Downtime Rules
Downtime activities are classified by the time commitment required to perform them.
Downtime Activity Types
Downtime activities are classified by the time commitment required to perform them. Each type represents a different scale of effort, from quick tasks completed in several hours to long-term projects that span several days, weeks, or months.
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LDT (Lesser Downtime Activity): 1 Day – A minor commitment taking up the better part of a single day, leaving room for minor RP but no real adventuring.
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GDT (Greater Downtime Activity): 1 Week – A focused, week-long effort involving sustained attention. There may be 1–2 important interactions, but no adventuring.
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EDT (Extended Downtime Activity): 1–3 Months – A long-term project taking up to three months. Ideal for research, crafting, espionage, or institutional efforts.
Support Another
- Type — LDT
- Skill(s) — Varies (must share or complement the skill used by the primary activity)
You dedicate your downtime to assisting a single other PC with their DTA. This may involve helping research, spreading a rumor, doing legwork, or simply providing extra backup/credibility.
Result
Effect
Critical Success
The primary character gains +4 on their DTA check.
Success
The primary character gains +2 on their DTA check.
Failure
No bonus is granted.
Critical Failure
The help backfires—miscommunication, overreach, or poor execution.
The primary character suffers –2 on their DTA check.
Day of Shopping
- Type — LDT
- Skill(s) — Appraise, Artistry (Negotiation), or Profession (Merchant)
You spend the day evaluating goods and seeking rare or high-quality items.
Result
Effect
Critical Success
All desired items found; one item is discounted by 10% or improved in quality.
Success
All desired items found at normal price.
Failure
One item is overpriced (+10–15%) or unavailable.
Critical Failure
A major issue occurs—counterfeit item, faulty gear, insulted merchant, or reputational damage.
Gain Contact
- Type — GDT
- Skill(s) — Diplomacy, Lore, Profession, or a skill relevant to the target’s background
You attempt to find and befriend someone of influence.
Result
Effect
Critical Success
Friendly and discreet contact; +2 on your next activity with them.
Success
Contact is established; usable in future DTAs.
Failure
No contact made; retry later with changes.
Critical Failure
You offend or alert the contact. –2 to future attempts. May trigger sabotage.
Build Renown
- Type — GDT
- Skill(s) — Varies by faction—Artistry, Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Intimidate, Perform, Profession, Knowledge
Raise your standing with a group or settlement.
Result
Effect
Critical Success
Gain +2 Reputation.
Success
Gain +1 Reputation.
Failure
No change.
Critical Failure
Lose –1 Reputation due to offense or failure.
Cultivate Favor
- Type — GDT
- Prerequisite — Must have used Gain Contact
- Skill(s) — Bluff, Diplomacy, or Profession (matching target’s background)
You build a relationship with a specific figure.
Result
Effect
Critical Success
Invited to meet the target; attitude is 1 step higher.
Success
Meeting granted.
Failure
No meeting or strained conditions.
Critical Failure
You offend the target and lose your contact’s support.
Note: Cannot retry unless circumstances change significantly.
Pull the Thread
- Type — GDT
- Skill(s) — Diplomacy (gather info), Intimidate, or Stealth
You investigate a mystery, figure, or plot.
Result
Effect
Critical Success
Discover a secret, lead, or blackmail-grade truth.
Success
Gain meaningful partial insight.
Failure
You find nothing.
Critical Failure
You are misled or noticed. Lose 1 Reputation. May trigger complications.
Local Gossip
- Type — GDT
- Skill(s) — Diplomacy (gather info), Perception, Perform (Comedy/Oratory/Song), Sense Motive
Immerse yourself in the community’s rumor mill.
Result
Effect
Critical Success
+2 to social checks in this area for 1 week.
Success
Gain useful rumors.
Failure
Nothing of value learned.
Critical Failure
You offend or draw suspicion. Lose 1 Reputation.
Earn Income
- Type — LDT (can extend to GDT)
- Skill(s) — Typically Artistry, Crafting, Lore, or Performance
Use your skills to make money. The GM sets a DC and task level.
Result
Effect
Critical Success
Outstanding work. Earn income for task level +1 and proficiency.
Success
Competent work. Earn normal income for task level and proficiency.
Failure
Bare minimum income. GM may shorten job duration.
Critical Failure
Earn nothing. Fired. Reputation suffers in that area.