This page gathers the base economy structure for Korvalian.
This chapter defines currency units, conversion, and payment instruments.
In Korvalian, money is not only a measure of value: it is also a reflection of the position a person occupies in the world. The currencies that pass from hand to hand—obols, drakmars, and solars—not only buy goods or services; They also delimit the invisible borders between peasants, artisans, merchants and nobles. To truly understand the Korvalian economy, it is not enough to know the coins that make it up. It is necessary to understand what each amount of money really represents in people's lives. An obolus can mean a meal for a hungry traveler. A drakmar can be the fruit of a whole day's work. A plot of land can change the destiny of a family, or even a city. Thus, wealth in Korvalian is perceived not only as accumulation of currency, but as the ability to live without worrying about the next dawn. ________________________________________ The Value of Work In most of the continent, the value of money is closely tied to human labor. The daily efforts of peasants, artisans and soldiers establish the real basis of the economy. For this reason, the drakmar is considered the clearest reference for measuring wealth. One drakmar represents approximately the salary of a common day's work. This equivalence allows you to quickly understand the value of any object or service: just imagine how many days of work it would cost to obtain it. A bread bought for a few obols is a minor expense. A tool that costs ten drakmars represents several days of effort. One horse, valued at over a hundred drakmars, is equivalent to months of work. In this way, money remains connected to the material reality of everyday life. ________________________________________ Everyday Wealth Most Korvalians live in a humble economy. For them, money circulates mainly in the form of obols and small drakmars. A peasant who works the land rarely sees large amounts of currency. Their income usually covers what is necessary to survive: food, tools, taxes and small daily expenses. At this level of life, even a few drakmars can make a significant difference. Approximate amount | Meaning 5 Obols | basic food 1 Drakmar | common daily wage 10 Drakmars | important tool or significant expense For those who live in villages or small towns, saving even a dozen drakmars can require months of effort. ________________________________________ The Prosperity of the Artisan Above peasant life are artisans and specialized workers. Blacksmiths, carpenters, bricklayers, tanners and other trades can earn several drakmars a day when their work is required. These workers form the economic base of cities and commercial towns. For them, wealth is not measured in loose change so much as in tools, workshops and stability. Approximate amount | Meaning 30 Drakmars | considerable savings 60 Drakmars | months of accumulated work 100 Drakmars | respectable wealth A prosperous artisan can live in relative comfort, although he is still far from the fortunes of the great merchants. ________________________________________ Merchants and Commercial Wealth Merchants who control caravans, ships, or trade routes handle much larger amounts of money. In their world, transactions are measured in tens or hundreds of drakmars, and it is not uncommon for important contracts to be paid using Payment Letters to avoid carrying chests of currency. Approximate amount | Meaning 200 Drakmars | commercial capital 500 Drakmars | notable wealth 1000 Drakmars | equivalent to 1 Solar Owning an entire plot of land is already a clear sign of prosperity. It is not a currency that circulates in everyday markets; rather it represents accumulated wealth. ________________________________________ The Fortune of the Nobles At the top of the economic ladder are the nobles, rulers and great merchant houses. For them, wealth is rarely stored solely in coins. Their fortunes are manifested in: - land - castles - commercial caravans - tax duties - family treasures When nobles use currency, they usually do so in plots or Payment Cards that represent even larger amounts. Approximate amount | Meaning 1 Solar | great wealth 5 Lots | considerable fortune 10 Lots or more | economic power For most inhabitants of the continent, these amounts are almost impossible to imagine. ________________________________________ Denominations and Money Circulation Different currency denominations allow money to circulate fluidly between all levels of society. Small pieces of obols are used in markets and taverns, while drakmars facilitate larger payments such as wages, tools, or animals. The plots, for their part, are reserved for large transactions. Thanks to this structure, the same economy can be used both for the purchase of bread and for the financing of an expedition. Korvalian wealth is ultimately defined not by the number of coins in the world, but by the way those coins flow through the hands of its inhabitants. ________________________________________ The Perception of Wealth Wealth is also a matter of perception. A peasant who owns twenty drakmars can count himself lucky. A merchant who loses five hundred drakmars may consider it a tragedy. A nobleman who keeps several plots may not even remember the exact number of coins he owns. Thus, money takes on a different meaning depending on who observes it. In villages, a single drakmar can change a week. In cities, a hundred drakmars can finance a business. In palaces, plots are counted as symbols of power. Understanding these differences is essential to understanding how the Korvalian economy really works. Because in a world where every currency represents work, risk and opportunity, wealth is never just metal: it's the story of how it was obtained.
