D&D 5E Why does the "criminal" background start with low wealth?

[Kobold Stew]

The question I have is why the Criminal doesn't start with the Thieves' tools he or she is proficient with. and those 15gp won't buy them!

 

[Remathilis]

... Because we don't have the background "banker " yet?

Isn't that just a subtype of criminal?

(Or, possibly a type of baatezu...)

 

[Tovec]

Possibly because it is the "criminal" background instead of the "thief" or "master thief" background?

Criminal doesn't necessarily mean he steals. Murderers are criminals. Pyromaniacs. Graffiti artists. Or he's just bad at it, low level after all.


....Or I could be completely wrong. I haven't looked at the 5e backgrounds in any detail, so if it is "thief" then disregard.

 

[Kobold Stew]

No, it is "criminal" as such, but since every criminal has proficiency in the tools, I figure the player should be able to start with a set.

 

[Li Shenron]

I still don't see where the criminal has lower wealth... are you guys looking at the Basic rules or the forbidden alpha?

The question I have is why the Criminal doesn't start with the Thieves' tools he or she is proficient with. and those 15gp won't buy them!

I noticed the same, and thought the reason might be that the designer thought Rogue+Criminal will be the most common combination, so it's enough to give thieve's tools to one only. However, they do both get proficiency with it... The rules clearly say you can pick another tool prof if you have double, but don't say what to do if you get the same equip item twice. But this is a poor explanation. Maybe the missing thieves' tools is just an oversight.

 

[jadrax]

I still don't see where the criminal has lower wealth... are you guys looking at the Basic rules or the forbidden alpha?

I assume the OP is talking about the Adventure League Players Guide.

Starting Lifestyles
Background Starting Lifestyle
Acolyte Modest
Charlatan Comfortable
Criminal Poor
Entertainer Modest
Folk Hero Modest
Guild Artisan Comfortable
Hermit Poor
Noble Wealthy
Outlander Poor
Sage Modest
Sailor Modest
Soldier Modest
Urchin Modest

 

[Li Shenron]

I assume the OP is talking about the Adventure League Players Guide.

Aha! I see.

So the criticism is about the narrative choice rather than "balance", since the "lifestyle" is as much a benefit as it is a liability (and you actually have to pay more for a better lifestyle).