who goes first?

[SRD]

a) Let's say in a combat situations there are Player A (initiative 6), Player B(initiative 9), Monster C (initiative 7), Monster D(initiative 12). What is the correct order in which they will atack?

b)Oh and in the PH it says in the Initiative section, after it's been rolled, that
"In every round that follows, the characters act in the same order".
Does that mean "until the end of the game"? Or only until the current battle is finished?

 

[GilaMonster]

Highest to lowest initiative. So

First: Monster D (12)
Second: Player B (9)
Third: Monster C (7)
Fourth: Player A (6)

If a monster and a PC tie, I believe the player goes first.
If two players tie, the one with the highest dex mod goes first.

You use the initiative order until the end of the current encounter. Roll new initiative for the next battle.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

And the initiative order can be changed, if a character delays, readies an action that riggers on someone else's turn, or if one of several abilities that alter initiatve are used during the battle. It's probably obvious, but worth stating. Also, if you get boosted with Cat's Grace (Dex +4) after init is rolled, your count does not suddenly rise by 2 for the higher dex. Once the init count is set, it's set, unless you do something that specifically alters it. For example, in Tome of Battle, Moment of Alacrity is used after combat starts, and adds 20 to your initiative.

 

[Corsair]

If a monster and a PC tie, I believe the player goes first.
If two players tie, the one with the highest dex mod goes first.

The rules make no distinctions between players and non-players. Also, it uses total modifier, not just dex.

"If two or more combatants have the same initiative check result, the combatants who are tied act in order of total initiative modifier (highest first). If there is still a tie, the tied characters should roll again to determine which one of them goes before the other."

 

[aboyd]

We just use best dex to sort out ties, and if there is still a tie, best BAB wins. Seems OK that way. Didn't realize it was a house rule.