Currency in the Cradle of the World

Along the Sand Road, Rokugani currency is generally accepted due to the influence of the Unicorn, but within the Qamarist Caliphate and beyond, koku, bu, and zeni become less and less common. Shopkeepers and innkeepers still accept Rokugani tender, but only for the worth of the coin’s material itself, which is much less than most samurai would expect.

Instead, the most common forms of currency are the Qamari gold shenar and silver qanar, also known as a gold sun and silver moon, respectively. The colloquial names of sun and moon are holdovers from when the Empire of Rempet ruled the land. For smaller purchases, silver qanar are often cut into increments known as half- or quarter-qanars, or half- and quarter-- moons. For this task, shopkeepers often carry a tool with a small curved blade at one end and a straight blade on the other, using it to cut the coins into shapes that roughly coincide with the phases of the moon.

THE WORTH OF ZENI

The phrase to be given zeni has come to mean being forced to deal with something

unwanted, worthless,

or difficult among merchant communities

along the Sand Road.

For example, a merchant

coming home to the news that a demanding

relative is making a surprise visit may sigh and say, “Ah, so we will

be given zeni.” Or an overworked scribe may one day throw their scroll

and yell, “Every day I am

given nothing but zeni!”

The worth of zeni is so low that some merchants have even taken to using them to craft necklaces or other baubles that are then sold

as “genuine Rokugani

art” to those who travel to the Qamarist Caliphate and are curious

about the mysterious

Emerald Empire.

While there is no set standard of exchange between Rokugani currency and the coins of the Caliphate, the following rough equivalencies often apply: 1 Rokugani koku is considered to be worth about 1 gold shenar, and 1 bu is worth about 2 silver qanars.

In addition to the shenar and qanar, the currency of the Bandar, the dira, is also commonly circulated due to the Bandar’s monopoly on trade in the region. A dira is commonly treated as roughly equivalent to a half-shenar.

The Sogdan, Ganzu, Nehiri, and Suhili territories also use some currencies that are holdovers from when they were independent of the Caliphate. However, while these currencies still exist, each is circulated only within its own territory and is rarely found elsewhere within the Caliphate.

Table 3-1: Trade Goods along the Sand Road

RARITY

LOW PRICE

RANGE

HIGH PRICE

RANGE | NOTES

FOOD AND DRINK

1 4 zeni or 3 quarter-qanars

6 zeni or 5 quarter-qanars

In every city are stalls selling cheap food, and along the Burning Sands, it is no different. From fried chickpea patties served wrapped in flatbread to shish kebabs of spiced vegetables to a local delicacy of grilled sheep’s-milk cheese, there is no end to the delectable delicacies.

Food served at inns | 1 | 5 zeni or 1 qanar

8 zeni or one and a half qanars

In inns and restaurants throughout the Caliphate, it is common to see fava bean and chickpea soup; flatbreads topped with fresh, aromatic herbs; and grape leaves stuffed with rice and vegetables.

2 3 zeni or 2 quarter-qanars

6 zeni or 5 quarter-qanars

At street stalls and inns, you can find buttery pastry topped with honey and nuts; candied cherries and pomegranate seeds; and a cake-like dish made from sweet sheep’s-milk cheese and rose- or orange-blossom water.

3 2 zeni or 1 quarterqanar

13 zeni or 5 half-qanars

Often served in Ujik settlements, this tea is made from milk, tea leaves, and salt. This drink is also used as a base for soups with the addition of vegetables and dumplings.

1 (among the Ujik); otherwise

6

4 zeni or 3 quarter-qanars

6 zeni or 5 quarter-qanars

While the Caliphate bans alcohol, the Ujik have no such qualms about producing and consuming liquor. This drink is made from alcohol and fermented mare’s milk. It is commonly found among the Ujik and at inns that serve them.

6 2 zeni or 1 quarterqanar

13 zeni or 5 half-qanars

While alcohol is forbidden by the laws of the Caliphate, the hidden sale of liquor remains, often under the guise of a medicine or elixir. This liquor is one such item. Made from grapes and anise seed, it has a strong licorice or herbal taste. Its milky-white appearance and strong potency have given it the nickname lion’s milk.

Sea-buckthorn juice | 2 2 zeni or 1 quarterqanar

13 zeni or 5 half-qanars

The sea buckthorn is a hearty plant that bears orange fruit around the size of a thumb. It is popular as one of the only fruits that grow naturally in the rockier parts of the Burning Sands.

2 1 koku or 1 gold

shenar

3 koku or 3 gold

shenars

These loose-fitting robes are perfect for comfortable wear in the desert heat and come in bright, eye-catching colors. They are often worn with thick, beaded belts and special pointed shoes known as balga.

and leather overlay | 6 5 koku or 5 gold

shenars

10 koku or 10 gold

shenars

These loose, neutral-colored kaftans are worn with sturdy, camel-leather overlays. The overlays are often tiled like a samurai’s armor or cut into scalelike pieces. This style of clothing was developed for wear in Bandar trade caravans, allowing the wearer to blend in with the sands while the leather overlay adds protection and offers a convenient place to discreetly hide weapons.

6 10 koku or 10 gold

shenars

30 koku or 30 gold

shenars

These elegantly patterned coats are particularly eye-catching, incorporating bright colors and intricate embroideries. It is common to see Sogdan coats in places of high learning such as libraries, courts, and academic institutions, where the more elaborate the coat, the higher educated the wearer is assumed to be.

