Bruce Brown had a great idea on the FATE list for initiative.
The theory goes that GM calls out the adjectives on the ladder in descending order. Players can then use any skill that matches or exceeds that at any point during the round.
In practice it works something like this:
GM: The mad scientist’s killer robot advances towards you, waving it’s arms madly and flashing it’s status lights aggressively. It is a huge eight foot humanoid construct, heavily armored with blue glowing eye sensors and huge flexible tubing arms ending in vicious looking pincers. The mad scientist cackles in background, and then turns his back to fiddle with his machinery safe in the knowledge his killer robot will easily take care of the party.. Actions please, anyone want to go on Superb? [The players now have an opportunity to look at their skills and determine what they want to use.]
Player1: I’ve only got Investigation at Superb. Can I use that to look for weaknesses or something to use against the robot?
GM: SUre, but it’s investigation so it’s going to take time…
Player1: Ok, I’ll wait.
Player2: I’ve got Brawl at Superb. I don’t fancy going toe-to-toe with that thing, but I’d like to step in the way, blocking it’s path while the others think up something clever to do.
GM: Ok, no problem. Give me a roll and take a FATE point for bravery. You need it in a moment.. [GM looks round and everyone shakes their head.]
GM: Ok, anyone want to go on Great?
Player3: Yes! I’ve got Science at Great. I want to use Science to look for a weakness in the robot.
GM: No problem. Could also try and declare one. The more interesting it is the easier it will be.
… etc.
It looks like a good way to get around having one skill set a static initiative order– and might encourage people to do unusual things just to act before they’re squashed.