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Starting Equipment

Starting Equipment

Starting equipment represents the initial gear, resources, and possessions your character begins their adventuring career with. This equipment reflects your class's background, training, and the tools typically associated with your heroic archetype.

Purpose of Starting Equipment​

Starting equipment serves multiple important functions in character creation. It provides your character with the basic tools needed for survival and success in early adventures, establishes narrative elements about your background and training, and gives you a foundation to build upon as you acquire new gear throughout your career.

The equipment your class provides is carefully chosen to support your intended role and capabilities, ensuring you can contribute meaningfully to your team from the very beginning of play.

Types of Starting Gear​

Starting equipment typically includes several categories of items:

  • Weapons and armor: Combat gear that matches your class's proficiencies and expected role
  • Tools and equipment: Specialized items that support your class's unique abilities and functions
  • Survival gear: Basic necessities for adventuring, such as clothing, food, and shelter materials
  • Resources: Money, contacts, or other assets that provide flexibility and options

Class-Specific Considerations​

Different classes receive starting equipment that reflects their particular background and approach to heroism. A technology-focused class might begin with advanced gadgets and computer equipment, while a mystically-inclined class could start with arcane implements and research materials.

The quality and type of starting equipment often reflects the class's expected power level and role within a team. Classes designed for front-line combat typically receive better armor and weapons, while support classes might have more diverse utility equipment.

Customization Options​

Many classes offer choices in their starting equipment, allowing you to customize your gear to match your character concept and preferred play style. These choices might involve selecting between different weapon types, choosing specialized tools, or deciding how to allocate limited resources.

Some systems also provide alternative starting packages or allow you to purchase your initial equipment directly, giving you complete control over your character's starting loadout.

Long-Term Planning​

While starting equipment gets you through early adventures, it's important to consider how your gear will evolve over time. Understanding your class's equipment progression helps you make smart choices about what to keep, what to upgrade, and what new capabilities to pursue as you advance.

Your starting equipment also influences your early tactical options and helps establish patterns of play that may continue throughout your character's career.