The Threads of Exchange in Banewood

Banewood Asylum, a crucible where diverse cultures and races meet, thrives on a tapestry of trade and economy as varied as its inhabitants. The Harras, nestled in the tranquillity of Bane’s Glade, have renounced the lure of coin and embraced a communal system of exchange and equality. In stark contrast, the Harrat Wing thrives on a ruthless efficiency born of necessity, fueling their crusade against slavery with a calculated embrace of capitalism. Meanwhile, the Kril navigate treacherous trade routes, leveraging their intimate knowledge of the land to connect Banewood with the wider world.

The Wishing Tree of Harras

In the heart of Bane’s Glade, near the famed hut of Bane himself, stands the Wishing Tree—a towering testament to the Harras’ ideals. Gold, tainted by Abraham’s sin, holds no value here. Instead, the Wishing Tree serves as the cornerstone of their economy. Anyone may craft a clay tile, inscribe it with a task or wish, and hang it upon the tree. The height at which it is placed symbolizes the difficulty or importance of the request.

Though custom dictates that those who place a tile should fulfil another’s wish in return, the system operates on trust, leaving the Kutauri to follow their conscience. This unique approach fosters a compassionate society in which collaboration and goodwill replace the cold calculations of commerce.

The Brutal Efficiency of Harrat Wing

Far removed from the idyllic practices of the Harras, the Harrat Wing thrives on a pragmatic and unforgiving economy. Under the leadership of Red Lye, their settlement near Lake Frothloch has become a bustling hub of trade in the north. By imposing taxes on imported goods, they ensure a steady flow of coin to fund their relentless campaign against Dragsa.

For the Harrat Wing, information is as valuable as steel. Their alliance with Encura ensures a continuous exchange of knowledge and resources, fortifying their military might. While their methods may seem harsh, every transaction, every coin collected, serves their singular purpose: to end slavery and secure freedom.

The Perilous Trade Routes of the Kril

The Kril, with their deep roots in The Truncatop Mountains, have forged perilous trade routes through treacherous passes. To the uninitiated, these paths are fraught with danger—sharp cliffs, hidden predators, and sudden storms. For the Kril, however, this peril is opportunity. Their unparalleled knowledge of the land allows them to guide merchants safely, for a steep fee, of course.

These routes connect Banewood with the wider world, bringing goods, ideas, and influence into the forest. While the risks are great, so too are the rewards, making the Kril indispensable to Banewood’s economy.

A Web of Contrast and Connection

The trade and economy of Banewood weave a complex web of contrast and connection. From the Wishing Tree's altruism to the Harrat Wing's brutal pragmatism, and the perilous enterprise of the Kril, each thread strengthens the forest’s vibrant tapestry. This diversity is both Banewood’s strength and its challenge, a reminder that even in unity, the forest’s heart beats with many rhythms.

So, adventurer, should you seek to trade in Banewood, remember: each coin, wish, or step you take carries the weight of the forest’s history and the promise of its future. Tread wisely, for the balance of Banewood depends on the choices of those who walk its paths.
— Dorian Frostquill

The currency used at the Glade isn’t coin, but work put into bettering the community. A few decades ago, the Yv'anda set up a Wishing Tree right next to Bane’s Hut, where everyone could hang a little tile with their wish. The requests varied greatly— from helping someone skin a deer to building another hut. Once fulfilled, the tiles could be used for barter.

Goods and Services Offered by NPCs of the Region

Yv’anda
Healing salves and potions, herbs, seasonings, saplings and plants, wild berries, and other wild fruits, woodworking.

Wandering Merchants at Lake Frothloch
Newest inventions of the Fortress, precision tools and quality materials, books, and luxury items.

Winter Tribes
Warmer and sturdier pelts, books and knowledge from Hyste Thelma, rare herbs, magical items of unknown origin and purpose.

Kutauri
Weaved and leather cloth, grain, hunted game, simple weapons and armor, smithing, and farriery.

Kril
Ore and gems, magical ingredients such as basilisk’s eyes or kobold parts, illusions.



Cover image: by Mike Clement and OpenAi

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