Initiative and joining ongoing combat

[GlassJaw]

I was pretty surprised to find that there were no rules in the 3.5 PHB for joining combat that has already started. I know I've read something on this before. Is it in the 3.0 PHB and not the 3.5?

Anyway, does a rule exist for combatants that join an ongoing battle?

I seem to remember that they just get added to the end of the initiative order (in the order of their initiative rolls) of the round they enter.

Does that sound right?

 

[Crothian]

That's how I do it. It's fast and simple.

 

[billd91]

The rules for this in 3.5 are on pages 23 and 24 of the DMG.

 

[Gerion of Mercadia]

yes, but don't forget one serious potential issue -

The guys jumping the fight might have a suprise round coming relative to those already engaged, depending on circumstances.

 

[werk]

yes, but don't forget one serious potential issue -

The guys jumping the fight might have a suprise round coming relative to those already engaged, depending on circumstances.

In case opponents accidenally stumble into an ongoing combat that they couldn't see or hear from close range?

If you are suggesting that newcomers could get a surprise round on opponents already in initiative...I don't think so. Denied dex bonus, maybe, but not surprise.

 

[Shazman]

I would just roll initiative and add them to the exisiting initiative order. Only consider a surprise round if there are some major mitigating circumstances.

 

[robberbaron]

Me too.