D&D 5E When to Roll Initiative

[Flamestrike]

I'd disagree with this. Initiative is a mechanic that is utilized once combat starts - but it doesn't "start combat".
There needs to be some triggering action that begins the combat and rolling initiative is not it.

A combatant drawing a sword, an arrow thudding into the wall next to you, these are the triggering actions that to me indicate that initiative is rolled.

The players have got the picture and it's combat time. Roll initiative.

Thats basically what I was saying. You switch from narrative time to the combat sequence with a narration (but no attacks!)

Initiaitve is the first step in the combat sequence. Then come the attacks (in order).

 

[robus]

Thats basically what I was saying. You switch from narrative time to the combat sequence with a narration (but no attacks!)

Initiaitve is the first step in the combat sequence. Then come the attacks (in order).

Cool. My apologies for misunderstanding.