Phased Initative v1.1

Some DMs find the regular progression of initiative too restrictive and forces characters to make poor tactical decisions. With three phases, each character can elect to take their actions at different turns in the round maximizing their full movement and attacks.

Swift Phase

Each character in initiative order can elect to take a move (up to half their base speed) OR an action OR a bonus action OR a reaction. Melee and Ranged attacks are at disadvantage. Only cantrips can be cast during the swift phase. Reactions are allowed after your turn in the swift phase (melee disadvantage still applies). If you are surprised you cannot take any actions or reactions in this phase (even after your turn during this phase) and you are “flat footed” until after your turn in the ordinary phase.

Ordinary Phase

Characters can act normally by taking any unused movement, combat (including any unused extra attacks) or bonus actions on their turn during this phase if they have not already done so in the swift phase. Reactions and surprise are treated normally.

NOTE: Change Assassinate feature to “You have advantage on attack rolls against any creature that hasn’t taken a turn in the ordinary phase yet.” If you choose to use Assassinate in the swift phase the attack is made without advantage however a hit is a critical.

Deliberate Phase

If a character has not taken their full move or combat action they can do so during the deliberate phase in initiative order. All ranged attacks against foes that are targets of Aim action are at advantage. All melee attacks against Marked foes are at advantage. Reactions are treated normally if the character has not already done so in an earlier phase.

Aim (reaction)

If you focus your attention and aim on a single foe you can make a ranged attack during the deliberate phase against the declared foe with advantage however you must maintain concentration. If you lose concentration, you lose focus and aim however you can still attack normally. You can end focus at any time (no action required). Normal activity, such as moving, doesn’t interfere with your focus. You cannot use the pace Hustle while focusing on a target. The following factors can break your Aim:

• Casting a spell that requires concentration. You lose your aim if you cast a spell that requires concentration. You can’t concentrate on a spell and focus on an aim at the same time.

• Taking damage. Whenever you take damage while you are Focusing, you must make a Constitution saving throw to maintain your Focus. The DC equals 10 or half the damage you take, whichever number is higher. If you take damage from multiple sources, such as an arrow and a dragon’s breath, you make a separate saving throw for each source of damage.

• Being incapacitated or killed. You lose Focus on an attack or spell if you are incapacitated or if you die.

Change Pace (free)

You can declare your pace as a free action on your turn. You can use your reaction to change pace at any time during the current round.

• Cautious. You speed is limited to 10 feet during the round. You gain advantage on stealth and perception checks.

• Walking. No change to your base speed.

• Hustle. You gain +10 feet to your speed however you must use your full movement in the current round. If you are using the Dash action you add +20 feet to your total movement.

Mark (free)

This option makes it easier for melee combatants to harry each other with opportunity attacks and provides advantage in the deliberate phase against one foe. When a creature makes a melee attack, it can also mark its target. Until the end of the attacker's next turn, any opportunity attack made against the marked target has advantage. The opportunity attack doesn't expend the attacker's reaction, but the attacker can't make the attack if anything, such as the incapacitated condition or the shocking grasp spell, is preventing it from taking reactions. The attacker is limited to one opportunity attack per turn. Additionally, the attacker can make melee attacks in the deliberate phase with advantage against the market target.

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