The division of treasure is a subject rarely discussed in Dungeons and Dragons but is of utmost importance to the delvers themselves. The 1st Edition Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Players Handbook has Appendix V which gives us suggested methods of dividing up treasure. But anyone who has ever played any of the MMORPG realizes that treasure division is often a contentious issue.
Monetary Treasure
The Players Handbook gives the following alternative suggestions:
- Equal shares – everyone shares and shares alike.
- Shares by level – Add up the levels and make this many shares
- Equal shares plus a bonus – outstanding play is rewarded. But who makes the decision on bonuses?
Magical Treasure
Magical treasure can be extremely sticky. Some adventurers are bound to want something that another delver ends up getting. Many inter party fights have started this way. And anyone who has played an MMORPG has probably experienced the loot snatch and log off technique of acquiring magical items. This was a frequent aspect of Everquest Online Adventures.
The Players Handbook does give suggestions as to division of magic as well. But hardly any group that I have ever seen has used them. The book suggests treating these items as a share of treasure and then allowing for the adventurers to dice for individual lots of treasure.
The most popular technique I have seen is the “Need before greed.” A player who can use the item is the first one to get it. If he has the item already or does not want it or need it then the others can dice for it.
If the item is not specific to any given class then dicing for it is the usual method of selection. I can certainly understand the idea that one not getting the item should get more of the non magical treasure but at higher levels this non magical treasure is often worth so much less than the magical item to the adventurers that it seems pointless.
Conclusion
Whichever methods your adventurers decide upon one thing is clear. It is highly advisable that they make the decision on division of treasure before the adventurers embark on their expedition. By then it may become too late for a civil discussion on who gets that magic wand. And you make get this…….
