Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Hoggarth Aug 24, 2014 11:41:49	I did a forum search but found no questions about surprise. Perhaps It is crystal clear to everyone else. I have a timing question about surprise and reactions. The rules state that a surprised player can't take a reaction until the end of that turn.   The specific event in question is a wizard with shield prepared. The wizard is surprised for the round but goes first in initiative order. So, he can't move or take an action on his turn, but he can take a reaction (and therefore cast shield) in response to being attacked after his turn is over? Or does he have to wait for the next round?   Thanks!
#2 Overpromises Aug 24, 2014 12:16:44	Hoggarth wrote:
#3 2Chlorobutanal Aug 24, 2014 19:50:32	Yep.  The wizard can cast shield after his first surprised turn has ended.   A non-surprised wizard could cast shield before his first turn, and a surprised wizard can cast shield after his first "turn," before his first action (on his second turn).
#4 Rigol Aug 25, 2014 9:52:00	The shield spell says you take it as a reaction when you are hit. Does this mean it doesn't help at all against that first attack against you (unless it's a magic missile, for which it has special rules)?
#5 MrHotter Aug 25, 2014 11:55:17	What's different about what we may be used to in other editions is that there is no official 'suprise round'. If you are suprised you take no action and can not use a reaction until after the first round.   The pertinent part of the rules is this:   From Player Basic Rules v.0.2 (pg. 69)   If you’re surprised, you can’t move or take an action on your first turn of the combat, and you can’t take a reaction until that turn ends. A member of a group can be surprised even if the other members aren’t.   In your case, the wizard will not be able to use a spell as a reaction until the first round is over because he is suprised.
(Reply to #4) MrHotter	Rigol wrote:
(Reply to #5) onceMoreIntoBreech	MrHotter wrote: