Adventures in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) are the bread and butter of the game. Adventurers delve into dungeons, explore the wilderness, and navigate cities – all in an effort to become heroes.
Running one adventure after another however, can be overwhelming – for both GM and players.
Characters level up in a matter of days or weeks, and the excitement for the next adventure can dwindle without a space to breathe and reflect on what has already been accomplished.
This is where downtime comes in.
Downtime
Downtime can provide that breaker, that breather, between adventures.
This allows the players to better understand their characters, explore the world the GM has created, and do various activities which may be beneficial to the next adventure.
For example, wizards can brew potions or scribe scrolls, a character may go in search of a sage who knows about the ruined tower they are exploring next.
Downtime activities can also be a good way for the GM to extract that hard-earned gold from the players too.
The great thing about downtime is it can be played as loose or as straight as the table prefers, and can be run during regular sessions, or handled “off-screen” via chat.
You can use downtime in various ways, as outlined below. This is not an exhaustive list, however. Feel free to come up with your own uses for downtime.
Do you already use downtime in your campaign? Let me know in the comments below!
Fleshing Out the World
Incorporating downtime creates opportunities to immerse players in the world’s details. How does the local economy work? What’s the culture of the city-state they’re visiting?
Downtime lets players interact with these elements, from running a business to participating in festivals, establishing a connection to the setting that feels personal and vivid.
Example: The party spends a month in Myrbridge, learning its customs and making allies. One character takes on a woodworking apprenticeship, gaining insight into the city’s industry while forging relationships with NPCs who might assist in future quests.
Character Growth Beyond Numbers
Downtime is a time for personal stories and non-mechanical character development. Players can establish hobbies, explore philosophies, or build relationships with NPCs. These moments make characters feel real and offer compelling reasons for their actions beyond gold or XP.
Example: A fighter grapples with a crisis of faith, spending time debating philosophy with a local cleric. The sessions provide roleplaying depth that resonates in future conflicts when moral dilemmas arise.
Opportunities for Strategic Play
In old school and OSR games, planning and resource management are central themes. Downtime fits naturally, giving players the chance to strategize. They might recruit hirelings, fortify strongholds, or research obscure lore – all activities that reward creativity and long-term thinking.
Example: The wizard uses downtime to research the arcane properties of a mysterious artefact. This careful preparation uncovers the key to unlocking an ancient dungeon, providing a satisfying payoff for their investment.
Dynamic Campaign Evolution
The world doesn’t stop turning while adventurers rest.
Downtime allows the DM to advance the timeline organically, introducing new factions, events, or consequences. When players return to the field, they’ll see a world that feels alive and reactive.
Example: While the party trains in Ashmount, a new trade alliance forms between two city-states, impacting the political landscape and the availability of certain goods. The adventurers must navigate this changing environment as they embark on their next quest.
Empowering Player Creativity
One of the joys of downtime is how it hands control to the players. Whether it’s founding a guild, crafting a unique item, or concocting a bold business scheme, downtime encourages creative input and player-driven storytelling.
Example: A rogue uses their downtime to establish a smuggling ring, building a network of contacts that becomes central to future adventures. The success or failure of this endeavour adds stakes to their actions and enriches the narrative.
Foreshadowing and Hooks
Downtime is an excellent way to plant seeds for future adventures.
Mysterious letters, rumours at the tavern, or a rival’s subtle interference can all unfold during these quieter moments, setting the stage for future drama.
Example: While recovering in Grimport, the party hears of strange disappearances in nearby villages. They’re not immediately affected, but the growing tension provides a hook for future investigation.
Celebrating the Ordinary
Sometimes, downtime is about savoring the simple joys. Let characters experience a slice of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic life.
A heartfelt conversation, a day of fishing, or a celebration of a local holiday can be just as memorable as fighting a dragon.
Example: The adventurers join a village’s midsummer festival, engaging in contests and storytelling. These moments of levity provide a refreshing contrast to the usual perils they face.
Tips for Incorporating Downtime
Collaborate with Players: Ask what their characters want to do during downtime and work their ideas into the world.
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- Keep it Relevant: Ensure downtime activities have consequences or rewards, whether material, narrative, or relational.
- Balance the Spotlight: Give each player a chance to shine during downtime, ensuring no one feels left out.
- Use Random Events: Spice things up with unexpected developments, like a sudden storm or an NPC in need.
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In D&D, downtime can be more than a pause between adventures; it could be a vital part of the narrative that adds richness and variety to your campaign.
To learn how to incorporate downtime into your campaign, and get insight tips and idea-generation, the check out the latest issue of my zine:
Issue 41 of d12 Monthly – my D&D zine – is all about downtime.
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