Initiative is the order in which all participants and a shared activity execute their actions. First Strike can be granted through a passive readiness for any enemy that allows a set of actions that can still be countered; Surprise is knowing of the presence of specific enemies and actively being prepared to make full use of all elements so that a full round of actions which cannot be countered actively is granted before Initiative is determined.
Swift: Any “natural 20”, or an adjusted initiative over 20; The character’s penalty for Initiative Factors is reduced to zero OR they may take an extra Reaction.
| Condition | Initiative Modifier |
|---|---|
| Factor | |
| Spellcasting | Subtract the spell’s level |
| Melee, heavy weapon | -2 |
| Melee, light or finesse weapon | +2 |
| Melee, 2 handed weapon | -2 |
| Ranged, loading weapon | -5 |
| Size | |
| Tiny | +5 |
| Small | +2 |
| Medium | +0 |
| Large | -2 |
| Huge | -4 |
| Gargantuan | -8 |
DMG (optional) Rules are recommended; The optional Speed Factor in the (p. 271)