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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sir Brennen" data-source="post: 2196197" data-attributes="member: 553">To the original poster: I think part of the problem is you are mis-understanding surprise.  You don't get surprise if you're standing talking with weapons out.  Per the SRD: If no one or everyone starts the battle aware, there is no surprise round.I personally don't think the initiative system discourages parley - initiative should be called after attempted dialogue has either broken down or obviously not going to be effective (like talking to an ooze <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> )Now, if the DM calls for init as soon as the party sees a villian, then yes, he's indicating to the players that combat has begun, not talk time.  Typically, if the DM thinks the villian would reasonably stop to listen to the pcs, or has something to say himself, then he shouldn't call for init.  If, while talking, a player declares "I draw my sword and attack!", then yes, roll for init and consider combat to be started, but anybody, PC or NPC, is free (literally, as a free action) to say "Wait! Listen to me!"  In a negotation/dialogue situation, the beginning of combat is in the PC's control, for the most part.Also, if, during the conversation, PCs are drinking potions and casting spells, and the NPCs notice, then it's obvious that they are preparing for combat and Init is rolled.  The NPC may still use his turn to ask what the PC's are doing, or warn or plead - the DM is free to determine whether his characters immediately go on the offensive or not (though they can still hold or ready an action to attack anyone that attacks first).  So, the PC's are still in control of whether a fight really breaks out.Even in this example (emphasis mine):Now, it's not clear if it's one of the PCs or NPCs that "does something stupid", but it's still in the realm of role-playing - a player (or DM) is deciding a character is doing something that will start combat.  (Who goes first is another issue, and I don't think that's what this thread was about.)If the PC's aren't taking the opportunity to talk, that's a player issue, not a rules mechanic one.</blockquote>

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