Any combatants aware of the opponents can act in the surprise round, so they roll for initiative. In initiative order (highest to lowest), combatants who started the battle aware of their opponents each take a standard action during the surprise round.
How is initiative calculated?
Determine initiative modifier. Characters act in order in combat according to their initiative. Your character’s initiative modifier equals your Dexterity modifier plus any modifiers from class, race, or other features. Once you have worked out your initiative modifier, note it on your character sheet.
Do you roll initiative for enemies?
Group initiative is an optional rule Rolling initiative for a group of enemies together often helps to save time, and the DMG recommends it for identical creatures, however it can lead to combat that swings wildly from one side to the other.
When to roll initiative for a group of enemies?
Rolling initiative for a group of enemies together often helps to save time, and the DMG recommends it for identical creatures, however it can lead to combat that swings wildly from one side to the other. There are times when it is a good idea, and times when it is better to roll separately.
How to overcome the challenges of group work?
Strategies: To address both preexisting and potential motivation problems: Explain why working in groups is worth the frustration. Establish clear expectations for group members, by setting ground rules and/or using team contracts. Increase individual accountability by combining group assessments with individual assessments.
How do I handle initiative and turns for a group?
I break my enemies up by creature type, then into melee and ranged fighters. This helps to prevent swingy combat and keep the flow going. In your situation I would roll individually for each kobold at this level.
Can a DM make one roll for an entire group?
The DM makes one roll for an entire group of identical creatures, so each member of the group acts at the same time. (PHB, p. 189) Making one roll for a group is often advisable, especially for new DM’s as it both speeds up and simplifies combat. (However, in large groups this can sometimes cause issues .)
