Balance between players

[Veilan]

In fact, DnD expects that you have a certain level of wealth to begin with to have your own appropriate encounter level.

The data suggests wealth problems are not near as big as in ALFA 1, however. Do consider selective communication: If you are poor, you will shout about it. If you are not, you won't in ALFA - because you will invite suspicion and jealousy. The picture is not quite as bad as it sometimes is made to seem.

Still, there are fluctuations and some people who have a hard time to access wealth. Opportunities to earn wealth should be present; they are a vital a part of DnD.

[Kemeras]

In fact, DnD expects that you have a certain level of wealth to begin with to have your own appropriate encounter level.

The data suggests wealth problems are not near as big as in ALFA 1, however. Do consider selective communication: If you are poor, you will shout about it. If you are not, you won't in ALFA - because you will invite suspicion and jealousy. The picture is not quite as bad as it sometimes is made to seem.

Still, there are fluctuations and some people who have a hard time to access wealth. Opportunities to earn wealth should be present; they are a vital a part of DnD.

Well Said!

Balanced view in a balance thread...who would have thunkit

[paazin]

The data suggests wealth problems are not near as big as in ALFA 1, however. Do consider selective communication: If you are poor, you will shout about it. If you are not, you won't in ALFA - because you will invite suspicion and jealousy. The picture is not quite as bad as it sometimes is made to seem.

I'd in fact claim that the data suggest still a rather wide wealth disparity. I've inspected the wealth of numerous characters in my time DMing and I'd feel reasonable in claiming about 90% of our players are below the "average" mark appropriate to their level and likely almost 50% that are even below the "low" mark.

Obviously, I've been trying to correct this with slightly augmented DM rewards but it's rather slow going. What's really impressive though is that even though so many characters are massively underwealthed, they're able to handle encounters not only of their level but above; it's likely a result of clever tactical use of abilities, which is neat.

[Castano]

yes i was shocked when i was on BG in a group for the first time. I wanted to use alchemists fire to soften targets and everyone was like waste of money.

We need to up awards big time. Which reminds me...my elves need some loot, so next week at the wrap up expect a windfall.

[dergon darkhelm]

Trid's been tryin' on MS to keep rewards coming !!!!---

I would like to see both rewards increased for other as well as increased "off the shelf" varity of magics of all types for purchase.......but that's just me being a broken record

[Adanu]

Speaking from my own experiences, it's rather obvious that most PCs are massively underwealthed. Some are not... but most are to the point that even buying cure lights hurt badly.

I don't know about 'data', but thats from someone who has been in the game for about three months.

An observation with my own 'two cents'.

[JaydeMoon]

Oh, no no no no no.

See, Veilan's head of standards, and his assumptions and perceptions trump any direct experience you think you might have

[Swift]

Oh, no no no no no.

See, Veilan's head of standards, and his assumptions and perceptions trump any direct experience you think you might have

What a profound addition to the discussion

[JaydeMoon]

You can always count on me, saer!

[Veilan]

Because I have no direct experience, playing a PC since live day .

I did not say people were not often below "average" - hence why I spoke out for the opportunity to earn wealth - I simply stated the problem is far less drastic than it was in NWN 1.

[fluffmonster]

My suspicion is that PCs do well in encounters because the AI really isn't very good which in part means its easier to be survivable under-wealthed.

[hollyfant]

yes i was shocked when i was on BG in a group for the first time. I wanted to use alchemists fire to soften targets and everyone was like waste of money.

ALFA's players have evolved, adapting their behavioural patterns to deal with the scarcity. PCs buy one flask of Alchemists' fire, in case of Trolls. They buy one potion of CLW for emergencies, and stay close to healers. Players roll up healers, just to save themselves money. Players used to want to craft their own gear to get personalised looks. Now they do so to earn a buck. Even the most CN barbarian works for the man, doing FedEx missions and patrols. PCs wear armour that looks like clothing, instead of clothing.

It may very well be that the wealth guidelines are adhered to, on average. But that's due to the players.

[dergon darkhelm]

yes i was shocked when i was on BG in a group for the first time. I wanted to use alchemists fire to soften targets and everyone was like waste of money.

ALFA's players have evolved, adapting their behavioural patterns to deal with the scarcity. PCs buy one flask of Alchemists' fire, in case of Trolls. They buy one potion of CLW for emergencies, and stay close to healers.

Agree 100% - Behavior has totally changed compared to NWN1.

Buff with a potion?! No way. That's 300 gold for what is now (NWN2) 3 min strength, dex etc. It used to be pretty standard-op. Now, consumables are for suckers.

Everyone wants/needs to make the investment in permanent magics or use/day items because it is financial necessity.

But don't forget the second part of the wealth concern. PCs need something to spend it on.

I retired Rathalan sitting on tens of thousands of gold pieces (actual gold, excluding gear) with not a single item available for purchase that was of significant value to him.

[CloudDancing]

yes i was shocked when i was on BG in a group for the first time. I wanted to use alchemists fire to soften targets and everyone was like waste of money.

ALFA's players have evolved, adapting their behavioural patterns to deal with the scarcity. PCs buy one flask of Alchemists' fire, in case of Trolls. They buy one potion of CLW for emergencies, and stay close to healers.

Agree 100% - Behavior has totally changed compared to NWN1.

Buff with a potion?! No way. That's 300 gold for what is now (NWN2) 3 min strength, dex etc. It used to be pretty standard-op. Now, consumables are for suckers.

Everyone wants/needs to make the investment in permanent magics or use/day items because it is financial necessity.

But don't forget the second part of the wealth concern. PCs need something to spend it on.

I retired Rathalan sitting on tens of thousands of gold pieces (actual gold, excluding gear) with not a single item available for purchase that was of significant value to him.

I recently upgraded and built a few stores to go into the main cities to reflect the lack of magic items. Also you have to look around. Silverymoon, BG, Caer Caliydyrr (even Skaug) should be respositories of HIGH QUALITY expensive craft.

As per the potion thing, I have actuall sold potions I found to make gold vs Trapper using them. Never healing mind you; you cling to healing potions as if they were rare and blessing things. I had'nt seen a CMW till I got to MS a month ago EVER. When we went to the UD, Alyra had to shell out her PERSONAL gold (mind you we were on a mission for rich rich clients) to buy wands of Cure Light Wounds (though the buyers did provide a signifigant upgrade to the party.)

Even then, everyone was so frantic after a lifetime of poverty, we didn't know what to grab honestly, and of course there was some head-butting, like if the bard should get the stealth leathers because all she has was a dress. Heh. Trapper ended going down in climbing vest with +climb instead of ranger leathers.

Ok the cutest thing as NONE of them had the heart to loot Lemuel, Ragnus, or Blaise who were put to rest untouched, but anyways...

It comes down to, with the average character being level 5 for a LONG TIME with no dm time, their spells dont last long enough. They expire ten to twenty minutes at the most and POOF you get to the tough stuff and all your spells are gone and you are out of healing spells and screwed. So you hold back..and hold back..and hope you won't die..your finger hovering over the ONE CLW in your inventory because if you don't hit that button at just the right point, a crit will kill you.

[Castano]

the stores are coming to the MS capital. I am waiting on interiors.