In the interest of reducing book-keeping, saving the GM's voice from listing denominations and item values, and having to remember what an electrum piece is worth, we propose instead a system akin to the Lifestyles described in the PHB. Instead of tracking every silver and copper piece, this system instead categorises the adventuring party's wealth into tiers. Much like Lifestyles, these tiers describe the level of day-to-day expenditure that the party can afford without any hardship. Additionally, Wealth tiers can also reflect the general goodwill and social status afforded to the adventuring party, as those that favour the adventurers are more willing to help and discount goods.

Purpose of this system

The system proposed here is not intended to apply to the adventuring party's starting equipment. In most cases, as an incentive to induce adventuring, an adventuring party can be considered to starting at Squalid Wealth.

Guidelines are provided for what equipment listed in the PHB is available at each Wealth tier. A party at that Wealth tier can purchase, if available, equipment at that Wealth tier at will. This represents that the expenses incurred are within the expected range of their Wealth. Additionally, the party can purchase items at the next higher tier, however, purchasing such an item will immediately reduce the party's Wealth tier by one. This represents that the expense incurred is an exceptional investment, above and beyond their usual means, and may incur debt.

The following table is not exhaustive, and should be interpreted as a guide. The table does not strictly correspond to the costs as listed in the PHB, however, for equipment, mounts and vehicles the comparison is mostly accurate. As ever, the GM should be consulted if clarification is required. Note that we have not considered the purchase of magical items and equipment, with the exception of potions of healing; as the availability of such depends strongly upon the setting, the GM should decide if, how readily, and for how much can such items be purchased.