Minion Initiative

[filthgrinder]

I'm preparing to play Keep on the Shadowfell and to make sure that I understand the rules enough to properly DM the adventure, I played the first encounter myself, running the 5 supplied premades. The run went well, and I think it helped alot, and I should be able to run it better next time.

However, I rolled init for each minion individually. Should this be done? Reading the encounter description, it says that the slinger and the dragon shields hold back and let the minions go. It then goes on to say, consider their initiative score 1 less than the minions. So, do they mean the lowest minion score, or should I just roll once for all the minions.

Thats a little scarey having multiple minions all go at once. However, minions are supposed to help the DM keep track of less things, I can see this as being viable.

How should it be done?

 

[AZRogue]

I would roll once for the Minions. Also makes them more dangerous, I think.

 

[tombowings]

In every test run I've played, I've had all of the monsters action on the same initiative (unless a player delays or something wonky like that). It's work well and I haven't had any problems with it. That said, I doubt there would be a problem having all of the minions acting on the same initiative.

 

[mach1.9pants]

IMO it is up to you, the DM. If you want more complexity, give them all individual scores.
Personally I give each different type of creature a initiative roll.
However if this makes it too obvious for the PCs with some scenarios (ie if there is a reason for the PCs not to know what is a minion or whatever) I might mix it up.

 

[phil500]

I've had all of the monsters action on the same initiative

that seems like it could be really swingy.

 

[AZRogue]

In the games I've ran so far I've given each group/role their own Initiative. Artillery, Brutes, Minions, etc. It's worked pretty well so far. So far.

 

[Nytmare]

However, I rolled init for each minion individually. Should this be done?

Since they're ambushing the PCs, I'd expect them to all go on one initiative count.

 

[Bayonet_Chris]

Initiative

In the games I've ran so far I've given each group/role their own Initiative. Artillery, Brutes, Minions, etc. It's worked pretty well so far. So far.

I did it by each creature type (Dragonshields together, minions together, etc.) that worked fine for me. Of course, I had a spreadsheet with the initiatives pre-rolled, so I just had the insert the PCs and go.

 

[Staffan]

I've always rolled one initiative per monster type in an encounter, even in 3e. If I have two hobgoblin guards, a wolf, and a hobgoblin sorcerer, that's three initiative rolls. Unless persuaded otherwise, I intend to keep with that policy in 4e.

 

[Wiggimuck]

When possible I'd give each monster their own initiative. Rolling monster initiative in mass can be easier for the DM, but is usually to the detriment of the players, especially the rogue's first strike ability.