Downtime and Recovery

Between firefights, smuggling runs, and faction conspiracies, characters need time to heal, train, maintain equipment, and pursue personal goals. Downtime is the best opportunity for characters to pursue special goals that stray from the main storylines to round out their characters and shape their story in ways that cannot be done on the "main path."

How you spend downtime determines whether you enter the next crisis prepared or scrambling. Rest restores health and clears exhaustion. Training improves skills and unlocks techniques. Crafting repairs damaged gear and creates new equipment. Faction work builds relationships that open doors credits cannot.

Downtime is not meant to supplement the game story hooks and should not be used as a method to "min/max" characters or "power game." The below are general guidelines for the GA to determine how to proceed with downtime activities and general improvements sought by the typical player, so that they have a solid framework with which to determine fair prices, effort, and rewards.

Every hour of downtime is an investment so choose wisely but have fun!

16.1 Time Units and Phases

Downtime operates on larger time scales than combat or active missions.

Time Terminology

Scene: A scene is simply to describe a short-term event in which all or some of the players participate in a specific task or combat. This can last minutes or a few hours.

Narrative Phase: Several hours to one day – An hour is generally considered to be based on Earth/Mars for planets that are generally human populated, as time has been normalized to match as closely to the home planets.

• Used for: Short rest, basic repairs, local travel, market interactions
• Duration: Flexible based on story needs

Cycle: Anywhere from 3 days to one in-game week depending on sector (GA discretion)

• Used for: Training techniques, extended crafting, medical treatment, short-term faction work
• Duration: Enough time for meaningful progress

Session: 2-4 cycles, often aligned with real-world play session

• Used for: One complete mission arc, side quest, or extended downtime period
• Duration: Long enough for character development

Arc: Major storyline composed of several sessions

• Used for: Campaign milestones, faction betrayals, personal character arcs
• Duration: Multiple real-world sessions

Interlude: Narrative bridge or montage

• Used for: Fast-forwarding time, handling logistics, running background tasks
• Duration: Variable, GA discretion

Tracking Downtime

Players should clearly record:

• What action was taken
• Duration required
• Credits or materials spent
• Skill checks involved
• Long-term effects gained

GAs may use tracking sheets or digital tools to help players visualize progress toward long-term goals.

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16.2 Rest and Recovery

Rest restores physical and mental resources, clearing injuries and fatigue accumulated during missions.

Full Rest (Safe Conditions)

Requirements:

• Secure, comfortable shelter (ship cabin, hotel, safehouse)
• Adequate food and water
• No combat or environmental threats
• One full Narrative Phase minimum

Effects:

• Restore all HP to maximum
• Restore all Energy to maximum
• Clear all Exhaustion points
• Remove minor status conditions (Stressed, minor Poisoned)
• No roll required

Partial Rest (Uncomfortable Conditions)

Requirements:

• Unstable shelter (derelict ship, cave, public space)
• Limited food/water
• Some environmental stress
• One Narrative Phase

Effects:

• Restore 50% maximum HP
• Restore 50% maximum Energy
• Must pass TD 6 Spirit check or minor conditions persist
• Exhaustion reduced by 1 point only

Failure (Spirit Check):

• Gain 1 additional Exhaustion point
• Minor conditions worsen
• Partial rest provides no benefit

No Rest (Hostile Conditions)

Conditions:

• Active pursuit or danger
• Extreme environmental hazards
• No shelter or resources
• Cannot safely stop

Effects:

• No HP or Energy recovery
• Exhaustion increases by 1 every 12 hours
• Ongoing conditions worsen
• Physical and mental deterioration

Consequences of Extended Sleep Deprivation:

• At 3 Exhaustion: -1 to all Trait dice
• At 4 Exhaustion: Character Staggered, cannot recover Energy naturally
• At 5 Exhaustion: Character loses all Energy during Combat, Health reduced to 1
• At 6 Exhaustion: Character collapses and is considered downed and is at risk of dying

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16.3 Medical Treatment and Healing

Serious injuries require professional medical intervention beyond simple rest.

