Is Initiative an Ability check?

[Ughbash]

People have at various times claimed that Initiative is an Ability check (off dex) so if you had some ability to reroll an ability check or apply +x to ability checks you could apply it to Initiative.

Example: For whatever reason, call it divine providence, GoodyTwoShoes the Good Cleric decides to use "Touch of Good" granting a +10 bonus on an Attack Roll, Skill Check, Ability Checks and Saving throws right before iniative was called.

Does he now get a +10 on initiative?

If so can you point where in the book it states that Initiative is an ability check? As compaed to an Initiative roll which is modified by among other things once Dex (usualy) stat.

[Jeff Merola]

Page 178 of the Core Rule Book:

CRB wrote:

At the start of a battle, each combatant makes an initiative check. An initiative check is a Dexterity check.

So yes, GoodyTwoShoes would get +10 to their check.

[Ughbash]

Thank You.

[LazarX]

Jeff Merola wrote:

Page 178 of the Core Rule Book:

CRB wrote:

At the start of a battle, each combatant makes an initiative check. An initiative check is a Dexterity check.

So yes, GoodyTwoShoes would get +10 to their check.

Yes but they don't get to cast the spell the instant I say "roll for initiative".

[Jeff Merola]

LazarX wrote:

Jeff Merola wrote:

Page 178 of the Core Rule Book:

CRB wrote:

At the start of a battle, each combatant makes an initiative check. An initiative check is a Dexterity check.

So yes, GoodyTwoShoes would get +10 to their check.

Yes but they don't get to cast the spell the instant I say "roll for initiative".

Of course not. The OP's example was just if they somehow managed to pick the exact right time to use the ability (like if they were the ones springing an ambush).

[Claxon]

This would really only be useful in a situation where you were about to surprise the enemy, and would normally net yourself a surprise round anyway.

[Charlie Bell]

WHOA. So good hope really does give you +2 initiative. I thought I had finally caught a mistake in Herolab.

[blahpers]

It would also work for the mythic ability Display of Dexterity, though initiative is already pretty nuts when using mythic rules.