?... Surprise Shift- Skirmisher- Ranger (APG:p129)

[W E Ray]

From a prone position can a Ranger: Skirmisher use a Surprise Shift-5' Step without provoking an Opportunity Attack according to RAW?

[Honorable Goblin]

I'd say yes. The description of Surprise Shift does not specify what kind of movement this is, it just says: "The ranger can move 5 feet as a swift action" and that it does not provoke.

[VRMH]

They'd be prone at their new location though, I'm guessing.

[HaraldKlak]

I'd say no. Noting in the description suggest that you can ignore normal limitation to movement (such as being prone, or difficult terrain counting double).

[Quandary]

it doesn't ignore any limitations to movement.
it does change the action of moving 5' to a swift action, and this movement doesn't provoke.
otherwise it would be considered crawling (if crawling, or climbing if climbing, or burrowing if burrowing)
and any relevant rules would apply... such as difficult terrain.

[W E Ray]

VRMH wrote:

They'd be prone at their new location though, I'm guessing.

Ah, but after the Surprise Skirmish the character is likely out of AoO range and can use the rest of his Move Action to stand up.

Thus the point of my starting the Thread.