How closely do you track daily expenses for your players?

[Mark CMG]

How closely do you track daily expenses for your players?

I'd say, "Fairly closely" to that question. In so far as if they do not have some thing on their sheet when they want it, it isn't there. But I don't lean over their shoulders while they calculate things.

 

[Farcaster]

Do you require your PC's to account for every last meal and mug of ale? Do you simply charge them a weekly or monthly "upkeep" fee? Or do you just let it ride?

I used to make my players keep close watch on their funds for regular maintenance type stuff - staying at an inn, purchasing drinks, regular repairs, etc. But, I found that this really wasn't adding anything to the game. Moreover, it tended to interrupt the flow of roleplaying, so I adopted the suggested rule for a flat monthly upkeep cost that depended on the general behaviors and preferences of the character.

 

[atomn]

Typically my DMs would only have us account for major items (weapons, armor, special equipment, etc.) but not worry about food, meals, clothing. But in a recent Ptolus game I am in, the GM has been having us keep accurate records of our weath and I really enjoy that. It puts an edge of realism to the game and makes me have to consider simple survival as an aspect of the game. I like the blend of the adventures where us heroes try to do good in the city mixed with thoughts on how we're going to avoid living on the streets and eating garbage. And as far as I've seen it doesn't slow down the game at all.

 

[Mallus]

Not at all.

Ditto.

 

[Scribe Ineti]

Hardly at all. I keep my players' characters too busy in their games for such trivialities as shopping and balancing their checkbook.