Characters in this game can be surprised and be unable to do anything.

Some monsters use a die other than a d6.

Party (1d6)     monster (1d6)     result
3 to 6              3 to 6        no surprise
  1                   1           both surprised
  2                   2           both surprised
1 or 2              3 or 6        party surprised
3 to 6              1 or 2        monster surprised
  1                   2           party urprised
  2                   1           monster surprised

The length of surprise, in game segments, is the difference between the two rolls.

Example: The party rolls a 1 and the monster rolls a 6. The monster gets to attack for 5 combat segments; however, dexterity can lower that amount. And rangers, and others, roll separately for surprise.