Adding Flair to Initiative

A player in our group suggested that it would be fun if there was some sort system for interesting things to happen when the initiative cards come up as poker hands similar to some of the mechanics in Deadlands. I gave this some thought so I came up with quick notes to keep things Fast, Furious and Fun and simple. I didn’t want to bog down each round with players checking their cards. I took some of inspiration from the Drama Deck from Shatterzone. Also, I wanted to add something to the mix that encouraged the players to break the mindset from other games and do more than “I attack!”

Matches (Pair, Three of a Kind, Four of a Kind): When the initiative cards of allied characters match, those characters (only the ones with matches) gain the benefit of the Common Bond Edge for that round.

Aces: If a character draws an Ace and successfully performs a certain action based on the suit then he gains a Benny. Spades:A successful Intimidate check, Clubs: A successful Taunt check, Hearts: A successful Smarts Trick, Diamonds: A successful Agility Trick.