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Message: <blockquote data-quote="iserith" data-source="post: 6747772" data-attributes="member: 97077">I imagine the adventure text says the goblins cannot be surprised because they are lying in wait for anyone approaching the dead horses. If the wood elf PC didn't approach the dead horses and instead moved in such a way as to get a jump on the goblins' position, then I think you made a good call as DM.The thick brush might be difficult terrain which might slow down movement. It might also be considered cover which imparts a bonus to AC and Dexterity saving throws to the goblins. But even if you forgot that, it's okay.While traveling, it's important to get the marching order of the characters and find out what each of them is doing. Generally, a character is just keeping an eye out for hidden threats when traveling. Sometimes though they might do something that is kind of distracting such as navigating, tracking, foraging, or map-making. In that case, they don't have a chance of noticing hidden threats and may be surprised by sneaking monsters or stumble into traps - passive Perception doesn't apply.So the question remains whether the person who argued with you had established that the character was on the lookout for hidden threats while traveling. While I don't think it's a good idea to assume what players are having their characters do, it's generally safe to assume that unless the players tell you otherwise, the adventurers are keeping an eye out for danger. In which case, you can apply their passive Perception to determining whether or not they notice the lurking monster or hidden trap.</blockquote>

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