Initiative Stage

Each turn, one faction will hold initiative, which typically means that they will be the first to be given the chance to execute their impulse, as well as other effects. When a faction gets the initiative, it keeps it until the Initiative Stage of the next game turn.

Determining Initiative
Each side rolls a die and applies any modifier (if any) from the initiative track. Depending on the position of the initiative track, one faction or the other may demand a re-roll in exchange for moving the initiative marker one step towards the opposing faction's side of the initiative track; if so, both sides must re-roll their dice, and any new modifiers are re-calculated. Only one re-roll may be demanded each turn. After any re-rolls the side with the highest modified die roll gains initiative, going to the faction that did not have initiative the previous game turn in the case of a tie; the initiative marker is then turned to its side that matches the faction that won the initiative.
 * If Option 41 is in play, Intelligence rules may allow for additional re-rolls.

Effects of Initiative
The side that wins the initiative now decides which side will have the first impulse this turn; this does not change which side has initiative.

In any cases where major powers from both sides can perform actions simultaneously, the side with initiative may do so first.

After determining initiative, move on to the Action Stage.