Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="77IM" data-source="post: 7797025" data-attributes="member: 12377">OH I FORGOT AN IMPORTANT PART:When the instigator gets advantage on their initiative check, they can't change their action when their turn comes up; they MUST take the action that initiated the combat. That may seem obvious, but it's another subtle reason why the system favors the instigator: they are trading the ability to select their action on their turn, for the likelyhood of going first.The order of the rolls doesn't matter. I usually do initiative first so that I can put my little stand-up things in order. Then, anyone who fails surprise, gets their stand-up knocked over.Sometimes I don't roll for surprise if it's clear that literally everyone is expecting someone to blink first, like in a Mexican stand-off.Other times, I give advantage/disadvantage on the surprise portion. For example, the players will tell me that they're watching out for betrayal, so they get advantage to not be surprised.Certain players try to "Ready" an action while out of combat, which I don't allow. But IF the trigger comes to pass, I'll usually give advantage to not be surprised and advantage on initiative, but the character MUST take the "Readied" action on their turn. Because I think successfully predicting a trigger should help you go first, but it shouldn't be automatic. It's kind of similar to the reasoning that gives the instigator advantage by restricting their action.</blockquote>