WBL for new PCs above 1st level

[Demelain]

Which table in the DMG is the appropriate one for determining the total accumulated wealth of a character above first level? Making a PC starting at level 6, and we're having a small dispute over whether we're supposed to reference the table on page 54 or 135.

[sirpercival]

Use the one at the back of PHB2, it's easy.

[Maat Mons]

The first column of the table on page 54 was created by taking the difference between pairs of rows from the table on page 135. 

Reading the earlier table, we see that a character should gain 900 gp while transitioning from 1st to 2nd level, 1,800 gp while transitioning from 2nd to 3rd level, 2,700 gp while transitioning from 3rd to 4th level, 3,600 gp while transitioning from 4th to 5th level, and 4,000 gp while transitioning from 5th to 6th level.  Adding that all up, we see that a 6th-level character should have accumulated a total of 13,000 gp by the time he has reached 6th level. 

Reading the later table, we see that a 6th-level character should have 13,000 gp.  That's the same result as before, except a lot easier to get because we didn't have to add it all up. 

So, you can use whichever you like, and you'll get the same answer.  I'd use the one on page 135, because it isn't needlessly tedious. 

[kitep]

While we're on the subject, how's WBL work with consumables and wealth lost?

For example, going from 4th to 5th, you should gain 4000gp.  But what if a rust monster ate your +1 plate mail?  Should you merely get 4000gp, or should it be 4000 + cost of replacement armor?

I see problems both ways

If replacement is NOT included, then this penalizes the person who actually plays the character from 1st to 6th and had to spend money along the way vs someone who just created a 6th level character

If replacement IS included, then why not burn through stuff?  Use up every charge in that wand because it'll be replaced!

[Jackinthegreen]

They are guidelines.  Nothing more.  It is up to the DM to decide whether to compensate the party for lost or used items.

[whitetyger009]

I see the WBL as what the character has managed to keep up to this level.