| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| gwalchavad |
Posted - 16 Aug 2009 : 19:42:04
Ok, long story short, my players are getting lazy and have taken to rather then itemizing their basic equiptment (I tend to start my games around level 3 or so, I don't enjoy the baby the PCs game that must be played with 1st level) they write in 'bag of basic (insert expletive here).' So when I say how are you going to get (joe) out of the thirty foot pit, they say I've got a BoBS, that has rope in it right.  I have grown tired of this and made the ruling that until someone comes up with a itemized list, a weight, and a cost for said bag, it would be just that, an empty bag...
So from there I pose the question what would the most basic adventurers bag contain? What would no person in their right mind leave home without?
Please if you have it throw a quantity, price and weight.
I'll start and break my own rule as I have no books here at work;
(someone wanna throw me a bone on these three?)
1 backpack
1 thick blanket
10 days trail rations
...
Looking for  please,
Gwalchavad
Before I hurt my lazy PCs |
| 27 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Alystra Illianniis |
Posted - 25 Feb 2010 : 21:21:58
Hay, interesting info, Halidan! And the observation was enlightening, too... |
| Halidan |
Posted - 05 Feb 2010 : 07:12:53
While I know this is Realms and not the real world, I think you might be able to take a clue from real world experiences. Being a history major and a wargames buff, I have all sorts of trivial information in this area.
For example, The typical foot soldier in the Roman Army would have carried roughly 80 lbs of stuff with him. That 80lbs consists of rations and water (in a canteen or waterskin depending on region and era) a bedroll, several pieces of equipment to maintain his armor and weapons (sharpening stone, oil, rags, small hammer, spare straps and rivets), tentage (including part of the tent canvas, his share of the pegs and poles), and possibly one two two changes of clothes. To this list would be added any loot or extra equipment that he picked up on campaign.
It was not a light load and none of it is what I would call "party gear," which would include cooking equipment, firewood, sacks for loot, etc. Better get a donkey.
N.B. - Actually while the soldier's gear has changed a lot since the days of Ceaser, the weight of the payload is very close to the same 80 pounds in today's armed forces. |
| Alystra Illianniis |
Posted - 30 Jan 2010 : 05:57:56
I like your kit. It's pretty comprehensive, although I noticed there was no grapple hook. I'd take out the mug and replace it with the hook. Otherwise, great list! |
| Artemel |
Posted - 29 Jan 2010 : 12:32:19
Here's the "Explorer's Kit" from the FR adventure "Sons of Gruumsh." It's the current "standard kit" for my players, even if they tend to toss some of the stuff out as soon as they get it, or redistribute it to stronger party members for weight issues.
Explorer's Kit:
Backpack
Bedroll
Scroll case
Parchment x6
Crowbar
Flint and steel
50 ft. silk rope
Hammer
Pitons x10
Hooded lantern
Flasks of oil x3
Small steel mirror
Silver mug
Vial of ink
Iron pot
Belt pouch x3
Sack x5
Soap
Small shovel
Tent
Waterskin
Sunrods x5
Tindertwigs x5
Trail rations x10
GRAPPLING HOOK [added, I missed it when copying from adventure]
Kit costs 80gp (A slight reduction from the price of each item tallied up, but the merchant moves more items as there is no customization available.)
[Edit: Thanks for noticing missing grappling hook, Alystra.  ] |
| BlackDragonKarameikos |
Posted - 29 Jan 2010 : 02:18:57
Yes, a basic adventuring pack is a good idea. I created one for my group and allow them to swap out certain items that they feel they may not want or need.
I always have a copy of it printed up so that anyone joining my group or making a new character can easily set up their PC quickly. |
| Sandro |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 08:55:09
quote:
'm pretty sure you can get [a pony] in a dungeon
Providing, of course, that Gandalf isn't in your party. |
| Hellkeepa |
Posted - 19 Oct 2009 : 04:03:39
HELLo!
I, too, would recommend using the SAK from the 4.0 PHB. It lists the most basic items, and lends itself well to be used in 3.x as well. Can't recall how much it weighs atm, but it should be easy to calculate using the 3.5 PHB. Cost is the same as in 4.0 though, which is 15 GP.