Professional Medical Care

Basic Medical Treatment (Tier 1 Access):

• Cost: 250-1,000 credits per visit
• Services: Injury stabilization, minor surgery, infection treatment
• Recovery time: 1-3 days
• Removes: Bleeding, Poisoned (minor), minor injuries

Standard Medical Procedures (Tier 2 Access):

• Cost: 1,000-5,000 credits per procedure
• Services: Major surgery, organ repair, trauma response
• Recovery time: 3-7 days
• Removes: Major injuries, severe Poisoned, chronic conditions

Advanced Medical Intervention (Tier 3 Access):

• Cost: 5,000-25,000 credits per treatment
• Services: Cybernetic repairs, genetic therapy, consciousness restoration
• Recovery time: 1-2 weeks
• Removes: Critical injuries, permanent damage (sometimes), complications from augmentation

Field Medicine

When professional care is unavailable, characters with Medicine skill can provide treatment.

Emergency Stabilization: Medicine check TD 6

• Success: Remove Bleeding, stabilize dying character
• Failure: Condition persists
• Can be attempted once per injury

Improvised Surgery: Medicine check TD 8

• Success: Restore 2d6 HP, remove one major injury
• Failure: No benefit, materials consumed
• Critical Failure (minimum roll): Worsen condition, additional 1d6 damage
• Requires medical supplies and clean environment

Long-Term Care: Medicine check TD 10

• Success: Patient recovers +1d6 HP per day of care
• Failure: Standard recovery only
• Requires medical supplies and time investment

Natural Recovery Without Medical Access

Minor Injuries (Bleeding, bruises, minor wounds):

• Recovery time: 2-3 days with basic rest
• No special treatment required
• May leave scars or complications

Major Injuries (Broken bones, serious trauma, deep wounds):

• Recovery time: 1-2 weeks minimum
• Disadvantage on physical actions until healed
• Risk of permanent complications without treatment

Critical Injuries (Organ damage, severe trauma, near-death):

• Recovery time: 3-4 weeks minimum
• May cause permanent damage (-1 maximum HP, skill penalties)
• Death possible without proper medical intervention

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16.4 Training and Advancement

Characters improve through dedicated training during downtime. Note that the max a skill may be improved is by 3. An improvement of 4 or more is GA discretion or for special circumstances as an advisement to the GA.

Skill Training

Improving Existing Skills:

Target Bonus	Cost	Time	Requirements
+1	10,000 C	1 week	Basic instruction or practice
+2	30,000 C	2 weeks	Professional trainer or extended practice
+3	60,000 C	1 month	Expert instructor and intensive training
+4 or higher	Variable	Extended	Story-based, exceptional circumstances

Process:

1. Declare skill to train
2. Locate appropriate instructor or training facility (Investigation TD 8)
3. Pay costs and commit time
4. No roll required—training automatically succeeds given time and resources

Training Modifiers:

• Self-taught (no instructor): Time doubled
• Exceptional instructor: Cost +50%, time -25%
• Group training (3+ students): Cost -20% per person

Learning New Intellect Skills

• Cost: 20,000 credits
• Time: 2 weeks
• Requirements: Access to training materials or instructor

Characters may learn new Intellect skills beyond their initial selection. Each skill requires separate training period and cost. Characters may only add one additional intellect skill.

