Potential Currency
D&D tries to emulate the themes of heroic fantasy (or just fantasy in general) and with that in mind I intend to use the following system in place of the standard 4th edition wealth system. Please note that this does not significantly affect the game’s economy (i.e. you won’t notice the difference really).
The purpose of this system is to create more opportunities for both role-playing and story development as it makes the game’s economy much more organic. By removing (for the most part) the “store.” As a fringe benefit it simplifies tracking wealth.
TOKENS are the base unit (though you can get a ½ token) of the three currencies. Each token is equal in value to a single consumable/temporary magic item or ritual (or the effect thereof). While two tokens equal the value of a permanent magic item or ritual (or the effect thereof).
SPENDING tokens only requires that your currency and means of application be relevant to the scene. Be creative but do not just pull something out of your ass. This is why there are three types of currency to account for almost any situation.
Each character is limited to having only 100 tokens at a time. These currencies can’t be transferred into one another. Please note for all intents and purposes hereafter that the term ‘item’ – when used in reference to things tokens are spent upon – will refer to both magic items and rituals (i.e. there effects) as a whole.
Buying Gear: You can spend any combination of currency to purchase an item. For items of your level its 1 token for a consumable/temporary item and 2 tokens for a permanent item. To purchase items 2-3 levels above your level the item costs twice as many tokens (so 2 tokens for a consumable/temporary item and 4 tokens for a permanent item). You may purchase items up to your level +3. Items 2 levels or more below your level cost half as many tokens (to a minimum of ½ of a token). Roll a dice on anything you wish to buy for ½ a token if the result is an even number you get the item without spending anything.
Mundane Gear: Is considered to be level 3 items and cost 1 token.
Wealth
“Wealth is merely a matter of perspective. It is the merchant’s task to convince his patrons that their outlook is poorer for the lack of the merchant’s goods.” --Nihils Corbus Selen, First Chair of the Merchants Guild of the Crystal Isles
The sum of valuables. Both physical (in the case of gold and jewels) and imagined (as is the case of art, finery or luxuries) is what this token represents. It is acquired in the usual ways, from treasure hordes, rewards, payments, dead bodies and the selling of things.
Selling Gear: When you sell an item of your level or lower you will receive 1 Wealth token in exchange. If you are selling an item 2 levels or more above your level you will receive 2 Wealth tokens.
Fortune
“I would rather have the wind about my ship then have all the treasures of the world within her holds.” --Lrog ‘Sharptooth’ Adlamaris, Captain of the Sea Snake
The favour of fate. It represents both luck and karma, the weight of your heroic deeds upon the balancing scales of the universe. You’ll earn it by doing Good.
Fame
“There is not a man or beast who dwells upon this world that has not been touched by my hand. I may not be a god but I am second to them.” --Muler Ventiusent, First High King of Crystal Isles
An amalgam of reputation, rumour and good-will. Fame represents not only how well known you are but also how much that reputation can be used as leverage in any given situation.