Thorvald Kviksverd
First Post
Well, looks like this house rule got hashed out pretty well--nice suggestion, BTW, Jack.
On the off-chance that anyone is looking for something a bit different (and because I'm a bit bored
)...
I do away with initiative die rolls in my Basic D&D campaign--except in important duels, etc--and, instead, use fixed initiative values that can be written down on character sheets beforehand.
Movement Initiative Value: DEX-APs
Melee Initiative Value: DEX-Weapon Speed+Magical Bonus
Missile Initiative Value: DEX
Spell Casting Initiative: DEX-(2xSpell Lvl)
--High value acts first.
--PCs may raise their Melee or Missile Values by 1 point per additional point of penalty to their attack roll.
--Spellcasters may raise their Spell Casting Initiative by 1 point per additional 5% chance of spell failure.
--Longer weapons always strike first when closing or charging.
--Against very long weapons (pikes, etc) a combatant is considered to have closed if: a) He has survived his charge, or b) he has rolled successfully to hit (i.e. he has cautiously closed with his foe). Once closed with, the wielder of a very long weapon may not attack unless he manages to open the range--time to pull out the old katzenbalger!
Anywho, just my antiquated take on things
On the off-chance that anyone is looking for something a bit different (and because I'm a bit bored

I do away with initiative die rolls in my Basic D&D campaign--except in important duels, etc--and, instead, use fixed initiative values that can be written down on character sheets beforehand.
Movement Initiative Value: DEX-APs
Melee Initiative Value: DEX-Weapon Speed+Magical Bonus
Missile Initiative Value: DEX
Spell Casting Initiative: DEX-(2xSpell Lvl)
--High value acts first.
--PCs may raise their Melee or Missile Values by 1 point per additional point of penalty to their attack roll.
--Spellcasters may raise their Spell Casting Initiative by 1 point per additional 5% chance of spell failure.
--Longer weapons always strike first when closing or charging.
--Against very long weapons (pikes, etc) a combatant is considered to have closed if: a) He has survived his charge, or b) he has rolled successfully to hit (i.e. he has cautiously closed with his foe). Once closed with, the wielder of a very long weapon may not attack unless he manages to open the range--time to pull out the old katzenbalger!
Anywho, just my antiquated take on things
