Knot Coins

A knot received, is not always a knot desired.

— weary traveler

Currency can be an odd thing. From precious metals to simple paper anything can be exchanged for goods and services as long as the people place a value on it. That's were Knots fall. Hand-carved scraps of wood, shaped into round coin-like tokens. Valuable in the right circumstances, but backed by nothing but a promise.
Knots first started appearing after the collapse. Without recognized regional governments, there were no banks, vaults, or treasuries. The scattered clans, fragmented kingdoms, and sellswords needed a way to trade when bartering was not sufficient. These wooden tokens carried the mark of their creator, be it a vendor or craftsman. This limited their value and reach causing an abundance of varied coins to appear. As the spread higher quality woods and more intricate designs appeared. The craftsmanship of these later tokens increased their illusionary trade value. Today these rare partisan tokens can fetch surprising a price to the right person.
Some communities collaborated and set designs and identifying marks to ease confusion. As civilization regained some stability and kingdoms reformed, traditional currencies began to resurface. Knots remain in circulation and have became coupons for promotions or vouchers for work and repairs pending completion.
Bars regularly offer then as enticement or promotion to increase business. Performers in these establishments often receive them as payment for their services that can be exchanged for meals or a night's stay.
A small unregulated trade system has been established that allows these tokens to be used as payment for information and services to a limited degree. Some guilds use them to trade favors at a future date.
The reclusive Pact mages use them to set meetings or share information. Simple cantrips are used to mark the tokens. Only experienced shapers can reveal the true nature of the coins and their hidden messages.

Item type

Currency & Deeds