Cigarette

Cigarettes, originally a nicotine item that was commonly used for recreational purposes and relaxation, has become a currency in this world, specifically in The Lost Continent Of America. While they are still used by some for smoking; the significant loss in human life during World War III, the increasing usage of Cigars created using Crosslings, and the once common Nicotiana tabacum plant being driven to near extinction, Cigarettes and their butts have become the most-used currency in the western part of the frozen world. For comparison with the former American dollar (USD), 1 Cigarette is equal to $2.75, while 1 butt is equal to $1.00.

History

From the dawn of their creation in the 9th century to the 1900s, cigarettes had been a popular relaxant for Humans all around the globe; despite the health risks that had been a hot topic of national debate in the years before World War III. In 1932, the Deepcore Foundation had begun creating their own brand of cigarettes, 'MANTLE', which was mass-produced in one of their many multi-purpose factories found throughout the country, including the one in Moonblight.
While Cigarettes weren't immediately used for currency after the world fell apart, the dollar bill and coin became irrelevant and practically useless in America with the destruction of the global economy. At first, people would trade items or would work on a system that required all people to contribute to each other. While the system was put into practice in 1975, around 13 years after the world froze over, no one is too particularly sure whom came up with the idea, though one story remains popular; with some even claiming that it is true.

The Man With A Thousand Cigarettes

In Ashland, a strange man had visited and stayed in the town for the span of a month. He was a rather odd outsider compared to the usual likes of wanderers, cult members, Nomans and especially Searchers who were unaffiliated with The Refounded. While the man wore a simple red-hoodie and jeans, a notable oddity with him; aside from his attire being vastly unfit for exploration in the frozen wasteland, was that he had red hair and a red goatee. Over the month, he was commonly seen in different stores each day, and whenever he wished to purchase a book; he would always pay for it with a packet of cigarettes; of which he seemed to always have one on hand. He was never seen drinking or eating outside these libraries, and he would only talk to people inside them.
After the month had ended and the stranger vanished without a trace; along with the books he had purchased, the libraries were left with a large amount of cigarettes; which they had begun to use to trade with others. Eventually, people began to dig up older packets of cigarettes in and around Ashland, which they too began trading. It wouldn't take long before the cigarettes began to be traded with others connected to The Refounded's trading routes, and after its leader saw the amount of cigarettes being traded; he decided to make it their official currency. Now, everyone within The Refounded use cigarettes to pay for items, carrying them around in either a large cigarette pack or a bag.

Item type

Currency & Deeds

Owning Organization

The Refounded

Rarity

Common

Weight

1 g

Dimensions

70mm - 120mm in length, 5mm - 8mm in width