Uncover the Truth About D&D 5e's Treasure Hoards

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Problem with Treasure and Magic Items in 5th Edition D&D
3. The Meaninglessness of Gold
4. The Issue with Non-Magical Treasure
5. A Solution: Rethinking Treasure Hordes
6. Rewarding Gold at Lower Levels
7. Related Quest Hooks for Non-Magical Items
8. Plentiful and Interesting Magic Items
9. Emphasizing Consumables
10. Subtle Bonuses for Equipment
11. Legendary Items and Epic Quests
12. Conclusion

The Problem with Treasure and Magic Items in 5th Edition D&D

In the world of 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons, the treasure and magic items found in the Dungeon Master's Guide seem to lack the narrative support that an epic fantasy adventure game should have. Gold and gemstones are abundant but ultimately useless, while magic items are underwhelming compared to earlier editions. This raises the question: why include treasure as a reward system if it doesn't add value to the player's experience?

The Meaninglessness of Gold

While players may find use for coinage in the early stages of the game, such as upgrading equipment or purchasing useful items, gold quickly becomes a burden as the game progresses. By the time players reach seventh level, access to gold becomes almost meaningless, overshadowed by the pursuit of epic quests and the acquisition of powerful magic gear. Players may go through the motions of dividing up large sums of gold, but the true excitement lies in discovering magic items.

Pros:

• Provides players with early-game currency for essential upgrades
• Can be used to create a sense of wealth and status

Cons:

• Becomes a chore to keep up with in the late game
• Often ignored or relegated to constructing strongholds

The Issue with Non-Magical Treasure

In addition to gold, treasure hordes in D&D often include non-magical loot such as gemstones, artwork, and jewelry. While these items had importance in older editions where their gold value contributed to earned XP, they now seem pointless and irrelevant. The Dungeon Master's Guide offers little guidance on what to do with these items, resulting in players disregarding them or struggling to find a way to offload them. In the context of an epic adventure, dealing with these non-magical trinkets becomes a trivial distraction.

Pros:

• Provides a sense of variety in treasure hoards
• Can be used for negotiation or trade with non-player characters

Cons:

• Lacks relevance to the main adventure or quest
• Offloading these items often yields minimal returns

A Solution: Rethinking Treasure Hordes

To address the issues surrounding treasure and magic items in 5th edition D&D, a reevaluation of the reward system is necessary. Here are a few suggestions for improving the overall experience of treasure hordes:

1. Rewarding Gold at Lower Levels

Instead of incorporating gold as a prominent reward throughout the entire campaign, it should be primarily focused on the lower levels when players still require it for essential upgrades. Once the player characters reach a certain level of power and begin embarking on epic quests, the emphasis on gold should diminish.

2. Related Quest Hooks for Non-Magical Items

Non-magical items found in treasure hordes should be directly tied to quest hooks or side objectives encountered along the adventure. For example, discovering a missing wedding band for a grieving villager adds depth and meaning to the treasure, making it more than just a monetary value.

3. Plentiful and Interesting Magic Items

Magic items should be more abundant and diverse in treasure hordes. They should offer new options and solutions to future challenges, allowing players to exercise their creativity without worrying about game-breaking effects. Emphasis should be placed on rewarding consumable magic items and single-use tools.

4. Subtle Bonuses for Equipment

For non-consumable magic items such as weapons, armor, and spellcasting focuses, they should provide a wide array of unique and subtle bonuses that enhance the character's abilities and options. These bonuses should be powerful, yet balanced, and require the collection of an entire set or outfit to unlock their full potential.

5. Legendary Items and Epic Quests

Legendary items such as the revered plus 5 holy Avenger should only be awarded in the climax of an epic quest when the party is about to face a truly formidable challenge. By earning these powerful items through their adventures, players feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing that their success was made possible by the magic gear they gathered along the way.

In conclusion, the current treasure and magic item system in 5th edition D&D lacks the narrative support that an epic fantasy adventure game deserves. By reevaluating the role of gold, incorporating more meaningful non-magical items, and distributing powerful and interesting magic gear, the treasure horde experience can be greatly improved, enhancing the overall satisfaction and enjoyment of the game.

Highlights

• The gold system in 5th edition D&D becomes meaningless in the late game, overshadowed by the pursuit of epic quests and magic items.
• Non-magical treasure, such as gemstones and artwork, lacks relevance and guidance, resulting in players disregarding or struggling to offload these items.
• A solution to the treasure horde conundrum involves rewarding gold primarily at lower levels, tying non-magical items to quest hooks, diversifying and increasing the number of magic items, and introducing subtle bonuses to equipment.
• Legendary items should be reserved for epic quests' climaxes, creating a sense of earned power and accomplishment.

FAQ

Q: How does reevaluating the role of gold improve the game? A: By focusing on rewarding gold primarily at lower levels, players have a purpose for acquiring it. Once they progress to higher levels, the emphasis shifts to more significant rewards, such as magic items and quest-related treasures.

Q: Why should non-magical items in treasure hordes be related to quest hooks? A: Tying non-magical items to quest hooks adds depth and meaning to the treasure, making it relevant to the main adventure. It also serves as an opportunity for players to engage with the world and its inhabitants.

Q: How does increasing the number of magic items improve gameplay? A: Plentiful and diverse magic items provide players with more options and solutions to challenges they may face in the future. It encourages creativity and strategic thinking without the fear of disrupting game balance.

Q: What is the benefit of introducing subtle bonuses to equipment? A: Subtle bonuses allow characters to enhance their abilities and options. By requiring the collection of an entire set or outfit, players feel rewarded as they unlock the full potential of their magic gear.

Q: Why should legendary items be reserved for epic quests? A: Legendary items serve as the ultimate rewards for players, granting immense power and representing their achievements. By receiving them at the climax of epic quests, players feel a sense of fulfillment and the culmination of their efforts.