The wealth of a kingdom is not measured only in chests of gold or caravans loaded with goods. It is measured, above all, in the daily life of its people: in the bread that is baked every morning, in the beer that is served at dusk and in the roof under which a traveler finds rest. In Korvalian, the cost of daily living reflects the balance between work, resources, and trade. From agricultural villages to large commercial cities, each person must dedicate part of their income to cover the most basic needs: food, shelter, tools and small unavoidable expenses. Understanding the cost of living allows us to locate the true value of the currency. A drakmar is not just a piece of silver; It is a day of effort, a concrete measure of the time and work that sustains the continent's economy. ________________________________________ The Everyday Economy Most Korvalians live in a simple and direct economy. The most common exchanges are made using obols and small amounts of drakmars, while solars rarely appear outside the circles of nobility or greater trade. In rural markets, the sound of metal clashing in the palm of a hand is usually that of obols: small coins that change hands dozens of times in a single day. A peasant buys bread with obols. A traveler pays for his dinner with a few others. An innkeeper collects these coins until he reaches several drakmars at the end of the day. This is how money circulates, slowly but relentlessly, to every corner of the world. ________________________________________ Food and Drink Food represents the most constant expense for most people. Even in the most humble places, taverns and markets offer simple but enough food to sustain those who work long hours. The following prices represent a common reference in a village or town with a modest economy. simple meals Food | Price Bread (loaf) | 5 Obols Humble soup or stew | 10 Obols Bread and cheese plate | 15 Obols Empanada or savory pie | 20 Obols Beef stew | 25 Obols Hearty meal of the day | 50 Obols Drinks Drink | Price Water | 1 Obolus Beer (mug) | 4 Obols Strong beer | 8 Obols Large beer mug | 12 Obols Common wine (glass) | 10 Obols Common wine (bottle) | 20 Obols Hard liquor | 15 Obols In many regions, beer is more common than water, as the fermentation process makes it safer for consumption. ________________________________________ Accommodation Travelers, merchants and adventurers depend on inns to rest during their journeys. These offer different levels of comfort depending on the price the guest is willing to pay. Stay in inn Accommodation | Price per night Sleeping on the common floor | 10 Obols Sleeping in the stable | 20 Obols Bed in common room | 40 Obols Humble room | 1 Drakmar Comfortable private room | 2 Drakmars Luxury room | 5 Drakmars Most modest travelers settle for a spot in the common room, where several beds or pallets are lined up around a single fireplace lit at night. ________________________________________ Stables and Mounts Those traveling with horses or pack animals should also consider the cost of their care. A good stable not only offers shelter to the animal, but also food and surveillance. Service | Price Save horse one night | 10 Obols Stable with feed | 20 Obols Complete animal care | 40 Obols In larger cities, stables close to trade routes often charge somewhat higher prices. ________________________________________ Monthly Cost of Living Beyond occasional expenses, every person must dedicate part of their income to supporting their daily life. This cost includes food, housing, basic clothing, tool maintenance, and regular small payments. Standard of living | Monthly cost Poor | 15 Drakmars Modest | 30 Drakmars Comfortable | 60 Drakmars Rich | 150 Drakmars Noble | 500 Drakmars or more Each standard of living reflects not only the money available, but also the security and stability that money provides. A peasant living on fifteen drakmars a month barely covers the essentials. An artisan who reaches thirty drakmars can maintain a home of his own and a more varied diet. Those who exceed one hundred drakmars per month enter a level of prosperity reserved for successful merchants or important officials. ________________________________________ The True Value of Money When you look at the economy from this perspective, the value of each currency becomes clearer. Quantity | Approximate meaning 5 Obols | basic food 1 Drakmar | a day's salary 30 Drakmars | modest life for a month 100 Drakmars | considerable wealth 1000 Drakmars | 1 Solar Thus, even small amounts of money can have a significant impact on everyday life. For a peasant, losing a drakmar can mean a difficult week. For a merchant, one hundred drakmars can represent a risky investment. For a noble, several plots of land can finance armies or found cities. In all cases, however, the logic remains intact: each coin represents a portion of the human labor that sustains the world. And as long as the markets continue to open their doors each morning, the constant flow of obols, drakmars, and solars will continue to set the pace of Korvalian life.
