this post was submitted on 16 Nov 2024
27 points (90.9% liked)

rpg

3175 readers
32 users here now

This community is for meaningful discussions of tabletop/pen & paper RPGs

Rules (wip):

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

Let's Make Better Rpg Currencies

@rpg

https://youtu.be/VADntQSNMB4?si=VUw999G0yZ0x52IW

I'm curious what currency systems my fellow #ttrpg GMs have dreamt up when #worldbuilding.

It's always annoyed me how #dnd's gp/sp/cp currency resembles the USD system so much in the way it is used, despite the fact that IRL a single gold coin would be worth more than my car. Does #WotC think my backpack is worth $8k? That makes no sense to me.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] Landsharkgun@midwest.social 1 points 3 days ago

The best currency is obviously tally sticks.

I joke - I haven't used this in a game. It is interesting, though. From what I understand of history, the vast majority of people used a gift economy, barter, and what was essentially a credit system to get what they needed. The idea of the adventurers 'buying' their equipment on credit by owing the blacksmith a portion of loot later does raise some ideas.

Also tally sticks are where we get the phrase 'stock holder'; the one who loaned the goods kept the larger end of the split tally, which was called the stock.