Vow of Poverty Clarification

[dvvega]

The name of the feat implies you need to forgo all possessions and walk around with basically the clothes on your back, however the strict description in the book implies it is only a denial of magical items.

Which is it?

Okay strictly speaking as a DM I wouldn't let anyone walk around in noble's outfits and enjoy massive banquets, however, by a strict RAW they could technically do this as long as they gave the greater part of their earnings/money away.

Could someone please clarify this "by the book"?

D

 

[Jdvn1]

As far as I understand, you forgo all possessions. You can only have basic necessities, like clothes. No money, though. It's most useful to Monks and the sort.

 

[Bront]

You can keep a few simple weapons, a non-magical robe, and a few other misc items, and like up to 10 GP for minor things. Otherwise, you give it all up.

 

[dvvega]

Okay the answers so far seem to be implying things like 10gp that I cannot find written in the Exalted Deeds book.

Am I missing something? Or is that more of a house ruling thing?

For example what about a Cleric's Holy Symbol?

Because the Apostle of Peace requires the Vow of Poverty but they also cast Divine Spells.

In addition that same PrC implies they they can bypass certain restrictions ...

For example under Weapons and Armour it states:

As part of their sacred vows, apostles of peace forswear the use of armour, though they may wear magic items that protect them (such as a ring of protection or bracers of armour).

D

 

[Jdvn1]

I dont' recall the 10gp rule, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a house rule intended to make the color text have substance, which isn't a bad idea.

I'd rule a Cleric could have his Holy Symbol, because it'd be worthless otherwise.

 

[Bront]

I don't have the book in front of me. I thoght I remember there was a list of what you could have towards the front of the feat, and why in general. I know you didn't have to be penniless, but you couldn't have much more than a few gold.

Edit: Also, I believe you can have some spell components and such, and I think that includes a wooden holy symbol.

 

[Jdvn1]

Wouldn't surpise me that you don't have to be penniless, but I don't think I remember a list. Maybe someone does have the book in front of him, though.

 

[Bront]

It was a paragraph of what's allowed and what breaks the vow. I'll look at it when i get home tomorow.

 

[dvvega]

I have the book in front of me right now and I can only find the statement that they cannot have magic items.

Chapter 2 has the rules on poverty, the feat description is in chapter 4.

The feat description: simple weapons (a quarterstaff is indicated as a good example), simple clothes, food to sustain you for a day in a non-magic sack/bag, spell component pouch, no magic items of any sort but may benefit from them.

There is no indication of wealth limits except that you should give away most of your wealth so a cleric could have a platinum holy symbol as far as I read in a technicality ruled world.

In addition, I guess a cleric can enchant his own clothing/weapons with Magic Weapon and Magical Vestments and still be "poor".

So a Cleric could come out of this quite powerful ... hmmm ... and an Aasamir Cleric would be even worse ... hmmm ... okay thanks for the help.

D

 

[Bront]

That's the paragraph I was thinking of.

I'd houserule a coin limit and make it no more than 10 gold.