Available Skills:

• Academic: History, Linguistics, Cryptography, Planetary Science, Law
• Scientific: Engineering, Chemistry, Medicine
• Practical: Piloting/Navigation, Demolitions, Surveying, Programming, Commerce

Technique Learning

During Level-Up: Spend Technique Points as normal (see Section 7.0)

Through Downtime Purchase:

• Cost: 5,000 credits per TP equivalent of technique
• Time: 1 cycle per technique level
• Requirements: Meet level prerequisites, access to trainer or manual
• Limits: Cannot bypass level requirements

Learning Techniques from Other Jobs: Available starting at Level 5:

• Must meet all prerequisites
• Costs doubled (10,000 credits per TP equivalent)
• Requires narrative justification or trainer from that job
• Limited to one additional job tree

Trait Advancement

Trait die may also be improved, but only one die may be improved per Character as a general rule of thumb.

Improving Trait Dice:

Current Die	New Die	Cost	Time	Requirements
d4	d6	20,000 C	2 months	Extended intensive training
d6	d8	40,000 C	3 months	Expert coaching, facilities
d8	d10	80,000 C	4 months	Master-level instruction

Process:

1. Only one Trait can be improved per downtime period
2. Training cannot be interrupted—breaks reset progress
3. Must have access to appropriate training regime
4. Represents fundamental character growth

Training Locations:

• Combat: Military facilities, fighting gyms, mercenary companies
• Wisdom: Monasteries, survival schools, meditation centers
• Intellect: Universities, research stations, engineering guilds
• Charisma: Diplomatic academies, performance schools, negotiation workshops

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16.5 Crafting and Equipment Maintenance

Downtime is essential for maintaining gear and creating new equipment. Crafting rules below are given as a basic structure and may be adjusted to each game. The rules in the crafting section rule all when conflicts exist.

Routine Maintenance

Equipment Maintenance: Costs and procedures detailed in Section 11.0 Crafting and Repair

Typical Maintenance Schedule:

• After every combat: Check all used equipment
• Every 10 flight hours: Ship system inspection
• Weekly: Routine gear inspection and cleaning
• Monthly: Comprehensive overhaul

Neglecting Maintenance:

• Equipment accumulates additional Wear Points
• Malfunction chance increases
• Catastrophic failures more likely
• Repair costs increase significantly

Crafting Projects

Characters may undertake crafting projects during downtime:

Simple Items (Basic Complexity):

• Time: 1-4 hours per item
• Can complete multiple per Narrative Phase
• Examples: Ammunition, basic tools, simple repairs

Moderate Projects (Advanced Complexity):

• Time: 4-12 hours per item
• One per Narrative Phase typically
• Examples: Weapons, armor, electronics

Major Projects (Masterwork Complexity):

• Time: variable
• Requires multiple cycles
• Examples: Custom equipment, specialized systems

Ongoing Projects:

• Characters may work on long-term crafting across multiple downtime periods
• Track progress and components invested
• Can abandon project but lose invested resources

Batch Crafting

During extended downtime, characters may craft multiple items:

Requirements:

• Workshop or better facility
• All components available
• Uninterrupted time

Benefits:

• Craft up to 10 Basic items simultaneously
• Time: 150% of single item (not linear multiplication)
• All items succeed or fail together

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16.6 Faction Work and Reputation Building

Downtime provides opportunities to improve faction standing through dedicated service.

Faction Missions

Short Missions (1 Narrative Phase):

• Simple deliveries or pickups
• Basic security work
• Information gathering
• Standing gain: +2 to +5

Standard Missions (1 Cycle):

• Escort or protection contracts
• Facility security
• Investigation work
• Standing gain: +5 to +10

Extended Contracts (2-3 Cycles):

• Long-term assignments
• Deep cover operations
• Major construction or recovery
• Standing gain: +10 to +20

Passive Faction Activities

Regular Contact Maintenance:

• Cost: 100-500 credits per cycle
• Effect: Prevents standing decay, maintains visibility
• Time: Minimal (background activity)

Favor Trading:

• Provide services or information
• Gain minor standing increases (+1 to +3)
• Builds relationship over time

Public Relations:

• Advocate for faction publicly
• Wear faction colors or symbols
• Defend faction reputation
• Gain +1 standing per cycle of dedicated effort

Faction Standing Decay

Neglecting Factions:

• No contact for 3+ cycles: -1 standing per cycle
• No missions for 2+ story arcs: -5 standing
• Publicly oppose faction: -10 to -20 standing

Maintaining Multiple Factions:

• Characters can maintain 3-4 faction relationships actively
• Additional factions receive less attention (decay faster)
• Rival factions create complications (helping one may hurt another)

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16.7 Personal Projects and Goals

Downtime enables pursuit of character-specific objectives beyond mechanical advancement.

