Ultimate Equipment Preview: Roll Up Some Loot!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Rumor has it that everyone, both players and GMs, love to get their hands on new gear. From the new sword that would be perfect for your PC—or even better in the hands of a villain—to a wizard’s staff, gear and magic items have always been an exciting part of the game. Fortunately for all those treasure seekers out there, we’re just five weeks away from Gen Con and the release Ultimate Equipment, the next exciting hardcover book for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.

The new toys in this book are divided up into a series of handy chapters, starting with nonmagical weapons, armor, and gear. The book then moves on to present endless pages on new magic items, from rods, staves, and rings, to artifacts and intelligent items. This mighty tome contains more wondrous items than any other book in the Pathfinder library, conveniently divided up by the slot that it occupies.

Over the next five weeks, we are going to be looking at some of the items in this book, but instead of just showing off a few spreads, I thought this would be a great excuse to take a look at the random treasure generation system found in the appendix. Each week, I’ll use the system to generate a few pieces of treasure for you to drool over. This week, we’re going to start out with something simple: the treasure trove of a goblin tribe. Assuming the entire tribe is approximately a CR 5 encounter, we’ve got 2,300 gp worth of loot to assign. Since goblins are humanoids, they can have a wide variety of treasure types, so we are going to go with Treasure Type D: Coins and Small objects. As you can see, this table has a variety of entries for me to choose from, but to equal 2,300 gp, I’m going to take a 2,000 gp entry and a 300 gp entry. I could mix it up with some other tables as well, but I’m going to keep it simple this week. Rolling up the two entries, I get the following:

2,000 gp Reward (total value 1,910 gp)
60 gp, 5 pp, potion of levitate, scroll of hydraulic torrent, and a scroll of mass cure light wounds

300 gp Reward (total value 482 gp)
40 sp, 28 gp, potion of bull’s strength, and a scroll of flaming sphere

Each reward gives the GM a series of additional rolls to make in the appendix and throughout the rest of the book to determine treasure to assign for the encounter. If I instead wanted a bunch of minor treasures, I could have bought four 500 gp rewards and one 300 gp reward. The result would have been a lot more coins and lower-priced items. You might notice that my 300 gp reward came out a bit over, while the 2,000 gp reward ended up a bit under (with the total coming out at 2,392 gp). The system is balanced so that over time, most of your treasure rolls should average out to give the party the right amount of treasure.

Well, that about wraps up this week. Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, next week we’ll be fighting a trio of vengeful mummies to see what loot they might have, and will be taking a look at some of the brand new items you can find in this book.

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer

More Paizo Blog.
Tags: Pathfinder Roleplaying Game
1 to 50 of 88 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | next > last >>

1 person marked this as a favorite.

My blood oath is fulfilled. Now I can finally die!


This will come in so useful to me that it's not funny. More specific release date forthcoming?


WANT!

This reminds me of a 3pp book I had for 3.5 that was basically nothing but d% rolls for treasure separated by value brackets. This sounds much the same and I'm certain I'd get similar amount of use out of it =D


Woot!!

Where is Porphyrogenitus!!


Orthos wrote:

WANT!

This reminds me of a 3pp book I had for 3.5 that was basically nothing but d% rolls for treasure separated by value brackets. This sounds much the same and I'm certain I'd get similar amount of use out of it =D

The Mother of all Treasure Tables??

I have that!


Grimmy wrote:
Orthos wrote:

WANT!

This reminds me of a 3pp book I had for 3.5 that was basically nothing but d% rolls for treasure separated by value brackets. This sounds much the same and I'm certain I'd get similar amount of use out of it =D

The Mother of all Treasure Tables??

I have that!

YES! That's it! Couldn't remember the name.

I still have it somewhere!


I was already pumped up for ultimate equipment and I didn't even know it was going to have a random treasure generation system. Evil Lincoln has been crusading for that a long time!

And using the letter labeled treasure types like AD&D is so, so badass.

Can't wait to get this.

Dark Archive

Pathfinder Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
Cavian wrote:
This will come in so useful to me that it's not funny. More specific release date forthcoming?

The street date will be the first day of Gencon (16th August), with shipping to subscribers in the week ending August 10th

Silver Crusade

6 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Paizo ... I so wish I could quit you.


Can't wait for this book.

many magic items new and old..check

mundane items, weapons, armor...check

special materials and alchemical items...check

many useful charts for rolling treasure...check

well orginized for easy look up..check


Grimmy wrote:
I was already pumped up for ultimate equipment and I didn't even know it was going to have a random treasure generation system. Evil Lincoln has been crusading for that a long time!

Indeed. My hands are drenched in the blood of the legacy-system infidels. Bulmahn wills it!

Quote:
And using the letter labeled treasure types like AD&D is so, so badass.

