Dragonteeth

The rest of Anatost relies on more or less precious metals for their currencies. But in Nerezia, dragons rule as the sole ruling class. They demand all that glitters and - sooner or later - store every coin in their hoards. They never return any of those and take them out of circulation forever. Thus, in Nerezia, trade relies on the exchange of actual teeth - Dragonteeth.

What are they?

The common traveler may wonder if they hold an actual dragon's tooth in their hands. The answer is most likely no. Most of the Dragonteeth are the larger teeth of a crocodile species only found in the swamps of Nerezia. These smaller teeth are also not particularly valuable. One of those teeth may exchange hands over a single meal or a mug of ale.
At the other end of the spectrum, a true dragon's tooth is among the most valuable things one can own in Nerezia. Even a single small tooth of an ancient dragon might exchange hands over a house. These teeth are often only valid with their unique documentation. This documentation serves as proof of their original dragon. It may also show if the tooth comes with the authentic favor of a living dragon.
Between those extremes, the teeth of dead dragons are valuable and fetch good prices. This is also true for teeth from dragons slain in far away countries. Be warned, though, dragon slayers do not have a long life expectancy in Nerezia. One of the dragons living here likely lost a friend or family member to them.

How are they made?

Only a dragon can grant a lesser mortal a true dragon's tooth. Dragons in Nerezia have learned to keep the teeth they lose while growing into maturity. Lesser mortals can earn such a tooth by providing them with an exceptional service. At least a scribe witnesses these events and provides the documents.
Nobles from other countries have begun to imitate the dragons of Nerezia in this aspect. Sometimes, they fill their mouth with one or more golden teeth. Dragons have an excellent sense of humor and ignore or laugh about such unhealthy vanity.
The smaller Dragonteeth are from crocodiles of the swamps of Uslavin. An actual black dragon is in charge of caring for the swamps, and the crocodiles. He's taking harsh steps on anyone trying to steal the teeth from the crocodiles in his swamp. On a whim, he may decide to allow his chosen servants to harvest new teeth. This process means catching and subduing a crocodile. Then, a specialist selects and removes some of the teeth. Those regrow over the course of a year.
Those same servants collect the vast majority of the Dragonteeth. When crocodiles feed, they can lose teeth. This provides the nation with a steady supply of fresh Dragonteeth. According to legend, the black dragon of the swamp eats the old teeth. He supposedly only trades new teeth for old ones because Qoanol forces him.
Finding a dragon's tooth is a sign of good luck: It means becoming rich. Even travelers can exchange teeth of actual dragons - dead or alive - for excellent rates. In general, those are rare but welcome additions to the wealth of Nerezia.

Trade with other nations?

Some younger dragons are willing to part with some of their teeth for a huge treasure. Sometimes, they are also very interested in unique magical items. For the normal traveler, it is often possible to find a merchant who is willing to trade smaller amounts. Some dragons even send special envoys to distant regions to find rare artifacts.

How did it start?

In the early years of the reign of Qoanul, the people used metal coins. But more and more coins ended up in the hoard of the queen, and eventually in the hoards of the regional lords. The people had to keep paying more and more for the same since the coins were becoming more and more rare.
According to legend, the then-mate of Qoanul granted the first Dragontooth. A dwarf had introduced the two dragons to each other. As a token of gratitude for the introduction the dragon gave this dwarf one of his teeth. The dwarf did not want to be associated with matchmaking between dragons. But he learned that other people coveted the favor and by extension the tooth of that dragon. The legend claims that he walked away with a ship and a crew in exchange for the tooth. Qoanul insists all the dwarf got was a cart full of ale kegs.
Dragons began to imitate this legend, and so did the common people. Real dragon's teeth came with the favor of a dragon. But people began using the teeth of reptilians or dead dragons. Qoanul tried to suppress the trade with teeth for a while. Since the fiftieth year of her reign she supports it officially. But she forbade the use of teeth other than those approved by her or her advisors.
People who advertise their wealth may hear that Qoanul herself will snack on them. Indeed, it is not wise to flaunt a wealth of Dragonteeth since it can draw the ire of a true dragon. Rarely, a young dragon becomes so mad they feast on such careless people. The older dragons are able to focus their wrath only on people who deserve it.

Item type

Currency & Deeds

Manufacturer

Nerezia