Wealth Distribution

In Æther, character wealth progression is streamlined to ensure all players have a consistent minimum baseline of funds at each level. This system abstracts the accumulation of wealth through adventuring, providing a simplified approach to gear acquisition and preventing characters from falling behind in their economic progression. This minimum wealth represents the combined value of treasure, equipment, and other assets a character is expected to have amassed. Purchases, earnings, rewards, and losses are independent of this minimum. 

• Level-Up: Upon reaching a new level, a character receives a lump sum of gold equal to the difference between the minimum wealth of their previous level and their new level. For example, a character advancing from level 3 to level 4 would receive 3,000 gp (6,000 - 3,000).
• Existing Wealth: This system only establishes a minimum wealth. Any gold a character already possesses does not offset the level-up grant. If a character already exceeds the minimum wealth for their new level, they still receive the full amount.
• Tracking: Players are responsible for tracking their own wealth. While moderators may periodically audit wealth to ensure compliance, the primary responsibility rests with the player.

Standard Wealth Progression

Level	Minimum Wealth	Wealth Gained Upon Level Up
1	Starting GP based on class	-
2	1,000 gp	1,000 gp
3	3,000 gp	2,000 gp
4	6,000 gp	3,000 gp
5	10,500 gp	4,500 gp
6	16,000 gp	5,500 gp
7	23,500 gp	7,500 gp
8	33,000 gp	9,500 gp
9	46,000 gp	13,000 gp
10	62,000 gp	16,000 gp
11	82,000 gp	20,000 gp
12	108,000 gp	26,000 gp
13	140,000 gp	32,000 gp
14	185,000 gp	45,000 gp
15	240,000 gp	55,000 gp
16	315,000 gp	75,000 gp
17	410,000 gp	95,000 gp
18	530,000 gp	120,000 gp
19	685,000 gp	155,000 gp
20	880,000 gp	195,000 gp

Automatic Bonus Progression (ABP) Wealth

As noted in the Automatic Bonus Progression rules, standard wealth progression halved to balance the inherent stat bonuses gained through that system.

Level	Minimum Wealth	Wealth Gained Upon Level Up
1	0 gp	-
2	500 gp	500 gp
3	1,500 gp	1,000 gp
4	3,000 gp	1,500 gp
5	5,250 gp	2,250 gp
6	8,000 gp	2,750 gp
7	11,750 gp	3,750 gp
8	16,500 gp	4,750 gp
9	23,000 gp	6,500 gp
10	31,000 gp	8,000 gp
11	41,000 gp	10,000 gp
12	54,000 gp	13,000 gp
13	70,000 gp	16,000 gp
14	92,500 gp	22,500 gp
15	120,000 gp	27,500 gp
16	157,500 gp	37,500 gp
17	205,000 gp	47,500 gp
18	265,000 gp	60,000 gp
19	342,500 gp	77,500 gp
20	440,000 gp	97,500 gp

Example:

A character reaching level 5 already has 8,000 gp. Despite exceeding the minimum wealth for level 1 (500gp), the player receives an additional 4,500 gp, bringing their total to 12,500 gp, meeting the minimum wealth for level 5.

Purpose:

This system is designed to:

• Simplify wealth management, reducing bookkeeping during level advancement.
• Ensure all characters have adequate resources.
• Maintain a consistent economic baseline, enhancing game balance.