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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Flamestrike" data-source="post: 7687684" data-attributes="member: 6788736">Sadly it doesnt work that way, but if that houserule works in your games best of luck to you.Thats exactly why your rule sucks. Try this on a PC:DM: OK mate, you get stabbed in the face with a posion dagger by the person you thought was your girlfriend.Player: I'll cast shield.DM: You cant. Youre surprised.Player: Errr... no man - I cant be suprised. That only happens on the first round of combat, it says so here in the PHB and we havent even rolled initiative yet.DM: No. You didnt expect the attackPlayer: Yeah; thats what surprise is man. According to the PHB surprise only affects you on your first turn of round 1 of the combat. We havent even rolled initiative yet, so this cant be round 1. Its kinda round '0'. Can we roll initiative? I might still be able to cast shield just in the nick of time. It says so right here in the PH...DM: No. Take 50 points of damage.Player: Oh... Ok.DM: Roll initiative.Player: What? Oh.. OK. Damn a 5.DM: I got a 15. Its now her first turn - she stabs you in the face again. Take 50 more points of damage.Player: I cast shield.DM: You cant. You havent taken your first turn yet. No reactions are allowed becasue you're currently surprised.Player: Wait what? DM: Yep. It says so right here in the PHB.Player; Thats a bit of a sucky ruling. I'm double surprised by someone standing right in front of me?DM: Yes. Dont worry - its now your first turn.Player: Whew. OK, I'll cast...DM: You cant. You're surprised on your first turn of combat so you cant take any actions. This is round 1 remember. You can now take reactions though. Its her turn now, and she stabs you in the face. Again.Player: Dude. This is freaking ridiculous.</blockquote>

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