T O P I C R E V I E W |
Von Seossk |
Posted - 28 Jul 2006 : 17:21:24 Relativly new here, and this is my first topic. I was posting on the strange items thread, and had a thought...my DMs would either roll on the table in the DMG to divvy out treasure (which is what leads to some of the bizzare items such as brooms and boats) but I've also had at least one DM hand out treasure completly off the top of his head it seemed. I was curious as to some of the ways that DMs out their decide what treasure to give their players, and for the players, their preferred way of gaining it. For example, I'm a bit of a Monty Haul, the more the better. I've never actually tried crafting items on my own, unless you count enchanting weapons and armor. |
5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
Alisttair |
Posted - 15 Aug 2006 : 23:14:48 I usually put treasure that I think makes sense to the area (e.g. a Netherese Ruin with spellbooks, scrolls, bizarre and handy). When all else fails, I roll the dice and reroll if it's something I don't want to give (like boots of flying if there is a chasm I don't want them to cross). |
Jon Grey |
Posted - 31 Jul 2006 : 01:25:23 I've always found that a mixed approach helps, but I usually know what's in the "hoard" beforehand, as I like that much control over the story; if there IS a flying carpet, and no one tries to find any magical items, then that's been left there usually (and because I'm mean, it will usually come back to haunt the players — but I digress).
For random encounters, it's usually a couple of coins, standard equipment, etc. I'll roll on some tables if I feel it's warranted (merchant caravans that are 'saved' for instance).
|
Von Seossk |
Posted - 28 Jul 2006 : 18:05:44 I think that's happened to everyone, having close calls in combat and then getting that damn armor or weapon that's one point better than what you already have. In one session a character got entangled in some rope of binding, and guess what he found in his portion of the treasure? Lo and behold, his own rope of binding. He got so pissed off. |
Jorkens |
Posted - 28 Jul 2006 : 17:52:40 I pretty much follow the same routine as Dhomal describes. Random tables if nothing specific comes to mind, and then seeing if the result is something that is logical or that I can use.
Other times an adventure can be designed around a type of magical item or the type of creature/ NPC. If I play with one or two players there is also the question of an items usability for the character. |
Dhomal |
Posted - 28 Jul 2006 : 17:38:08 Hello-
I guess I would like to be somewhere in the middle.
I'd certainly use the random tables - as its a bit less pondering - however - I would determine if the result actually made sense.
No Swords for the Rust Monster lair, for example!
Or, not necessarilly any Incense of Meditation for cleric NPCs - they probably would have been using it - possibly even in preperation to meeting the PCs.
Also - power-level is something of a concern to me. I would not randomly roll a +3 Warhammer for a small band of orcs. Too powerful. As far as 'underpowered' - I would thihnk that I would be more inclined to go that way. Whos to say that a Lich or Dragon does not have a couple of +1 Daggers in its treasure. Certainly (I would guess) would have better to use themselves - or provide to a minion than the +1 - which makes sense then that it would be in 'the hoard'.
Otherwise - I also like knowing in advance. No fun running an encounter witha monster, and having that monster either miss 'just barely' in combat a number of times - or get hit 'just barely' some of the time - only to roll up a magic weapon or armor piece that would have changed the outcome of the battle. (*sigh - been there - wont repeat!*)
Dhomal
|
|
|