Beyond the coins that change hands and the riches that accumulate in chests or treasure chambers, the Korvalian economy manifests itself most clearly in the small exchanges that sustain daily life. Every day, in villages, towns and cities, thousands of services are offered in exchange for a few coins. A blacksmith sharpens a worn tool. A boatman transports travelers across a river. A scribe writes a contract for a merchant. A stable boy looks after a horse during the night. These services make up the invisible network that keeps society moving. Unlike material goods, services are not stored or transported. Their value lies in the time and skill of those who offer them, and therefore their prices are usually measured in small quantities of drakmars or obols. Common Trades and Services Trades form the functional basis of any settlement. Each profession provides a specific skill that others need. In a small village, there may be only a few specialists: a blacksmith, a carpenter, and perhaps a miller. In the cities, however, guilds can bring together dozens of artisans who share the same trade. The following prices represent the typical cost of some simple services. Service | Price Knife or tool sharpening | 5 Obols Simple tool repair | 1 Drakmar Weapon repair | 2 Drakmars Armor Repair | 3-5 Drakmars Simple object manufacturing | 5-10 Drakmars In many cases, the final cost depends on both the material needed and the time that the craftsman must dedicate to the work. Transportation and Travel Moving across the world is rarely free. Those who do not own mounts or vehicles often depend on others to travel long distances. On busy roads, travelers can find rental cars, boatmen or guides who know the local routes. Service | Price Cross a river by boat | 1-2 Drakmars Short transport by car | 10-20 Obols Long caravan trip | 2-5 Drakmars Local guide for a day trip | 2 Drakmars In dangerous or little-explored regions, these prices can increase considerably. Specialized Work Some services require uncommon knowledge or skills that only certain professionals possess. These jobs usually have higher prices. Service | Price Write drafting a contract | 2 Drakmars Document translation | 3 Drakmars Basic medical consultation | 5 Drakmars Complex medical treatment | 10 Drakmars or more Consult with scholar or wise man | 5-15 Drakmars In large cities, these services are usually found near universities, temples or specialized guilds. Rental and Use of Infrastructures Many places offer facilities that can be used for a small fee. Service | Price Use of public bathroom | 2 Obols Use of communal oven | 3 Obols Use of grain mill | 5 Obols Merchandise storage | 1 Drakmar per week These services are especially common in cities where space and resources are regulated by local authorities or unions. Security and Protection On dangerous roads or border regions, some services are related to safety. Service | Price Private guard (day) | 5 Drakmars Caravan escort | 10-20 Drakmars Experienced Mercenary | 8-12 Drakmars daily These prices can vary greatly depending on the risk of the job. In times of war or in monster-infested regions, even a small escort can cost a fortune. The Economy of Time Ultimately, all services share the same principle: the value of human time. Each drakmar paid for a service represents hours of work, years of learning, or the accumulated experience of a trade. A farmer can work the land for an entire day to earn one drakmar. A blacksmith can charge several to repair complex armor. A mercenary can demand even more for risking his life. Korvalian economics works because each person contributes something that others need. From the boatman who guides his boat between currents to the scribe who records contracts on parchment, each service is part of the same economic fabric. A fabric made not only of coins, but of skills, effort and trust.
