D&D Second-by-Second Combat (SBSC) (5e)
This homebrew rule is a modification of the Mike Mearls' homebrew Initiative System as commented on in Mathew Colville's video. The system of Rounds used in D&D are completely thrown out of the window and replaced. Combat is now tracked on a second-by-second timeframe with each action taking a random number of seconds. Each second in a combat is called the Initiative Count. The seconds are tracked throughout the combat in a continuous fashion starting at 0 Initiative Count. The Initiative Roll no longer uses a d20 and instead uses a die determined by the type of action and/or item being used. The character's Initiative Modifier is no longer universally based on the Dexterity modifier and is subtracted from the Initiative Roll instead of being added to it. Additionally¸ any class features¸ feats or other abilities that modify Initiative are subtracted rather added to the Initiative Roll. Initiative Formulas Each type of Action has its own formula for determining how long a character takes to perform an action. Each Initiative formula has 3 basic components: Base Initiative¸ die roll and Ability Modifier. Other modifiers may apply due to class features¸ feats¸ conditions¸ etc.