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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ristamar" data-source="post: 6681519" data-attributes="member: 1207">It might be bad behavior but it's also a clumsy rule.  As far as the Stealth skill goes, it does devalue it.  I think      [MENTION=5834]Celtavian[/MENTION] was also arguing along the same lines earlier.  You can have a stellar Stealth modifier, but it's going to be hampered by your initiative roll which is far less malleable in terms of bonuses.  Even if you have a good initiative modifier, that's two checks you have to succeed at in order to use the Assassinate ability.In terms of sudden face-to-face encounters or other surprise situations where the victim can see the assailant briefly before the attack is made, I do think the initiative rule makes some sense.  In that moment, both sides are cognizant of each other, even if one was caught with its proverbial pants down.  The assailant may gain immediate surprise, but he could be a little slow to act to take full advantage.  But in edge cases where the assailant has plenty of time, is undetectable, and the victim is totally unaware, the need for an opposed initiative roll doesn't make any sense.  Initiative, IMO, is like any other skill/ability check.  If there is no reason to assume the attempt would fail, then why roll?</blockquote>