INITIATIVE

For every attack in combat, an initiative value is rolled.  Higher initiatives
will attack before lower iniatives.  Since it is per attack, you could get all
your attacks in before your opponent or you could trade blows or attack last
with every swing.  This will vary every combat round.  Here's a mostly complete
list of things that affect your initiative:

  Battou Jutsu skill
  Dexterity
  Weapon Speed
  Level
  Rage skill
  Haste / Slow affect
  Low Stamina
  Being Bashed
  Being Prone (Scared, Lost Attacks, etc.)

See also: BATTOU JUTSU, COMBAT