Is Initiative Considered an Ability Check?

[Xyrlove Woodsoul]

I apologize for such a basic question, but I'm not sure if it is or not. I've read that it is. Is this correct? The main reason I want to know is because of the Life Singer PP 11th level feature, Find Another Way.

 

[Kingreaper]

I'm pretty sure it's not, because you have an initiative score, seperate from your dex ability score.

It seems closer to a skill. I'm surprised they didn't make it one in some ways.

 

[FreeXenon]

Mechanically it is similar to a dex check, but it is not a dex check. It is its own score with its own set of feats etc...

I was kind of hoping that they would have it as a skill too, like they did in Star Wars Sage Edition, if I remember correctly.

 

[Mengu]

Rolling Initiative is a Dexterity check and follows the normal rules for ability checks.

Sounds like it's an ability check to me.

 

[MortalPlague]

Initiative isn't an ability. So no, it would not be an ability check.

 

[Mengu]

Initiative isn't an ability. So no, it would not be an ability check.

Rolling Initiative is a Dexterity check. Dexterity is an ability.

Looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, I'm calling it a duck.

 

[Ryujin]

I don't think so. It's somewhere between a skill and separate ability, with its own set of feats and modifiers. It's Initiative. It stands apart.

 

[mysticknight232]

If rolling for initiative was a dexterity check, then it would be called a dexterity check and not an initiative roll. Just because acrobatics uses dexterity, that does not make it an ability check, that makes it a skill check.

I would say it is not an ability check because it is a roll for initiative, not a dexterity check.

 

[Samir]

Rolling Initiative is a Dexterity check. Dexterity is an ability.

Looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, I'm calling it a duck.

I'd go so far as to say "the rules say it's a duck, therefore it's a duck."

The PHB appears to be very explicit about this. Initiative is a "dexterity check that follows all the rules for ability checks." Life Singer's level 11 feature affects ability checks, thus it affects initiative rolls.

 

[Kingreaper]

I'd go so far as to say "the rules say it's a duck, therefore it's a duck."

The PHB appears to be very explicit about this. Initiative is a "dexterity check that follows all the rules for ability checks." Life Singer's level 11 feature affects ability checks, thus it affects initiative rolls.

Hmmm, yes, page 267, you are right.