Wealth: Abstraction vs. Accounting.

[Leatherhead]

Games use abstractions for many things, most noticeably hit-points and combat in general. But for things with actual numeric values, like money and assets, you don't have to.

So I ask: When it comes to keeping track of wealth, do you prefer to do something resembling actual bookkeeping or do you prefer to make it more abstract?

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I usually go with something more abstract with a simple, Resource level (taken primarily from WoD). While the 1-5 level of Resources changes for each setting (in one game 5 is just enough to buy a airship, another a kingdom) they each represent a variety of things:

• Normal monetary wealth
• Knowledge
• Dues you have to collect
• Licenses and papers (like something from a king)
• Connections

To give some brief examples. Basically if they can get something with something it counts as a Resource.

 

[arscott]

Abstract, unless wealth aquisition is the point of the game (and sometimes even then).

 

[Lanefan]

We bookkeep almost down to the last copper piece.

The only things greedier than the characters in my games are the players acting in-game on their behalf. And when I play, I'm among the worst of the lot! (which might explain why I usually end up as treasurer...)

Lan-"gimme some money"-efan

 

[Derren]

To me abstract wealth is unsatisfactory.

I don't like it when everyone has to guess what he actually has and what not, or when he simply can get many things for free as they don't affect his wealth level.

 

[Asmor]

I use sort of a compromise between the two most of the time.

For most mundane items, I just let the players have it without bothering with the details. Drinks, room and board, etc.

The coinage only comes into play for purchasing magical items; in that respect money serves as a separate "experience track."

 

[Herremann the Wise]

In our most recent game, we use physical fantasy coinage (not sure of the manufacturer) which is placed in a pouch for each of the characters, held by the player. You have what's in the bag - and so yes we count right down to the actual copper. Lots of fun. I would not find an abstract system as fun.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

 

[Ed_Laprade]

In a game where the main point is to kill the monsters and take their stuff, what's the point if you can't count the stuff? (On the other hand, I've rarely played in an FRPG where 'small change' was kept tract of after the first level or so.)

 

[Bungus]

I would keep track of every last copper piece at the lower levels. However, if the players progress in wealth as normal when they go up in level, then I would lean towards not being too picky over coppers & silvers, but would still want a good accounting of gold, platinum and gems/jewels, especially items that would be needed as spell components (5,000gp diamond for Raise Dead, 10,000gp for Resurrection, etc)

 

[Hairfoot]

Depends on genre. I liked D20 Modern's wealth management, but for fantasy I like accounting for the coins and gems, because they're rare and precious in their own right, and because their physical qualities affect encumbrance, robbery etc.