Initiative order for multiple PCs being knocked out by the same creature

[Colette Brunel]

Naturally, it is likely for multiple PCs to be knocked out by the same creature. Who gets to decide the initiative order for the PCs when they are moved to just above the culprit monster? Do the players decide? Does the GM decide?

This is a frequent situation that is hardly unlikely to come up, and it could use clarification. I have seen this situation appear plenty of times.

[Rysky]

They'd all be on the same Initiative now, so who does what first would differ from table to table, though I'd safely say it's usually the players that decide.

[Matthew Downie]

If you want a systematic way of doing it: Whenever someone gets knocked out, they move to just above the monster, taking the place of whoever was previously knocked out. If two PCs are knocked out at the same time, they maintain the same initiative order relative to one another.

That way neither the player nor GM needs to decide.

[Edge93]

I'd say the players decide, as that's what happens if players end up on the same initiative when first rolling. But the above method is also perfectly viable and probably simpler.

[Fuzzypaws]

The game actually states outright that if multiple players have the same initiative, they can choose turn by turn who goes in what order.

(Also, if players are tied with enemies, the enemies explicitly get to go first.)

[Colette Brunel]

Fuzzypaws wrote:

The game actually states outright that if multiple players have the same initiative, they can choose turn by turn who goes in what order.

Not so. Page 304 refers to initiative roll results between players. Initiative changes as a result of being knocked unconscious involve no initiative roll results.

Did I miss a rule elsewhere?

[PsychicPixel]

If two players get knocked down at the same time. I'd probably let them decide which order they want to go for their dying checks.

But if player B gets downed on the first attack and player A gets downed on the second I would have initiative become B/A/Monster since B got knocked down first moved right before Monster then A got knocked down moving right before Monster and therefore now being between B and Monster

[dragonhunterq]

Why wouldn't you let the players decide? There is no good reason not to.

If that doesn't work for you then maintain initiative order.

Whatever way you go this is one decision that should not be left to the GM to decide.