Need New starting equipment options

In the new 2024PHB all class can opt out of equipment and get a good amount. The amount varies but it mostly matches the starting equipment costs. They can also opt out of background equipment for gold.

They do have the option for 5d4x10 for gold, but you have to opt out of both class and background equipment. Can we just get a flat amount?

Artificers get 109gp to 164gp worth of starting equipment with out a background. If you include background that's an additional 50gp. That's about 159gp to 214gp

Average of a 5d4 is 12.5 for a total of 125gp. The average is lower than the 159gp and the max roll of 200 is lower than the 214gp.

My take on it is choose A or B:

• (A) Scale mail armor, 1 Mace, 1 Handaxe, 1 Light crossbow, 20 bolts, 1 Crossbow bolt case, 1 Thieves' tools, 1 Dungeoneer's pack, 6 GP.
• (B) 130 GP

If you think that is too stingy, you could increase the GP amounts in options A and B by 5 or 10 GP, but it should be roughly in line with the other classes.

Thanks SmiteMakesRight_3_5! I have not gotten Tasha's book and this is really helpful!

Quote from Hank_wake_52 >>

Thanks SmiteMakesRight_3_5! I have not gotten Tasha's book and this is really helpful!

It's worth pointing out that this old thread you're posting in was written before the release of the 5.5e Artificer class in 2025, and the new version does include a proper 5.5e-style set of starting equipment options.

My DM plays older versions, but thanks for the advice!

I know it is an old thread - but for what it is worth, if you will spend time crafting, try to craft a Manifold Tool as part of your starting equipment (some DMs will let you do this before the campaign starts - could be part of your apprenticeship) or as early as possible.

It is cheaper than buying multiple toolsets (costs 50gp to make a Manifold Tool which is the same price as a set of Tinker's Tools, Smiths tools are another 20gp, alchemist's supplies are another 50gp, etc...). Try to borrow a set of Tinker's Tools to make the Manifold tool (or buy Tinker's Tools, craft Manifold Tool, then sell Tinker's Tools). If you have someone to help you craft you might keep the Tinker's Tools but better for you both to have Manifold Tools.

Some DM's might even let you turn your Manifold Tool into a Smith's Hammer and treat this as a Light Hammer for combat. Starting Equipment is a minor issue but optimizing a bit here can get you crafting faster since you will need those gp to spend on crafting material.

Crafting a Weapon of Warning at Level 2 instead of RMI'ing one at Level 6 can make a big difference.