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Message: <blockquote data-quote="KarinsDad" data-source="post: 6336932" data-attributes="member: 2011">I'm not quite understanding how a PC group often has surprise in 5E.I get the fact that NPCs (at least in the playtest) had low hit points and could often be one shotted (i.e. the equivalent of minions in some ways). But, I do not see how PCs can often get surprise. For one thing, most heavier armored PCs get disadvantage for Stealth. Disadvantage is equivalent to a -5 to the roll (for all intents and purposes). Wizards might have a semi-decent Dex, but they do not get the Stealth skill. So, a typical party will probably only have one or two Stealthy members at most.From what I can tell from the rules, if neither side of the combat tries to be stealthy, then the combat does not have surprise. The DM might rule that the Rogue can try to be stealthy and that only the Rogue gets to go in the surprise round, but the Cleric and Fighter both in Chainmail attempting Stealth checks are typically going to fail miserably to the point that the NPCs are aware of at least their presence.Do the Cleric and Fighter (and possibly the Wizard) hang back during the surprise round so that they do not alert the enemies? If so, the Rogue goes in, one shots one foe, and backs away a little. Next round, initiatives determine if the NPCs swarm the Rogue or not. I'm not seeing how these tactics end up with PCs not taking damage.Is there a rule that I am unaware of that gives surprise to one entire side or the other, even if they do not attempt Stealth rolls (or one that allows for a group skill roll)?So getting back on topic, I do not see how surprise makes up for limited healing in 5E since surprise should rarely occur (if I am reading the rules correctly). Sure, there might be a kick down the door and everyone attacks type of surprise, but that tactic will not be available every time (i.e. either there is no door which hid the light and sounds of the PCs to kick down, or scenarios where the sturdy door doesn't go down and is barred from the other side or whatever).</blockquote>

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