Truth. Love it.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Now, after years from the abndonment of 3.5, I shall once again have a nice base upon which to create automated random treasure generation.
Stupendous.


So with the treasure tables, I'm guessing it's pretty much confirmed that all previous items (in the PFRPG line) will be in this book? They are going to have to be, to have complete treasure tables.

I remember Paizo saying that about 40% of the book will be prior items (mundane and magical), but I was not sure if it would encompass all of the prior items in the PFRPG line.

And that's fine with me, I actually would like 'all' my items in one book.


Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber

Want

Paizo Employee Director of Game Design

Hobbun wrote:

So with the treasure tables, I'm guessing it's pretty much confirmed that all previous items (in the PFRPG line) will be in this book? They are going to have to be, to have complete treasure tables.

I remember Paizo saying that about 40% of the book will be prior items (mundane and magical), but I was not sure if it would encompass all of the prior items in the PFRPG line.

And that's fine with me, I actually would like 'all' my items in one book.

We included just about every item we could possibly cram into the book, while still providing a wide selection of brand new items for you to use. That said, every item from the Core Rulebook, APG, UM, and UC made its way into the book, with only a few minor exceptions (vehicles did not make the cut for example). In most cases, the only things we did not include were things that are not actually personal gear or equipment (hence the vehicles decision). And I should note that all of the magic items in this book are located on one of the many random charts in the appendix or seeded throughout this mighty tome.

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer
Paizo Publishing


Probably a little early to ask, but what's the outlook for this material in the PRD?


Awesome!

Thanks for the quick reply, Jason, and so glad to hear that pretty much every prior item is included.

In regards to vehicles, I think of that as more of something that a DM assigns, anyways.

My DM is going to eat this book up.

Liberty's Edge

God dammit Paizo! Why can't I just inject this book into my blood stream right now!!!! This is what I've been wanting for ages. It's the biggest reason for getting this book from a GM pov for me anyway.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

This book looks freakin' amazing! Why oh why is there no Artificer class in this game yet?


Awesome! I have missed random loot tables! One of my favorite things from early editions of D&D!

That, *and* Treasure Type tables? Another icon of early eras that I really missed. The 3rd Edition tables were a little too barebones for my tastes.

Great start to the previews for this book!


Jason Bulmahn wrote:
Hobbun wrote:

So with the treasure tables, I'm guessing it's pretty much confirmed that all previous items (in the PFRPG line) will be in this book? They are going to have to be, to have complete treasure tables.

I remember Paizo saying that about 40% of the book will be prior items (mundane and magical), but I was not sure if it would encompass all of the prior items in the PFRPG line.

And that's fine with me, I actually would like 'all' my items in one book.

We included just about every item we could possibly cram into the book, while still providing a wide selection of brand new items for you to use. That said, every item from the Core Rulebook, APG, UM, and UC made its way into the book, with only a few minor exceptions (vehicles did not make the cut for example). In most cases, the only things we did not include were things that are not actually personal gear or equipment (hence the vehicles decision). And I should note that all of the magic items in this book are located on one of the many random charts in the appendix or seeded throughout this mighty tome.

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer
Paizo Publishing

One stop shopping!


Did any magic items from the APs, Modules, Player Companions, Campaign books, etc. make it into this one?


Pathfinder Adventure, Rulebook Subscriber

I would buy this book, even if it was nothing but the random treasure tables. This is going to be super fantastic.

Sovereign Court

1 person marked this as a favorite.

I love the AD&D reference but isn't the hi-tech version of this available for free and all kinds of awesome?


5 people marked this as a favorite.

Please, please, PLEASE make the treasure table an app. I Beg, I plead.


GeraintElberion wrote:
I love the AD&D reference but isn't the hi-tech version of this available for free and all kinds of awesome?

That's pretty neat, thanks.


cannon fodder wrote:
Please, please, PLEASE make the treasure table an app. I Beg, I plead.

Seconded. I would most definitely buy that.


It's either sad or scary, but I enjoy Paizo products more than having a girlfriend... of coarse it would be nice if I could combine the two interests.


Random Loot tables are ok... however if you were attacking a bunch of goblins that had a potion of levitate, scroll of hydraulic torrent, and a scroll of mass cure light wounds potion of bull’s strength, and a scroll of flaming sphere you are going to have a heck of a fight since they will use the potions to increase their big guys strength and if they have a shaman he will levitate and scroll you to death. Random loot charts need to be less magic filled and more mundane and crap filled. Does this book have random mundane charts that include rusty weapons and beat up patch work armor which is what the vast majority of the loot from creatures would be?

