Re: mechanics of surprise

Surprise mechanics need not be tied to initiative.  For example, in my
Eastern Isles mechanics, the primary combat effect of surprise is a
combat bonus on the first attack (typically +4 to hit on a 2D20
system).  In addition, I think only the one character initiating
action would typically benefit from this.

In group situations, the primary benefit of surprise in my system is
that the group with tactical surprise would get up to a free round of
movement, but not combat.  That could still be a big advantage, but
it's not as overwhelming as a system where the entire group gets a
free round of combat.

Warren J. Dew