[DL] Wealth

["Dom Gallegos" <stylenz@hotmail.com>]

This is long.

A while back someone brought up a comment about how Marshals run money. I've 
been struggling with this a bit. All my posse members have the Dinero edge 
at a minimum of 3. Except for one character who has the poverty edge. Now 
the rich folks don't help out the poor character with their money. They all 
hoard their cash a bit for different reasons. However, we (the players) 
don't want to get bogged down in details about buying drinks, rooms, etc. 
With big purchases we do, S&R, firearms, clothes, horses, etc. However, with 
the poor character, who has to count his pennies does pay for every 
telegram, drink, etc.

Also, during down time I give my players an option to earn some money 
working in their profession. Gambling, Doctoring, ranch hand, etc. This is 
based on a roll against their skill, Medicine for example. This system is 
not new. I've copied it from a fantasy game to DL. I would like some 
suggestions, comments, etc for it.

The way it works: Characters pick a wealth level that represents their 
characters. The levels cost a certain amount each month. PC's can either 
just pay those levels or work to maintain their level. A success means the 
character has covered the upcoming month. A raise earns half the level cost. 
Two raises is either an upgrade or two months worth. This next one I'm not 
quite sure about. Three raises or above lets the PC's make contacts or a 
chance to earn an edge at X1 cost. PC's can only raise the edge one level a 
roll. The edge has to be reasonable to gain it during work.
If the player busts they drop a level or earn a negative reputation in their 
line of work.

The cost of the levels are based upon job wages of the time. They include 
the initial clothes at a discount, but assume the PC's spend money each 
month on upkeep and such. The PC's are assumed to sleep indoors about 10 
days out of the month, with the rest of the month sleeping outside, barns, 
etc. If a PC's wage includes room and board, then subtract the accommodation 
from the cost. PC's are expected to hunt and forage a bit to help their 
diet. Beverages represent either a taste for the good stuff, but not too 
much, or cheap drink and lots of it.
Here's the wealth levels, and were I would like the most suggestions.

Thrifty $25 (Difficulty 3)
At this level the character is your typical ranch hand. He owns 2 
workshirts, 2 pants, shoes. The items are patched and obviously used. 
Accommodation is usually in a low class hotel that doesn't include food. 
Food and beverage is at a cheap restaurant and allows a healthy dose of rot 
gut whisky or beer. Most NPC's won't notice this character walking the 
street.

Average $50 (Difficulty 5)
At this level the character owns 4 workshirts, 4 workpants, boots, shoes, a 
fancy shirt/pants (for church). The clothes have a few mends, but otherwise 
are of average quality. Accommodation is usually a boarding house that 
include meals. Beverages can be purchased for another person once in a 
while. The character owns a few used items for their profession and spends 
about $5 (included in cost)a month to repair or replace their tools. NPC's 
won't notice this character.

Comfortable $100 (Difficulty 7)
A comfortable player would own equipment of above average maintenance with 
all items appearing used but very serviceable. Some luxury items would be 
clearly visible such as rings and good boots. This includes a suit, fancy 
shirt/pants and 8 work shirts/pants. In public the player would be treated 
as middle class and attract the attention of the public in small towns. 
Accommodation will be at better class hotels with food included. Beverages 
include the good stuff and a few rounds for the posse.

Extravagant $150 (Difficulty 9)
An extravagant player would have good equipment that was maintained so that 
items were well cared for and serviceable. The PC would have luxury items 
that were obviously the newest trend. This includes 2 suits, 12 dress 
shirts/pants, 2 pair of boots/shoes. In the streets the PC would be treated 
as a wealthy land owner or politician. The player may be granted an 
invitation to attend dinner at the mayor's house, or local cattle baron. 
Equipment for work is the newest or always in good working order. Beverages 
are always the best as well as for his friends. Accommodation include the 
best hotels with food.

Suggestions, comments, concerns?

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