### Training Toward Mastery In the world of Solare, characters who invest consistent effort into refining their skills through practice and downtime may gradually earn permanent or long-term bonuses. Whether a hero trains in archery, swordplay, hand-to-hand combat, acrobatics, or even spell precision, dedicated practice is rewarded. ### Training Time & Milestones Characters must spend a minimum of 10 full downtime days (or 80 hours) of focused training to be eligible for a minor improvement. These can be consecutive or spaced out over time. Every improvement requires a new round of focused training, often at higher difficulty. #### **Training Types:** Weapon Mastery (swords, bows, fists, etc.) Combat Techniques (grappling, dodging, rolling) Skill Focus (acrobatics, perception, stealth) Spellcasting Precision (aim, control, shaping spells) ### Gaining a Bonus After sufficient training, a character may earn one of the following bonuses, based on the type of practice: - +1 bonus to attack rolls with a specific weapon type (longbow, greatsword, etc.) - +1 bonus to Athletics, Acrobatics, or other skills trained in - Advantage on initiative once per long rest (if reflex/awareness is focus) - +1 to spell attack rolls with a specific school or spell type (e.g., firebolts, evocation spells) - Reduce fall damage by 1d6 (if practicing parkour, rolls, or acrobatics) - +1 to grapple attempts or escape rolls Each bonus must be tied to the specific action or area practiced, and characters may not stack the same bonus more than once (e.g., cannot gain +2 to longbow attack by repeating the same cycle). ### Scaling and Limits A character may gain a maximum of one permanent bonus per ability or skill type through training. Training bonuses should never replace class features or magical effects. DMs may require checks during training (e.g., DC 15 Strength [Athletics] or Intelligence [Arcana]) to finalize a bonus. Training can fail. If failed, the player may reattempt with an additional 5 downtime days and possibly guidance from a mentor. ### Optional Mentorship System Training under a skilled NPC (weapon master, archmage, monk) can: - Reduce time by 25% - Allow access to rarer bonuses (e.g., +1 to a saving throw, or special technique) - Provide access to legendary training paths after repeated cycles (DM discretion) - After two or more consecutive months of focused training, allow stacking of related bonuses (e.g., +1 more to the same weapon, skill, or spell type), up to a reasonable limit set by the DM ### Example Training Paths - Bow Discipline: +1 to attack rolls with longbows after 10 days of rigorous target practice. - Battle Footwork: Gain advantage on Acrobatics once per long rest. - Spell Control: +1 to attack rolls with evocation spells after studying scrolls and meditating on control. - Iron Grip: +1 to grapple attempts after wrestling daily with larger foes. - Precision Strikes: +1 to attack with rapiers after fencing drills.