In this remastered episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we discuss initiative and surprise mechanics in TTRPGs. We examine how initiative and surprise work in DnD 5e and how people are using it wrong, we compare 5e to other RPGs including Pathfinder 2e and The One Ring, and we explore some variant initiative options which you might use in your own games.

This episode was originally published April 6, 2022

MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• RPGBOT.News – Caleb Valorozo-Jones on Neurodiversity in TTRPGs
• RPGBOT.Podcast Season 2 Episode 1 – Variant Rules

Dungeons and Dragons 5e

• Player’s Handbook (affiliate link)
• Dungeon Master’s Guide (affiliate link)

Pathfinder 2e

• Core Rulebook (affiliate link)
• Gamemastery Guide (affiliate link)

Other Stuff

• Alien RPG
• Easy Roller Dice’s Hollow Metal Dice (affiliate link)
• Fantasy Flight Star Wars (affiliate link)
• Mörk Borg
• The One Ring 2e

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Tyler Kamstra

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Ash Ely

• Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
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Randall James

• @JackAmateur
• Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

• @Lzr_illuminati