Every economy is sustained by the work of those who inhabit it. In Korvalian, every coin in circulation—every obolus, every drakmar—is a direct reflection of the human effort behind it. Behind every price there is a day of work, and behind every job, a skill that society needs. Understanding professions and salaries allows us to locate the true value of money within the world. A drakmar is not simply a piece of metal: it is, in essence, the equivalent of a common day's work. From the peasant who tills the land to the mercenary who protects caravans on dangerous roads, each profession occupies a place within the Korvalian economic structure. ________________________________________ Work as the Basis of the Economy In most of the continent, the economy remains deeply labor and artisanal. Production depends mainly on manual labor and knowledge transmitted between generations. The farmers cultivate the fields. Artisans make tools and objects. Merchants transport goods between regions. Soldiers protect cities and borders. Each of these roles generates value, and that value translates into salaries paid in drakmars. ________________________________________ Common Job Salaries Most Korvalians belong to simple professions that support the local economy. Their salaries reflect the balance between effort, ability and need. Profession | Daily salary Peasant | 1 Drakmar Day laborer | 1-1.5 Drakmars Fisherman | 1.5 Drakmars Lumberjack | 1.5 Drakmars Miner | 2 Drakmars These workers form the basis of society. Their income usually covers only essential needs: food, shelter, tools and small daily expenses. For many of them, saving even a few drakmars can require weeks of effort. ________________________________________ Artisans and Specialized Trades Artisans have skills that require learning, practice and their own tools. For this reason, their salaries are usually higher than those of ordinary workers. Profession | Daily salary Carpenter | 3 Drakmars Bricklayer | 3 Drakmars Tanner | 3 Drakmars Blacksmith | 5-6 Drakmars Gunsmith | 6-8 Drakmars Master craftsman | 10 Drakmars In prosperous cities and towns, many artisans belong to guilds, organizations that regulate the learning of the trade, the quality of work, and the prices of certain products. Becoming a teacher within a guild can require years of learning and experience. ________________________________________ Military Professions Military work presents risks that other professions do not face. For this reason, the salaries of soldiers and mercenaries are usually higher than those of ordinary workers. Profession | Daily salary Soldier | 5 Drakmars City guard | 4-6 Drakmars Explorer | 6-8 Drakmars Mercenary | 8-12 Drakmars Captain or veteran | 15 Drakmars In many cases, soldiers also receive basic accommodation, food and equipment, which increases the real value of their salary. ________________________________________ Scholars and Intellectual Professions In larger urban centers, there are professions based on knowledge rather than physical labor. Profession | Daily salary Write | 4 Drakmars Teacher or tutor | 5 Drakmars Scholar | 6-8 Drakmars Medical | 10 Drakmars Wise or specialist | 10-15 Drakmars These professions are usually concentrated in universities, temples or noble courts, where knowledge is considered a valuable resource. ________________________________________ Traders and Merchants Merchants occupy a unique place within the economy. Their income is rarely constant, as it depends on the success of each trip or business. A merchant may earn just a few drakmars in a bad season, or multiply his fortune in a single successful caravan. Profession | Approximate profit Local merchant | 5-10 Drakmars daily Caravan merchant | 10-20 Drakmars daily Great trader | 50 Drakmars or more However, these profits must also compensate for the risks of trading: bandits, loss of merchandise or unexpected changes in the markets. ________________________________________ The Value of a Day When these professions are compared, a clear scale of job-based wealth appears. Login | Meaning 1 Drakmar | basic work 5 Drakmars | specialized trade 10 Drakmars | expert professional 20+ Drakmars | commerce or leadership This scale helps to understand the economic impact of objects and services in the world. A tool costing ten drakmars represents several days of work. A horse valued at more than a hundred drakmars is equivalent to months of salary for a common worker. ________________________________________ Work, Risk and Reward In Korvalian, wealth rarely comes without effort. Even those who amass great fortunes often have done so through years of hard work, risky trading, or military service. Adventurers, for their part, represent a singular exception within this structure. Their income may far exceed normal salaries… but they also face dangers that most people will never know about. Thus, while peasants, artisans, and merchants sustain the world's daily economy, adventurers walk a different path: one in which wealth can be found in a single day... or lost forever in a single night.
