Initiative

Since combat in the Valoria Campaign is phase-based rather than turn-based, initiative is understood differently. As GM I will tabulate the average initiative score for the players versus the NPCs for each round of combat, and the side that has the higher average will be deemed to have the initiative for that round of combat. Completing a round of combat will result in a new initiative roll for each side going into the next round.

Players in a phase-based system announce how they want to move and act when they think of it rather than waiting for their turn. This means that players can declare their intentions in any order or discuss strategy as a group since their individual initiative scores as irrelevant. Once all decisions have been made, the phase can begin.

If players win the initiative, the NPCs' will reveal their movements and actions to the players. Players receive a tactical advantage by knowing what the NPCs will do, which will allow the players to counter and exploit the NPCs. If the players lose the initiative, the players will announce their moves and actions for the upcoming, and the NPCs will have the opportunity to counter and exploit the players.

Both sides have their actions resolved simultaneously in a phase-based system. Action priority is given to ranged weapons (when sides need to close distance) then 10' reach weapons then 5' reach weapons. If a PC or NPC takes an action that would incapacitate his opponent (e.g. disarming, tripping, or over-killing) while having initiative, then the opponent is deemed to not complete his action. If the PC or NPC does not have the initiative, then the opponent comples his action before suffering the incapacitation.

Example
The party comes into an encounter against three NPCs where they are spaced 45' feet apart. The players roll an 18, 16, 13, 12, and 9 against a 19, 6, and 6. Since the players have the higher individual average, their side is deemed to have the initiative.

The NPCs announce that they will close the distance to 20' feet apart.