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Message: <blockquote data-quote="clearstream" data-source="post: 8030363" data-attributes="member: 71699">For sure!I think it would be reasonable, but not logical. The problem created is this. Say that there is a threat that is currently ethereal. The rules say "Creatures that aren't on the Ethereal Plane can't perceive you and can't interact with you, unless a Special ability or magic has given them the ability to do so." That then admits of two options. 1) I can say that Alert also provides perception into the ethereal plane, which feels like a stretch! 2) If it does not, then if Alert only works because it makes me notice threats, then I must be going to be surprised even though I am conscious.Therefore, we're forced to choose option 1), but say that further the creature successfully Hides (which it can, as you can't see it) by beating your Perception. We are now forced to overrule its Hide (because again, we were forced to choose 1).The logical reading is this: if you have Alert, while you are conscious, you cannot be surprised (technical meaning, i.e. the mechanical keyword). No further elaboration necessary.The alternative is exactly what should be expected under exception trumps general rules constructions. It also plays significantly better! And I say that, having run into precisely this conundrum and playtested both approaches at the table.</blockquote>