Shellings

She Sells Seashells by the Seashore

Brief

Shelling(s) is the name for the currency used by water-bound or water dwelling species. It is not widely used by land dwelling species, and can sometimes be mistaken for decor or an attempt to swindle cashiers from those not aware of the usage of special shells. It is a common trade item in port cities such as Port Lautaganan.

Physical Appearance

Basics

Shellings are well, sea shells! The distinction between just a pretty shell and currency is determined by its engravings. Shellings that have been overseen by a government official will have the shell engraved with a specific set of marks to label it for monetary use.

Value Guidelines

The value of Shellings are decided by a few things: the size of the shell, the colours, and the engraving. Even if the size and colour are in line with what the currency should be, if there's no engraving, it is not valid currency!

If a shell is engraved, the next step would be to look at its size. The larger the shell, the more it's worth-obviously! After the engraving status and size are figured out, the next important step is the colour condition: A shelling that is of average size and is marked, may go up a step in monetary value if its colour is vibrant enough. If at some point in the Shellings' life that it has enough brilliance to move up a step, it will be engraved again.

Engraving

Engraving the shells is a very specific process. A metal tip, dipped in government specific Mana Ink is pushed into the shell. This is used so that even if someone manages to replicate the engraving, the ink is a specific blend that is incredibly difficult to duplicate due to its ingredient list being secret.

Influences in the World

Modern Banking

Given that most of the species that use this currency live underwater, there is no electronic counterpart to Shellings. The culture around it is very trade centric, so it does best at port cities and with other trades under water. It has slowly been becoming more and more rare as Haraamn and the gemstone standard become easier and more popular to use.

Nicknames & Slang

Shellings are usually called simple Shells, though 'Shelly' or 'Shellies' is another term. Their abbreviation is ISH on the stock market. Cowries is the average term for them, seeing as that is one of the most typical shell types used for the currency.

Item type

Currency & Deeds

Rarity

Common

Raw materials & Components

Various Seashells

I could tell they were a water dragon when I saw them. They made some attempt at being non-intimidating, but when your skin is a shade of dark blue with blue speckles and you have a single horn coming out of your forehead, it kind of screams "hey I'm from the ocean!". They came up to the counter with flowers, a pre-made bouquet. Something bright and cheery. Very much the opposite of what I'd expected them to be buying.

Shells clattered onto the counter, and I looked down at them. Most were pretty small, about the size of my thumbnail, but there was one that could fit into my palm, and shimmered like an opal. My shock was evident clearly, because the water dragon ducked their head.

"I know it's not much but-"

"I'll take that one," I pointed to it. "And the rest of your cowries. That'll cover more than enough. In fact, go to our custom counter, and go ask for an upgrade."