Currency - Bits

The rarity and value of good Iron and Steel that is free of the magical corruption that causes Wasting or other afflictions has shaped the nature of currency in Rebirth.

Units of Currency

Iron Bits

About the weight of a large iron nail, Iron Bits are stamped with the Faction, Guild or Temple that vouchesafes their safety, weight and purity. Iron Bits are the smallest unit of currency.

Steel Bits

Much harder and more durable than iron Steel Bits are worth 10 Iron Bits each. Similar size and weight, and stamped like Iron Bits. As Steel quality can vary there is a standard hardness test merhcants can make to verify coins further by sratching the edge of the coin with a verified piece of high quality steel. Only steel that meets or exceeds this minimum quality standard is produced into coins.

Gold Bits

The smaller but heavier coins of gold are worth 10 Steel Bits each. Magical corruption of gold is less commonly an issue so minting instead vouches purity and weight. Gold, while mush less useful for common folk, is prized for it's use in jewellery and art (both magical and mundane) but also for use in alchemy and some spells such as Arcane Lock.

Titanium Bits / Mithral Bits

The same size as a Steel Bit, but stronger, harder and yet half the weight. A Titanium Bit is worth 10 Gold Bits. Titanium (or Mithral to some folk) Bits are relatively rare, more often used as a store of wealth than a standard unit of exchange. Titanium is extremely difficult to process, requiring magical forging to reach temperatures hot enough.

Other Non Standardized Currencies

Due to the weight and bulk of Bits, larger amounts of wealth may be stored in Ingots of valuable metals or Gems. In their processed forms (Ingot vs raw material, or faceted vs uncut gems) these have generally agreed upon values as can work as larger units of exchange.

Unminted Bits

Scavengers, poor folk, more remote peoples or other, less scrupulous, folk may deal unminted Bits. Such as a bag of Iron Nails looted from ruins, or some salvaged Ancient Steel from an unknown device. Such trading is riskier as not only are you dealing with non-standardized weights but there is also the danger that the metals are corrupted. Standard practice for more upstanding folks is to exchange these to one of the guilds or minting organizations for official currency, at a modest fee of course.

Exchange Rates at a Glance

10 Iron Bits = 1 Steel Bit

10 Steel Bits = 1 Gold Bit

10 Gold Bits = 1 Titanium/Mithral Bit