As far as I know, it will be legal in season 9 to just buy with gold (non magical versions of course). The players guide for season 9 says you can buy anything from the sources listed in “step 2, above.” using gold as described in the PHB ( I am assuming they mean step 1 since step 2 refers to stats and not sources but that is typical of the amount of proof reading that seems to go into AL documents.)
On the other hand, I think the season 8 and earlier documentation states buying things from the PHB rather than all the sources so it may not be a legal purchase until season 9.
I looked at the ALPG for season 8 and 9 and I think the Yklwa is only AL legal if you acquire one during play from season 7 content.
In season 8, a Yklwa wouldn't be allowed as starting equipment since the entry for equipment states:
"Equipment. Your character can sell or buy spell components and equipment found in the resources listed in Step 1 & 2, above."
These include source books but not adventures like Tomb of Annihilation. The Yklwa is ONLY available in ToA. So, I'd say that AL would not allow the character to choose a Yklwa as starting gear and the only way to obtain it would be by adventuring in Chult.
Season 9 does change the wording regarding equipment to:
"Equipment. Your character can sell or buy spell components and equipment found in the Player’s Handbook or any player resources."
Someone might try arguing that the gear available in adventure modules would be a player resource. However, I don't think this is intended since it later says ..
"Between sessions, your character can purchase equipment found in any resource from Step 2, above." (I think this means step 1).
However ToA is still not listed as valid resource for buying gear between sessions.
As a result, I'd say that the Yklwa is not AL legal starting equipment and can only be acquired by playing season 7 content and purchasing one during the session.
"Equipment. Your character can sell or buy spell components and equipment found in the Player’s Handbook or any player resources."
Clearly states "any player resources".
The Yklwa is located in a (any) player resource & has an complete entry. On top its a "simple melee" weapon opening up its proficient use to most classes.
Its only better slightly better, d8 vs d6, than a spear or handaxe at half the thrown range. not light, not versatile, nothing other than a poor throw range.
"Equipment. Your character can sell or buy spell components and equipment found in the Player’s Handbook or any player resources."
Clearly states "any player resources".
The Yklwa is located in a (any) player resource & has an complete entry. On top its a "simple melee" weapon opening up its proficient use to most classes.
Its only better slightly better, d8 vs d6, than a spear or handaxe at half the thrown range. not light, not versatile, nothing other than a poor throw range.
Actually, ToA is not a valid player resource and it isn't found in any other book, so it can't be purchased in the current season.
Is this weapon legal for AL? Can I buy this with gold? How can I get it if I don't have it as beginning equipment?
As far as I know, it will be legal in season 9 to just buy with gold (non magical versions of course). The players guide for season 9 says you can buy anything from the sources listed in “step 2, above.” using gold as described in the PHB ( I am assuming they mean step 1 since step 2 refers to stats and not sources but that is typical of the amount of proof reading that seems to go into AL documents.)
On the other hand, I think the season 8 and earlier documentation states buying things from the PHB rather than all the sources so it may not be a legal purchase until season 9.
So even if I can get it as starting equipment, I wouldnt be able to use it during season 8?
I looked at the ALPG for season 8 and 9 and I think the Yklwa is only AL legal if you acquire one during play from season 7 content.
In season 8, a Yklwa wouldn't be allowed as starting equipment since the entry for equipment states:
"Equipment. Your character can sell or buy spell components and equipment found in the resources listed in Step 1 & 2, above."
These include source books but not adventures like Tomb of Annihilation. The Yklwa is ONLY available in ToA. So, I'd say that AL would not allow the character to choose a Yklwa as starting gear and the only way to obtain it would be by adventuring in Chult.
Season 9 does change the wording regarding equipment to:
"Equipment. Your character can sell or buy spell components and equipment found in the Player’s Handbook or any player resources."
Someone might try arguing that the gear available in adventure modules would be a player resource. However, I don't think this is intended since it later says ..
"Between sessions, your character can purchase equipment found in any resource from Step 2, above." (I think this means step 1).
However ToA is still not listed as valid resource for buying gear between sessions.
As a result, I'd say that the Yklwa is not AL legal starting equipment and can only be acquired by playing season 7 content and purchasing one during the session.
TL;DR: yes its totally legal currently
RAW:
"Equipment. Your character can sell or buy spell components and equipment found in the Player’s Handbook or any player resources."
Clearly states "any player resources".
The Yklwa is located in a (any) player resource & has an complete entry. On top its a "simple melee" weapon opening up its proficient use to most classes.
Its only better slightly better, d8 vs d6, than a spear or handaxe at half the thrown range. not light, not versatile, nothing other than a poor throw range.
Actually, ToA is not a valid player resource and it isn't found in any other book, so it can't be purchased in the current season.