Crawler Downtime
When Pilots return to the Union Crawler, this begins Downtime. Everything you do within Downtime on your Union Crawler is assumed to be happening at different times, and overlapping with one another within the narrative. However, for the sake of simplicity at the table, follow these steps to structure Downtime so you do not miss anything crucial.
In terms of session structure, split these into post-session and pre-session procedures.
Post-Session
Tally Salvage
When you return back to the Union Crawler the first thing you should do is tally your salvage.
If you want to keep any Mech Chassis, Systems, or Modules that you return from the wasteland with, note these down on your Union Crawler Sheet.
You may also store any Pilot Equipment you wish to keep in your Armoury. Note these down on your Union Crawler Sheet.
All other Mech Chassis, Systems, and Modules are converted into Scrap equal to their Salvage Value of their Tech Level. Note down this Scrap total on your Union Crawler Sheet. As Scrap can be used to craft Mech Chassis, Systems, or Modules on a one-to-one basis you are effectively creating a pool to build from.
Upkeep & Upgrade
Next, pay the Upkeep Cost of your Union Crawler and resolve any effects of not paying Upkeep from your Scrap pool.
Then update your Upgrade Pool with the amount you paid in Upkeep. You may choose to add additional Scrap to the Upgrade Pool at this stage as well. You can also do this later as fits.
In the Union, paying Upkeep is also called 'paying your dues'.
Restore your Mech & Pilot
Your Mech's Structure Points and Energy are fully restored during Downtime. Your Mech's Heat also reduces to 0. Note this down on your Mech Sheets. If any Mech Chassis, Systems, or Modules are damaged, they are repaired to the Intact Condition during Downtime as long as they are of a Tech Level equal to or lower than your Union Crawler.
During Downtime, your Pilot heals their HP and Ability Points to full. If you have access to a higher Tech Level Med Bay, your Minor and Major Injuries can heal as well. Note this down on your Pilot Sheet.
Trade
Roll to find out what is available to trade this Downtime. You can also trade scrap in your Trading Bay.
Craft Mech Chassis, Systems, and Modules
You can craft new Mech Chassis, Systems, and Modules in your Crafting Bay during Downtime. There are no restrictions, except for the amount of Scrap you have, on how much you can build during Downtime.
Customise your Mech
You can Mount or Dismount any number of Systems and Modules onto your Mech Chassis, or replace your Mech Chassis with a new Mech Chassis. Anything you do not use goes into the Storage Bay.
Train your Pilot
Your Pilot gains a Training Point through training during Downtime. They may choose to spend Training Points to train a new Pilot Ability. If they have taken all their Core Class Ability, they may choose from their Advanced Abilities or train into one of the Advanced Pilot Classes.
Full details on the Crawler Pilot Bay can be found on p. 223.
Obtain Pilot Equipment
Each Pilot may choose a piece of Pilot Equipment from the Armoury during Downtime of the Tech Level of the Crawler or lower. You may only pick one piece each.
Pre-Session
Gather Cantina Rumours
You can use your Cantina to find out information about the wider wastelands. Unique NPCs on board may be useful as well, to tell you about what is happening in the world. Each Pilot may gather a single rumour each which will be provided by the Mediator.
Prepare for the next Salvage Run
As a group, you choose the direction you want the Union Crawler to travel in for your next expedition into the wastelands. In addition, you can use your Command Bay to find out more information about the intended destination and prepare your Mechs and Pilots for the next foray. At this point, you can also choose the Mech you want to take into your next journey into the wastes.
Guide
Salvage Union Workshop ManualPage 227
When Pilots return to the Union Crawler, this begins Downtime. Everything you do within Downtime on your Union Crawler is assumed to be happening at different times, and overlapping with one another within the narrative. However, for the sake of simplicity at the table, follow these steps to structure Downtime so you do not miss anything crucial.
In terms of session structure, split these into post-session and pre-session procedures.
Source: Salvage Union Workshop Manual, p. 227