Blades in the Dark is a game of thrilling heists, shadowy dealings, and relentless pursuit. But even the most hardened scoundrels need downtime to regroup, recover, and plan their next big score. Effective use of downtime is crucial to your crew's success, allowing you to improve your skills, build your reputation, and acquire the resources necessary for future operations. This guide will explore various downtime activities and help you maximize their impact on your Blades in the Dark campaign.
What Can I Do During Downtime in Blades in the Dark?
Downtime in Blades in the Dark isn't just about resting; it's a chance to actively shape your crew's destiny. The core activities revolve around improving your capabilities and strengthening your position within the city. Here are some key areas:
1. Improving Your Character's Abilities:
This is perhaps the most obvious use of downtime. You can choose to spend your hard-earned coin and time to:
- Level Up: Allocate experience points to improve your character's stats, unlocking new skills and enhancing existing ones. This is a fundamental aspect of progressing in the game.
- Train Skills: Dedicate time to hone your chosen skills, becoming more proficient in areas like stealth, combat, deception, or crafting. Consider specializing to become a master of your craft.
- Learn New Skills: Expand your character's skillset entirely, broadening their capabilities and opening up new opportunities for heists and other endeavors.
2. Strengthening Your Crew:
Building a strong and reliable crew is vital for survival in Doskvol. Downtime allows you to:
- Recruit New Members: Expand your crew with individuals who possess unique skills and talents that complement your existing team.
- Improve Crew Relationships: Spend time fostering stronger bonds within the crew, improving morale and cooperation during missions.
- Secure Resources: Gather essential supplies, equipment, and information for future operations, ensuring you're well-prepared for upcoming challenges.
3. Expanding Your Network:
Your connections can be your greatest assets in the underworld. During downtime, work on:
- Building Relationships: Cultivate connections with powerful individuals and organizations, potentially opening up lucrative opportunities and valuable alliances.
- Improving Reputation: Invest in enhancing your crew's standing within the city, increasing your influence and making your operations smoother. Consider both reputation within your faction and with other factions. Do you want to be known as reliable? Ruthless? Mysterious? These all affect your options.
- Gathering Intelligence: Utilize your network to gather vital information on potential targets, rivals, and upcoming events, providing crucial insights for planning your next heist.
4. Managing Your Finances:
Money makes the world go round, even in the grim underworld of Doskvol. Downtime allows you to:
- Invest in Equipment and Resources: Acquire advanced tools, weapons, and gadgets to give your crew an edge during heists.
- Pay Off Debts and Obligations: Handle outstanding debts and obligations to avoid jeopardizing your operations and reputation.
- Manage Finances: Carefully manage your finances, ensuring you have sufficient funds for future endeavors and emergencies.
How Long Does Downtime Last in Blades in the Dark?
The duration of downtime is determined by the game master (GM) and can vary depending on the story's pace and the actions of the players. It can range from a few days to several weeks, providing ample opportunity for character progression and strategic planning.
What Activities Can My Crew Do Together During Downtime?
Beyond individual pursuits, your crew can collaborate on:
- Planning Heists: Use downtime to meticulously plan and rehearse upcoming operations, ensuring a smooth and successful execution.
- Securing Funding: Work together to secure funding for future operations, potentially through legitimate or less-than-legitimate means.
- Engaging in Crew Activities: Spend time together in social situations, strengthening bonds and building camaraderie.
By effectively utilizing downtime, your Blades in the Dark crew can progress, thrive, and ultimately survive in the dangerous and unpredictable world of Doskvol. Remember, planning and preparation are just as crucial as daring heists themselves!
