Initiative question

modigliani · Post by **modigliani** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:17 pm

The server window only shows initiative rolls in preceding the first round of combat, so I'm wondering whether initiative rolls are made per round, or are they locked versus an opponent until it is killed or out of combat?

In other words, if I'm fighting three enemies, and our initial initiative rolls are:

Me: 20
Enemy 1: 15
Enemy 2: 8
Enemy 3: 23

Does this mean that for the duration of the combat, Enemy 3 will attack first? Or are round-to-round initiative rolls still made by the engine but not revealed?

Thanks.

dougnoel · Post by **dougnoel** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:22 pm

Initiative is rolled once per combat in 3rd Edition. So yes, you wil have the same initiative for the entire combat.

fyrmin · Post by **fyrmin** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:32 pm

you bum, i never see you online- how dare you ask initiative questions!!!!!

modigliani · Post by **modigliani** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:38 pm

fyrmin wrote:you bum, i never see you online- how dare you ask initiative questions!!!!!

Oh I'm there, fyrminator. In fact, I'm ~everywhere~.

And thanks, Doug.

Zonr_0 · Post by **Zonr_0** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:44 pm

which is why improved initiative is, in my opinion, one of the most worthless feats. In pnp, I generally don't roll initiative every round simply because it's a huge pain to do ALL the time.

mortzestus · Post by **mortzestus** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:18 am

Zonr_0 wrote:which is why improved initiative is, in my opinion, one of the most worthless feats. In pnp, I generally don't roll initiative every round simply because it's a huge pain to do ALL the time.

Improved initiative is a situational feat that can be very useful to some characters under certain circumstances. For instance, if a rogue wins initiative against an enemy hes not flanking, his first attack in that fight will be a sneak attack since his enemy will still be flatfooted. Many casters also swear by this feat.

EDIT: I find it specially useful in one-on-one situations.

DanishPastry · Post by **DanishPastry** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:35 am

fyrmin wrote:you bum, i never see you online- how dare you ask initiative questions!!!!!

Seconded

modigliani wrote: Oh I'm there, fyrminator. In fact, I'm ~everywhere~.

Bah

Tigg · Post by **Tigg** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:52 am

Winning initiative is real nice especially if you are using knockdown. Of course it is best in the one-on-one situation as was mentioned. But if you have the initiative against your opponent it is quite feasible to keep knocking them down and they never even get to take a swing at you, since you are always getting the first attack in the round.

I think it also matters for being able to break off and run away from a fight easier, but I am not 100% sure of it. All I know is that sometimes when you do that, they get a try/roll for an attack of opportunity against you, and sometimes they don't. I am suspicious that who had the initiative, is what matters there.

Winning initiative=good. Worth a feat? Hmm... *shrugs* maybe if you have one to spare...