Money and the Economics of Survival

The Role of Labor, Scarcity, and Trust in Shaping Wasteland Economies

By John Bastille

Professor of Economics and Necrology

Last Hope University College of War

In the vast and desolate Wastes, where survival is a daily struggle and the remnants of civilization cling to existence, money takes on a role far beyond its traditional function. Here, it symbolizes resilience and reflects our collective will to endure amidst chaos. In a world ravaged by devastation, where the dead walk and the living fight against all odds, money becomes more than a medium of exchange; it embodies the fragile trust that binds us and our shared determination to impose order upon disorder.

The Essence of Money in the Wastes

At its core, money in the Wastes is an agreement born out of necessity. It represents the trust we place in one another, in the institutions governing our settlements, and in the labor that sustains us. Each settlement, isolated by the undead and the threat of lawlessness, has developed its own Local Currency—a testament to its autonomy and capacity to provide for its people. These currencies are backed by the Public Works, communal bodies responsible for maintaining order, distributing resources, and ensuring that basic needs are met. The value of this currency is rooted in the collective belief that it can be exchanged for goods, services, and protection within the settlement's borders.

Labor as the Foundation of Value

In the Wastes, the value of goods and services isn't dictated by abstract market forces or speculative ventures disconnected from reality. It's grounded in something tangible and immediate: labor. The effort required to produce an item or provide a service is the true measure of its worth. Time, skill, and risk are the currencies with which we purchase survival.

Consider the farmer who spends grueling hours under a relentless sun, coaxing life from barren soil to produce the herbs that heal our wounds and sustain our bodies. Or the blacksmith, whose forge blazes into the night as they shape metal into the weapons and tools that defend us against the myriad threats of the Wastes. Each of these individuals invests labor—real, tangible effort fraught with hardship—and it is this labor that imparts value to their work. In a world where resources are scarce and danger is ever-present, the value of an item reflects the sweat, skill, and peril involved in its creation.

Trust and the Fragility of Economies

The economies of the Wastes are delicate constructs, built upon the tenuous foundations of trust and mutual dependence. The Public Works play an indispensable role in maintaining this trust, acting as stewards of the settlement's resources and arbiters of value. Their ability to uphold the integrity of the Local Currency is essential to the stability of the economy. Any breach of trust—whether through corruption, mismanagement, or failure to provide essential services—can precipitate the collapse of the currency and, by extension, the unraveling of the settlement itself.

History offers stark reminders of what transpires when trust erodes. We've witnessed settlements where faith in the Public Works deteriorated, leading to the devaluation of the currency and the fraying of the social fabric. In such scenarios, barter and violence become the primary means of exchange, and the community descends into chaos and lawlessness. This underscores the critical importance of the Public Works not only in managing the practical aspects of trade and resource distribution but also in fostering and maintaining the trust of the people. Without that trust, the currency becomes worthless paper, and the pillars that support the community begin to crumble.

Economic Autonomy and Self-Reliance

The perils of the Wastes—rampant raiders, the relentless undead, and the harsh, unforgiving environment—severely limit the feasibility of long-distance trade. Most settlements are compelled to rely predominantly on their own resources and labor to survive. This necessity has led to a high degree of economic autonomy, with each community developing its own currency and trade practices tailored to its unique circumstances. While some commerce occurs between neighboring settlements, the risks associated with travel and the inherent isolation of each community mean that most settlements must be largely self-sufficient.

This self-reliance is both a formidable strength and a potential vulnerability. On one hand, it allows settlements to adapt their economies to specific needs and resources, ensuring they can endure even when cut off from outside support. It fosters ingenuity, resilience, and a deep understanding of local conditions. On the other hand, it can lead to isolationism and a lack of cooperation between settlements, making it more challenging to respond effectively to larger threats or seize opportunities for mutual benefit that could enhance collective survival.

The Role of Trade Notes and Caravaneers

Despite the challenges of inter-settlement trade, mechanisms have evolved to facilitate commerce across the Wastes. Trade Notes, for instance, were introduced by the now-declined Trade Union as a means of standardizing currency for long-distance trade. Though the Union's influence has waned, Trade Notes remain in circulation, albeit with diminished trust and value. Public Works may accept Trade Notes, but often at unfavorable rates, reflecting the risks and uncertainties associated with their acceptance.

Caravaneers—those daring individuals who brave the perils of the open Wastes—serve as vital conduits for trade and communication between settlements. They transport goods, currencies, and news, helping to bridge the gaps between isolated communities. Their trustworthiness is paramount; those who exploit exchange rates or engage in unscrupulous practices quickly find themselves unwelcome, for reputation in the Wastes can be as valuable as any currency.

The Emergence of New Economies

As the Wastes continue to evolve, so too do the economies that underpin our survival. New industries, such as Necrology, are beginning to reshape the economic landscape in profound ways. The ability to harness the Mortis Amaranthine has introduced new resources and technologies, unlocking avenues for trade, innovation, and specialization previously unimaginable. Materials like Imprint Crystals and Grave Flesh have emerged as valuable commodities, their acquisition and application a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of solutions in the face of adversity.

These burgeoning economies offer immense opportunities and significant perils. Settlements that embrace these advancements may gain substantial economic leverage and a competitive edge, attracting talent and trade to their gates. However, they must grapple with ethical dilemmas and practical risks inherent in manipulating forces that straddle the boundary between life and death. The study and application of Necrology demand caution, respect, and a deep understanding of the potential consequences. Missteps in this domain could unleash dangers far greater than those they seek to mitigate.

Challenges and Prospects of Economic Integration

There is a growing recognition among some that greater cooperation between settlements could enhance collective resilience. Efforts to standardize currencies or establish consistent exchange rates are met with interest and skepticism. While unified economic systems could facilitate trade and foster alliances, they also raise concerns about autonomy and the potential erosion of local customs and practices.

The path toward economic integration is fraught with obstacles. The inherent dangers of travel, cultural differences, and resource scarcity complicate such endeavors. Memories of past failures—such as the decline of the Trade Union—linger, cautioning against overreach and the pursuit of ideals disconnected from on-the-ground realities. Any movement toward greater economic unity must be built on trust, mutual benefit, and respect for the autonomy of individual settlements.

Barter and Alternative Systems of Exchange

In many parts of the Wastes, barter remains a practical means of exchange. Direct trade of goods and services eliminates the need for universally accepted currency and allows individuals to meet immediate needs through mutual agreement. Barter systems thrive where trust in currency is low or where the value of Local Currency does not extend beyond a settlement's borders.

While barter offers flexibility, it has limitations—particularly in scalability and transaction complexity. Nonetheless, it serves as a vital complement to Local Currencies, providing a fallback mechanism when currencies falter or when trade extends beyond familiar territories.

Conclusion

In contemplating the theory and value of money in the Wastes, we confront stark realities and choices shaping our future. Money, in its evolved form, is more than a tool—it mirrors the values, trust, and aspirations of our societies. It embodies our collective endeavor to impose order amidst chaos, finding meaning and structure in a world irrevocably altered.

As we navigate uncertainties ahead, it's imperative we remain vigilant stewards of our economies. We must cultivate and protect the trust underpinning our currencies, honor and fairly value the labor sustaining us, and approach innovation with courage and prudence. By adhering to these principles, we enhance prospects not just for survival but for building a future where prosperity is possible even in the harshest landscapes.

The value of our money is inextricably linked to the value we place on one another and the communities we forge. It reflects our resilience, capacity for cooperation, and unyielding spirit in adversity. In the end, this spirit will determine whether we merely endure or rise above the Wastes' perils to build a better world.