Combat Tracker - Joker/On Hold

[ddbrown30]

Can anyone explain or link me to a video showing how to properly do turn order in regards to jokers and going on hold? I can't figure out how to manually reorder the turn list and going off hold doesn't seem to do anything other than post a chat message.

[Mike Serfass]

Coming off hold doesn't change the turn order in CT because it doesn't matter. The character goes when the player declares they're doing so (more or less, according to the SWADE rules). The turn is resolved immediately, so no need to update the CT turn order.

Pretty much the same thing with Jokers. It's like being on hold with a +2.

Just move the turn indicator to the interrupting character, then move it to the next character in the list.

Does that answer your question?

[amerigoV]

I do not think there is much automation here other than you right click on them in the CT to go on hold. When they want off hold they can do the same and its puts the message to chat. Then if you can move that triangle indicate back up to them (its easier to scroll up and grab the one that on the CT frame at the bottom). Then you have to remember whose turn it was and go back to them.

Maybe if we could get an indicator of a different color that leaves the old one in place it would work smoother.

[ddbrown30]

Okay, good to know. Personally, I would prefer if it was possible to reorder the list, but even some sort of indicator could be nice. It just means I need to remember or write down whose turn it will be after the joker/hold player finishes their turn. Thanks for the replies.

[Jiminimonka]

I am sure the player that got interrupted will remember it was their turn.

[ddbrown30]

I am sure the player that got interrupted will remember it was their turn.

That's assuming that A, it was an interrupt and B, it was a player.

[Mgrancey]

If I forget where I was I just check the chat log. I admit it would nice if it was easy to move players or NPCs to where the interrupt but probably a big effort to fix in code.

[ddbrown30]

If I forget where I was I just check the chat log. I admit it would nice if it was easy to move players or NPCs to where the interrupt but probably a big effort to fix in code.

As a programmer, honestly, I can't see how it would be that difficult. We're talking about a sorted array that re-sorts every round already, this isn't rocket science. I mean, I assume that the D&D 4E module must support it since the rules for 4E require initiatives to change when held actions trigger. The effort is likely going to be from the UX standpoint, but I'd be happy enough with right clicking on a character and saying move before/after current acting character.

[Jiminimonka]

As a programmer, honestly, I can't see how it would be that difficult. We're talking about a sorted array that re-sorts every round already, this isn't rocket science. I mean, I assume that the D&D 4E module must support it since the rules for 4E require initiatives to change when held actions trigger. The effort is likely going to be from the UX standpoint, but I'd be happy enough with right clicking on a character and saying move before/after current acting character.

Maybe you can write an extension that does it? Ikael has left some good examples of Savage Worlds extensions on the sub-forum.

[ddbrown30]

Maybe you can write an extension that does it? Ikael has left some good examples of Savage Worlds extensions on the sub-forum.

Yeah, maybe. We'll see if I find the motivation to learn (effectively) another language just to add this feature.

[Mgrancey]

While the functions for dealing with decks does already exist, I don't think there are any functions to pull a specific card. Most other systems, at least all I am aware of, use a simple numeral initiative. Savage Worlds uses a card deck sorted by suites, already built in obviously, with stuff triggered by suites and card value so it is a bit more complicated than just changing a number. Detecting where and what value of card to pull would probably be the biggest amount of work I bet.

[i3ullseye]

I am no programmer. But I am willing to bet the deck is just an extrapolated set of 54 numbers, stack ranked. The only issue becomes if the initiative you need to move to is already an assigned card. That is when decimals, like a .5, or maybe an Ace of Heart (B) type coding might work.

For as nice and easy as it is in D&D to just reset imitative numbers, I sure wish I could drag and assign NPCs like Familiars, Pets and such under a character like you can in Savage Worlds. Guess they each have their pros and cons.

[amerigoV]

I am no programmer. But I am willing to bet the deck is just an extrapolated set of 54 numbers, stack ranked. The only issue becomes if the initiative you need to move to is already an assigned card. That is when decimals, like a .5, or maybe an Ace of Heart (B) type coding might work.

For as nice and easy as it is in D&D to just reset imitative numbers, I sure wish I could drag and assign NPCs like Familiars, Pets and such under a character like you can in Savage Worlds. Guess they each have their pros and cons.

I saw a recent tip that the GM could drag a NPC link onto a player portrait and that would give them control. I have no idea if that nested them under the PC for initiative and such (I do not play D&D anymore).

[Lonewolf]

The list is not reordered. There no need to move the pointer either in most cases. It has worked this way for years without complaint.

Coming off hold doesn't change the turn order in CT because it doesn't matter. The character goes when the player declares they're doing so (more or less, according to the SWADE rules). The turn is resolved immediately, so no need to update the CT turn order.

This is the answer in a nut shell. The CT does need to deal with the change because there no change.

What happens next is dynamic and depends on a roll off. In rare cases you can get two actions occuring at the same time. On a players turn their initiative card is discarded by right clicking on it and selecting "Hold". The joker bonus is retained. Move onto the next person on the tracker. To request interrupt later right click the hold icon and the request will drop to chat.

That chat message signals a roll off for initative using athletics. So you jump in and take over and then go back to where the interrupt occured. Or interupt action will be too slow and will go before the next person on the CT. It is actually possible to get a draw and the GM simply determines the outcome or both people moving at same time.

Also note that a hold can carry over between rounds. The CT will warn people at the end of the round that there is unresolved holds in place. However it is possible to carry over to the next round. There will be no card deal but the players starts at the top of the CT on hold in the new round.

It is fairly easy once you have gotten into the habit of right clicking hold on and off as required.


I am sure the player that got interrupted will remember it was their turn.

Yes I agree. A GM can get his hands full and forget things but the players usually really good at keeping things straight. If in doubt it all goes to chat message order anyway. Players can check that it there not sure. IMHO it is a cleaner UI system that say using D&D 5E Ready Action and Reactions which also jump around initiative order.