In D&D 5e, starting gold is the initial amount of money that a character has to purchase equipment and supplies needed for their adventures.
This crucial aspect of character creation allows players to give their characters the necessary tools and weapons to survive in the game while adding depth and flavor to their personalities and backstory.
Starting gold in D&D 5e is a vital component that enables players to equip their characters with the gear required to tackle challenges and embark on exciting quests. It can be determined by the class or by rolling the dice.
Starting Gold 5e Background
In D&D 5e, players can determine their starting gold by class, rolling, or their chosen background, which provides a set amount of gold, equipment, and special abilities.
Backgrounds also offer unique features to aid players, such as the Acolyte’s religious ceremonies and Charlatan’s identity creation. See table for starting gold amounts and equipment by background.
| Background | Starting Gold | Equipment |
| Acolyte | 15 gp | Holy symbol, prayer book or prayer wheel, 5 sticks of incense, vestments, common clothes, pouch containing 15 gp |
| Charlatan | 15 gp | Set of fine clothes, disguise kit, tools of the con of your choice, pouch containing 15 gp |
| Criminal | 15 gp | A D&D 5e character with a Criminal background starts with a crowbar, dark clothes, chalk, a knife, a local map, and 15 GP. |
| Entertainer | 15 gp | Musical instrument, admirer’s favor, costume, pouch with 15 gp. |
| Folk Hero | 10 gp | Set of artisan’s tools, shovel, an iron pot, common clothes, belt pouch containing 10 gp |
| Guild Artisan | 15 gp | Starting gear for an Artisan character: tools, letters, samples, money. |
| Hermit | 5 gp | Cleric starting gear: notes, blanket, herbs, clothes, 5gp. |
| Noble | 25 gp | Set of fine clothes, signet ring, a scroll of pedigree, a purse containing 25 gp |
| Outlander | 10 gp | Staff, hunting trap, the trophy from an animal you killed, set of traveler’s clothes, pouch containing 10 gp |
| Sage | 10 gp | Starting equipment for a D&D 5e character with the Sage background: books, ink, knife, letter, clothes, and 10 gp. |
| Sailor | 10 gp | Short sword, lucky charm (such as a rabbit’s foot), belaying pin (club), set of common clothes, pouch containing 10 gp |
| Soldier | 10 gp | A soldier’s starting equipment in D&D 5e includes rank insignia, trophy, dice/cards, clothes, and 10 gp. |
| Urchin | 10 gp | Urchin starting equipment: knife, map, mouse, token, clothes, gold. |
Rolling for Gold
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), rolling for starting gold is an alternative method for determining the amount of gold a player starts the game with.
Instead of using the preset amounts provided by each class, the player rolls a set number of dice and multiplies the result by a predetermined number to determine their starting gold.
Steps for Rolling for Starting Gold
Here are the steps for rolling for starting gold in D&D 5e:
- Determine the number of dice to roll: The number of dice to roll depends on the game’s rules or the dungeon master’s (DM) preferences. For example, the DM may allow the player to roll 4d4 or 3d6.
- Roll the dice: The player rolls the dice and adds up the result.
- Multiply the result by a predetermined number: The predetermined number is typically provided by the DM or listed in the game’s rules. For example, the DM may choose to multiply the result by 10, 50, or another number based on their preference.
- Add any additional gold: The player can add any gold or treasure their character may have acquired before the game begins.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rolling for Starting Gold
There are some advantages and Disadvantages of Rolling for starting Gold which is given below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Rolling for starting gold adds customization and flexibility in character creation. | Rolling for starting gold can cause imbalance in gameplay if a player gets more or less than the class's preset amounts. |
| Rolling for starting gold adds excitement and unpredictability to character creation. | Rolling for starting gold can be time-consuming, as the player must roll the dice and multiply the result by a predetermined number. |
| Rolling for starting gold allows for more personalized character creation with gear that aligns with the character's backstory and personality. | Rolling for gold can result in a lower starting amount, limiting access to necessary equipment. |
How Starting Gold is Used to Buy Equipment
Starting gold is used by players to purchase essential equipment and supplies for their character’s class and background. The amount of starting gold a player has determines the equipment and supplies they can afford to buy.
Examples of Equipment Available for Purchase with Starting Gold
The equipment available for purchase with starting gold varies depending on the character’s class and background. Here are some examples of equipment that can be purchased with starting gold:
Armor
Armor is essential for protecting the character from physical attacks. The type of armor available for purchase with starting gold depends on the character’s class and starting gold amount. For example, a fighter can purchase chain mail armor, while a rogue can purchase leather armor.
Weapons
Weapons are necessary for dealing damage to enemies. The type of weapon available for purchase with starting gold depends on the character’s class and starting gold amount. For example, a fighter can purchase a longsword, while a wizard can purchase a dagger.
Adventuring Gear
Adventuring gear includes supplies such as backpacks, bedrolls, and rope that are essential for traveling and surviving in the game.
Spell Components
Spell components are necessary for casting spells. The cost and availability of spell components depend on the character’s class and starting gold amount.
Tips for Optimizing Equipment Purchases with Starting Gold
Here are some tips for optimizing equipment purchases with starting gold:
Prioritize Essential Equipment
Prioritize purchasing essential equipment that is necessary for the character’s class and background. For example, a fighter should prioritize purchasing armor and weapons, while a wizard should prioritize purchasing spell components.
