Scheme for an Upcoming Adventure

You can use downtime to prepare for an upcoming adventure or event. For example, if you know you have to crash the baron’s fancy party in 2 days, you can spend downtime watching the baron’s manor, investigating what clothing the servants will wear, and finding out which important guests are attending. Scheming for an upcoming adventure requires one workweek of effort and at least 50 gp spent on materials, bribes, gifts, and other expenses.

Each workweek spent scheming for an upcoming adventure gives the schemer one "preparation point" (maximum 3). A preparation point may be used at any point during the adventure to produce a favorable circumstance. The schemer has the correct item at an opportune time, or knows enough information to successfully fake an acquaintance or mutual interest. This could allow for a role-playing benefit, or the schemer may make a re-roll of any failed roll, taking the result of the second roll.
Clarification: You can only scheme if you have an actual adventure lined up. The adventure is usually defined as a specific location or event. For instance, we are crashing the Baron's Fancy party, we've been invited to Count Strahd's banquet, we are attacking the stronghold of the Blackfire Adepts, etc.