Alright tried that fight again. Seems that suprise round itself is not working. I thought I saw a suprise round somewhere but im not getting it in fights...

That said, did it again and the Goblins dident get a suprise round either this time over. Fight lasted 5 minutes and managed to keep them from getting to the drum to call in reinforcements. I think I suffered only 1 or 2 hits.

So yeah its doable. If the game doesent pull any antics crazy