this post was submitted on 16 Nov 2024
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Let's Make Better Rpg Currencies

@rpg

https://youtu.be/VADntQSNMB4

I'm curious what currency systems my fellow #ttrpg GMs have dreamt up when #worldbuilding.

It's always annoyed me how #dnd's gp/sp/cp currency resembles the USD system so much in the way it is used, despite the fact that IRL a single gold coin would be worth more than my car. Does #WotC think my backpack is worth $8k? That makes no sense to me.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

The best currency is obviously tally sticks.

I joke - I haven't used this in a game. It is interesting, though. From what I understand of history, the vast majority of people used a gift economy, barter, and what was essentially a credit system to get what they needed. The idea of the adventurers 'buying' their equipment on credit by owing the blacksmith a portion of loot later does raise some ideas.

Also tally sticks are where we get the phrase 'stock holder'; the one who loaned the goods kept the larger end of the split tally, which was called the stock.