Abacus

Mathematical aid.

Kazan entered the trade hall for the first time. The sounds of laborers moving goods filled the space as he passed through it. A large variety of goods were being traded here, some from very far away. As Kazan passed through the next doorway the sound of wooden boxes and heavy breath of workers changed to the constant clicking of abaci as the traveling traders negotiated their payment with the merchants.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

By moving beads up or down on the rods within the frame allows for the quick addition, subtraction, multiplication, and even division of numbers.

Manufacturing process

The beads and rods must be created with very smooth surfaces to facilitate moving along each other. These are placed with a square frame so that the beads are not lost.

Significance

The ability to perform mathematical calculations is improved with this tool. It can also help prevent errors. Perhaps more importantly than that it allows merchants who don't speak the same language to overcome that barrier and communicate value of goods and services.

Stub Article

This article is just a stub for now and will be expanded upon later.

Old Article

This article was written in the past and does not meet my current standards for any number of article quality, layout, or content.

In-Progress Article

This article is being worked on, perhaps not at this very moment, but it is being worked on.

Game Statistics

Special: A character using an abacus adds b to any check involving mathematics.
Encumbrance 0; Hard Points 0; Rarity 4

Other

Item type

Tool

Rarity

The abacus is a common tool in the world of traders, merchants, and scholars but relatively uncommon in the general population who mostly do not know how to use it.

Weight

200 - 600g

Dimensions

Width: 12 - 24cm Length: 8 - 10cm Height: 2 - 3cm

Raw materials & Components

Abaci are commonly made of wood due to the abundance of the material and lower weight compared to metal.

Tools

Carpenter's tools.