D&D 5E what is initiative count 20 in monster manual

[Falcon10275]

the new monster manual says that a legendary action happens on "initiative count 20" what do theyy mean by that?

 

[fjw70]

That means it has a fixed initiative "roll" of 20.

 

[doctorhook]

Just like [MENTION=80924]fjw70[/MENTION] said: it means the monster acts before anyone whose initiative is 19 lower.

 

[mips42]

That means it has a fixed initiative "roll" of 20.

Precisely this. Anyone with 21 and higher goes before, 19 and lower after.

 

[Syntallah]

And most of them say 'lose ties' which means a PC who ended up with a 20 for initiative goes before the monster.

 

[MonsterEnvy]

To be correct. Lair actions happen on Imitative 20. Legendary actions happen after another creatures turn.

 

[fjw70]

And most of them say 'lose ties' which means a PC who ended up with a 20 for initiative goes before the monster.

I usually let PCs win initiative ties.

 

[CM]

To add a little background, this is something that carried over from 4e. Some solo creatures had extra actions that occurred on fixed initiative counts every round.

 

[Cannyjiggit]

I usually let PCs win initiative ties.

Unless there is some other factor in play, I usually let the aggressor win ties.
If players are actively advancing in a determined (and sometimes organised but not always with the people I play with) fashion then they will usually win a tied initiative. One potential exception is a carefully planned "trap" if the correct circumstances have been allowed for or if whoever laid the trap is suitably prepared for most eventualities.