If wages represent the human effort that sustains the economy, trade represents the movement of that effort across the world. No settlement can produce everything it needs, and so goods constantly travel between villages, cities, and kingdoms. Grain grown on the plains feeds the cities. Wood from forests is turned into houses and boats. The iron extracted from the mountains ends up transformed into tools, weapons or armor. Trade is the mechanism that connects all of these regions to each other, allowing resources in one place to sustain life in another. In Korvalian, this constant flow of goods is measured in drakmars, the central currency of the economy. Common Property Most everyday commerce revolves around simple and essential goods. These products form the basis of local markets and are often exchanged in large quantities. Good Approximate price Flour (2 pounds) 2 Obols Bread (loaf) 5 Obols Chicken 2 Obols Cheese (wedge) 10 Obolos Meat 30 Obols Cotton Fabric (1 yard) 50 Obols These goods are produced in large quantities and consumed quickly. Therefore, its price usually remains relatively stable. Artisanal Goods Objects made by artisans have a higher value, as they require time, tools and specialized knowledge. Object Approximate price Common clothing 50 Obols Backpack 2 Drakmars Chain 5 Drakmars Flashlight 10 Drakmars Simple musical instrument 6–25 Drakmars These goods represent the work of artisans who have spent years perfecting their craft. In prosperous cities, these objects can be found relatively easily. In small villages, however, they can be much more difficult to obtain. Animals and Transportation Work animals represent an important investment in the rural economy. They allow you to transport goods, work the fields or travel long distances. Animal or vehicle Approximate price Chicken 2 Obols Donkey 8 Drakmars Camel 50 Drakmars Draft horse 50 Drakmars Elephant 200 Drakmars Tank 15 Drakmars Carriage 250 Drakmars For many farmers, even a donkey represents a significant investment that can take months or years to pay off. Metals and Resources Some goods have special value due to their usefulness in making tools or weapons. Resource Approximate price Copper (pound) 50 Obolos Canvas (yard) 10 Obols Cinnamon (pound) 2 Drakmars Cloves (pound) 3 Drakmars Rare spices and materials can command high prices due to the long distances they must travel before reaching markets. Gemstones Unlike most goods, gemstones are valued not for their practical usefulness, but for their rarity and beauty. In addition, they have an important advantage: they concentrate a large amount of wealth in a small and easy to transport object. Gemstone Approximate value Azurite 10 Drakmars Carnelian 50 Drakmars Amber 100 Drakmars Alexandrite 500 Drakmars Black Opal 1000 Drakmars Diamond 5000 Drakmars For this reason, gemstones are often used as an alternative way to store wealth. Large Scale Trade While local markets exchange goods in small quantities, large-scale trade moves in much larger volumes. Caravans transport tons of goods between cities. Ships carry entire shipments of spices, metals or textiles across seas and rivers. In these transactions, physical currencies become impractical. Instead, merchants often resort to Payment Letters, documents that represent large amounts of drakmar and can be redeemed at banks or temples. These cards allow you to transport wealth without having to carry chests full of coins. Markets and Trade Routes Trade routes are the economic arteries of the world. Where roads cross, markets, inns and cities often emerge. In these places goods from all known regions are exchanged. A merchant can sell spices brought from distant lands. A blacksmith can buy iron from a distant mine. A traveler can acquire tools or provisions before continuing on his way. Each exchange, no matter how small it may seem, is part of a much larger system. The Flow of Wealth Wealth in Korvalian does not remain motionless. It constantly moves between hands, cities and regions. A farmer sells his grain to a merchant. The merchant transports it to a city. The baker buys the flour and makes it into bread. That bread finally returns to the table of those who work the fields. Thus, the economy remains in motion, driven by thousands of daily exchanges. In that constant flow of goods and coins lies the true economic strength of Korvalian.