Look for Deals
Look for deals or discounts on equipment that can save the character’s starting gold. For example, the character may be able to purchase used equipment or find a merchant who is offering a sale.
Consider Multifunctional Items
Consider purchasing equipment that can serve multiple functions. For example, a rope can be used for climbing and securing items, while a crowbar can be used for opening doors and crates.
Don’t Overspend
Avoid overspending on equipment and supplies that are not essential for the character’s class and background. This can leave the character without enough starting gold to purchase the necessary equipment.
Starting Gold 5e by Class
In D&D 5e, each class is assigned a specific starting gold amount for purchasing basic equipment. Fighters generally have more gold than wizards due to better-expected equipment. Choosing starting gold should consider playstyle and backstory.
| Class | Starting Gold | Equipment |
| Barbarian | 2d4 x 10 gp | Greataxe or any martial melee weapon, two handaxes or any simple weapon, explorer’s pack, four javelins |
| Bard | 5d4 x 10 gp | D&D 5e Bard class starts with weapons, pack, musical instruments, and armor. |
| Cleric | 5d4 x 10 gp | Mace or any martial melee weapon, scale mail or leather armor, shield, priest’s pack or explorer’s pack, holy symbol (amulet or emblem) |
| Druid | 2d4 x 10 gp | Druid starting equipment in D&D 5e: wooden shield, scimitar, leather armor, explorer’s pack, and druidic focus. |
| Fighter | 5d4 x 10 gp | Armor, longbow/arrows, martial melee/ranged weapon, shield, 2 martial/simple weapons. |
| Monk | 5d4 gp | Shortsword or any simple weapon, explorer’s pack, 10 darts, any artisan’s tools or musical instrument |
| Paladin | 5d4 x 10 gp | Longsword or any martial melee weapon, martial ranged weapon and 20 arrows or any simple weapon, shield, five javelins or any simple melee weapon, priest’s pack |
| Ranger | 5d4 x 10 gp | Scale mail or leather armor, two shortswords or any two simple melee weapons, longbow and quiver of 20 arrows or any simple weapon, explorer’s pack |
| Rogue | 4d4 x 10 gp | Choose rapier or shortsword, short bow with 20 arrows. Get explorer’s pack, leather armor, and thieves’ tools. |
| Sorcerer | 3d4 x 10 gp | Light crossbow and 20 bolts or any simple weapon, component pouch or arcane focus, explorer’s pack, two daggers |
| Warlock | 4d4 x 10 gp | Starting equipment for D&D 5e Fighter class: crossbow/bolts, melee weapon, scholar’s/dungeoneer’s pack, leather armor. |
| Wizard | 4d4 x 10 gp | Quarterstaff or dagger, component pouch or arcane focus, explorer’s pack, spellbook |
Starting with Silver
If a player chooses to start with silver instead of gold, they will start with 10 times the amount of silver as gold. So if the starting gold for their class is 100 gp, they would instead start with 1,000 sp (silver pieces).
Silver can be useful for characters who come from a lower socioeconomic background or who prefer to deal in smaller transactions.
Starting with Copper
Similarly, if a player chooses to start with copper instead of gold, they will start with 100 times the amount of copper as gold. So if the starting gold for their class is 100 gp, they would instead start with 10,000 cp (copper pieces).
Copper can be useful for characters who are particularly poor or who need to make very small purchases.
Starting with Platinum
On the other end of the spectrum, if a player chooses to start with platinum instead of gold, they will start with 1/10th the amount of platinum as gold. So if the starting gold for their class is 100 gp, they would instead start with 10 pp (platinum pieces).
Platinum can be useful for characters who come from a particularly wealthy background or who need to make very large purchases.
It’s important to note that starting with a different currency does not change the starting equipment provided by the class. The player will still need to use their starting silver, copper, or platinum to purchase equipment or sell it for gold to buy different equipment.
Making Gold in DnD 5e
Making gold in D&D 5e can be an important aspect of the game, as it allows players to buy better equipment, magic items, and other important resources. Here are some ways that players can make gold in the game:
Completing Quests
One of the most common ways to make gold in D&D is by completing quests. Quests can range from simple fetch quests to complex multi-part adventures, and the rewards can vary based on the difficulty and scope of the quest.
Players should work with their DM to determine appropriate rewards for completed quests.
Selling Loot
As players adventure, they will likely find items they can sell for gold. This can include weapons, armor, magical items, and other equipment. The value of these items can vary, but players can generally sell them for a percentage of their full value.
Crafting and Selling Items
Players with crafting skills, such as blacksmithing, alchemy, or enchanting, can create items to sell for gold. These items can include weapons, armor, potions, or magical items.
Players should work with their DM to determine the cost and time required to craft items and the appropriate selling price.
Investing in Businesses:
Players can use their gold to invest in businesses, such as taverns, shops, or trading caravans. These businesses can generate income over time, allowing players to make a steady stream of gold. However, investing in businesses can also come with risks, such as theft or sabotage.
Gambling
Players can also try their luck at gambling, such as in games of chance or betting on arena fights. This can be a risky way to make gold, as players can also lose their money in the process.
Summary
In D&D 5e, players can make gold in a variety of ways, such as completing quests, selling loot, crafting and selling items, investing in businesses, and gambling.
Each option comes with its own risks and rewards, and players should work with their DM to determine appropriate rewards for their actions. Making gold is an important aspect of the game as it allows players to buy better equipment, magic items, and other important resources.