Im not trying to be a downer here but a charts like these only encourage more Monty Cook style playing where the adventure is magic heavy and gold heavy. I will like this if only they have charts made for low magic and low gold settings. I dont play the cookie cutter version of D&D that has come about because of 3.5, where rolls and loot matter like its an MMO. I prefer games that have magic being extremly rare and 1 gold equavalent to a years salary for the average commoner.


Oh boy, not even one sentence down on the first preview image and there is already an error.

Table 7-6: Type D Treasure, Coins and Small Objects
This treasure is made up (of) coins and small magic items, such as potions, scrolls, and wands.

I hope that does not carry on throughout the rest of the book.


Raging Swan has a well reviewed line called So What’s for Sale, Anyways? that is also nice for fleshing out treasure.

Paizo Employee Director of Game Design

Nukruh wrote:

Oh boy, not even one sentence down on the first preview image and there is already an error.

Table 7-6: Type D Treasure, Coins and Small Objects
This treasure is made up (of) coins and small magic items, such as potions, scrolls, and wands.

I hope that does not carry on throughout the rest of the book.

Grrr... I have a knack, apparently, for picking preview pages with minor typos. Its a skill I have been carefully honing over the years.

Jason


I am a bit hesitant in asking this, but better sooner than later: If one is rolling on Table 7-13 (Random Weapon) and rolls between a 66 and an 84, what sort of weapon does one get?

I'm assuming short sword and short spear are in this wondrous realm of mystery and intrigue.


Tharg The Pirate King wrote:
Im not trying to be a downer here but a charts like these only encourage more Monty Cook style playing where the adventure is magic heavy and gold heavy. I will like this if only they have charts made for low magic and low gold settings. I dont play the cookie cutter version of D&D that has come about because of 3.5, where rolls and loot matter like its an MMO. I prefer games that have magic being extremly rare and 1 gold equavalent to a years salary for the average commoner.

I'm certain there will be smaller-value charts that will be mostly coin, random items, art pieces, etc.; if you don't want the magical ones you can simply remove them (and reduce the total award value accordingly) or stick to the lower-value charts.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Jason Bulmahn wrote:

Grrr... I have a knack, apparently, for picking preview pages with minor typos. Its a skill I have been carefully honing over the years.

Jason

If you need a personal assistant, I am out of work and can always help track down all those illusive small words. I am also willing to jump in front of you, with added bravado as required, when the preview bullets start flying.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Tharg The Pirate King wrote:


Im not trying to be a downer here but a charts like these only encourage more Monty Cook style playing where the adventure is magic heavy and gold heavy. I will like this if only they have charts made for low magic and low gold settings. I dont play the cookie cutter version of D&D that has come about because of 3.5, where rolls and loot matter like its an MMO. I prefer games that have magic being extremly rare and 1 gold equavalent to a years salary for the average commoner.

Freudian slip or intentional?


Tharg The Pirate King wrote:

Random Loot tables are ok... however if you were attacking a bunch of goblins that had a potion of levitate, scroll of hydraulic torrent, and a scroll of mass cure light wounds potion of bull’s strength, and a scroll of flaming sphere you are going to have a heck of a fight since they will use the potions to increase their big guys strength and if they have a shaman he will levitate and scroll you to death. Random loot charts need to be less magic filled and more mundane and crap filled. Does this book have random mundane charts that include rusty weapons and beat up patch work armor which is what the vast majority of the loot from creatures would be?

Im not trying to be a downer here but a charts like these only encourage more Monty Cook style playing where the adventure is magic heavy and gold heavy. I will like this if only they have charts made for low magic and low gold settings. I dont play the cookie cutter version of D&D that has come about because of 3.5, where rolls and loot matter like its an MMO. I prefer games that have magic being extremly rare and 1 gold equavalent to a years salary for the average commoner.

If you're planning on using the tables ahead of time to set up the adventure then those are definitely things the goblins would be able to use. It's also very likely that both scrolls would have been destroyed because of the writing on them and the potions drank randomly to see what they'd do in the first place.

Scarab Sages Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games

No vehicles? Alas, sounds like my magical wagon probably didn't make the final cut then... :(

Paizo Employee Director of Game Design

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Distant Scholar wrote:

I am a bit hesitant in asking this, but better sooner than later: If one is rolling on Table 7-13 (Random Weapon) and rolls between a 66 and an 84, what sort of weapon does one get?

I'm assuming short sword and short spear are in this wondrous realm of mystery and intrigue.

Aha... my misfortune strikes again! This is just not my day. Oddly enough, this weapon table does not match the one I turned over for layout... its missing a host of items. I am going to have to investigate this one more fully.

Edit: Yeah, this looks like an unfortunate copy-fit error when the table was made to fit the space allotted. For the record, here are the missing entries. We will make sure to get this fixed at the next possible opportunity.