Otherwise, you could always take the literal route too, if you want to be a smidgen evil. *Evil grin*
Happy playin'! |
| Fizilbert |
Posted - 18 Oct 2009 : 14:34:14
Oh, and dont forget a tent, what serious adventurer would go out into the wilds without having atleast a small tent to keep the snow and rain out. |
| Fizilbert |
Posted - 18 Oct 2009 : 14:14:23
Excellent, just what I need. Especially since I play a 2E campaign. I'll have a look on Ebay and Amazon. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 18 Oct 2009 : 04:25:01
quote:
Originally posted by Fizilbert
What exactly is "Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue" and where can one find it?
http://home.flash.net/~brenfrow/fr/aurora.htm
Imagine a Sears catalog for the Realms. It's a wonderful resource -- it became required material for character creation in my group. 
As for finding one now... You could try eBay (my personal fave) or Nobleknight.com. |
| Fizilbert |
Posted - 18 Oct 2009 : 02:22:34
What exactly is "Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue" and where can one find it?
I have to admit that this thread has given me the idea that I should probably put together a list of a basic adventuring bag for my campaign, what it includes, and how much it costs, and how much it weights, just to make character creation a quicker process. |
| goatunit |
Posted - 17 Oct 2009 : 14:58:54
We have a "basic tools" rule that covers things like torches, needle and thread, flint and steel, etc - but a hard rule about overly convenient items. If you didn't buy a rope or a ten foot pole or mirror or whatever, you don't have them. |
| Teneck |
Posted - 18 Aug 2009 : 21:56:48
quote:
Originally posted by Christopher_Rowe
The "Standard Aventurer's Kit" in the current Player's Handbook includes a backpack, bedroll, flint & steel, a belt pouch, ten days worth of trail rations, 50' of hempen rope, two sunrods, and a waterskin. A bit more gold and you can add the "Climber's Kit" with its grappling hook, hammer, and ten pitons.
Me I would have to swap the hemp rope for silk...just cause |
| Christopher_Rowe |
Posted - 18 Aug 2009 : 21:54:57
The "Standard Aventurer's Kit" in the current Player's Handbook includes a backpack, bedroll, flint & steel, a belt pouch, ten days worth of trail rations, 50' of hempen rope, two sunrods, and a waterskin. A bit more gold and you can add the "Climber's Kit" with its grappling hook, hammer, and ten pitons. |
| Bladewind |
Posted - 18 Aug 2009 : 21:41:05
Don't forget the ultimate adventuring tool: the (wet) towel
Good for mopping up greased areas,
cleaning a sooted face,
keeping cool in hot weather by making a wet turban,
slapping teammates (or enemies) on their behinds,
dip in murky liquid and wring it hard to drink,
attach to the next partymembers towels to make rope,
blinding golems or other unintelligent foes
I cant remember the dragon article that dealt with this universal adventuring tool but it had 101(!) uses for the wet towel...
Stay sharp! |
| Teneck |
Posted - 18 Aug 2009 : 17:42:37
Don't forget a GRAPPLING HOOK, these little wonders can get you across ravines, scale walls, and make a nifty improvised weapon.
I had a party once that used a hook to prevent a Bad Guy from escaping on a wagon...it was messy...but he didn't get away either. |
| Kiaransalyn |
Posted - 18 Aug 2009 : 11:20:50
quote:
Originally posted by capnvan
This also applies somewhat to the donkey - you're never going to persuade it to enter a dungeon, but if you leave it hobbled outside, it's easy prey for any random encounter, from hungry wolves to patrolling goblinoids to greedy locals.
In real life, both donkeys and ponies worked in mines, so I'm pretty sure you can get one in a dungeon. If the party has a ranger, or druid, then they can help. Alternatively, a few levels in Handle Animal.
To return to the initial problem, there is a solution. Zargath's Sack of Useful Tools. This bag is actually a portal to a large extra-dimensional space. All a user has to do state aloud what they want and it'll appear in their hands. It'll be a bit like Herewald's Handy Haversack I suppose. The downside of Zargath's Sack of Useful Tools is that Zargath is actually a devil, so each time the Sack is used the PC's run the risk of gaining vile damage.  |
| Kiaransalyn |
Posted - 18 Aug 2009 : 11:09:43
quote:
Originally posted by capnvan
Of course, the problem with hirelings is that they're normal people. Often normal local people. To wit:
"You want me to go down there? That's where that last party of adventurers was going. And they never came back!"
