I'm at level 4 in a DDAL game and have enough downtime go to level 5. What I'm trying to figure out is if there is a reason not to do this. Is the rate at which you earn downtime designed so if you choose to do it at level 4 then you wouldn't have enough to do it at level 10? Or is it a no brainer where you would just make the jump at each available level?
The way downtime is distributed, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to have enough saved up to catch up at 4 and 10. I'm unsure though about higher tiers.
Don't forget that there are other things on which to spend downtime. Wizards/tomelocks need to use it to copy spells. You can learn new language and gain tool proficiencies. If you're rank 3 and you've completed a secret mission for your faction, you can use it to buy a magic item, some of which are pretty good. If you ever need to have true Resurrection cast on you, it takes a ridiculous amount of downtime in addition to the gold cost.
Another thing you might want to consider is the availability of higher tier adventures being run. If your area runs mostly tier 1, then catching up may not be the best idea.
I will note that my characters that have used the option to catch up start the next tier somewhat poorer than their piers. They also have fewer magic items, which could be good (higher priority during distribution) or bad (fewer items).
Ultimately, l think it really depends what you want out of your D&D experience and whether you value the journey or the destination more. Either is valid.
I'm at level 4 in a DDAL game and have enough downtime go to level 5. What I'm trying to figure out is if there is a reason not to do this. Is the rate at which you earn downtime designed so if you choose to do it at level 4 then you wouldn't have enough to do it at level 10? Or is it a no brainer where you would just make the jump at each available level?
I don't always use the office printer.
But when I do it's to print my character sheet.
The way downtime is distributed, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to have enough saved up to catch up at 4 and 10. I'm unsure though about higher tiers.
Don't forget that there are other things on which to spend downtime. Wizards/tomelocks need to use it to copy spells. You can learn new language and gain tool proficiencies. If you're rank 3 and you've completed a secret mission for your faction, you can use it to buy a magic item, some of which are pretty good. If you ever need to have true Resurrection cast on you, it takes a ridiculous amount of downtime in addition to the gold cost.
Another thing you might want to consider is the availability of higher tier adventures being run. If your area runs mostly tier 1, then catching up may not be the best idea.
I will note that my characters that have used the option to catch up start the next tier somewhat poorer than their piers. They also have fewer magic items, which could be good (higher priority during distribution) or bad (fewer items).
Ultimately, l think it really depends what you want out of your D&D experience and whether you value the journey or the destination more. Either is valid.