Research and Investigation

Library/Database Research:

• Time: 1 Narrative Phase to 1 Cycle
• Cost: 100-1,000 credits (access fees, bribes)
• Roll: Investigation or appropriate Intellect skill vs. TD 4-10
• Outcome: Gain information, leads, or specialized knowledge

Field Investigation:

• Time: 1-2 Cycles
• Cost: Variable (travel, bribes, equipment)
• Roll: Investigation, Awareness, or Leadership vs. TD 4-10
• Outcome: Discover secrets, locate persons of interest, uncover conspiracies

Social Networking

Building Contacts:

• Time: 1 Cycle per contact
• Cost: 500-2,000 credits (social events, gifts, bribes)
• Roll: Persuasion or Leadership vs. TD 6-8
• Outcome: Gain reliable contact in specific field

Maintaining Relationships:

• Time: Minimal (background)
• Cost: 100-500 credits per cycle per contact
• Effect: Contacts remain available and helpful

Business Ventures

Establishing Business:

• Time: 2-4 Cycles setup
• Cost: 5,000-50,000 credits initial investment
• Roll: Commerce or relevant skill vs. TD 6-10
• Outcome: Passive income source (100-1,000 C per cycle)

Managing Business:

• Time: 1 Narrative Phase per cycle
• Cost: Ongoing expenses
• Roll: Commerce check determines profit/loss

Creative Pursuits

Writing, Art, Performance:

• Time: Variable
• Cost: Minimal to moderate
• Roll: Performance or relevant skill
• Outcome: Reputation gain, minor income, personal satisfaction

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16.8 Extended Downtime Activities

Some activities require multiple cycles or story arcs.

Property Acquisition

Purchasing Safehouse:

• Cost: 10,000-100,000 credits depending on location and quality
• Time: 1-2 Cycles (paperwork, inspection, acquisition)
• Benefits: Secure location, storage, potential base of operations

Ship Purchase:

• Cost: 50,000-5,000,000+ credits (see Section 10.0)
• Time: 2-4 Cycles (negotiations, inspection, licensing)
• Benefits: Independence, mobility, living space

Long-Term Medical Treatment

Chronic Condition Management:

• Cost: 500-5,000 credits per month
• Time: Ongoing
• Effect: Manage or cure long-term health issues

Augmentation Integration:

• Cost: Variable (see Section 15.0)
• Time: 1-3 Cycles recovery and adaptation
• Effect: Full integration of implants or modifications

Educational Programs

University Degree:

• Cost: 10,000-50,000 credits
• Time: 1-2 years (10-20 story arcs)
• Benefits: +2 to multiple related skills, social credentials

Specialized Certification:

• Cost: 5,000-20,000 credits
• Time: 2-6 Cycles
• Benefits: Professional credentials, +1 related skill

Faction Deep Integration

Becoming Faction Officer:

• Requirements: Standing >= 80, extended service
• Time: 6+ Cycles of dedicated work
• Benefits: Authority, resources, missions, protection

Faction Betrayal Recovery:

• Requirements: Surviving betrayal consequences
• Time: 12+ Cycles of rebuilding trust
• Benefits: Potential standing restoration (never full)

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16.9 Downtime Complications

Not all downtime passes smoothly. Use these complications to add tension and unpredictability.

