Currency

The Frostfolk use a currency made from various materials, though most are crafted from bone.   For small amounts, they use carefully filed vertebrae from fish. The protrusions of the vertebrae are shaved down, and the central hole—if necessary—is widened and smoothed. After processing, the bone has no sharp edges and is also oiled. Since they are easy to produce, it was eventually decided that they would hold the same value regardless of size: 1 Knota. However, they must have a minimum diameter of 2 cm. Such sizes only occur in fish with a body length of at least 1 m. These vertebrae are often strung onto cords like beads and traded in bundles.   Larger amounts are paid using bone rods. These flat rods, about 20 cm long and no more than 1.5 cm wide, are made either from fish ribs or relatively straight tubular bones from small land animals. The ends are sawn off, the surface is decorated with carvings, and several break points are added at regular intervals. A full rod is worth 100 Knota, and a broken-off segment is usually worth 10 Knota. The carvings can be imitated, but the oil used is a special blend that is rubbed into the surface after application, giving it a distinct sheen. The composition of this oil is known only to a few bone carvers, who guard the secret and are sworn to produce new rods only when ordered by the council. A bone rod is called a Storva. Half a Storva is therefore worth 50 Knota.   Storvas are usually transported in small, elongated leather cases. Merchants prefer cases that open at the narrow end, allowing the Storvas to be poured into the hand. Most other Frostfolk prefer cases that open along the length or even simple roll-up leather wraps that can be laid out entirely when needed.   Other materials of value also exist. Rare trophies are still sometimes used for trade, but this practice has declined in recent years and originates from the founding era. The people of Nyrian appreciate having a unified currency and no longer wish to haggle over teeth, their weight, or intricate carvings. As a result, trade involving teeth, claws, and similar items continues to fade.   Fish that meet the minimum size for a Knota may have up to 70 vertebrae, but only about 25 of them are suitable for use.  

Examples of Prices in Knota and Storva

  Everyday Goods (Knota):   Raw, hand-sized fish: 3–5 Knota   Cooked fish with sides: approx. 20 Knota   Isköldirbrod (whole loaf): 80–100 Knota   Small woven basket: 4–8 Knota   Large basket: up to 30 Knota   Larger Purchases (Storva):   Bone-drawn sled: 30 Storva   Winterwolf for transport sled: 200 Storva   Bone knife: approx. 2 Storva   Frostglass knife: approx. 25 Storva   Tooth-and-shell necklace: 3–10 Storva   Frostglass necklace: 50–500 Storva