When fighting for its survival, after taking enough hits, the Surprise erupts razor-sharp spines from its skin. These thin, metal-like spikes automatically add an additional damage score (1D4 hit points) to each use of the "Backlash" ability.
In addition, if the Surprise has suffered a first attack since the beginning of the encounter: each opponent coming into contact with the Surprise must make a DEX (10) roll to avoid being injured again by its spikes. This test must be repeated at the start of each turn as long as the opponent remains nearby.