Downtime

Delving into the intricacies of downtime proves to be a remarkably gratifying endeavor, rivaling the excitement of actual adventures. It’s a realm where characters can find solace, pursue personal interests, and forge connections beyond the battlefield. While the thrill of adventuring is undeniable, the quieter moments of downtime offer a canvas for characters to paint the details of their lives. Whether it’s honing a new skill, engaging in vibrant roleplay, or establishing meaningful relationships, the richness of character development unfolds in the tapestry of these seemingly mundane intervals. In this space between quests, characters breathe life into their existence, adding layers of depth that reverberate into the grand tapestry of their overarching story.

Gaining Downtime

Every character is entitled to 240 hours of downtime every six real life days, equating to an in-game month (30 in game days). It’s important to note that this downtime is not automatically granted; players must actively use the command “/downtime” in Discord to claim their allotted hours. Missed days cannot be compensated for; regardless of the time elapsed since the last claim, players receive the standard allotment upon initiating the “/downtime” command. This system emphasizes player engagement and proactive involvement in managing their characters’ downtime.

Spending Downtime

Downtime hours offer flexibility for players to tailor their character’s activities as they see fit. Players can choose how to allocate these hours based on their character’s needs and preferences. It’s entirely optional to spend hours, allowing players to save them as desired. Certain activities, like crafting, may consume a significant amount of hours. Each downtime activity specifies the number of hours it consumes, or the system prompts players to input the desired hours for a particular activity. This system grants players the freedom to manage their characters’ time in a way that aligns with their role-playing choices and objectives.

Modifiers

The following abilities and other features are prohibited during downtime:

• Expertise
• Jack of all Trades
• Abilities, spells or other circumstances that alter your ability check modifier under certain circumstances

The following things are allowed during downtime:

• Class abilities or other items that permanently increase an ability or skills core can be used if they are attuned (headband of intellect, ASI, etc.)

Proficiencies

Only proficiencies that are permanent may be used in downtime activities (including crafting). Proficiencies that are temporary, such as those gained through spells, abilities or racial traits are not able to be used for downtime purposes (including crafting).

Examples: Eladrin Trance racial trait.

Lifestyle

Embracing a fantasy world’s cost of living is simplified through lifestyle expenses, covering accommodations, sustenance, and essential needs. Additionally, these expenses account for the upkeep of your equipment, ensuring you’re prepared for the next adventure on the horizon.

Consult the sidebar Lifestyle table for options and costs. The listed prices are weekly. Your chosen lifestyle may fluctuate based on available funds, or you might stick with the same lifestyle throughout your character’s journey.

Yet, lifestyle choices aren’t mere numbers—they carry consequences. Opting for a wealthy lifestyle may facilitate connections with the affluent but attracts potential thieves. On the other hand, a frugal existence might shield you from criminals but might not lead to powerful connections. It’s a delicate balance between the comforts of your chosen lifestyle and the risks and rewards it brings to your character’s story.

Your lifestyle choice has impacts on all downtime activities that you pursue, consult to the table for the corresponding impact.

Tiered Downtime

Downtime activities operate within a tiered system linked to your Fame level, determining the range of available options. Advancing your Fame unlocks a higher tier for existing downtime activities and introduces new ones. Importantly, you can continue to engage in downtime activities at lower tiers that you have previously attained.

For instance, if someone with a Fame of 5 attempts the Entreat downtime activity, they would only have the option to Beg. In contrast, a more Famous individual, with a fame of 22, would have the choice between Begging and Soliciting Donations, showcasing the expanded possibilities with increased Fame.

Downtime Consequences

In most cases, downtime activities carry outcomes that ripple through the world, impacting fellow player characters. Players need to be attentive and deliberate in their downtime pursuits, as these actions may lead to unintended adverse consequences or, conversely, yield favorable effects on the world. It underscores the importance of mindful decision-making during downtime, recognizing the potential ramifications that extend beyond individual characters and contribute to the evolving narrative of the shared world.

Vagrancy

Vagrancy is a measure of your personal civil disobedience. As your vagrancy rises, so does the Watch’s interest in you. Should your vagrancy get too high, the Watch will arrest you and throw you in jail. If you find yourself behind bars you will have to serve your debt to society (/dt-jailserve), before you can once again perform other activities.

Unwanted Attention

When you perform certain activities you have the potential to gain attention, that frankly, you don’t want. This attention can manifest in you getting mugged, injured or otherwise inconvenienced. There are a few activities that can lower this attention, but suffice to say once you’ve been got, others take heed and no longer have interest in your either.

Nemesis

Sometimes you do something to gain a nemesis that will work to thwart you every chance they can get. This will manifest at certain times and can range from things that hinder your ability to perform activities to bonuses to your chances of success. There is no way to actively get rid of a nemesis once you get one, but a nemesis may lose interest in your over time and simply fad away or take up interest in pestering someone else.

Players can use the /dt-nemesis command to flesh out details about their nemesis if they like.

Downtime Experience

Engaging in downtime activities results in the accumulation of Experience Points (XP), irrespective of success or failure. The idea is that learning occurs regardless of outcomes, and there’s value in both success and failure. Players can convert this XP into XP tokens, which can then be utilized to elevate the character’s level. The Advancement section provides more detailed information on how this process unfolds. This system encourages characters to grow not only through triumphs but also through the valuable lessons gained from setbacks.

Time in Soulforge Adventures

One real life day equals five in-game days.

1 RL days = 5 IG days

Downtime Calculation

Each character is granted 8 hours of downtime per in-game day.

1 IG day = 8hrs downtime

Lifestyle