"Items by level" doesn't work as a concept

[tivadar27]

So there's a few issues here. The way wealth is listed, you get a few items based on level and some gold to spend. However:
* Permanent items and wands are worth 10x what consumables are, but they're listed at the same level.
* As a level 4, I can get a +1 suit of light/medium armor (level 3), 2 level 2 items, and 1 level 1 item. I can't forgo the level 3 light/medium armor +1 and a level 2 item to get a suit of heavy armor +1, even though they have the same value.

These seem like big holes in the system. Can we just indicate wealth by level and limit item levels to your current level?

[Malk_Content]

I believe the point is to better represent the fact that you acquired these items while adventuring rather than being given the money to pick and choose exactly what you like.

I do agree though that you should get multiple consumables if using an "Item Slot" on something non permanent. Also the dearth of items pre level 5 makes this seem worse than it theoretically is.

[John Lynch 106]

Are you talking about handing out treasure or above level 1?

[tivadar27]

@Malk: Possibly, though the notion is you can choose these items, rather than having them assigned to you. I was under the assumption that you sold/rebought items, and that's why it was open in this way, otherwise your interpretation doesn't make as much sense.

@John: Levels above 1st. I'm working on creating my character for part 2 in Doomsday at this point and this has been a stumbling block for me. Turns out I'm better off wearing medium armor due to it.

[Zman0]

It would work better if +X Magic items weren't essential and expected.

Seperate out the extra damage dice from magic weapons to automatic at levels 4/8/12/16/20 and a lot of the concerns about getting what items at what level start to get better.

But yes, the expected WBL comparison that doesn't separate out permanent and consumable items is problematic. Though, I think they intended the listed leveled items to be permanent, and the discretionary wealth to be spent on consumables etc.

[shroudb]

Party wealth, which is the table the GM uses to find what items to put into his quests does separate consumables from nonconsumables.

Individual wealth which is old starting wbl is permanent items.

[vagabond_666]

Zman0 wrote:

But yes, the expected WBL comparison that doesn't separate out permanent and consumable items is problematic. Though, I think they intended the listed leveled items to be permanent, and the discretionary wealth to be spent on consumables etc.

They absolutely intend that:

"In these cases, refer to the Character Wealth table, which lets you know how many common permanent items of various levels the PC should have, plus additional currency. The player can spend her currency as she wishes on consumables or lower-level permanent items, keeping the rest as coinage."
--Page 348, Treasure for New Characters