"Well, OK, then just wait here til we get back."
"Are ye mad!? There's goblins in these hills! You're the ones with the pointy sharp things. I'm not waiting around alone to end up in a tusker's soup pot!"
Etc.
At least it offers further role-playing opportunities. And, because any savvy hireling worth his salt will bargain, it serves to drain the party coffers of any excess cash. Call it danger pay for the hireling.
At some point a good hireling becomes a good henchman. And as the players near 6th level, the henchmen might even become cohorts.
It's all a question of GP really. The more gold the PC's pay, the more likely some commoner will think that it's a lot of money to carry some stuff/lead a donkey.
Of course, Nodwick comes to mind too. |
| Kiaransalyn |
Posted - 18 Aug 2009 : 08:13:46
One approach is to take the players literally at their word. If they say they have a Bag of Basic S**t then they'll be popular with farmers, smell badly and maybe plagued by hungry otyughs. And to actually put their hands in it looking for rope is a brave act.
As for a standard issue backpack, as you say food rations for ten days, canteen for water, blanket roll, bandages, tinderbox, mirror, length of rope, torch or lantern. If they want more than they hire a hireling to carry their stuff, and/or a donkey. |
| gwalchavad |
Posted - 17 Aug 2009 : 22:14:22
yeah alot of this stuff is 'party' equiptment so only one BBoS would need to be baught, save the drillys and the hygenics, but again point taken
|
| Brimstone |
Posted - 17 Aug 2009 : 13:33:26
That is what the "BSB" or "BSF" is for.
Big Stupid Barbarian, or Big Stupid Fighter. |
| Wenin |
Posted - 17 Aug 2009 : 13:21:16
The thing is, figure how much all that weights.... now place it upon the back of your group's wizard. =)
I would suggest two lists.
Basic Equipment, EVERY character should carry
Group Equipment, Cooking utensils, rope, iron spikes... etc.. This is equipment that the group as a whole needs. This goes on the back of the fighters =)
|
| gwalchavad |
Posted - 17 Aug 2009 : 03:14:40
TY capnvan, I was hoping to have some fun with this, much less monotonus than perusing a catalog so
added to the list
1 waterskin
1 bedroll
1 sack
1 belt pouch
50' of hemp rope
1 comb
5 torches
2 bottles wine
10 lbs cut woot
1 writing utensil
1 100 pg book (blank)
1 fry pan
1 stew pot
1 mirror small
spell book, prayer book, food for animal companion.
and the problem capn is that they don't so they really don't even have food... I know I could play the big D card, but I really don't want to pick that particular fight, as we are just here around the table to have fun. |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 17 Aug 2009 : 00:58:40
I agree. Maybe that stuff is extra. That was by no means a complete list either. |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 17 Aug 2009 : 00:10:58
PHB2 from 3.5, in the back of the back of the book had a list of basic adventuring gear.
Backpack, waterskin, bedroll, sack, flint and steel, belt pouch, 10 days trail rations, 50' of hemp rope, and some others for 15 gold pieces. Thats what my group uses. |
| gwalchavad |
Posted - 16 Aug 2009 : 20:39:53
yes feel free to go old school, me and my players are at least AD&D some go as far back as the red box  We play a homebrewed version somewhere around 2.75E and half of 3rd level gold leaves alot of money to play with.
so yes;
10 iron spikes
1 tinder box wrapped in an oiled cloth to keep it dry
1 hand size piece of flint
1 steel blade
5 flasks of oil
3 pairs new underclothes (one with holes needs to be mended)
1 extra pair of boots (unless you are a halfling like myself  ) |
| gwalchavad |
Posted - 16 Aug 2009 : 19:46:30
oh, I guess for a start lets say max price for whole bag should be less than half of the starting gold of a 3rd level PC, out of the 3.0 or 3.5 DMG should be the same amount, like I said no books here so can't put a hard number on that.
and I'm looking for mundane items not your armor, weapons, magic, etc. |
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