Initiative

Initiative is a game mode designed to support turn-based play where the actions of the participants are performed in a controlled order.

If the host determines that an encounter would benefit from the structure of turn-based play, they can declare Initiative. Players are required to stop their current activity and only proceed using rounds and turns based on a specific turn order. Turn-based initiative ensures that every character gets a fair opportunity to perform actions in a structured sequence.

Turn Order

The basic turn order of the group is established at the start of each new situation and is preserved through any scenes and encounters until the situation is resolved. Establishing a turn order for an entire situation helps keep game play brisk and avoids breaking immersion at the start of every encounter.

When the host introduces a new situation to the group, turn order is discussed and selected by the group. For example, the group may decide turn order based on the physical positioning of group members while traveling through scenes. Alternatively, the group can roll a D100 to establish a random order.

Initiation

At the start of every initiative, the host is responsible for describing the scene and current situation for the players. This includes describing details of the environment such as the layout of objects, terrain, weather, time of day or other important environmental factors to set the stage for the turn-based encounter.

The host is also responsible for determining where in the turn order a new initiative starts based on the circumstances surrounding how it was triggered. If a specific party members activity was responsble, the host may decide that the turn order begins with that player. If initiative is triggered by a change in the surroundings (world event, non-player character) then the host can choose the starting player based on a character's proximity to the triggering factor, or by a using a chance roll.

During initiation, players have the opportunity to ask the host questions related to the scene and situation, and briefly discuss strategy with the other players to coordinate their character's actions and discuss teamwork.

Following initiation, turn-based play proceeds using rounds and turns.

Rounds

Rounds provided a structured approach that governs the interaction between players and the host, allowing the host to coordinate and control scene elements and narrate the changing situation, and players to coordinate and control their characters.

Each round is performed using the following steps:

LIGHTS: At the beginning of each round, the host updates the scene and current situation for the players. It is important that the director highlights aspects of the scene that are most likely to influence player decisions during the round. During this phase, the director may also introduce new elements such as a change in the environment or the introduction of new non-player characters into the current scene.

CAMERA: During the camera phase, the host will call on each player based on the turn-order to complete their turn. Each player has an opportunity to ask the director questions related to the scene and situation and state the intentions of their character for their turn. The host and player will then proceed to perform any actions associated with their stated intentions.

ACTION: During the action phase, the player will perform any action rolls requested by the host and narrate the consequences of their character's actions. At the end of each player's turn the host has the opportunity to proceed with controlling the turns for one or more non-player characters participating in the scene.

The round ends when each player in the turn order has completed their turn. If the encounter has not been resolved, a new round begins, and the process is repeated.

HOST TURN-ORDER

The host enjoys the privilege of dynamically controlling the turn-order for non-player characters participating in a scene. Non-player characters face the same constraints as normal players with each non-player character being allowed the perform a standard turn, once per round.

Turns

Turns are a structured period of narrative time granted to each player within a round to interact with the game world and perform actions. The rules that define what a player is permitted to do within a single turn is called the Standard Turn and is designed to provide structure and promote balance between players.

During a standard turn, players can perform each of the following activities.

MOVEMENT: Move to a close location. Depending on the scale of the scene, moving nearby might be across the city, across the street, or just a few feet away. Exceeding normal movement requires sacrificing the remainder of the players turn.

INTERACTION: Players can perform simple object or social interactions such as reaching into a carried pouch or pack to retrieve an item, callout out or making a gesture towards another character, or interacting with a physical object in the scene such as opening a door. Interactions should be quick and concise and limited to what is reasonable for the scope of their turn.

ACTION: Players can perform a single action, towards a single target, within range. Players can invoke one or more relevant features to boost or extend their action as long as any limits on the feature are met.

HOLDING AN ACTION

During turn-based play, a player may want to make their intended action conditional on a specific event or change in the situation. To hold an action, on their turn, players should describe the condition for proceeding with their action. If the condition is triggered before the round ends, the host will direct the focus to the player to complete their action as intended.