The Gilded Coin Collective
While The Ancient Reach is divided by politics, war, and old grudges, one entity remains ever-present, unshaken by the tides of history: The Gilded Coin Collective. Established in the wake of the Council of Three Seeds, this organization became the central authority over currency production and regulation within human lands, ensuring a unified economic system across the human lands. Though their coinage is widely accepted among the fractured human realms, it is not always recognized by dwarves, elves, or other races, many of whom continue to use their own barter systems, gemstones, or precious metals for trade. Yet, within humanity’s kingdoms, the Gilded Coin Collective’s influence is as omnipresent as it is mysterious. Claiming to be the guardians of prosperity, their grip on the realm’s commerce grants them power that transcends borders and rivalries.
Currency System
The Collective established a four-tiered currency system, replacing the previous barter economy and preventing kingdoms from issuing their own competing currencies.- Shards (sh) – Copper-like metal fragments, used for common transactions.
- Veinstones (vs) – Silver-hued polished stones, valued at 10 shards.
- Suncoins (sc) – Gold pieces infused with light magic, valued at 10 veinstones.
- Mooncrests (mc) – Platinum tokens used for land and title exchanges, worth 10 suncoins.
Structure
The Goldkeeper
- The masked leader of the Collective.
- Their identity is unknown, even to the Council of Mints.
- The Goldkeeper is the ultimate authority, making key decisions on currency policy, trade laws, and economic sanctions.
The Council of Mints
- A governing body of treasurers and enchanters from Goldencliff, Hollow Lake, and Wildbay.
- Ensures each kingdom’s interests are represented while upholding the Collective’s strict financial standards.
- Resolves disputes over counterfeiting, market regulations, and currency valuation.
Regional Overseers
- The visible hand of the Collective, stationed in major cities and trade hubs.
- Enforce currency distribution, monitor trade practices, and report economic shifts to the Council of Mints.
- Serve as negotiators, law enforcers, and auditors over large-scale transactions.
The Forgewrights
- Artisans and enchanters responsible for crafting shards, veinstones, suncoins, and mooncrests.
- Divided into specialized guilds, each responsible for a specific type of currency.
- Work within hidden forges to prevent theft and counterfeiting, embedding protective enchantments into the coins.
Public Agenda
- Ensuring a stable and unified economic system for the human kingdoms.
- Protecting the integrity of currency through anti-forgery enchantments.
- Promoting fair trade and preventing economic collapse through regulation.
- Maintaining neutrality in political disputes to serve the greater good of trade.
Assets
The Hall of Mint and Trade
A fortified headquarters located in the neutral city of Wyrmgate. Houses the main treasury, records of all transactions, and political agreements. A strictly neutral ground, where even rival kings may meet under financial truce.Enchanted Forges
Hidden workshops scattered across The Reach, where currency is minted. Each forge specializes in a specific coin type, ensuring strict control over production. Protected by enchantment sigils, preventing theft or unauthorized tampering.Private Treasury
Holds vast reserves of rare metals, magical essences, and surplus coinage. Used to stabilize currency values in times of war or famine.Merchant Fleet
A fleet of small but well-defended ships, enchanted to resist storms and piracy. Used to transport minted currency and trade goods between kingdoms.History
The Gilded Coin Collective was founded during the Council of Three Seeds (2955 BGW) to unify trade and currency among humanity’s growing kingdoms. Initially a coalition of neutral treasurers, merchants, and enchanters, they established a four-tiered currency system to replace barter and kingdom-specific coinage, ensuring economic stability. By 2100 BGW, their influence had expanded beyond mere regulation, making them the sole authority on currency production. When Greendale fell (1800 BGW) and Hollow Lake underwent a mysterious shift in leadership, the Council of Three Seeds dissolved, leaving the Collective as the last stabilizing force in human trade. Though they claim strict neutrality, their grip on commerce is absolute, with no kingdom daring to oppose them for fear of economic collapse. While dwarves, elves, and other races remain skeptical, humanity’s fractured kingdoms rely on their coinage, making the Collective a silent but undeniable empire of wealth and power.
Territories
The Gilded Coin Collective claims no official territory but holds de facto control over the neutral city of Swiftrun, which houses their headquarters. Their influence extends wherever their currency is used, effectively giving them a presence in every city.
Foreign Relations
Neutrality
- The Collective maintains a strict neutral stance, refusing to favor any kingdom in matters of war or politics.
Influence
- While neutral, their role as currency producers gives them significant leverage in diplomatic disputes.
- Any kingdom that opposes their influence risks economic instability.
Tensions
- Some rulers resent the Collective’s monopoly over currency production, seeing it as an unelected, unchecked power.
- The dwarves and elves rarely acknowledge the Collective’s currency, preferring barter, raw gold, or magical exchanges.
- Hollow Lake’s growing secrecy has led some to believe that their economic policies are influenced by forces beyond mortal understanding.
Laws
Counterfeiting Punishment
Forging the Collective’s currency is a high crime, punishable by exile or execution.Enforced Neutrality
Members of the Collective are forbidden from engaging in political disputes or swearing allegiance to any kingdom.Trade Code Compliance
Merchants under the Collective’s banner must adhere to strict codes of conduct, ensuring fair and lawful trade practices.
Type
Guild, Merchant