Table 3-1: Trade Goods along the Sand Road

COMMODITY | RARITY

LOW PRICE

RANGE

HIGH PRICE

RANGE | NOTES

Suhili hood | 3 1 koku or 1 gold shenar

3 koku or 3 gold

shenars

These deep-crimson or earth-colored robes are worn loosely around the body and belted at the hips. The deep neckline and wide hood are meant to emphasize the elaborate earrings and banded necklaces worn by the Suhili.

Nehiri thawb | 2 1 koku or 1 gold

shenar

3 koku or 3 gold shenars

These long, tunic-like garments reach the ankles and split on either side. The neckline is rounded with a simple notch in the middle. They are often brightly colored or intricately embroidered and have matching headscarves.

Ujik deel

2 (among the Ujik); otherwise

7

1 koku or 1 gold

shenar

3 koku or 3 gold

shenars

These long, tunic-like garments are buttoned on the right side of the shoulder and belted at the waist. They have long slits on either side of the skirt for ease of movement. The long sleeves end in a scoop-like shape often called a hoof. This style is favored by the Ujik for its comfort and maneuverability, especially on horseback.

SERVICES

One night’s lodging at an average inn

1 koku or 1 gold shenar per day

3 koku or 3 gold shenars per

day

Along the Sand Road are many good inns that serve travelers and merchants. This service usually includes breakfast and the care of a guest’s horse or camel. Depending on the behavior of the camel, some may charge extra.

A guide through the Burning Sands

2 koku or 2 gold shenars per

day

5 koku or 5 gold shenars per

day

Many Ujik offer their services as guides should travelers stray from the Sand Road. While the Ujik are generally distrustful of outsiders, they tend to favor members of the Unicorn Clan.

A cultural guide and translator

2 koku or 2 gold shenars per

day

5 koku or 5 gold shenars per

day

Many Sogdans lend their services as cultural guides and translators, as their culture promotes a robust knowledge of languages and etiquette. Such a guide is incredibly useful for anyone with a need to engage in diplomacy or hold court.

A bodyguard

2 koku or 2 gold shenars per

day

5 koku or 5 gold shenars per

day

Those offering their services as bodyguards along the Sand Road are usually Ujik or Nehiri. Reputable bodyguards are often sourced from dedicated companies that lend their services to merchant caravans and high-end travelers.

Safe passage with a merchant caravan

2 koku or 2 gold

shenars

5 koku or 5 gold

shenars

Travelers along the Sand Road or farther afield in the Burning Sands often attach themselves to merchant caravans, as they are heavily guarded and provide safety in numbers. Some Bandar have recently begun to capitalize on this and now offer seats to travelers.

ANIMALS

A strong and sturdy camel | 6 10 koku or 10 gold

shenars

20 koku or 20 gold

shenars

Camels, while often unruly and stubborn to those unused to handling them, are the animals best suited for long trips through the desert. Those who peddle in camels claim that they are, on average, smarter than horses as well. Should a camel favor you, it will anticipate your needs and respond accordingly. However, a camel that does not favor you can be a very spiteful creature.

Ujik hunting dog | 5 2 koku or 2 gold

shenars

4 koku or 4 gold

shenars

These dogs are well suited to the desert and often have desert wolf or jackal ancestry. Responding to commands in Ujik, they make great hunting companions or guard dogs.

Table 3-1: Trade Goods along the Sand Road

RARITY

LOW PRICE

RANGE

HIGH PRICE

RANGE | NOTES

8 4 koku or 4 gold shenars

8 koku or 8 gold

shenars

These dogs are bred exclusively by the Nokhoi tribe of the Ujik. They are large and intelligent, with golden fur. These dogs are prized within Ujik society, coming second only to horses.

6 2 koku or 2 gold

shenars

4 koku or 4 gold

shenars

These falcons are raised to hunt small game. They respond to commands in Ujik.

training instructions | 5 1 koku or 1 gold

shenars

4 koku or 4 gold

shenars

Though they are uniquely suited for travel across the Burning Sands, camels are unwieldy creatures knowledgeable in the art of spite. This instructive guide should help new owners subdue and care for these creatures.

4 3 koku or 3 gold

shenars

6 koku or 6 gold

shenars

Written in the traditional language of the Sogdans, these poems reflect the nature of the Sogdan people. The verses, often lengthy sagas, place an emphasis on mathematical perfection and tend toward colorful metaphor. This volume serves as a great conversation starter.

6 5 koku or 5 gold

shenars

7 koku or 7 gold

shenars

Designed by Caliphate inventors, this canteen is said to clean the water it contains before a person drinks it. It is invaluable for long-distance travelers who may come across questionable water sources.

Bronze statuette of

8 3 koku or 3 gold

shenars

6 koku or 6 gold

shenars

This small statuette has mandibles that stretch its face into a terrible grin.

7 10 koku or 10 gold

shenars

20 koku or 20 gold

shenars

Standing as tall as an average human, this feather, the merchant claims, is ragged from having been pulled up from the sands not too far from here.

half-human creature

8 10 koku or 10 gold

shenars

20 koku or 20 gold

shenars

The red gems in the creature’s eyes gleam.

Sogdans that marks the alleged location

8 10 koku or 10 gold

shenars

20 koku or 20 gold

shenars

Travelers claim to have seen the City of Knowledge rise up from the dunes, only to sink again by the next morning. This map appears to be stained with blood, tears, and something dark and oily.

8 5 koku or 5 gold

shenars

10 koku or 10 gold

shenars

The building is composed of a ziggurat and many spiraling towers. The figure is carved from ivory and seems incredibly old.