When it comes to rewards for adventuring, nothing quite compares to
good old gold—whether it's shiny doubloons, regal sovereigns, or
whatever creative coinage your Dungeon Master has conjured up.
Earning riches is one of the most satisfying aspects of your journey, and
if you embark on a few successful quests, you might find yourself with
more gold than you know what to do with.
But what about the beginning of your journey? As the saying goes, it
takes money to make money. Without some essential provisions,
weapons, and gear, you may not last long enough to enjoy the fruits of
your adventures. Let's explore how starting gold works in the Dungeons
& Dragons 2024 revision and what you need to kick off your heroic
journey.
It is actually incredibly easy. Characters have the option to choose
between a specific package of equipment associated with their class
and background or a specific amount of gold pieces based on their class
and background. This flexibility allows players to tailor their starting
gear to better fit their character concept and the campaign they are
entering.
The equipment packages typically include items that reflect the
character's background, ensuring they have relevant tools and supplies
for their journey. For example, a soldier might receive armor and
weapons, while a sage may start with writing materials and scholarly
books. This choice emphasizes the character's past experiences and
helps them feel more connected to their story from the outset.
Here is all the equipment and gold a character receives based on their
class:
Barbarian
Choose A or B:
- A: Greataxe, 4 Handaxes, Explorer’s Pack, and 15 GP
- B: 75 GP
Bard
Choose A or B:
- A: Leather Armor, 2 Daggers, Musical Instrument of your choice,
Entertainer’s Pack, and 19 GP
- B: 90 GP
Cleric
Choose A or B:
- A: Chain Shirt, Shield, Mace, Holy Symbol, Priest’s Pack, and 7 GP
- B: 110 GP
Druid
Choose A or B:
- A: Leather Armor, Shield, Sickle, Druidic Focus (Quarterstaff),
Explorer’s Pack, Herbalism Kit, and 9 GP
- B: 50 GP
Fighter
Choose A, B, or C:
- A: Chain Mail, Greatsword, Flail, 8 Javelins, Dungeoneer’s Pack,
and 4 GP
- B: Studded Leather Armor, Scimitar, Shortsword, Longbow, 20
Arrows, Quiver, Dungeoneer’s Pack, and 11 GP
- C: 155 GP
Monk
Choose A or B:
- A: Spear, 5 Daggers, Artisan’s Tools or Musical Instrument,
Explorer’s Pack, and 11 GP
- B: 50 GP
Paladin
Choose A or B:
- A: Spear, 5 Daggers, Artisan’s Tools or Musical Instrument,
Explorer’s Pack, and 11 GP
- B: 50 GP
Choose A or B:
- A: Chain Mail, Shield, Longsword, 6 Javelins, Holy Symbol, Priest’s
Pack, and 9 GP
- B: 150 GP
Ranger
Choose A or B:
- A: Studded Leather Armor, Scimitar, Shortsword, Longbow, 20
Arrows, Quiver, Druidic Focus (sprig of mistletoe), Explorer’s Pack,
and 7 GP
- B: 150 GP
Rogue
Choose A or B:
- A: Leather Armor, 2 Daggers, Shortsword, Shortbow, 20 Arrows,
Quiver, Thieves’ Tools, Burglar’s Pack, and 8 GP
- B: 100 GP
Sorcerer
Choose A or B:
- A: Spear, 2 Daggers, Arcane Focus (crystal), Dungeoneer’s Pack,
and 28 GP
- B: 50 GP
Warlock
Choose A or B:
- A: Leather Armor, Sickle, 2 Daggers, Arcane Focus (orb), Book
(occult lore), Scholar’s Pack, and 15 GP
- B: 100 GP
Wizard
Choose A or B:
- A: 2 Daggers, Arcane Focus (Quarterstaff), Robe, Spellbook,
Scholar’s Pack, and 5 GP
- B: 55 GP
Characters also receive equipment or gold based on their background.
Here is what you receive based on your background:
Acolyte
Choose A or B:
- A: Calligrapher’s Supplies, Book (prayers), Holy Symbol,
Parchment (10 sheets), Robe, and 8 GP
- B: 50 GP
Artisan
Choose A or B:
- A: Artisan’s Tools, 2 Pouches, Traveler’s Clothes, and 32 GP
- B: 50 GP
Charlatan
Choose A or B:
- A: Forgery Kit, Costume, Fine Clothes, and 15 GP
- B: 50 GP
Criminal
Choose A or B:
- A: 2 Daggers, Thieves’ Tools, Crowbar, 2 Pouches, Traveler’s
Clothes, and 16 GP
- B: 50 GP
Entertainer
Choose A or B:
- A: Musical Instrument, 2 Costumes, Mirror, Perfume, Traveler’s
Clothes, and 11 GP
- B: 50 GP
Farmer
Choose A or B:
- A: Sickle, Carpenter’s Tools, Healer’s Kit, Iron Pot, Shovel,
Traveler’s Clothes, and 30 GP
- B: 50 GP
Guard
Choose A or B:
- A: Spear, Light Crossbow, 20 Bolts, Gaming Set, Hooded Lantern,
Manacles, Quiver, Traveler’s Clothes, and 12 GP
- B: 50 GP
Guide
Choose A or B:
- A: Shortbow, 20 Arrows, Cartographer’s Tools, Bedroll, Quiver,
Tent, Traveler’s Clothes, and 3 GP
- B: 50 GP
Hermit
Choose A or B:
- A: Quarterstaff, Herbalism Kit, Bedroll, Book (philosophy), Lamp,
Oil (3 flasks), Traveler’s Clothes, and 16 GP
- B: 50 GP
Merchant
Choose A or B:
- A: Navigator’s Tools, 2 Pouches, Traveler’s Clothes, and 22 GP
- B: 50 GP
Noble
Choose A or B:
- A: Gaming Set, Fine Clothes, Perfume, and 29 GP
- B: 50 GP
Sage
Choose A or B:
- A: Quarterstaff, Calligrapher’s Supplies, Book (history), Parchment
(8 sheets), Robe, and 8 GP
- B: 50 GP
Sailor
Choose A or B:
- A: Dagger, Navigator’s Tools, Rope, Traveler’s Clothes, and 20 GP
- B: 50 GP
Scribe
Choose A or B:
- A: Calligrapher’s Supplies, Fine Clothes, Lamp, Oil (3 flasks),
Parchment (12 sheets), and 23 GP
- B: 50 GP
Soldier
Choose A or B:
- A: Spear, Shortbow, 20 Arrows, Gaming Set, Healer’s Kit, Quiver,
Traveler’s Clothes, and 14 GP
- B: 50 GP
Wayfarer
Choose A or B:
- A: 2 Daggers, Thieves’ Tools, Gaming Set, Bedroll, 2 Pouches,
Traveler’s Clothes, and 16 GP
- B: 50 GP
Over all starting gold offers players flexibility in shaping their characters
and ensures each one starts prepared for adventure.
