Downtime is when characters can accomplish things around town. Each real-world week counts as one in-game week—a downtime turn.

Types of Downtime Actions

Actions

One single downtime action may be performed for each downtime turn. Sometimes downtime actions require rolls, sometimes they require multiple turns, and sometimes both.

Unless otherwise noted, a downtime action always has a 10% chance of failing or backfiring in some way.

Free Actions

These downtime actions are free. Each may be performed once per downtime turn. They usually do not have a chance of failure.

More Downtime

If the majority of active players vote for it, and the minority doesn't vehemently oppose it, additional in-game weeks—and thus downtime turns—may pass.

Other Downtime Actions

If you think of something not covered by this list, ask your referee. They will likely come up with something that works for you.

Basic Downtime Actions

Carouse

A downtime action may be used to spend gold pieces on drinking and merrymaking in exchange for extra XP, one for one. First, decide how many gold pieces to spend. Then roll.

Copy Spell

A downtime action may be used by an arcane spellcaster to copy a spell from a scroll or another wizard’s spellbook. See Old-School Essentials Advanced Fantasy Player’s Tome (Advanced Spell Book Rules, 112) for procedure.

Feast Days Participation

A downtime action may be used during feasting days to participate in the festivities, the benefit of which is dependent on the saint and time of year.

Foothold

A downtime action may be used to establish a foothold within a dungeon. Roll 1d100 with a 50% chance of success, adding 10% for each of the following:

• The way to and from the entrance has been cleared.

• Doors along the path have been wedged open.

• Doors leading off the path have been wedged shut.

Gain Skills

A downtime action may be used to work towards gaining and advancing skills.

Gather Rumors & Quests (Free)

As a free downtime action, rumors may be gathered at the local tavern or around town.

Heal (Free)

As a free downtime action, you may recover all your lost hit points.

Hire Retainers (Free)

As a free downtime action, retainers may be hired from the local tavern or around town. See the rules for procedure.

Identify Magic Item

A downtime action may be used to identify a magic item.

Memorize Spells (Free)

As a free action, a spell caster may memorize and otherwise prepare spells for the coming adventure.

Research

A downtime action may be used to conduct research in a local library or place of learning.

Expert Downtime Actions

Blaze a Trail

A downtime action may be used to blaze a trail between two points you have traveled to before, speeding future travel times and opening up the possibility of downtime travel.

Camp

As a downtime action, a semi-permanent camp may be set up within “instant” travel distance from a dungeon.

Travel

A downtime action can be used to travel between settlements (town, city, established camp, et cetera), given you’ve been there before and a road or trail connects to it from your current location.

Domain Downtime Actions

Hire Mercenaries (Free)

As a free action, mercenaries can be hired to patrol routes or guard strongholds. See the rules for procedure.