Initiative Question

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

himrin

Sep 12, 2014 9:11:48

So, based upon the PHB and Jeremy Crawford's tweet, Initative is a Dexterity check.

 

Is there a way to become proficient in Initiative, as in apply your proficiency bonus to it?

 

I have this odd idea about a rogue (thief) at level 17 likely always going first, and second. But, it only works if you can become proficient in initiative.

 

Thanks!

#2

Plaguescarred1

Sep 12, 2014 9:24:41

IIRC There's currently no way to become proficient in Dexterity checks to determine initiative. Proficiency bonus typically applies to:

 

• Attack rolls using weapons you’re proficient with
• Attack rolls with spells you cast
• Ability checks using skills you’re proficient in
• Ability checks using tools you’re proficient with
• Saving throws you’re proficient in
• Saving throw DCs for spells you cast 

#3

Yunru

Sep 12, 2014 13:04:13

There are a few ways to effect Initiative:

  • Dexterity (duh)
  • Help Action
  • Guidance
  • Dark One's Own Luck
  • Inspiration
  • Divination Portent
  • Lucky [Feat]
  • Bend Luck
  • Tides of Chaos
  • Peerless Skill
  • Cutting Words
  • Bardic Inspiration
  • Lucky [Racial]

 

Ways to add (some) proficiency to Intiative:

  • [Bard 2] Jack of All Trades - Add half your Proficiency bonus (rounded down).
  • [Fighter 7 (Champion)] Remarkable Athlete - Add half your Profciency bonus (rounded down).

 

Aaaaand I think that's a complete list.

#4

Yunru

Sep 12, 2014 10:15:57

Hmm, now I'm curious as to whether a Rogue (Assassin) 18|Bard 2 would work. Advantage on all those you outspeed and half prof to init...

#5

himrin

Sep 12, 2014 10:24:25

Yunru wrote:
#6

Yunru

Sep 12, 2014 10:45:43

It'd still work if it can work with half proficiency by multiclassing Bard 2.

#7

Spacekase

Sep 12, 2014 11:03:45

Yunru wrote:
(Reply to #6)

himrin

Yunru wrote:
#9

Yunru

Sep 12, 2014 11:15:19

himrin wrote:
#10

himrin

Sep 12, 2014 11:37:57

Yunru wrote:
#11

Yunru

Sep 12, 2014 11:45:59

Huh, I never even noticed that. No I don't think it would either. Half your proficiency modifier isn't your proficiency modifier.

 

Alert and a 20 in Dex gets you +10 though so throw in 1/2 Prof too and you're outspeeding most things.

#12

Spacekase

Sep 12, 2014 11:59:24

Yunru wrote:
#13

Yunru

Sep 12, 2014 12:10:13

Depends, it also helps with all the other skills as well so... I guess if you're a skill monkey.

 

It also gives you spells but I'm not sure how useful they'd be.

(Reply to #3)

Steerpike84

Yunru wrote:
#15

Spacekase

Sep 12, 2014 12:56:30

Steerpike84 wrote:
#16

Yunru

Sep 12, 2014 13:07:14

Hmm. Wonder if you could make a crit-fisher out of it? Assassin gives you advantage on those you outspeed and Champion gives you half Prof to Init and Expanded Crits.

#17

Timborama

Sep 12, 2014 13:11:56

Steerpike84 wrote: