It's a fantasy role-playing game.

DM: You are Caleb Widogast, a human wizard . You are the member of the famous group of adventurers. Previously, No time to worry: Roll Initiative! you and Fjord step out to see the zombie guards, who look to be about ready to rush toward the big tent where they are standing.
DM: Nine points of cold damage to it. You watch as it's trying to bite with no effect towards Beau's arm as she's pulling away. The sphere slams into the side of its shoulder, it would be this side, and it pulls back. You watch as the arm breaks a bit and the ice shards coalesce around the outside of the armor and linger with this frost and mist that sprays off the impact. It looks fairly damaged.
Player: Question, am I supposed to roll initiative for Frumpkin as well?
DM: Technically by the rules, yes. But it might be easier to have you guys go at the same time.
Player: Okay, if that's what you want to do.
DM: Sure, for now.
Player: I'm sending Frumpkin to zip under that tent. He has 40 feet of movement.
DM: This one here?
Player: Yeah.
DM: Easy enough. Frumpkin is underneath there.
