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rules:initiative [2025/07/02 18:42] – Ron Helwigrules:initiative [2025/07/02 22:26] (current) – Ron Helwig
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 # ⚔️ Initiative # ⚔️ Initiative
  
-Combat is handled in **rounds**, with each character taking a turn in sequence. The turn order is determined at the start of the encounter using an **Initiative Check** — a special type of [[rules:checks|Aspect Check]].+Combat is handled in **rounds**, with each character taking a turn in sequence.   
 +Turn order is determined at the start of combat using an **Initiative Check** — a special kind of [[rules:checks|Aspect Check]].
  
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 ## 🎲 Rolling for Initiative ## 🎲 Rolling for Initiative
  
-At the beginning of combat, all participants roll for Initiative using an appropriate **Aspect**. By default, use:+At the beginning of combat, each participant rolls an **Aspect Check** for Initiative using one of the following:
  
-- **Reflex** 🧠 *(the standard)* — alert, reactive characters +- **Reflex** 🧠 *(default)* — alert, reactive characters   
-- **Discipline** 📘 — calm and tactical thinkers +- **Discipline** 📘 — calm, tactical thinkers   
-- **Agility** 💪 — quick, fast-acting characters+- **Agility** 💪 — fast, aggressive characters  
  
-Most characters will roll **Reflex** unless a Domain Feature or GM ruling allows another Aspect.+Most characters use **Reflex**, unless a **Domain Feature** or **GM ruling** allows a different choice.
  
-Each participant makes a normal **Aspect Check**, and the GM ranks results from **highest to lowest**.+The GM then ranks results from **highest to lowest total** to determine the order of turns.
  
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 ## ⚖️ Breaking Ties ## ⚖️ Breaking Ties
  
-If two or more participants roll the same total, use one of the following methods to break the tie:+If two or more characters roll the same total, use one of these methods:
  
-- 🔢 Higher raw **Aspect value** goes first +- 🔢 The character with the **higher raw Aspect value** goes first   
-- 🧩 Some **Domain Features** may break ties in your favor +- 🧩 Some **Domain Features** provide tie-breaking rules   
-- 🎲 Players may **roll again** or **choose collaboratively** +- 🤝 Players may **choose collaboratively** or   
-- 🧙‍♂️ GM may decide based on narrative or dramatic needs+- 🎲 Simply **roll again** to break the tie   
 +- 🧙 The **GM may decide** based on story or tactics
  
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 ## 🌀 Initiative vs. Action Load ## 🌀 Initiative vs. Action Load
  
-Initiative determines only **who goes when**.   +**Initiative only determines turn order.**
-It does **not affect** how many actions you can take.+
  
-Your actions are still limited by your **[[rules:dice_pool|Action Load]]** and available **Aspect values**.+Your ability to act is still limited by: 
 + 
 +- Your **🌀 Action Load**   
 +- Your current **Aspect values** 
 + 
 +<WRAP tip> 
 + **Tip:** Going first can give momentum — but a well-timed turn later in the round may allow better reactions and setups. 
 +</WRAP>
  
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 ## ⏸️ Holding Actions ## ⏸️ Holding Actions
  
-You may choose to **delay your turn**:+You may **delay your turn** and act later in the same round.
  
-- If you delay, act later during the same round +- Your new position becomes your **default initiative slot** for future rounds (unless the GM rules otherwise) 
-- Your new position becomes your **default slot** for future rounds (unless ruled otherwise)+- Useful for **waiting on allies** or **reacting** to enemy moves
  
-This can be useful for **waiting on allies** or reacting to enemy behavior.+<WRAP tip> 
 +📝 **Example Use:** You delay until your ally casts a buff spell, then act with full strength on your new turn. 
 +</WRAP>
  
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 ## 🎭 Variant Rule: Spotlight System ## 🎭 Variant Rule: Spotlight System
  
-For cinematic or story-driven pacing, try the **Spotlight System**: +For more narrative or collaborative pacing, you may use the **Spotlight System**:
- +
-1. The GM or players choose **who acts first** +
-2. That player then chooses **who acts next** +
-3. Repeat until everyone has acted +
- +
-This method:+
  
-- Encourages **teamwork** and **spotlight sharing** +1. The GM or group chooses who goes first   
-- Allows **dramatic sequencing** of actions +2. That player chooses who acts next   
-- Works best with engaged, narrative-focused players  +3. Repeat until all participants have acted
  
 +<WRAP info>
 +🎬 This system emphasizes **cinematic storytelling**, **teamwork**, and **shared spotlight** time.  
 +It's ideal for groups who prefer **flexibility** over rigid tactical structure.
 +</WRAP>