Initiative

At the Start of Combat:

• Everyone rolls d20 + Dexterity modifier
• Higher results go first
• Ties: Compare Dexterity scores, or the DM decides

Formula: d20 + Dexterity modifier + any bonuses

The Initiative Order:

• Established at the start, remains the same throughout combat
• Creatures act in order from highest to lowest
• After the lowest initiative, return to the highest
• Each pass through is one "round" (~6 seconds)

Class Features:

• Bard (Jack of All Trades): +half proficiency
• Barbarian (Feral Instinct): Advantage on initiative
• Ranger (Dread Ambusher): +Wisdom modifier
• Fighter (Champion 7th): +half proficiency

Feats:

• Alert: +5 to initiative, can't be surprised

Magic Items:

• Weapon of Warning: Advantage on initiative
• Various items grant bonuses

Spells:

• Gift of Alacrity: +1d8 to initiative

What Is Surprise?

• When one side is unaware combat is starting
• Determined by comparing Stealth vs. passive Perception
• Surprised creatures can't act on their first turn

How Surprise Works:

• Everyone still rolls initiative
• Surprised creatures can't move, take actions, or reactions until their first turn ends
• After their turn ends, they can use reactions normally

Important:

• There's no "surprise round" - just the surprised condition
• Some creatures may be surprised while others aren't
• Alert feat prevents being surprised

Side Initiative (Group Initiative):

• All PCs act on one initiative, all monsters on another
• Faster but less tactical
• Can create "alpha strike" situations

Passive Initiative:

• 10 + Dex modifier (no roll)
• Speeds up combat start
• Less exciting but consistent

Delaying:

• Not in RAW 5e
• Use Ready action to act later with a trigger
• Some DMs allow delaying as a house rule