Are players supposed to be able to spend the money received from the creation points they spend on the Wealth category on anything and everything listed in the equipment chapter of the book? It recently occurred to me that this isn't clear, that perhaps they are ONLY supposed to receive the items it says they start with and then should need to buy further equipment in play. Otherwise, it would seem that factors like rarity don't really figure in before play starts. On the other hand, if purchases before play begins aren't allowed, no one would start with any armour.

I allow any items to be bought during chargen that can be afforded without considering rarity. They've had their whole life up to that point to acquire their starting gear and even extremely rare items can be explained away in character background. Perhaps it was the family heirloom, or something they searched years for prior to the start of the game. It doesn't matter.

I would allow any non-rare/exotic items. The only way to have a rapier or healing draught is to purchase "wealthy" status.

As exceptions, I would allow any item listed on career card typical equipment. As it's been clarified in FAQ, you don't get that automatically, but you can buy it if you want to.

Rob

To each his own, but if a Comfortable starting character wants to buy a rapier and main gauche, I've no problem with that. Like I said, they can be considered family heirlooms or otherwise explained via character background. OTOH, I don't see what is gained by restricting these items during chargen other than to force players to waste a lot of time in their early adventures shopping for better equipment. If you and your players enjoy that sort of thing, more power to you. I'd just as soon let them start with the equipment they want and spend play time doing more interesting things than shopping.