In Korvalian, wealth does not circulate solely among merchants, artisans, and peasants. A significant part of the economy is inevitably directed towards those who rule the lands: nobles, feudal lords, free cities, and sometimes powerful temples. Taxes and tributes represent the mechanism by which these authorities maintain their domains. They finance walls, armies, roads, ports and the administration of cities. Although many people perceive taxes as an inevitable burden, they are also part of the balance that allows order and security to be maintained within a territory. The Feudal System In much of Korvalian, especially in rural regions, land is owned by a feudal lord who rules over a territory known as a fief. Peasants work those lands and, in exchange for protection and the right to cultivate them, they must hand over a part of their production or income. This system creates a direct relationship between land, agricultural production and political power. A feudal lord can own: entire villages crop fields mills forests mines rights over trade routes In return, he is obligated to maintain soldiers, protect the lands, and administer justice within his domain. Types of Taxes Taxes in Korvalian can take various forms depending on the region and type of government. Harvest tax The most common in rural regions. The peasants give a part of their annual production to the feudal lord. Payment type Usual amount Agricultural tax 10–20% of the harvest This tax is usually paid on grain, livestock or agricultural products. Commercial tax In cities and trade routes, the tribute is usually applied to goods. Tax Type Usual Amount Market tax 5% of the value Road toll 1–2 Drakmars Bridge or harbor toll 2–5 Drakmars Merchants accept these payments as an inevitable part of trade. Urban tax Free or council-governed cities typically collect taxes to fund public services. Funded service Tax use Urban security guards Defense walls Roads maintenance Markets administration Citizens usually pay these taxes in monthly or annual drakmars. Religious Tithes Temples are also part of the economy. In many regions, the faithful give a part of their income as a religious offering. Type of tithe Amount Common offering 1–2% of income Traditional tithe 10% These funds allow temples to maintain priests, help the poor, and finance religious works. In some places, temples also act as financial institutions, custodians of wealth, or issuers of Letters of Payment. Wealth of the Nobility The nobility rarely obtains its wealth through direct labor. Instead, your income comes from: agricultural taxes commercial tolls rights over mines or forests land rental tributes from minor vassals This concentration of wealth allows nobles to maintain castles, armies, and courts. However, it also entails responsibilities: maintaining order, defending the territory and guaranteeing the economic stability of its domains. A lord unable to protect his lands or manage his resources can see his power quickly disappear. Free Cities Not all Korvalian regions follow a strict feudal system. Some cities have gained political and economic independence. These free cities are usually governed by merchant councils, guilds, or magistrates. In them, wealth is generated mainly through trade. Taxes exist, but they are usually applied in a more organized way: Urban Use Tax Commercial licenses guild regulation Port fees dock maintenance Market taxes administration and security These cities often become important economic centers, attracting merchants from distant regions. The Balance of Power The Korvalian economy is sustained by a delicate balance between three main forces: rural production, which feeds the world commerce, which transports goods the political power, which organizes and protects the system When these three forces remain in harmony, prosperity can extend for generations. But when that balance is disrupted by wars, excessive taxes or poor harvests, the economy can quickly weaken. At such times, even the most valuable currency loses some of its meaning. Because, in the end, the wealth of a kingdom is not measured only in plots or drakmars, but in the stability and well-being of those who live under its sky.
