What is the Surprised Rule in D&D?
The surprised rule in D&D states that if a character is surprised, they cannot move or take an action on their first turn of combat, and they cannot take a reaction until that turn ends. A member of a group can be surprised even if the other members aren’t, making it a crucial rule to understand in order to navigate the complexities of Dungeons and Dragons.
Understanding the Surprised Rule
To delve deeper into the surprised rule, it’s essential to comprehend the conditions under which a character can be surprised. Generally, surprise occurs when a character is not expecting combat or an attack, and as such, they are caught off guard. This can happen if the character is hiding and is discovered, or if an enemy attacks from an unexpected angle.
FAQs
1. Can You Hide in D&D?
In D&D, you can hide if the creature you want to hide from can’t see you, and you can’t hide if they can see you, but this is subject to the DM’s discretion.
2. What Triggers Surprise?
Surprise is triggered by sudden and unexpected sounds or movements, making it a key aspect of combat and exploration in D&D.
3. Can You Take a Bonus Action While Surprised?
Surprised creatures cannot move or take actions (bonus actions included) on their first turn during combat, and they cannot use reactions until that turn ends.
4. Can You Cast Two Cantrips in One Turn?
Yes, you can cast two cantrips in one turn, as the rule for casting any spell with a bonus action says that the only other spells you may cast that turn are cantrips with an action.
5. What is the Difference Between Surprise and Surprise?
One surprise is a noun, and the other is a verb, highlighting the complexities of the English language and its application in D&D.
6. Can You Rage as a Bonus Action?
On your turn, you can enter a rage as a bonus action, granting you advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws if you aren’t wearing heavy armor.
7. Can You Counterspell a Bonus Action?
The reaction to cast Counterspell can override the ‘Bonus Action spell = cantrips only‘ rule, and let you cast Counterspell even though you already cast a Bonus Action spell.
8. What is a 5 Foot Step in 5e?
A 5 foot step allows you to use all of your move speed during a turn to move 5 feet and avoid any attacks of opportunity.
9. Can You Cast Cantrips Infinitely?
Any character can cast any cantrips they know at will and an unlimited number of times, unless the feature that lets them cast it specifically says otherwise.
10. Can I Cast a Leveled Spell and a Cantrip in the Same Turn?
You can’t cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.
11. Can You Counterspell a Counterspell?
Yes, you can counterspell a counterspell cast against you, as stated in the Sage Advice Compendium by Wizards of the Coast.
12. What is a Dirty 20 in D&D?
A dirty 20 refers to any score of 20 that you didn’t roll, such as rolling an 18 on a check and having a +2 modifier.
13. What is the 65% Rule in D&D?
The 65% rule states that if you can’t hit that 65% mark, your character is less effective than intended, and if you’re above the 65% mark you’re more effective than the game assumes.
14. What is the Rule of 3 in DND?
The Rule-of-Three states that things tend to happen in threes, a principle that governs the planes and the game of D&D.
15. What is the Golden Rule of D&D?
The golden rule of D&D is that the word of the DM is the final say on any matter when it comes to rules, emphasizing the importance of the DM’s discretion in the game.