Should I Let Lae’zel Go First?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: Your party relies on Lae’zel’s high damage melee attacks and you face enemies with low armor; letting her strike first can eliminate key targets before they act.
• Good fit: The encounter includes enemies that trigger disadvantage on attacks after they move; ordering Lae’zel first lets her move and attack before the enemy can reposition.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: The enemy has strong counter‑attack abilities or area‑of‑effect spells that target the first mover, putting Lae’zel at high risk.
• Warning sign: Your party’s spellcasters need to set up buffs or crowd control before melee engagement; delaying Lae’zel lets the casters prepare the battlefield.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Early melee damage can thin enemy numbers, reducing incoming damage for the rest of the round.
• Lae’zel’s abilities often impose conditions (e.g., advantage on attacks) that benefit subsequent allies if applied first.

Cons

• She may become the primary target for enemy retaliation, increasing chance of early incapacitation.
• Delaying support actions (healing, buffs, debuffs) can reduce overall party effectiveness, especially against tougher foes.

Decision Checklist

• Do the enemies pose a direct threat to melee characters that could kill Lae’zel before she can act again?
• Will your spellcasters or ranged allies benefit more from acting before melee combat begins?
• Is the initiative gap between Lae’zel and the enemies large enough to ensure her actions occur without immediate retaliation?

Alternatives to Consider

You can let a support character act first to apply buffs, crowd‑control, or defensive spells, then follow with Lae’zel. Another option is to hold Lae’zel in reserve and let the party start with ranged attacks, preserving her health for later rounds when enemies are weakened.

Final Recommendation

Let Lae’zel go first when her early damage and condition‑imposing abilities give a clear tactical advantage and the enemy lacks strong immediate retaliation. In fights where survivability, buffs, or crowd‑control are critical, prioritize support characters instead. Always weigh enemy capabilities and party composition, and consult experienced players or community guides for complex or high‑stakes encounters.