So far, your house rules have not seriously affected my feat choice.  The 'trip' ability will have to be used by me a bit more often in such circumstances, but the improved trip feat, with it's double whammy effect, is still well worth it, imo, even with the change.<br/><br/>I personally like your house rulings so far.  I'm not too worried about the Skeleton's here, and next time, I'll use my trip ability rather than upping my AC still farther if I see someone I want to stop.<br/><br/>That said, I haven't yet picked up Improved Trip, though I expect to with the senario's end.  The Skels would have gotten a free AOO on me... not that worried Kasumi, as she was more concerned with their attacking the nearly helpless Garrett.<br/><br/>Finally, the more important question, do the other need to role initiative?<br/><br/>I think they do, as the skeleton's attack can hardly have been a surprise, as they were in plain view.  So, I guess Sam and Ithi'ka need to declare their actions, so you can finish the round?