Okay, so this is a simple breakdown/preview of the downtime rules that will be present going forward. They are subject to change, but generally I think that they will be what is going to be used.
Starting with winter break 2002/2003, we will be moving away from the less defined way of play that we've had thus far for non-story based things, while also introducing mechanics that will give benefit to you guys depending on what you do. This will not be removing the small scenes we've been having, but instead both making them mean something within the mechanics of our game, and also making sure that we're not being aimless during them, as they are at times right now.
This also means that while I am uncertain if I will make them visible to players, there will start to be some behind the scenes mechanics of overall reputation for your characters and your team, as well as an affinity rating for most more major npcs.
The Rules
Each week of the year, each player will choose something to focus on for that week, and make an appropriate roll regarding it. What the focus is on, is generally meant to be a bit open to what you want. Typically, the DC for the roll will be 10, and each degree of success on it garners an additional bonus to whatever the focus was. So, for example, if you wanted to focus on your classes, you can make an intellect roll, and for each degree of success you gain, you gain a bonus to your performance in said class.
Generally, it is assumed that while you focus on something, you are generally maintaining doing your school work, attending class, etc. If that is not the case, you can take a penalty to all your grades/classes, and have 2 focuses for that week. Understand that this may not be without repercussions.
Also, it is assumed that you are generally hanging out with your team. There is not benefit if you don't, only repercussions so you must declare if you're not hanging out with them at times during the week.
Some examples of what you may focus on are as follows
Focus on school work - DC 10 roll, each degree of success grants you a bonus to your performance in a class of your choice, so long as that class matches with the skill you used to roll.
Seek a teacher's help - More or less the same as focusing on school work, however for one specific class. Can raise affinity with specific teacher as well.
Generally hangout with classmates - DC 10 roll to improve your personal reputation.
Hangout with specific classmate - DC 10 roll, each degree of success increasing affinity with specific classmate
This is just a small list of what I can assume is going to be the most likely done things, but there are a ton of others, and as things progress in the campaign, it may make sense to focus on specific things relavent to whats going on.
With this in mind, here is a list of people who currently have affinity scores that are going to be tracked.