This is part of an ongoing series of posts about Initiative (mostly in Dungeons and Dragons, but most of this can be used in any TTRPG). I have a massive PDF I planned to sell, but I’ve decided to post it all here for free. I chose this next type of initiative by roiling a die.
Originally I was going to bundle this with some card systems, but it got LONG, so here is a simple system where different classes use different die (or dice) for determining initiative. I tend to interchange monster/NPC where “enemy” might best be used? I don’t know, hope that doesn’t matter to you much. BTW, I am posting ideas whether I like them or not….. 🙂 because other people like ideas I don’t and vice versa.
Class Based Dice for Initiative
This is a fairly simple, I hope, system. Each class uses a different die (or dice) for initiative. You can choose low or high score goes first, up to you. For example (assuming higher is better):
Smaller Spread:
Fast classes: d20
Medium classes: 2d8
Slow classes: 2d6
Larger Spread:
Fast classes: d20
Medium classes: d12
Slow classes: d8
I’d assume Monks and Rogues are fast. Fighters, Clerics and Barbarians medium. Everyone else is slow. You could obviously move classes around. I think the big spread is TOO BIG, but your mileage may vary. Also, you can mix and match and build on this idea in a lot of ways.
Option: Add a fixed amount to the normal initiative roll for fast, medium, slow classes, like 6, 4, 0.
Option: Roll like normal, but add a d8, d4, and not die to fast, medium, slow classes.
Option: If a player takes a feat or ability or has a temporary advantage (or something) that makes them better at initiative, move them up a class die.
Option: As above, except instead of moving them up a class die, give them advantage on the roll.
NPC Initiative
There are several options for NPCs (or enemies) you can use. I’m not sure which I’d recommend, other than I usually try to keep it easy on the GM….
Use 2d8 for all monsters. (or whatever medium is for PCs)
Use a static number for monsters (I’d likely use 2-3 of them, to intersperse monsters).
If there is a monster that is traditionally slow (zombie) or fast (quickling) in your world, they should/could use the slow or fast PC die.
Why You Might or Might Not Like These Systems
You might like this if you think certain classes of characters are inherently faster than others. It is a fairly easy change to make. With the options, it is easy to reward choices to be faster at initiative.
You might not like this if you don’t want to “punish” people playing slower classes. The monsters won’t be using the same rules, really (though there are inherently faster and slower monsters). Or, you might want to be precise in your monster choices, and this would be tedious.
Conclusion
This is one of the easier alternative systems for initiative. I’m not sure I love it, but I don’t hate it either. I’ve considered testing it, and getting feedback, but so far have not. Frankly, now that I’ve sat on this for a few minutes before posting, I’m not really a fan. I don’t want all spellcasters to have disadvantage on initiative.