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Guide

How to run a Discord initiative tracker for DND 5e

Initiative tracking works best when it stays close to the rest of the game. With 5e-Bot, the /in commands give you a lightweight way to add combatants, view the current order, advance turns, and clear the encounter when the fight ends.

Start combat

Use /in add to enter combatants and their initiative values as the encounter begins.

Check the order

Use /in list when the group needs to confirm who is up now and who is next.

Advance the turn

Use /in next to move the encounter forward without stopping to manage a separate tracker.


Simple initiative workflow in Discord

  1. Add combatants with /in add as the encounter starts.
  2. Use /in list to check the current order when players need clarity.
  3. Move to the next turn with /in next after each creature acts.
  4. Use /in remove or /in clear when the order needs cleanup.

Why keep initiative inside Discord?

A shared tracker in the same channel reduces confusion. Players can see who acts next, the DM can advance combat without leaving the chat, and the encounter log stays in the same place as attack rolls, damage rolls, and quick rules lookups.

  • Useful for live voice games where the text channel holds the combat log
  • Works well for play-by-post servers that need a persistent turn order
  • Pairs naturally with /roll and 5e lookup commands

Commands that matter during combat

Related pages

DND Dice Bot Discord

See the dice and initiative landing page for session-focused Discord use cases.

DND Discord Bot

See the broader overview of 5e-Bot as a Discord bot for Dungeons & Dragons.