D&D without any rest. Although extended periods of downtime may seem boring when compared to the rest of a campaign, they do not have to be. Both Dungeon Masters and Dungeons & Dragons players can work together to ensure that downtime is both engaging and productive.
When the party needs a break from adventuring in Dungeons & Dragons, both the players and the DM should agree on a length of time that they will spend relaxing. This is important, because while a week's worth of downtime gives the players a limited number of options in regards to activities their characters want to pursue, an entire years opens up plenty of possible things to do as well. Although it may seem strange to set up such a long jump in time during a D&D campaign, it is often a solid choice for roleplay reasons.
One of the most rewarding parts of Dungeons & Dragons is progressing a character. Whether it be gaining a level, earning money, or acquiring a new item, becoming stronger allows players to feel the benefits of their hard work. Although it may be more gradual, downtime can be just as useful for progressing as adventuring so long as the DM allows it. If a character was interested in gaining experience with a tool, language, or even skill, the DM may allow them to do so at the penalty of time and money. Players could also attempt to buy rare items during extended downtime, or even set up their own business. In doing these things, the player will feel as though they are advancing their character without the need to leave the safety of a town or city.
Establishing a Home Base In Dungeons & Dragons
Alongside acquiring skills and items, downtime is a great time for a player to consider investing in some sort of home base. The Dungeon Master's Guide describes this process as establishing a "Stronghold," and outlines the amount of time and money a player should expect to spend in order to establish one. Dungeons & Dragons' player character homes can be a useful place for a party to use as a safehouse, one where they can lay low and store items. A player home may also be ideal for roleplaying in Dungeons & Dragons, since players could invite important NPCs that may not be willing to meet up in the average tavern.
On top of advancing their characters, players can also use downtime as an opportunity to communicate with one another. Although Dungeons & Dragons parties spend plenty of time together, most of this comes while they are burdened by the stress of an adventure. Outside of danger player characters may feel more free to get to know one another on a personal level, and even introduce them to their loved ones. Downtime can make for some unique interactions between characters that spend most of their time scheming and strategizing, and Dungeons Masters should make sure to encourage these moments whenever possible.
Combat and adventure may be the main draw of D&D, but spending some time relaxing in a city or town can be just as important for the player characters. Between all the ways that players can strengthen their characters and opportunities for roleplay not available elsewhere, downtime can be a fun aspect of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign that players will look forward to.