As cities grew and trade between regions became more intense, transporting large quantities of coins began to present an obvious problem. Chests full of drakmars were heavy, difficult to move, and, above all, dangerous to carry along bandit-infested roads. Over time, merchants, temples, and financial houses developed solutions to this problem. Thus were born the first wealth custody systems and instruments that allow large amounts of money to be represented without the need to physically transport the coins. In Korvalian, this role is primarily fulfilled by commercial banks, financial temples, and Payment Cards. The Korvalian Banks Banks do not always take the form of buildings dedicated exclusively to finance. In many regions, these functions are performed by institutions that enjoy high public trust. Among them are: powerful temples merchant guilds old business houses financial institutions in large cities These organizations offer several essential services: Service Description Wealth custody - storing coins or jewelry in secure chambers Currency exchange convert obols, drakmars and solars Issuance of Payment Letters documents that represent large sums Wealth transfer move money between cities In exchange, these institutions usually charge a small commission for their services. Payment Letters Payment Letters are official documents that represent a specific amount of drakmars. They function as a promise to pay backed by the institution that issues them. Instead of carrying hundreds or thousands of coins, a merchant can carry a simple sealed letter. When you arrive in another city, you can present it at an accredited bank or temple and receive the indicated value in coins. Example of Payment Letter "This letter certifies that its bearer is entitled to receive the sum of 800 drakmars at any financial house affiliated with the Moneychanger's Guild." These cards are usually protected by: magic wax seals registered signatures unique arcane symbols These measures make counterfeiting extremely difficult. Common Card Values Payment Letters are usually issued in rounded amounts, suitable for large commercial transactions. Equivalent card value 100 Drakmars retail trade 500 Drakmars regional trade 1000 Drakmars 1 Solar 5000 Drakmars great investments These cards are especially common in trade between cities. Mercantile Houses Mercantile houses represent an advanced form of economic organization. Unlike individual traders, these houses have: own caravans commercial ships warehouses in various cities agents and representatives Thanks to these trade networks, they are able to move large amounts of goods and wealth across the continent. Some of these houses manage fortunes that exceed even those of certain nobles. Great Fortunes Large-scale wealth accumulation is usually concentrated in three main groups: Nobility Nobles own large tracts of land, allowing them to collect taxes and tributes. Powerful merchants Large merchants control entire trade routes and can make huge profits. religious institutions Some temples receive constant donations and manage large reserves of wealth. These fortunes are usually measured in lots, and sometimes even in precious stones or commercial goods. The Security of Wealth Saving large amounts of money requires special precautions. For this reason, financial institutions often use: vaults armed guards magic seals detailed written records In some major cities, bank treasuries are located beneath temples or fortresses, protected by both magic and steel. Money and Trust Unlike coins, whose value depends on the metal they contain, Payment Letters depend mainly on a more intangible factor: trust. If an institution loses credibility, its letters may no longer be accepted. By contrast, a respected institution can issue documents that circulate across the continent. In this way, the Korvalian economy is not based solely on precious metals, but also on the reputation and stability of the institutions that support wealth. Because, in the end, even the purest gold needs more than its weight to sustain an economy. You need trust.
Korvalian is not a uniform territory. Its mountains, plains, forests and seas create regions with very different resources. Some lands are fertile and abundant, others arid and poor. Some cities thrive on trade, while others survive on the bare necessities. For this reason, although Korvalian coins have a common value throughout the continent, prices are not always the same everywhere. The cost of food, tools or transportation can vary significantly depending on factors such as the wealth of the region, the availability of resources or the safety of the roads. Understanding these variations allows us to represent a more realistic and dynamic economy within the world. Factors Affecting Prices There are several factors that can modify the cost of goods and services in a given region. Abundance of resources When a resource is common in a region, its price usually decreases. In agricultural areas, bread and grain are cheap. In mining regions, metal and metal tools are more accessible. On the contrary, scarce goods tend to become more expensive. Distance and transportation The further a good must travel, the higher its final price will be. Transportation requires: pack animals caravans escorts time Each of these factors increases the cost of the product. A spice brought from distant lands can cost ten times more in an internal market than in the port where it was unloaded. Route security Secure trade routes keep prices stable. However, when the paths become dangerous—due to war, bandits, or hostile creatures—merchants demand greater profits to compensate for the risk. This can cause significant increases in the price of many products. Prosperity of the region Rich cities usually have higher prices due to higher demand. Travelers, nobles and merchants are willing to pay more for: accommodation meal services On the contrary, in poor villages prices are usually lower, although there is also less variety of products available. Regional Wealth Levels To facilitate the economic management of the world, regions can be classified into different levels of prosperity. Wealth Level Price Modifier Poor region −20% Common region base price Prosperous region +20% Large commercial city +40% These modifiers represent the difference between a humble village and a major market city. Price Variation Example The same product can cost different amounts depending on where it is purchased. Object Poor region Common region Prosperous city Bread 4 Obols 5 Obols 6 Obols Beer 3 Obols 4 Obols 5 Obols Room in inn 30 Obolos 40 Obolos 60 Obolos Simple Tool 1 Drakmar 2 Drakmars 3 Drakmars These differences reflect the economic conditions of each place. Markets and Seasons Prices may also vary over time. Harvests, seasons, and political events can influence the availability of certain goods. For example: a bad harvest can double the price of grain a war can make weapons more expensive a new trade route can make certain goods cheaper These fluctuations are a natural part of any living economy. The Role of Merchants Merchants prosper precisely thanks to these price differences. They buy goods in regions where they are abundant and cheap, and sell them in places where they are scarce and valuable. This process not only generates wealth for merchants, but also helps balance the economy between regions. Over time, products end up reaching places where they were previously difficult to get. An Economically Living World Thanks to these regional variations, the Korvalian economy becomes more than just a fixed list of prices. It becomes a dynamic system that responds to: geography the trade politics world events In this way, each region acquires its own economic identity. A traveler traveling the continent will quickly discover that the same coins can have very different values depending on where they are. And it is precisely that diversity that keeps commerce moving and the world's economy always alive.
