I've seen in the 2024 classes, there are two options for starting equipment. Option A is a bunch of equipment. Option B is an amount of GP. If I choose the gold, what would I do?
Your background and class both provide starting equipment. Any coins that you gain at this step can be immediately spent on equipment from chapter 6. In addition, you can have one trinket at no cost (see the Trinkets table at the end of this chapter).
Note that in some cases, for class or backgrounds, you get a choice of items which can change the total value of the package. For example, anything that gives you a choice of artisan's tools or musical instrument. If you want a tool or instrument that's expensive, consider taking the stock equipment as it will be more value than the flat GP amount. If you want a cheap tool or instrument, or don't want the tool at all, take the GP even if you end up buying everything else in the starting gear.
Note that in some cases, for class or backgrounds, you get a choice of items which can change the total value of the package. For example, anything that gives you a choice of artisan's tools or musical instrument. If you want a tool or instrument that's expensive, consider taking the stock equipment as it will be more value than the flat GP amount. If you want a cheap tool or instrument, or don't want the tool at all, take the GP even if you end up buying everything else in the starting gear.
It should also be noted that the Sage background's gear package is only worth 45 gp and doesn't have any choices in it, so you're always better off taking the 50 gp option with that background.
It should also be noted that the Sage background's gear package is only worth 45 gp and doesn't have any choices in it, so you're always better off taking the 50 gp option with that background.
I hadn't done the math on anything that didn't give a choice. Thanks for calling that out!
Your background and class both provide starting equipment. Any coins that you gain at this step can be immediately spent on equipment from chapter 6. In addition, you can have one trinket at no cost (see the Trinkets table at the end of this chapter).
Do I spend the money before playing the character or when the character is being played as?
Your background and class both provide starting equipment. Any coins that you gain at this step can be immediately spent on equipment from chapter 6. In addition, you can have one trinket at no cost (see the Trinkets table at the end of this chapter).
Do I spend the money before playing the character or when the character is being played as?
It's not a hard rule. The intent is to spend some the coins immediately before playing, but since it's a "can", I don't think it's a bad idea to roleplay your character going to buy stuff.
EDIT: In fact, you can keep part of the money, or all of it.
Your background and class both provide starting equipment. Any coins that you gain at this step can be immediately spent on equipment from chapter 6. In addition, you can have one trinket at no cost (see the Trinkets table at the end of this chapter).
Do I spend the money before playing the character or when the character is being played as?
Since it says “immediately”, I think the intent is that you do it as part of the character creation process. But the DM has final say on what equipment is available in any particular setting.
I've seen in the 2024 classes, there are two options for starting equipment. Option A is a bunch of equipment. Option B is an amount of GP. If I choose the gold, what would I do?
If you choose option B, the idea is to spend the money on equipment - chapter 6:
Spend the gold to buy whatever starting equipment you feel would be right for your character.
Note that in some cases, for class or backgrounds, you get a choice of items which can change the total value of the package. For example, anything that gives you a choice of artisan's tools or musical instrument. If you want a tool or instrument that's expensive, consider taking the stock equipment as it will be more value than the flat GP amount. If you want a cheap tool or instrument, or don't want the tool at all, take the GP even if you end up buying everything else in the starting gear.
How to add Tooltips.
It should also be noted that the Sage background's gear package is only worth 45 gp and doesn't have any choices in it, so you're always better off taking the 50 gp option with that background.
pronouns: he/she/they
I hadn't done the math on anything that didn't give a choice. Thanks for calling that out!
How to add Tooltips.
Do I spend the money before playing the character or when the character is being played as?
It's not a hard rule. The intent is to spend some the coins immediately before playing, but since it's a "can", I don't think it's a bad idea to roleplay your character going to buy stuff.
EDIT: In fact, you can keep part of the money, or all of it.
Since it says “immediately”, I think the intent is that you do it as part of the character creation process. But the DM has final say on what equipment is available in any particular setting.
pronouns: he/she/they
Thank you so much! That clears things up a lot.
Choosing or buying starting equipment is always a good idea because you never know if you will start in a tavern or in the middle of a fight.
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale