Downtime

Downtime covers the actions your character takes between live events, submitted to organisers so those choices can shape the story going forward.

Between events, the world of the game does not simply pause. Downtime is the system most games use to let your character act during that gap — sending a letter, researching a rumour, crafting goods, or maintaining alliances — without requiring everyone to be physically present. You usually write a short description of what your character attempts and submit it to the organising team by a set deadline. The team then resolves the outcomes and may send you a written response, a secret briefing, or a prop to bring to the next event. What you can achieve through downtime, and how many actions you are allowed, varies widely from game to game. Some systems use a simple free-text submission while others provide a structured form with categories and limited slots. Either way, it is worth reading your game's own rules carefully, because downtime actions sometimes have real consequences — resources spent, relationships changed, or plot threads opened that will play out in the next event. When in doubt, ask an organiser before you submit.