Initiative
Definition
The system for determining turn order in combat or other time-sensitive situations. Higher initiative usually means acting sooner.
How it works in different systems
D&D 5e: Roll d20 + DEX modifier at start of combat. Order stays fixed unless something changes it.
Vampire V5: No roll - declare actions in reverse order (lowest Composure+Awareness first), resolve in forward order.
Call of Cthulhu 7e: DEX order, highest first. No roll needed.
Powered by the Apocalypse: No initiative - GM determines who acts based on fiction and spotlight sharing.
Shadowrun: Roll REA + INT + modifiers. Can spend actions to interrupt others.
Example
“Combat starts! Everyone rolls initiative: Fighter gets 18, Rogue gets 22, Wizard gets 11, and the goblin gets 15. Turn order: Rogue → Fighter → Goblin → Wizard.”
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to add your initiative modifier
- Not having your action ready when your turn comes
- Assuming initiative resets every round (in most games, it doesn't)