Although the Korvalian economy is sustained by the constant work of peasants, artisans, and merchants, no economic system is completely stable. Throughout history, even the most prosperous kingdoms have faced moments of crisis. Wars, poor harvests, epidemics or the collapse of trade routes can profoundly alter the economic balance of a region. When this occurs, the value of goods changes, markets become unstable, and daily life becomes more difficult for the majority of the population. The currencies remain the same—obols, drakmars, and solars—but the world around them can change quickly. Agricultural Crises Agriculture forms the basis of the economy in much of Korvalian. When harvests are abundant, the price of grain remains stable and cities can be fed with relative ease. But when crops fail, the consequences spread quickly. A prolonged drought, an insect infestation or a particularly harsh winter can drastically reduce food production. When this happens: the price of grain increases bread becomes more expensive Cities begin to depend on imports Status Approximate variation Abundant harvest −10% agricultural prices Normal harvest base price Poor harvest +50% food Famine +100% or more In extreme situations, even the most valuable coins can become useless if there is simply not enough food. War and the Economy Wars deeply affect trade and production. When two kingdoms come into conflict, resources are diverted towards the military effort. Armies require weapons, armor, food, and pack animals. This causes a strong demand for certain goods. Good Variation in war Weapons +30% Armor +40% Horses +50% Grain +20% In addition, roads become more dangerous and many trade routes are interrupted. Merchants must hire escorts or find alternative routes, further increasing the cost of transportation. Insecurity on the Roads Even outside of war, the security of trade routes can change rapidly. Gangs of bandits, dangerous creatures, or local conflicts can make certain paths risky. When this happens: fewer caravans circulate some goods stop reaching certain markets prices start to rise In isolated regions, lack of trade can lead to shortages of essential products. Inflation and Scarcity In times of crisis, prices can increase rapidly. This phenomenon occurs when demand exceeds the availability of a product. For example: If grain is scarce, bread becomes more expensive If iron is scarce, tools become more expensive If trade routes fail, spices can become almost impossible to obtain In these cases, even small amounts of food or resources can command unexpectedly high prices. The Role of Political Power Rulers who understand the importance of the economy often take measures to stabilize markets during crises. Among the most common actions are: release grain reserves temporarily reduce taxes protect trade routes control prices in urban markets These decisions can mean the difference between a temporary crisis and an economic collapse. Traders in Hard Times For traders, crises represent both a danger and an opportunity. Some merchants lose fortunes when trade routes collapse. Others make huge profits by transporting scarce goods to regions that desperately need them. In many cases, large merchant houses prosper precisely during periods of instability. Resilience of the Economy Despite all these difficulties, the Korvalian economy has great resilience. Trade routes can be rebuilt. Crops grow again with the passing of the seasons. Cities find new ways to trade. As long as there are people willing to work, produce and trade, the flow of wealth will continue to move throughout the world. Because in the end, even after wars and crises, the economy always returns to its fundamental principle: Human effort converted into value. And that value will continue to circulate, coin after coin, through the hands of those who build the world every day.