Economy

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Revision as of 22:46, 17 March 2018 by Feldspar (talk | contribs) (Added bank functions and pawnbrokers)
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The economy in Arthos works universally on coins of gold, silver, copper and platinum. Coins weigh 0.02lbs.

Mints

Banks

Bank Functions

  • Open Account
For a moderate to exorbitant fee, you may open an account with a bank. Most banks have little interest in dealing with those without the means to afford this charge. Some banks will even charge a yearly upkeep fee depending on your balance.
  • Deposit / Withdraw
Self explanatory. The basic function of a bank is to protect assets.
  • Issue Note
Because Arthos runs on a coin economy, dealing with large quantities of money can be burdensome and dangerous. A bank may issue you a certified bank note that you may trade with. You can also use bank notes to move capital between cities with the same bank.
  • Lend Money
If you're wealthy enough and your name carries weight, you may negotiate loans with banks. Keep in mind these loans tend to be quite large and anything below 100 gold is considered laughable. For small loans, find a pawnbroker.

Marketplaces

The main arteries of a functioning economy. Marketplaces are designated zones within municipalities meant to facilitate trade between businesses, peddlers, and consumers. Markets are too numerous to list given that almost every town in Arthos will have at least one. Major cities will oftentimes have multiple markets catering to different products and socioeconomic classes.

Money Changers

In any given marketplace, you will find people called money changers. They provide the service of exchanging coins for coins of equivalent value. Their business relies on the fact that most merchants do not give change for transactions. Depending on proximity to the nearest bank, they will charge a fee ranging from 5-20%. For an even steeper rate, they may accept foreign coins for local ones.

Pawnbrokers

The main purpose of a pawnbroker is to lend small quantities of money to average citizens. Due to the volatility of such a practice, pawnbrokers will almost always ask for valuable items as collateral. The collateral for defaulted loans are sold off.
Pawnbrokers are the only merchants in Arthos who will buy the junk found (and often looted) by adventurers. Expect to be offered prices in the range of 5-10% of an item's true value.

Conversions

Conversion Rates
Type Value in Copper Equivalent Value [USD]
Copper 1 $0.50
Silver 10 $5
Gold 100 $50
Platinum 1000 $500

Player Character Starting Wealth

The inventories for new characters, including their coinage, is ultimately up to the GM. However, the player and GM may agree to use the following method to semi-randomly determining their beginning wealth.
You may choose to break your cash down into small units only during character creation. Once the game begins, you must use in-universe methods to make change.

Character Archetype Wealth on Hand Wealth in Bank
Peasant 1d20 copper N/a
Loner 2d6 silver N/a
Commoner 4d6 silver N/a
Fledgling Merchant 1d4 gold N/a
Established Merchant 4d6 silver 5d10 gold
Business Owner 4d6 silver 10d20 gold
Young Noble 4d8 gold N/a
Established Noble 4d8 gold 100d20 gold