66 sai
67 sap
68-69 scythe
70-73 shortbow
74-75 shortspear
76-80 shortsword
81 shuriken
82 sickle
83–84 sling

Jason Bulmahn
Lead Designer
Paizo Publishing

Scarab Sages

I personally am not a fan of random loot, however I do see the utility of a lot of charts like this for those DMs who do like to cook stuff up on the fly. Personally, I tend to use charts like this as a "Jumping off point" or an inspiration for more finely tuned rewards. Still, it's not the sort of thing that automatically rings my bell.

What I am interested in seeing is some kind of inspirational resource for unusual treasures - trade goods, art objects, rare knowledge, etc and some advice or ideas on rewards that don't break down easily into GP value. I have a feeling that kind of thing would be more in the bailiwick of the eventual Ultimate Campaign book, though.

Contributor

2 people marked this as a favorite.

Actually, there are some tables in the book about art objects at various gp values (including weird stuff like "frozen vampire soul" and "breath of a god," if I recall correctly).


GeraintElberion wrote:
I love the AD&D reference but isn't the hi-tech version of this available for free and all kinds of awesome?

It's a good site, but it only has stuff from the core rulebook and the GMG. Missing out on everything in APG, UM, UC isn't great, especially all those yummy spells that don't come up on the scrolls.

Grand Lodge

Just out of curiosity, are there random tables for oriental weapons/armor? Most of those seem to be missing from the sample charts.

Dark Archive

Has the book already gone to the printers? Very sad if it has, I may still pick it up but only in PDF as that can be fixed later.

Hate errors in books, though I understand how they can creep in.

:o(

Scarab Sages

Sean K Reynolds wrote:
Actually, there are some tables in the book about art objects at various gp values (including weird stuff like "frozen vampire soul" and "breath of a god," if I recall correctly).

That sounds more up my alley. :)


Cool stuff!

I'm super pumped for this book.... equipment books have ALWAYS been a weakness of mine... and 400 or so pages? My god, it'll be heaven.

I almost feel spoiled, especially after getting the Advanced Race Guide just a little while ago. It easily exceeded all my expectations!

This one might be harder though... as I have more concrete hopes and expectations for the UE. Namely, I want to see versions of favourite 3.0/3.5 exotic weapons... like the Fullblade (2d8 19-20/x2) and Greathammer (1d12 x4 +2 to Sunder).
I'm also hoping that some previously printed equipment is re-evaluated and fixed... the 1d10 x4 Exotic Tetsubo always bugged me. The 10ft Range double-barrel musket also seemed to be a mistake.
Also, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE throw a bone to Monks... we get that Brass Knuckles didn't do what you wanted them to do, but I REALLY hope you added a better magic item option than the ridiculously overpriced and underpowered Amulet of Mighty Fists.

Looking forward to more previews though, and I'm sure the book will be great! Can't wait! :)


What are Goblins, most of whom think reading takes words from your head, doing with a bunch of scrolls?


Don't want to be a downer, but doesn't the absolute tyranny of the Wealth By Level rules completely negate any value of a book like this?

Any new magic items that share spaces with the 'Big Six' are never going to get used?


Anlerran wrote:

Don't want to be a downer, but doesn't the absolute tyranny of the Wealth By Level rules completely negate any value of a book like this?

Any new magic items that share spaces with the 'Big Six' are never going to get used?

That is a good question, I hope this book provide alternatives to the Big Six.

Dark Archive

Jason Bulmahn wrote:
Nukruh wrote:

Oh boy, not even one sentence down on the first preview image and there is already an error.

Table 7-6: Type D Treasure, Coins and Small Objects
This treasure is made up (of) coins and small magic items, such as potions, scrolls, and wands.

I hope that does not carry on throughout the rest of the book.

Grrr... I have a knack, apparently, for picking preview pages with minor typos. Its a skill I have been carefully honing over the years.

Jason

Or maybe you're still feeling a bit woozy after being outdrunk and punched out by Valeros at Paizocon? ;)

But, how do these random tables in UE compare to the ones in GMG? I guess UE has updated versions with some new spells and items ("new" as in "published since GMG came out"), but is there a lot of "overlap", so to speak?

Also, I love the idea of treasure types and random loot tables; however, do these tables work for individual monsters as well? Or should they only be used for the CR of the whole encounter? Or even a section of the dungeon, e.g. a whole tribe of goblins? For example, would seven individual mummies yield the same amount of loot as if it was calculated as an encounter?

(BTW, I still can't believe you guys managed to cram all that content into a single book... but it's awesome! AWESOME!)

1 to 50 of 88 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Pathfinder / Pathfinder First Edition / Paizo Products / Product Discussion / Paizo Blog: Ultimate Equipment Preview: Roll Up Some Loot! All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.