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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Shadowdweller" data-source="post: 2215447" data-attributes="member: 14563">With respect to the Generalized Door Situation, we have to recognize that battle-worn adventurers are probably going to be alert and wary when passing obstacles in a hostile environment.  Since the PCs are generally playing the active role when in a dungeon, I don't think there should be many cases where they are surprised simply by finding an enemy on the other side of the door.As a DM I tend to make snap judgements based on how alert the enemy on the other side is.  They may have had a chance to make listen checks when the PCs were approaching.  On the other hand, I tend to make use of prepared ambushes as well...with foes taking 10 or 20 on hide checks (setting up blinds, finding that PERFECT spot behind the table etc depending on the intelligence and/or patience of the foe) that can be difficult to make.  An enemy might conceivably be hidden on the inside wall flanking the door.  I'd STILL give the lead PC a chance to make a spot check before a surprise round occurred in this last case, however.I also sometimes use surprise rounds in which both sides act (as above post)...particularly in stand-off situations or where there are set-up fortifications (archers behind overturned tables) to represent half reflexive actions and to keep high initiative rollers from gaining too much advantage. Example:  The party approaches a group of drow, the leader of whom tries to speak with the PCs.  Both sides are definitely aware of each other, with weapons drawn and aimed.  At some point during the speech, some PC or other attacks (ALWAYS happens).  How do you adjudicate surprise?  Readied actions don't fit...particularly if you've chosen to enter initiative before combat begins.  Because something like this might happen: Drow- "ready attacks on first PC to attack"; party- "ready attacks on first drow to attack".  End result: Provoking PC who decides to make first attack goes LAST.  Does the attacking PC get a surprise round when the enemy was wary?  Do you roll initiative and chance enemy making multiple attacks before attacking PC?</blockquote>

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