My understanding of surprise attacks works like this.
Situation - The Party waits to ambush a group of bandits, with the agreement that the rogue will make the opening attack. Once the bandits enter the designated spot, Roll for initiative.
Result A: The Rogue rolls highest and goes first. Combat proceeds.
Result B: A Bandit rolls highest. Because he rolled Perception for initiative, he spots any member of the party he acts before*. He uses his free action to alert his fellow Bandits before attacking. Combat proceeds.
Result C: The Barbarian rolls highest. The Barbarian was a little too eager to fight, and jumps out of the bushes to attack. Combat proceeds.
Result D: The Fighter rolls highest. The Fighter delays his turn until after the Rogue. Proceed to the result of the next highest initiative.
*If the next creature on the initiative is a Bandit, I would allow the Fighter to keep his Stealth, as his stealth is higher then that of the Bandits perception.
Does this make sense to everyone else?
