I realize that according to the FAQ characters don't automatically start with the equipment written under Typical Trappings. However, in the case of the apprentice wizard, the text seems to strongly imply that the wizard starts with the equipment listed there: "An apprentice wizard is given a talismanic item by his master"; "he wears the robes of his College"; "he carries a letter from his master".

So is the apprentice wizard an exception to the general rule mentioned in the FAQ?

Also as a side question, I don't think it's written anywhere in the rulebook, but I assume characters can spend their starting wealth to purchase equipment (at least Abundant and Common one), right?

Yes, imo.

There is no price for an embued item (I think). There are no rules for making them either. I think you are just given a Rank 1 at the end of apprenticeship and then you upgrade it... somehow.

You cannot buy letters for your College giving you permission to travel... College robes might be brought, but I think these count as the clothes you are wearing.

I would say give a starting mage the letter, robes and talisman at poor then give more options based on any increased wealth.

just to make life easier.

If an apprentice started out poor, I'd be sorely tempted to give him tatty old cast-off robes and have the other apprentices make fun of him for being a peasant and give him black dice to the appropriate Fel rolls.

And based on what it says under Ranks and Symbols I'd only give a letter to an apprentice under special circumstances, whatever his wealth.

If a wizard doesn't carry the appropriate papers from his college, he's going to be in big trouble - without 'em, a Witch Hunter can (and should) burn him for unlicensed magic.

JacobKlunder said:

From Ranks and Symbols:

"For some reason, rumours persist among certain commonfolk that
a wizard needs to have a special warrant from the Colleges of Magic
to practice his craft. This is not actually the case; there is no such
thing as a “wizard’s warrant.” However, due to the misperception
that such things exist, some wizards, especially those who need
to travel far and wide, carry certain papers with them describing
their position and signed by someone of rank – usually the Elector
Count of the province they are in. This added bit of precaution
can keep a group of commoners from turning into an angry mob if
they’re expecting certain fictions to exist."

So, I'd suggest that the Witch Hunters are most likely to know that licences are not required. But the fact that many people expect licences to be necessary can lead to lots of interesting situations for your wizard. Which is the whole point.

Just give him the papers. Honestly how much help would a writ signed by the local EC be when dealing with a mob of illiterate peasants?

For starting out I agree an apprentice would have:

• Attuned Item that they would channel through
• Distinguishing clothes of the college - though the PC can't opt out of this and just have regular clothes
• Official writ stating what college they are from, who there mentor is, and current head of college (so Witch Hunter woudl know who to track down)

The level of these items would be dependant ont he PC and the wealth option. If you dirt poor, you may have a old tattered "borrowed" outfit from the college (indepting yourself further to them).

monkeylite said:

Wow - they just f'ed one of my favorite parts of the WFRP setting and, IMO, one of the more atmospheric.

nub5 said:

A lot - it's not about what's on the paper, it's about how impressive the seals are (I've seen papers with papal seals on 'em - **** impressive).