If you dig around in the equipment long enough you find all sorts of useful things, however they can get expensive and they can really
weigh you down. If you are a 1st level character you might not have
much in the way of funds, or if you have a low strength you just might
not be able to hold a lot of stuff. Here is a list of items that
really ANY character can both afford and carry...
WEAPONS Spiked Gauntlet (5gp, 1lb.) – This is a very handy weapon for any character to have. It's a simple weapon which most characters are proficient in, it allows you to always be considered “armed” and thus can perform attacks of opportunity when the need arises. It is also considered “always on” because you wear it rather than wield it. Even if you are not proficient with it, all that means is you have a penalty to hit, but does not affect spellcasting. So there really isn't any reason not to have one on at least one hand. Sling (free, 0lbs.) – This is likewise a very handy weapon to have available. It's free, doesn't weigh anything, and its a simple weapon. If the need arises for a ranged attack it's rather easy to find a rock to use, so you don't even have to pay for bullets. Now, one might look at the above and say, "but my character isn't meant for combat." That may be true, but these are backup weapons for desperate situations. Many a time a party is on the brink of death, and all it takes is a few more hit points of damage on the monster to save everyone. In over 30 years of gaming there simply have been far too many occasions where having some simple little mundane item made all the difference. GEAR The weightless items:
Total Price 5gp, 1sp, 2cp For such a low price you get a lot of different items that can be indispensable in solving problems on an adventure. Combining that low price with no weight means very little has to be tracked and it doesn't have an impact even on low strength characters. BURN IT! Oil (1sp, 1lb) – While there are many more expensive special substances (such as Alchemist Fire) that every character ought to get around purchasing, there is one that is cheap enough that every character should have at least one flask, that being Oil. It can be lit on fire, and you should be able to talk the GM into using it for other uses you can think up. Ultimately, when you run out of ideas, or the creature seems to be immune to anything else you are trying to do to it, one of the best options at that point is just start lighting things on fire and hoping for the best. WRAP IT UP In summary:
Total Weight: 2 lbs. As you can see, it's cheap, it's light, and gives you a lot of interesting options to deal with surprising situations. If you have the tools, you have the talent! - Neil Carr |
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