ShieldLawrence wrote:
After looking at the GM section a bit more, it would appear that the intent is to roll initiative before any attacks are made, unless the trap or creature calls out something else.
Rolling Initiative, p.498 wrote:
Transitioning from exploration to an encounter usually involves rolling for initiative. Call for initiative once a trap is triggered, as soon as two opposing groups come into contact, or when a creature on one side decides to take action against the other. For example:
A group of PCs are exploring a cavern. They enter a narrow passage patrolled by a group of kobold warriors. Now that the two groups are in the same area, it’s time to roll initiative.
Amiri and a kobold champion agree to have a friendly wrestling match. They square off on a patch of dirt, and you call for initiative using Athletics.
Merisiel and Kyra are negotiating with the kobold king. Things aren’t going well, so Merisiel decides to launch a surprise attack. As soon as she says this is her plan, you call for initiative.
Harsk and Ezren are trying to Balance across a narrow beam to reach an isolated kobold treasure trove. When they get halfway across, a red dragon who was hiding behind the mountain flies around to attack! As soon as the dragon makes its appearance, you call for an initiative roll.
So I guess we are left with corner cases where a high initiative roll can lead to PCs reacting first to an unknown situation. Adventurer’s spidey sense it is!
Get your players to roll 3 or 4 perception rolls at the start of the session and make note to use them whenever its called for. No more obvious combat is coming issue.
