> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hexhunt.gitbook.io/hexhunt/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hexhunt.gitbook.io/hexhunt/of-sword-and-sorcery/combat/initiative.md).

# Initiative

**Initiative** is used to determine the order of playing in a combat round. To determine initiative, roll a d6 for each side in combat. The party with the higher roll acts first.

And **for each phase**, you may follow a fixed order of DEX (starting with the highest) to decide which individual goes first within each phase, or you may act as you see fit.

In case of a **surprise** (where the target is caught unawares) the surprised combatant(s) gets to attack last.

While playing solo, sometimes it might get confusing. Using a coin to track the turn-taking is a good way to remind yourself which party is to act. 

### Alternate Rule: Individual Initiative 

You may implement this rule in small-scale combat scenes where there are only a few combatants. The combatant with the highest DEX attacks first. In case of equal scores, roll a d6. The higher goes first.