Camarilla Game ~ More Pointers for Writing a Good Downtime. Camarilla Game ~ More Pointers for Writing a Good Downtime.So you've think you've got your Downtime sorted? Don't forget these ten Out-of-Character basics that can make a Downtime even better.
Make sure you know when the Deadline is.
Check to make sure that there haven't been any revisions made to the Downtime Deadline and if in doubt, ask. Getting your Downtime in on time will mean that you will receive your response in time for the game.
Give yourself enough time to write it.
Writing a good Downtime will often take you far longer than you expect, so make sure that you have given yourself enough time to write it. Writing your Downtime at the last minute will often lead to a rushed, un-thought out Downtime that will often cause confusion for all.
Read any previous Downtime Responses you have had.
This way, you'll avoid going over any ground you have already covered giving you time to concentrate on other things. Even a Downtime Response that initially appears negative will have pointers to steer you in the right direction and will often save you additional time and effort.
Try to answer any questions that the ST may have.
So you've found someone you want to make a Ghoul. Fine, but you'll also need to explain how exactly you're getting them to drink half-a-pint of your blood! Try to answer any obvious questions that the ST may have beforehand in order to try to speed up the reply process, don't rely on them to fill in the missing bits - you may not like the results.
Don't forget to get other Players to submit Downtimes as well if you need them to.
So Tommy Tremere's agreed to teach you Thaumaturgy? Be sure to get Tommy's Player to write a Downtime as well stating this, that way you'll get that point of Thaumaturgy on your Character Sheet faster. Similarly, if you want Vinnie the Ventrue to use his Bureaucracy to get you a new identity, Vinnie's Player will need to submit a Downtime as well.
Don't ask the ST to answer questions for you on behalf of other Players.
The ST is there to run the lives of any Non-Player Characters you encounter, and will happily answer any questions you may pose to them (should you get the opportunity). They will not however second guess any response you would get from another Player Character - ask the Player the question instead to get a more truthful answer.
Spell checking.
Running your Downtime through even the most basic of spell checkers will often bring to light problems that could lead to confusion. However, don't rely on your spell checker to pick up all mistakes ' remember that it only looks for spelling mistakes, not the wrong word!
Clarify your points.
If you think there may be anything in your Downtime that may cause confusion, especially with regards to your XP expenditure, be sure to that your intention is clear.
Don't forget to proof read.
Something as simple as one word can change the whole direction of a Downtime. Be sure to read proof read your Downtime at least once before hitting the Send Button to avoid embarrassing mistakes.
And lastly...
Send it to the right address!
As simple as it sounds, make sure that you send your Downtimes to the right email address - especially if the alternative is sending it to either your target or the rest of the players in the game - both of which could lead to some interesting situations.
