Initiative Sub-String from "House Rules...

[Captain_K]

I like the initiative sub-string in the other post.. here is my suggestion for how to keep it moving.. I'm sure its not new.. plus I'll throw in my house rules on that topic too:

1) Initiative is a d10 which is modified UP by +1 if DEX is prime and for each bonus on DEX.. thus it can go over 10, but rarely over 14.
2) Use a small dry erase board and marker or paper and pencil on a clip board.
3) All PCs roll a D20, low score becomes "Minder of the Initiative Board". It is their job to note down at the beginning of combat all initiatives.*
*Some players are good at this job, some hate it, some love it, assign the job as best works.
4) All PCs Roll per the above and the "Minder" writes down the order of PCs, NPC, & bad guys. Then you start combat... The Minder keeps the combat order going using the same set order each round of that combat. New combat, New rolls for order.
5) To help keep things rolling, the "Minder of the Board" also looks ahead of the combat segment all are in, they must remind the next PC who acts next "PC#1, You're on deck! Get your damn spells ready for a change." and two ahead "PC#9, You're in the hole. Get ready to kick some butt, looks like we're going to need you again." (Details added purely for realism) The "Minder of the Board" does this all combat, making sure each PC is ready two segments in advance. This job and having the board big enough for all to see really keeps things moving.
6) All the classic rules for moving in initiative order still apply, hold action until.. slides one down the initiative order, etc. The Board makes that easy, wipe off and move.

Aside: We also found Character name tags worn by players helps too.

[Arduin]

I found it easier to just have init for each side rolled rather than individuals. Then I change up the PC order each round (except for those casting).

[alcyone]

I like the initiative sub-string in the other post.. here is my suggestion for how to keep it moving.. I'm sure its not new.. plus I'll throw in my house rules on that topic too:

6) All the classic rules for moving in initiative order still apply, hold action until.. slides one down the initiative order, etc. The Board makes that easy, wipe off and move.

Aside: We also found Character name tags worn by players helps too.

You need Paizo's magnetic initiative board. You then only need to write the names once and move the magnets.

[Treebore]

I like the initiative sub-string in the other post.. here is my suggestion for how to keep it moving.. I'm sure its not new.. plus I'll throw in my house rules on that topic too:

6) All the classic rules for moving in initiative order still apply, hold action until.. slides one down the initiative order, etc. The Board makes that easy, wipe off and move.

Aside: We also found Character name tags worn by players helps too.

You need Paizo's magnetic initiative board. You then only need to write the names once and move the magnets.

Thats what I use. Plus we have plenty of space to note spells in effect, when they will end, etc...

[maasenstodt]

Worth reading.

[Captain_K]

Great input, each PC could have his own "magnet" or Icon.. much like their own mini.. a personalized touch that helps make it visible.. very great idea.. now if I can just get one out of our room of 6 engineers to take on the task.. "How many engineers does it take..? Just one, but five design critics will be born simultaneously!"