) free actions.

Whereas page 144 seems to indicate you do.

They're not contradictory, so they complement each other... if you don't move you get a 5' step. Surprise round says nothing about not getting a 5' step, so you do.

 

[TYPO5478]

A 5-foot step is not an action; I'd say you can take one during the surprise round.