Spending gold at higher levels in 5e

[Jimbro]

I love giving my PCs gold, but I'm finding at higher levels they have no way to really spend it since they can't buy magic items with it. I've come up with a bunch of ideas on my blog for ways to tempt PCs into spending their hard-won gold in a worthwhile way. You can check it out here:


http://worldbuilderblog.me/2015/07/16/big-purchases/


How else are people tempting their PCs into spending bling?

 

[Dragonsbane]

Most of mine you mention in your post:

Spellbooks / spell research
library / shrine / grove
magic items / magical item crafting
keep / stronghold
vehicles / transport
lifestyle expenses
bribes / power groups / politics
supplies / animals / horses
NPC wages
research / information
land / mines
armies / patrols

 

[CapnZapp]

Obvious solution: allow them to buy magic items.

 

[Dragonsbane]

Obvious solution: allow them to buy magic items.

This. Although PCs generally can't find powerful items for sale, there are some magic heavy areas in my world where big cities might sell some uncommon or even a few rare items. Once they RP with the vendor and get on his good side, of course.

 

[Jimbro]

This. Although PCs generally can't find powerful items for sale, there are some magic heavy areas in my world where big cities might sell some uncommon or even a few rare items. Once they RP with the vendor and get on his good side, of course.

Totally. I actually have that as one of the solutions in my game, but I don't want them to become 3rd or 4e edition armed to the teeth since that won't work for 5e in my game. I do allow potions, scrolls, and other consumables which they seem to enjoy. Good stuff! Keep it coming!

 

[Li Shenron]

Even better solution: stop giving them treasure.

With the exception of dragons, I don't think high-level foes such as archdevils, powerful demons, liches, elemental lords, ancient undead, and finally deities are interested in monetary riches at all, so why should they have a treasure to take?

The whole idea of "more money > better weapons > higher-level challenges > even more money" is actually quite nonsense and metagaming. It would be so much more reasonable for a character to lust for treasure in order to gain actual wealth (be it in the form of castles, land, clothes, jewelry, sex companions, lakes of beer, endless parties of whatever...), or to covet a hoard if the character has some Uncle Scrooge issues.