No Initiative Order: How Do You Do It?

[tomBitonti]

We used to do simultaneous resolution (lo, decades ago) with initiative used to declare actions. The GM was responsible for figuring out what happened, and for giving players an opportunity to adjust their actions according to things happening.

I really miss this style of play. The whole initiative system from 3E, with its “fixes” of 5’ steps and spring attack and opportunity attacks feels off. I do understand how initiative helps keep the game flowing. I also think that it puts a “board gamey” feel on the game, and breaks immersion.

TomB

 

[Vael]

I haven't had any problems in using popcorn initiative. I don't usually use it in D&D, in games in which initiative results determine the number of actions you get in a round, or games in which PCs have spent a lot of build resources on being good at traditional initiative. There are ways to convert games, but I haven't been in a situation where that'd be a significant improvement.

I've been a big fan of Popcorn initiative. I like how it allows some strategy and is more collaborative, I find set initiative causes players to check out when their turn is done. I now run 5e this way, and if ... when I play it, Daggerheart's lack of initiative is too loose for my players, will probably implement Popcorn there too.

 

[John R Davis]

I like initiative in a lot of the new games

Player goes, GM goes, Player goes etc
Tokens can be used to size the initiative

 

[zakael19]

I cannot, for the life of me, think of a TTRPG that does "lock you into combat".

Ok, “has a distinct and separate mode inclusive of initiative where you’re expected to resolve the conflict/encounter fully within the combat rules.” Or however you want to parse out that stuff like 5e and PF2 has “battle mode now guys” and “ok that’s done” as discreet markers.