As an old-school AD&D 2nd Edition player, I like most of the changes in 4e. One thing I can't come to grips with is the loot system.
I hate hate hate that the treasure drops are tailored to such a high degree. It pushes the game into such a linear progression for equipping your characters.
I'm thinking about sitting down and discussing the 50% Loot System with our DM. I really miss finding random loots in treasure caches, and this system seems like it would bring some of that mystery back. The system in a nutshell:
- The DM randomizes (most) loot.
- Items are sold at half price, instead of at 20% of list price.
- All treasure parcels containing magic items are raised by one level.
If you're into mechanics, please read the thread for some nitty gritty details. Apparently the system works quite well.
Has anyone tried alternate loot systems? What are your experiences with them?
Best Answer
If you read the 4e DMG 1 the Parcel system in D&D 4 is a recommendation. I.E. "If you want to fight X Monster of Y Difficulty then you will need Z gear." The modules Wizard wrote were designed with the recommended progression of monster power, character power, and attendant treasure. Somehow it this got transformed from a recommendation to "This is how it done." To change the feel of the treasure system then you need to change this assumption.
If you want break away from the predictable 4e treasure system then I recommend your or your referee play the setting more realistically. Note this is not the same as realism in mechanics. The mechanics of 4e can stay the same. By realism in the setting you have a more natural distribution of treasure and monsters. Which is roughly like a pyramid.
The implication of this is that once you move beyond low heroic you will be fighting a low of creatures on the low end of the scale while traveling through wilderness or town. The treasure will likewise be low end stuff. To find the better treasure you have to seek adventure and go to places that are more challenging. You find those places by roleplaying and tracking down rumors and legends.
I realize that this doesn't sound too much different. However unless you go seek those place, put yourself in harm's way,you will never gain better treasure. You may continue to level because you overcome various roleplaying challenges. This system divorces the gaining of treasure from the gaining of level.
Doing this will go a long way to restoring the mystery of finding treasure.