Only Theaton moves up to see what happens (Leaving his wolf behind?), 100 feet of shrubs now separating him from the scene. Everyone else is waiting behind a further 100 feet of sparse forest.
A few minutes pass as one frog-man emerges from the river, victoriously holding a fish and speaking in a croaking tongue. The creature in the heaviest set of armour puts a hand out, taking it and swallowing it whole and raw. It croaks an order and the frog-man goes back to fishing.
Caeulm finally appears, holding some gems. The creatures are surprised and shocked, and they all ready their weapons. The leader barks an order and the two on land stay in their place. The two in the water, begin moving to swim out and grab their weapons.
Then one of the frog-men croaks something to its leader. A discussion begins among them filled with a variety of croaks. The leader turns and begins stepping towards Caelum with an inspecting eye.
Out of Character: I'm sorry Diramadhim, I can't let you ready outside of combat. After all, initiative is your ability to react quickly.
Out of Character: I assumed that since we are aware of the potential opponents and they are not aware of us, that the rules for a surprise round would be in effect. Currently they are only aware of Caelum, not of the rest of us, which should allow a readied action with the stipulation of them attempting to attack being the trigger.
In Character: Zork remains where he is even leaning on his horse's saddle from what looks like boredom but he is really trying to make out what is happening ahead. He continues to speak to his animals getting them ready for what might happen.
The lead frog-man continues to stare at Caelum with inspecting eyes and even moves closer to have a sniff.
He croaks something quietly, but Caelum can't understand.
Turning to the other from men he speaks to them and mimes Caelum's height, comparing it to something taller than them at about 6' (They themselves stand 5 feet tall and are also slouched). Then he mimes a pop with one hand, turning to stare at Caelum again.
Out of Character: If you were to initiate combat, then sure you can have a surprise round. But you are waiting for them to do something and they are aware of at least one party member. If you truly wish to do surprise, only Theaton and Caelum (And I guess Archival thanks to the telepathic link) would take a standard action, as would the 5 enemies who can clearly see Caelum. The surprise round is still done in initiative order.
Not having the surprise round benefits everyone!
Caelum slowly moves closer to the frog-man, his hand with the gems still extended. He nods to the frog as a display that it's okay to take the items.
Out of Character: Not a problem. I think they will still be considered flat-footed when/if the party acts since they aren't aware of us, correct? When you say “mimes a pop,” do you mean like something exploding?