Amount of wealth for someone(something) with NPC class?

[Shin Okada]

I like NPC classes and make some encounters against someone(or something) with NPC class levels.

Regarding CR, there is rules to be used. But what about their wealth?

How much wealth, thus gears, should a 10th-level warrior have?
What if that is a Bugbear (3HD with +1 LA) with 10 levels of warrior class?

Should they be as rich as NPCs with same amount of PC class levels?
Or shall I also use 1 level lower column as someone with NPC class levels have -1 CR?
Or, shall I just regard them as monsters and use average amount of treasure for a monster of that CR?

Were there any articles or mentioning regarding this?

 

[irdeggman]

Are they NPCs or PCs?

NPCs have their own wealth table.

Table 4-23 NPC Gear Table (DMG pg 127)

Table 5-1 Character Wealth by Level (DMG pg 135) is essentially for PCs.


If it is a PC then use 5-1, if it is an NPC then 4-23.

 

[Shin Okada]

I mean, not Just NPC but NPC with NPC class levels such as Warrior or Adept. NPC wealth table is assuming that NPC (or monster with some additional class levels) have levels in Class levels (Sorcer, Fighter, etc.)

 

[irdeggman]

I mean, not Just NPC but NPC with NPC class levels such as Warrior or Adept. NPC wealth table is assuming that NPC (or monster with some additional class levels) have levels in Class levels (Sorcer, Fighter, etc.)

I think that if they assumed PC classes you would use the tables on pages 113-126 which give wealth (and equipment) based on levels of PC classes.

I think it doesn't really matter what type of class the NPC has only that it is an NPC. DMG pg 110 under handcrafting NPCs talks about using the NPC gear table with no specifics on what type of "class" the character has.

The difference between "elite" and "average" characters is not the gear but the ability scores.

 

[Shin Okada]

I think that if they assumed PC classes you would use the tables on pages 113-126 which give wealth (and equipment) based on levels of PC classes.

That is actually not. Check all the sample NPCs with PC class level in the same section. They do have the amount of wealth based on. "TABLE 7-23: NPC GEAR VALUE".

I think it doesn't really matter what type of class the NPC has only that it is an NPC. DMG pg 110 under handcrafting NPCs talks about using the NPC gear table with no specifics on what type of "class" the character has.

The difference between "elite" and "average" characters is not the gear but the ability scores.

Well, it maybe so. A 5th-level Adept may have the same amount of gears wihch a 5th-level Cleric have. But isn't that make easy baits for PCs? They are weaker then someone with PC class levels. Still give same amount of loots to PCs.

 

[Arkhandus]

Doesn't matter. Per the DMG, the NPC wealth table applies regardless of the NPC's class. It is not just for NPCs with levels in PC classes. Sure, those with PC classes may be better-trained or more-talented, but they aren't automatically better-equipped.

Edit: Though, you're well within your rights as DM if you just use their CR to determine their 'treasure', rather than giving them wealth based on level.

 

[irdeggman]

Well, it maybe so. A 5th-level Adept may have the same amount of gears wihch a 5th-level Cleric have. But isn't that make easy baits for PCs? They are weaker then someone with PC class levels. Still give same amount of loots to PCs.

It is if the DM so wishes it to be.

The DM can make any NPC a "PC" equivalent and use the "elite" stats if he wants to.

The wealth and gear tables should never be used blindly without some forethought on the part of the DM. There are many situations that can modify things, there is the type of game the DM is running (high or low treasure, high or low magic item availablity, etc.)

It is part of the responsibilities of being a good DM to ensure that encounters are "balanced" and that the PCs will advance (in wealth as well as xp) as best fits the game.

 

[Elethiomel]

If a monster has (any) class levels I always use its CR on the NPC wealth table to determine how much gear it has, rather than its level, its HD, its ECL, or any other measure. CR gives the most appropriate threat rating to the PCs, so the loot they get should reflect that - and the loot the monster has to use should be roughly in line with that threat as well.

[edit]As the previos poster says, this is of course adjusted by campaign type and so on. But the CR for the monster is what I adjust from, so the above holds true even in "non-standard" settings.