D&D 5E Umber Hulk and surprise


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I don't know, I don't think the standard rules apply in this case. Umber Hulk's are effectively invisible and there is like no way to detect them from 10'-20' under ground. The Umber Hulk +1 stealth roll seems a little lame in this case.
 


If having a burrow speed was meant to cause an auto-surprise, I think that would have been accounted for in the CR'ing rules. Only mode of movement that affects CR is a ranged attacker which has flight before CR 10.

If the DM feels a burrower happens to be in an advantageous situation, there is always the advantage / disadvantage system, but it should require more than having a burrow speed. Being able to get close before combat can even start is a solid boon. Adding in also getting a surprise round of clawing and chomping is a bit much.
 


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