jmartkdr2
Hero
IMO:
If the players (or enemies!) set up a successful ambush, then they should get a big advantage - maybe they all get a free attack before initiative is rolled. This is likely to be a big deal in terms of how hard the fight is - but then again, setting up an ambush against wary foes is tough to do. This shouldn't be a simple roll of stealth vs. perception - the ambushers should be actively describing how they hide in a way that lets them watch for the approaching enemies. It should be a whole scene by itself.
Assassins assassinating shouldn't use combat rules at all. That's a skill challenge.
In short - surprise should be a rare occurrence and treated as a special case when it does show up. So dedicated surprise mechanics are a no.
If the players (or enemies!) set up a successful ambush, then they should get a big advantage - maybe they all get a free attack before initiative is rolled. This is likely to be a big deal in terms of how hard the fight is - but then again, setting up an ambush against wary foes is tough to do. This shouldn't be a simple roll of stealth vs. perception - the ambushers should be actively describing how they hide in a way that lets them watch for the approaching enemies. It should be a whole scene by itself.
Assassins assassinating shouldn't use combat rules at all. That's a skill challenge.
In short - surprise should be a rare occurrence and treated as a special case when it does show up. So dedicated surprise mechanics are a no.