Jak

Currency is the life blood of a nation. If it relies on another nation's blood, it is subservient forever.

— Isami Pashad

The Jak is the official currency of the Jasani nation state, backed by the full weight of the national government and begrudgingly recognized as valid currency by the rest of the world. It is commonly used throughout the neighboring nations within Jasani's sphere of influence, though the Olaran prohibit its use within their territory.

History

Post-revolution government

After the Kingdom of Constol was overthrown by a populist military coup, the region's fragile economy (already weakened by the 7 year revolution and two centuries of ethnic conflict) collapsed. Markets were in chaos and trade routes fell apart. The Common, used by all Treaty of Passaran nations since the Cyanni War, suffered a worldwide collapse in value. This added fuel to a flame started by the Treaty nation's constant interventions in the region: the anti-treaty movement. When the common's failure as a currency made people's entire life savings worthless, this perception of weakness extended to the entire Treaty of Passaran. The new government rapidly agreed to throw off as many traditions and symbols of the Treaty as possible, including the Common. For a short time in 411, radical elements of the senate even banned the common's use within Jasani borders; this rule was promptly changed.
The Jak was their replacement currency. Many of its traits were in direct contrast to the Common. Whereas commons were made of Gold, Jaks were forged out of silver (though at times they are steel depending on the silver supply). While Commons used a base 8 system for counting the Jaks copied the Cyanni and used a base 10 system. Commons were rectangular plates, so they made Jaks circular. For a time it had significant cultural baggage, both positive and negative. To the people of the new nation of Jasani it served as a symbol of independence from the former government and the nations that supported it. However, to the Treaty nations it was an affront to their entire way of life. It took decades before most nations began to recognize it as a legitimate currency, an opinion shifted by force.

Rise of the Jak

At first most of the world could ignore this currency, but as Jasani won battle after battle in the Jasani conflicts and seized territory from their neighbors they gained access to a wealth of resources. Their economy recovered from the recession much faster than most other nations. In addition, their control of vital trade routes ensured that traders had to recognize and use the Jak or face trouble. Nations soon had no choice but to recognize the Jak as valid currency or let their entire economy suffer.

Significance

The increasing use of the Jak is commonly analyzed by economics and cultural classes in institutes of higher learning due to its anthropological significance. Its creation symbolized the culmination of a decades-long ethnic conflict and the deep-seated hatred for the Treaty of Passaran. To those who supported the treaty with all their hearts it was an affront to their every belief. Some even grant it the 'honor' of making the Jasani conflicts inevitable. Certainly, the Jak didn't help ease tensions. However, in a show of the military and political influence that Jasani gained, it became impossible to ignore and beneficial to accept.

Physical Description

Small silver coins with the inscription "Merit above all" in Kish, which is roughly pronounced "Avesium Nakt Li". The head side has an image of a Kirat Bird, which has special significance in Jasani culture for their use during the revolution, and the tail side has a stamp of a Jasani Sakurti Diver to symbolize the nation's military power.

Item type

Currency & Deeds

Manufacturer

Cyanni

Weight

2 Kepts (1.73 grams)