Surprised

Duration: Instant (1st attack)

Category: Meta & Combat State

Tactical state occurring when a target is unaware of an attacker or unaware of an incoming strike.

An attack is considered a Surprise if the target character is unaware of the presence of their attacker, or if they do not know that another character they are aware of is about to attack them. The target character cannot use a Parry (such as Slay Parry, Crit Parry, etc.) to stop the Surprise attack, but can use any other defense capable of stopping the attack (e.g. Invulnerability, Dodge). Only the first attack from each attacker is considered a Surprise.

Key Rules & Mechanics

Target cannot use Parries (Slay Parry, Crit Parry, etc.) against the surprise strike.
Target MAY use non-parry physical or magical defenses (Invulnerability, Dodge).
Only the first attack in a sequence counts as Surprise.
Surprised characters are NOT considered Disadvantaged.

Cures, Removal & Recovery

Becoming aware of the incoming attack or resolving the first strike.

Canonical Source Citations

Playtest 3.2 — Page 63 (General Terms)

[Playtest 3.2, p. 63]