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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Noctem" data-source="post: 6788301" data-attributes="member: 6801315">The passage lists being hidden because it specifically explains how it works when neither side tries to hide or one side tries to hide or both.  But surprise is assigned based on failure to notice a threat.  It doesn't matter the situation at hand, if you fail to notice a threat before something prompts combat the DM may rule that you are surprised at the start of the encounter.  Just remember that surprise is always DM fiat, they decide who is surprised and who is not.As for the scenario you give with the doppleganger..  it would cause the PC's to be surprised because, before he attacks them, they failed to notice him as a threat.  Also note that most doppleganger change shape abilities already do checks and opposing rolls so doing it again for the scenario isn't necessary imo.  This is why people who say that the only way to gain surprise is via being hidden can't possibly be correct, we all know that you can be surprised even by people standing right in front of you in plain sight.  And also please note that surprise can only be assigned during the first round of combat, afterwards surprise is no longer possible because combatants are "aware of their surroundings".  So outside of DM fiat, if the doppleganger decides to switch sides mid combat, it would not cause anyone to be considered surprised.  As the DM, I would give him advantage on his first attack just to represent the situation though if I felt it made sense.  Example:In last Batman movie, daughter of Ra's Al-ghul had been posing as an investor for Wayne's research into a power source for the city.  She also seemed interested in him romantically.  That is of course until, while standing right next to him after his battle with Bane, she stabs him with a knife.  The look of complete surprise on Batman's face represents his failure to notice her as a threat until that moment.  Imo, it's a great example that surprise is not limited to being granted because of someone you can't see is attacking you (while being hidden).  It can happen even if the person is literally within arms reach.</blockquote>

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