Random Downtime Events (d20)

d20	Event
1	Credential check: Prove legality or face fines/detention
2	Stalker detected: Hostile agent following you
3	Key NPC disappears—abduction or betrayal?
4	Power outage: Comms or critical gear offline temporarily
5	Market crash: Prices spike 50-200% for next cycle
6	Emergency ship repair needed: 1,000 credit unexpected cost
7	False charges planted: Credentials flagged incorrectly
8	Disease outbreak: Quarantine imposed, cycle lost
9	Riot erupts in your district: Violence and chaos
10	Pickpocket attempt: Lose 500 credits or random item
11	Old enemy resurfaces: Confrontation imminent
12	Faction dispute: Must choose side or lose standing with both
13	Equipment theft attempt: Roll Awareness TD 6 to prevent
14	Political upheaval: Laws change, permits invalidated
15	Natural disaster: Evacuation required, property threatened
16	Mysterious benefactor: Receive 1,000 credits or valuable item
17	Lucky encounter: Meet useful contact or gain valuable intel
18	Training breakthrough: Reduce current training time by 25%
19	Market opportunity: Rare item available at 50% discount
20	Unexpected windfall: Receive 2,000 credits from unknown source

Complication Resolution

Criminal Investigation:

• Must prove innocence or pay fines
• Takes 1 Narrative Phase to 1 Cycle
• May require Deception, Law, or Persuasion checks

Medical Emergency:

• Immediate treatment required (see medical costs)
• Interrupts current downtime activity
• May cause permanent effects if neglected

Faction Crisis:

• Immediate decision required
• May force mission interruption
• Standing changes based on response

Personal Crisis:

• Family, friend, or contact in danger
• Must choose between downtime activity and assistance
• Story consequences based on choice

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16.10 Managing Multiple Characters

In games with multiple player characters, coordinate downtime to maintain group cohesion.

Group Downtime

Synchronized Activities:

• All characters rest/travel together
• Ship maintenance as group project
• Collective training (reduced costs)

Split Party Downtime:

• Each character pursues individual goals
• GA manages timelines separately
• Reconvene at agreed time/place

Downtime Pacing:

• Don't let one character's long-term project delay entire group
• Allow parallel activities
• Use montages for extended periods

Downtime Coordination

Best Practices:

• Establish common meeting point
• Set time limit for individual pursuits
• Maintain communication (when possible)
• Balance individual goals with group needs

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16.11 Downtime Example

After narrowly escaping the VSU salvage fleet in the Sirius Belt, the crew of the Drift Pearl limps into Metronis Station with critical ship damage, depleted supplies, and multiple injuries. They have approximately 2 cycles (two weeks in-game) before their next contracted mission.

Kade (Pilot):

• Cycle 1: Arranges ship repairs (3,000 C, hull patching and engine tuning)
• Cycle 2: Trains Piloting skill from +2 to +3 (pays 3,000 C, studies with retired military pilot)
• Background: Maintains contact with ex-military network (200 C)

Tavi (Operative):

• Cycle 1: Full rest (recovers all HP and Energy, 300 C capsule hotel)
• Cycle 2: Purchases and installs Targeting Overlay implant (7,500 C implant + 2,000 C installation at independent surgeon)
• Background: Intelligence gathering on VSU movements (Investigation check TD 8—succeeds, learns of VSU expansion plans)

Ryker (Technician):

• Cycle 1: Batch crafts ammunition and repairs team equipment (uses 20 Basic Components, Engineering checks succeed)
• Cycle 2: Undertakes Steel Lotus Syndicate mission for standing boost (gains +8 standing, paid 1,500 C)
• Background: Maintains workshop space in lower Metronis (150 C rent)

Complication (GA rolls d20 = 11): Old enemy resurfaces—a bounty hunter working for the VSU tracks the crew to Metronis. The GA decides this confrontation will trigger the start of the next mission arc.

By the end of downtime, the crew is rested, repaired, better equipped, and slightly more skilled—but new threats emerge just as they prepare to leave.