Initiative (Part 3)

4th ed introduced the idea of effects created/cast by a player lasting until the end of that player's next turn. I propose that effects such as slowed, dazed, weakened, etc. last until the end of the attacker's next turn (assuming that the attack successfully overcomes the target's defense and that the power being used is not one that lasts until "save ends"). This allows players to make full use of the effects they impose on an enemy.

Example: Mech 1 has a weapon that shoots a glob of liquid that hardens when exposed to air, and uses very little heat. On his turn, the overheating Mech 1 makes an attack roll against Mech 2 and succeeds. The effect is that Mech 2 is now slowed until the end of Mech 1's next turn. Mech 1's turn ends. Mech 2's turn begins. He attacks Mech 1, inflicting minor damage, and moves away at a reduced rate; his turn ends. Mech 1 goes again. Now that his heat has dissipated, Mech 1 brings out the big guns and unloads on Mech 2, who is still within close range. Much of Mech 2's outer armor is blown away and one point of internal armor is damaged. A critical hit is scored!

Effects that have "save ends" as the duration follow 4th ed rules too. In such cases, an effect that lasts until save ends means that the player controlling the effected mech must make a saving throw (natural 10 or higher on a d20 roll) at the end of his turn.

Example: Mech 2 wins initiative and attacks Mech 1 with an EMP beam; the attack roll succeeds and the beam disrupts all of Mech 1's sensors. Mech 1 is now "blinded" (save ends). Mech 2 moves 5 hexes closer and his turn ends. Mech 1 goes next. Handicapped, he attempts to fire at Mech 2 by visually targeting it through his windshield (a minor action). He attacks (standard action) and misses. Frustrated, Mech 1 moves away 5 squares. His turn now over--Mech 1 has used a minor, standard and move action--he can finally make a saving throw vs the blinded effect. He rolls a natural 15 and saves. Mech 1 is no longer blinded.