Rounds are the 6-second intervals that combat in the Icewind Dale games is divided into.
Length of a round[]
Each round is 6 seconds of real time long.
Start of a round[]
Each character is on their own personal "combat time-line", that starts after a short random delay upon entering combat.
Thus, when multiple characters enter combat at different times, or get assigned a different random delay, then their personal rounds will not occur at exactly the same times.
Once the first round has occurred, subsequent rounds for the same character follow without delay, until combat ends.
What can be done in a round[]
A character can perform a limited number of actions during each personal round:
Weapon attacks[]
[TODO: Explain the effect of Initiative/Speed Factor on attack times]
[TODO: Explain the effect of Attacks Per Round on attack times]
Spells and special abilities[]
Usually, a character can perform at most one of the following actions each round:
- casting a spell
- using an innate ability (like the Kensai's Kai)
- using a usable item, such as a potion or scroll
- using an ability granted by an equipment item
But for a character under the effect of Improved Alacrity, this restriction is lifted for spells and innate abilities: As soon as the character finishes casting one, they may start casting another.
The time it actually takes to cast a spell (or use a spell-like ability), is called the "casting time", and is measured in ⅒ths of a round (so that a casting time of 10 denotes a full round).
Each spell lists its casting time in its description, but this is further modified by the character's Casting Speed Bonus.
If the casting time is less than a full round, the remaining portion of the round (before or after) may be filled with weapon attacks (see previous section).
Conversion table[]
| Time span | In rounds |
|---|---|
| In-game time: | |
| 1 game minute | = ⅚th of a round |
| 1 turn | = 10 rounds |
| 1 game hour | = 50 rounds |
| 8 game hours | = 2000 rounds |
| 1 game day | = 6000 rounds |
| Real time: | |
| 1 second | = ⅙th of a round |
| 1 minute | = 10 rounds |
| 1 hour | = 600 rounds |
For a side-by-side comparison of game time and real time, see Time ▸ Game time vs. real time.