Equipment & Economy
Starting Equipment
Your GM provides starting equipment based on the character's background and the setting. The system does not prescribe specific gear — your world defines what exists.
When assigning starting gear, the GM should ensure each character has:
- A weapon that fits their trained skills.
- Something to wear that provides protection, if the setting calls for it.
- A few items that support their concept and role in the party.
- Not too much. Enough to be functional, not enough to be comfortable.
Cost Tiers
There is no universal economy. Prices depend entirely on your setting. Use these tiers as a framework and assign numbers that fit your world:
| Tier | Description | GM Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Trivial | Things you spend without thinking. | Consumables, mundane supplies, small bribes. |
| Cheap | Affordable but worth noting. | Common gear, basic protection, simple tools. |
| Moderate | A considered purchase. | Quality gear, reliable protection, specialist supplies. |
| Expensive | A significant investment. | Rare gear, advanced tools, something people kill over. |
| Prestige | Money alone might not be enough. | Legendary items, restricted gear, things that change the balance of power. |
The currency, economy, and what things cost are entirely your call. A setting where metal is scarce prices weapons differently than one where they are common. The system does not care — it only needs you to decide.
Loot and Scavenging
When players loot a body or location, the GM decides what is available based on the fiction. The principle is simple: loot should be useful but not game-breaking.
A character who finds a powerful weapon early gains a tool — but ammunition is scarce, maintenance is costly, or carrying it draws attention. The best loot creates interesting choices, not just bigger numbers.
Encumbrance (Optional)
If you track weight, use this guideline: a character can carry CON × 2 in weight units without penalty. Beyond that, apply –5 to SPD per 10 units over the limit.
Most GMs skip weight tracking entirely. If it slows the game, drop it without apology.
Selling and Trading
Players can sell equipment for half its purchase price. Trading between characters is free. Black market transactions may cost more but attract attention — that is a fiction concern, not a math one.