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The DM lists the combatants in order after determining Initiative...

EDIT: I think I misinterpreted "lists" as "tells the PCs".  It doesn't say the DM "tells the PCs".

I have never played this way, it's always been a poorly kept surprise.  Is this a new idea or did we not realize a previous edition updated this?  Anyone play this way, does it help?


And the -20 for being Surprised is funniest modifer ever.

I played 2nd where the PCs would literally sit in order after rolling initiative (one of the Optional Rules for 2nd Initiative) but we didn't know the enemies Initiative.

It certainly makes sense for the DM to make a list (of some sort) of the initiative order. In fact I'm not sure you could do it any other way (unless you offload it onto a player as has been suggested - but the point is that someone makes a list).

As for actually announcing the initiative order - my policy would be to not do so. I don't actually think it's a big issue - but in any encounter where you're using 'lurker' style creatures or traps that 'act' in the initiative sequence that might not be apparent to the player characters at the start of the encounter, witholding the initiative sequence can add to the element of surprise.

Of course, you could probably make the other argument - that it's more surprising to tell the players that they will act in a certain sequence only to jump in and interupt them when you spring the trap, or have the creature burst onto the scene. I just personally think this is likely to annoy your players more than the alternative.
  

May 24, 2012 -- 9:33AM, Kelvor_Ravenstar wrote:

I think you're misinterpretting the phrase in the playtest document. When it says "the Dm lists the combatants in order" what it means is it the DM makes a list of everyone's initiative. It doesn't necessarily mean they let the players know when the monsters will act. 

Hmm, I think your right.  Thanks!