Downtime Actions
DOWNTIME ACTIVITIES
Downtime activities are tasks that usually take a week or longer to perform. These tasks can include buying or creating magic items, pulling off crimes, and working at a job. A character selects a downtime activity from among those available and pays the cost of that activity in time and money. As much as possible, downtime activities will be handled away from the game table. The party should agree on how many weeks will be spent in downtime and each player should then submit a list of downtime activities to the GM. Any rolls and checks that need to be made will be resolved at the beginning of the next gametime session. Complications may take several game sessions to arise.RESOLVING ACTIVITIES
The description of each activity tells you how to resolve it. Many activities require an ability check, so be sure to note the character’s relevant ability modifiers. Follow the steps in the activity, and determine the results. Most downtime activities require a week to complete. Some activities require days or months. A character must spend at least 8 hours of each day engaged in the downtime activity for that day to count toward the activity’s completion.COMPLICATIONS
The description of each activity includes a discussion of complications that may arise for the characters. The consequences of a complication might spawn entire adventures, introduce NPCs to vex the party, or give the characters headaches or advantages in any number of other ways. Complications generally occur only about 10% of the time a character engages in a Downtime Activity.The following Downtime Actions are from Xanathar's Guide.
Downtime Action
Brief Description
Time and Cost
Buy Magic Items
The character seeks out magic items for sale, or maybe a particular magic item.
1 week+ and 100 gp+
Carousing
The character hits the town socializing.
1 week, 10-250 gp
Crafting a Mundane Item
The character crafts a mundane item.
Time and costs vary by base value of item. 1
Crafting a Magic Item
The character crafts a magic item.
Time and costs vary by base value of item. 1
Crime
The character plans and executes a crime.
1 week, 25 gp
Gambling
The character spends the week gambling.
1 week, 10-1,000 gp
Pit Fighting
The character spends the week looking for and engaging in pit-fighting opportunities.
1 week
Relaxation
The character spends the week relaxing.
Normal Lifestyle Expenses
Religious Service
The character spends the week at a local temple helping with and performing religious services.
1 week
Research
The character spends time consulting libraries and sages looking for information or lore.
1 week + and 50 gp +
Scribing a Spell Scroll
The character spends time scribing spells and/or cantrips onto scrolls.
Varies by spell level. 1
Sell Magical Items
The character spends time locating a buyer for a specific magic item.
1 week and 25 gp
Training
The character spends the week learning a new secondary skill (tool proficiency) or language.
25 gp/week (10 weeks (100 days) to learn.
Work
The character spends the week earning coin.
1 week
The following Downtime Actions are sources other than Xanathar's Guide.
Downtime Action
Brief Description
Time and Cost
Adding Spells to a Spellbook
The character spends time adding spells to their spellbooks.
2 hrs + 50 gp per spell level
Construct Buildings
The character designs and arranges for construction of a building.
Varies
Earn XP
The character spends the week taking minor quests to earn some XP.
1 week
Gain Renown
The character spends the week earning renown with their organization.
1 week/current renown
Gather Information
The character spends a day looking for information from the local populace.
1 day and 25 gp
Lead Your Kingdom
If you have a leadership role in a domain, you must spend at least 7 days per month fulfilling your duties.
7 days per month
Mastering a Foreign Spellbook
The character spends time studying the spells and notation of another wizard's spellbook in order to be able to use that book to prepare spells.
2 hours + 10 gp per spell level.
Promote a Business
The character spends the week promoting a local business, organization or institution.
1 week and 25 gp
Recruit for an Organization
The character spends the week searching for hirelings, managers, and teams to build an organization or staff a building.
Varies
Research a Spell or Formula
The character spends the week researching a spell, incantation or magic item formula.
Varies
Run a Business
The character spends the week actively running their business.
1 week
Scheme for an Upcoming Adventure
The character spends the week gathering facts and information to prepare for an upcoming adventure.
1 week and 50 gp
Sow Rumors
You spend the week planting rumors about a person, place or thing.
1 week and 25 gp
Train an Animal
You spend a week acclimating a wild animal to yourself or teaching a domestic or acclimated animal a command.
1 week + and 25 gp/week
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