Electrum

A fairly recent response to the increasingly oppressive financial policies of The Bank of Doreymos, Electrum is a semi-rare transactional medium. An alloy of gold and silver, electrum coins look similar to gold coins, but instead of the traditional emblems emblazoned on either side, one side is stamped with an eye, and the other with a mirrored E. Additionally, the coins do tarnish more readily than gold, leading to it shining less brilliantly than gold would. Most importantly, though, as the currency is not backed by the Bank, and instead by independent investors, collectors, and the general market, an electrum piece's value varies wildly from week to week, and sometimes even from person to person.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

At the start of a campaign, 1 Electrum piece defaults to being worth 5 Silver pieces. Every week, though, there is a shift in the electrum market, leading to a change in a single electrum piece's value. Roll a d100; 1-44, the value drops by 2d10 copper, minimum 1 copper. 45-88, the value increases by 2d10 copper. 89-98, the value does not change. On a 99, the value is cut in half, minimum 1 copper. On a 100, the value doubles.

Significance

Born from rebellion against the universalized currency and oppressive money lending practices of the Bank of Doreymos, Electrum does work as a financial tool, but is primarily a tool of peaceful dissent. Many shopkeepers will refuse to trade in the confusing currency, and some rare few may even report the customer to the authorities; however, these reports rarely lead to any consequences, as electrum is only semi-illegal. However, just as many shopkeepers are willing to take a gamble on the cryptic currency, and some are even willing to give discounts on products in order to get in on it, or even to 'stick it to the man.' Some secretive organizations have taken to using electrum pieces to denote membership, using them to symbolize their clash with society.

Item type

Currency & Deeds

Rarity

Rare