Initiative

Greything · 05-10-2006, 04:27 PM

Ok.

This is a probably a silly question given how long I've been playing NWN.

Just how does taking the Initiatve feat affect a character's performance in the game?

Marathon · 05-10-2006, 05:08 PM

I thought I knew, but wasn't sure - so here is the line from NWNWiki:

Initiative Checks: At the start of a battle, each combatant makes an initiative check. An initiative check is a Dexterity check. Each character applies his or her Dexterity modifier to the roll. Characters act in order, counting down from highest result to lowest. In every round that follows, the characters act in the same order (unless a character takes an action that results in his or her initiative changing; see Special Initiative Actions). If two or more combatants have the same initiative check result, the combatants who are tied act in order of total initiative modifier (highest first). If there is still a tie, the tied characters should roll again to determine which one of them goes before the other.

There are four feats in NWN that improve your initiative.

Blooded (Initiative improves by +2)

Thug (Initiative improves by +2)

Improved Initiative (Initiative improves by +4)

Superior Initiative (This epic feat replaces Improved Initiative and gives +8 to initiative)

Retrieved from "http://www.nwnwiki.org/Initiative"

I've always thought high initiative was pretty important, even for fighters. Monks (or high dex characters) tend to hit first most of the time, and have an advantage due to that. Although I don't play spellcasters, I would imagine that it's vital for them.

[ 05-10-2006, 05:11 PM: Message edited by: Marathon ]

Greything · 05-10-2006, 05:53 PM

Thanks for that one Marathon.

Seems pretty comprehensive.

I've been trying to find an explanation like that for a while without any success.

It's good that someone knows what they're doing.

Legolas · 05-10-2006, 06:09 PM

Initiative isn't all that important unless you're fighting a foe who's just about your match. At that point, the enemy'll probably win if he spent his feats on something better than initiative increases.
As far as I can determine, its only real use is in a mage vs mage combat at higher levels, where the first one to cast Timestop usually goes on to win the match.

Dace De'Briago · 05-12-2006, 09:16 AM

It totals:

1d10 +
Blooded (Initiative improves by +2)
Thug (Initiative improves by +2)
Improved Initiative (Initiative improves by +4)
Superior Initiative (This epic feat replaces Improved Initiative and gives +8 to initiative)
+ DEX Bonus

If you roll higher than your opponent, you'll be getting the first action of the round. It's nothing more than that, and IMO its not important at all.

robertthebard · 05-12-2006, 10:48 AM

Well, that depends on your effective AC, your own attack bonuses, and just how tough that creature really is...I never take the feats either, but...

Greything · 05-12-2006, 11:17 AM

Thanks to all for the advice

It seems that if you have a high Dex character you don't need initiative and if you have a high AB/AC fighter type character it doesn't matter anyway.

Ah well. Looks like I'm going to end up taking more Epic Toghness feats.

05-10-2006, 06:09 PM	#4
Legolas Jack Burton Join Date: March 31, 2001 Location: The zephyr lands beneath the brine. Age: 41 Posts: 5,459	Initiative isn't all that important unless you're fighting a foe who's just about your match. At that point, the enemy'll probably win if he spent his feats on something better than initiative increases. As far as I can determine, its only real use is in a mage vs mage combat at higher levels, where the first one to cast Timestop usually goes on to win the match. __________________ Say NO to the Trouser Tyranny!

05-12-2006, 09:16 AM	#5
Dace De'Briago Silver Dragon Join Date: December 28, 2002 Location: Wales Age: 45 Posts: 1,617	It totals: 1d10 + Blooded (Initiative improves by +2) Thug (Initiative improves by +2) Improved Initiative (Initiative improves by +4) Superior Initiative (This epic feat replaces Improved Initiative and gives +8 to initiative) + DEX Bonus If you roll higher than your opponent, you'll be getting the first action of the round. It's nothing more than that, and IMO its not important at all. __________________ Warning: Powergamer

05-12-2006, 10:48 AM	#6
robertthebard Xanathar Thieves Guild Join Date: March 17, 2001 Location: Wichita, KS USA Age: 62 Posts: 4,537	Well, that depends on your effective AC, your own attack bonuses, and just how tough that creature really is...I never take the feats either, but... __________________ To those we have lost; May your spirits fly free. Interesting read, one of my blogs.

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05-10-2006, 04:27 PM	#1
Greything Drizzt Do'Urden Join Date: June 25, 2004 Location: UK Posts: 633	Ok. This is a probably a silly question given how long I've been playing NWN. Just how does taking the Initiatve feat affect a character's performance in the game?

05-10-2006, 05:08 PM	#2
Marathon Elminster Join Date: December 10, 2003 Location: OP, KS Age: 52 Posts: 489	I thought I knew, but wasn't sure - so here is the line from NWNWiki: Initiative Checks: At the start of a battle, each combatant makes an initiative check. An initiative check is a Dexterity check. Each character applies his or her Dexterity modifier to the roll. Characters act in order, counting down from highest result to lowest. In every round that follows, the characters act in the same order (unless a character takes an action that results in his or her initiative changing; see Special Initiative Actions). If two or more combatants have the same initiative check result, the combatants who are tied act in order of total initiative modifier (highest first). If there is still a tie, the tied characters should roll again to determine which one of them goes before the other. There are four feats in NWN that improve your initiative. Blooded (Initiative improves by +2) Thug (Initiative improves by +2) Improved Initiative (Initiative improves by +4) Superior Initiative (This epic feat replaces Improved Initiative and gives +8 to initiative) Retrieved from "http://www.nwnwiki.org/Initiative" I've always thought high initiative was pretty important, even for fighters. Monks (or high dex characters) tend to hit first most of the time, and have an advantage due to that. Although I don't play spellcasters, I would imagine that it's vital for them. [ 05-10-2006, 05:11 PM: Message edited by: Marathon ]

05-10-2006, 05:53 PM	#3
Greything Drizzt Do'Urden Join Date: June 25, 2004 Location: UK Posts: 633	Thanks for that one Marathon. Seems pretty comprehensive. I've been trying to find an explanation like that for a while without any success. It's good that someone knows what they're doing.

05-12-2006, 11:17 AM	#7
Greything Drizzt Do'Urden Join Date: June 25, 2004 Location: UK Posts: 633	Thanks to all for the advice It seems that if you have a high Dex character you don't need initiative and if you have a high AB/AC fighter type character it doesn't matter anyway. Ah well. Looks like I'm going to end up taking more Epic Toghness feats.

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