Currencies of Erinnal
Currencies vary widely across regions, each reflecting the unique cultures, economies, and histories of their respective peoples. While many realms maintain their own systems of trade and barter, three primary currencies dominate the continent of Erinnal due to their widespread influence: the Eira Standard of the Kingdom of Mala, the Imperial Standard of the Ivirial Empire, and the crystalline Spellglass, favored by adventurers and mages.
Mala: Eira Standard
The Eira Standard is the currency of the Kingdom of Mala and is known for its base-12 system. Coins are minted in copper, silver, gold, and rarer metals, each carefully engraved with Malan cultural motifs. The Eira Standard is widely accepted in the eastern regions of Erinnal and serves as a common medium of trade.
- Common Coins:
- Sarj (Copper Coin): Used for everyday transactions such as food and basic goods.
- Riyal (Silver Coin): Standard for trade and labor payments, representing moderate value.
- Zarjin (Gold Coin): The benchmark for wealth, used for high-value purchases or symbolic offerings.
- Rarer Coins:
- Nisra (Electrum Coin): Intermediate in value, popular among merchants for efficiency.
- Shafir (Platinum Coin): Used for significant transactions, noble gifts, or contracts.
- Karyan (Adamantium Coin): The rarest coin, often ceremonial or symbolic in exchanges.
Iviria: Imperial Standard
The Imperial Standard is the currency of the Ivirial Empire, designed around a base-10 system to ensure simplicity and efficiency in trade. Coins are minted with symbols of Ivirial power, such as the winged stag, and are widely used in the northwest of Erinnal.
- Common Coins:
- Braze (Copper Coin): Smallest unit, used for minor purchases such as street food or trinkets.
- Crownet (Silver Coin): Standard for most daily transactions and trade.
- Gilder (Mixed-Metal Coin): Represents intermediate value, often used by merchants.
- Regal (Gold Coin): Used for high-value goods, luxury items, and noble contracts.
- Rarest Coin:
- Sovereign (Platinum Coin): Reserved for royal tributes, diplomatic exchanges, and monumental transactions.
Adventurers: Spellglass
Known as ithyr in Old Ivirial, Spellglass is a crystalline currency prized for its magical properties. It is used primarily by adventurers, mages, and merchants trading in magical items or services. Spellglass serves as both a medium of exchange and a resource for enchantments, making it invaluable in realms where magic is prevalent.
- Common Denominations:
- Bits: Smallest fragments, used for minor purchases or low-tier magical transactions.
- Slivs: Intermediate denominations, suited for standard trade or moderate enchantments.
- Shards: The most common unit, equivalent to a gold coin in other systems.
- Higher Denominations:
- Mark: Larger shards, often used for valuable trades or powerful enchantments.
- Crystal: Represents significant value, used in crafting magical artifacts or buying rare items.
- Core: The purest and rarest form of Spellglass, reserved for legendary items or world-altering magic.
Trade and Exchange
While these currencies are not always interchangeable, regions with strong trade connections often establish exchange rates to facilitate commerce. For example:
- 1 Zarjin (Eira) = 1 Regal (Imperial) = 1 Shard (Spellglass)
- 1 Riyal (Eira) ≈ 10 Crownets (Imperial) ≈ 10 Slivs (Spellglass)
- 1 Sarj (Eira) ≈ 1 Braze (Imperial) ≈ 1 Bit (Spellglass)
Exchange rates may fluctuate based on local demand, availability of metals, and geopolitical factors. Travelers are encouraged to carry local currency or Spellglass for convenience when navigating the diverse economies of Evindale.