Time in Play

Alacrity uses flexible time units to manage the flow of the game. Time is broken into meaningful segments based on the situation:

• Combat Time measures each moment during fast, tactical action.

• Exploration Time tracks tense but less immediate situations where danger and resources matter.

• Narrative Time covers long stretches of uneventful or casual activity.

The GM determines which unit is most appropriate at any given time.

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Combat Rounds

A Combat Round represents about 10 seconds of intense action. Combat Rounds are used when battles and fast-paced challenges occur.

During a Combat Round:

• All characters declare and resolve actions in initiative order.

• Movement and attacks are resolved quickly.

• Duration-based effects (such as spells) often last for a specific number of Combat Rounds.

Combat Rounds are precise and structured, ensuring clarity during tense moments.

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Exploration Rounds

An Exploration Round represents about 15 minutes of in-world time. This unit is used when the party is moving cautiously, searching dangerous locations, or facing situations where resources and time matter.

During an Exploration Round, characters may:

• Move through hazardous environments.

• Search for hidden dangers, clues, or secret paths.

• Rest briefly, discuss plans, or change marching order.

• Manage light sources, track supplies, and tend to minor tasks.

GMs may call for checks or trigger events at the end of each Exploration Round to reflect:

• Light source depletion.

• Wandering monster chances.

• Environmental hazards.

• Mental strain or fear in oppressive conditions.

Exploration Rounds are only used when necessary to create tension. In safe or simple situations, the GM may skip them and proceed narratively.

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Narrative Time

When nothing dangerous or urgent is happening, time passes more freely. Narrative Time covers hours, days, weeks, or more.

• Hours are often used to track spell durations, travel within cities or safe areas, or waiting.

• Days are used to cover long journeys, rest periods, training, and downtime.

• Weeks and months are handled purely narratively unless significant events occur.

During Narrative Time:

• Events unfold at the pace of the story.

• The GM decides how long actions take and when something important happens.

• Resource tracking is usually relaxed unless survival or logistics are important to the story.

Narrative Time keeps the game moving when precise timing is not critical.

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File Created: 05/07/2025
Last Modified: 05/07/2025