Group Initiative (Optional Rule)

Some people believe that using a single initiative roll for everyone on the same side is too unrealistic. It is, admittedly, a simplification, a way to keep down the number of die rolls required in a single round. But it allows for much faster combat.

However, the actions of different characters, the types of weapons they use, and the situation can all be factors in determining initiative.

Using this optional method, one initiative die roll is made for each side in the fight. However, more modifiers are applied to this roll, according to the actions of individual characters. These modifiers are listed on Table 41 .

Some of the modifiers depend on ability, spell, and weapon. Characters casting spells (but not monsters using innate abilities) must add the spellcasting time to the die roll. Characters attacking with weapons add the weapons' speed factors to the die roll (see the Player's Handbook for information on speed factors). All other modifiers are applied according to each individual's situation.

In the second round of the combat, the DM decides to use the modified group initiative. Rath is surrounded by trolls, and he is not in the best of health. The rest of the party has yet to close with the monsters.

The DM decides that one troll will continue attacking Rath, with the help of the orcs, while the other trolls move to block reinforcements. In particular, the troll burned by the acid arrow is looking for revenge. The DM then turns to the players for their actions.

Players (all at once): "I'm going to . . ." "Is he going? .. ." "I'm casting a . . ."

DM (shouting): "One at a time! Rath?"

Harry: "I'll blow my horn of blasting."

DM: "It'll take time to dig it out."

Harry: "I don't care, I'm doing it."

Jon: "Draw my sword and attack one of the trolls!"

DM: "Anne?"

Anne (not paying attention to the other two): "Cast a fireball spell."

Harry and Jon: "NO! DON'T!"

DM: "Well, is that what you're doing? Quickly!"

Anne: "No, I'll cast a haste spell! Centered on me, so Rupert and Rath are just at the edge and are caught in the spell, too."

DM: "Okay. Harry, roll initiative and everyone modify for your actions."

Harry rolls 1d10 and gets a 6. The DM rolls for the monsters and gets a 5. Each person's initiative is modified as follows:

Rath is using a miscellaneous magical item (modifier +3). His modified initiative is 9 (6 + 3 = 9).

Rupert is using a bastard sword +1 with two hands (weapons speed 7 instead of 8 because of the +1). His modified initiative is 13 (6 + 7 = 13).

Delsenora is casting a haste spell (casting time 3). Her modified initiative is the same as Rath's, 9.

The trolls are attacking with their claws and bites--large creatures attacking with natural weapons +6. Their modified initiative is 11 (5 + 6 = 11).

The orcs are using long swords (weapon speed 5). Their modified initiative is 10 (5 + 5 = 10).

After all modified initiatives are figured, the combat round goes as follows: Delsenora (initiative 9) completes her spell at the same time that Rath (9) brings the house down on the orcs with his horn of blasting.

After all modified initiatives are figured, the combat round goes as follows: Delsenora (initiative 9) completes her spell at the same time that Rath (9) brings the house down on the orcs with his horn of blasting.

The orcs (initiative 10) would have gone next, but all of them have been crushed under falling rock.

The three trolls (initiative 11) are unfazed and attack, one at Rath and the other two springing forward, hitting Delsenora and missing Rupert.

Finally, Rupert (initiative 13) strikes back. He moved too slowly to block one troll's path to Delsenora, but manages to cut off the second. Things look very grim for the player characters.

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