Obsidians
This article is about a currency. For the magical reagent, see Obsidian.
Obsidians are the standard currency on Pagan.
Description[edit]
After long discussion, in the time after the ascend of the Tempests, what to use for a unified currency, the Pagans agreed upon to use this material. Imprinted on the coins are the seals of the four Titans (the same as seen on the cloth map), to pay homage to them and ensure that none of them would be offended by being neglected. While it is the same material as the reagent used for Sorcery, the processed material used for currency cannot be substituted for the raw material, as the heating and molding process – which is a government secret – has made the coins useless for magical usage.[Citation needed]
It is somewhat difficult to determine the worth of one obsidian, but a kith filet costs 8 obsidians, the scroll for secret doors 50 obsidians.
Lore[edit]
| “ | During the Third Epoch, after the Age of the Necromancers passed and Tempests came to rule, the Pagans learned the value of coins — namely that a universal currency saved wear and tear on the feet. Much deliberation went on as to what should best represent this abstract item of value. Some wanted the trappings of precious metals, but decided such was too valuable for crafts and weaponry to waste on coinage. Others thought that objects from the sea, such as oysters, clams and starfish, would best honor the Tempest rulers. Conversely, proponents of toraxen hides argued that it would be sacrilege to remove such sea belongings from the domain of Hydros.
Finally, the people agreed upon shaped and stamped obsidian chips. Obsidian is no longer used for other objects, it comes from the ground, honoring earth, and can be imprinted with the icons of the other Titans to show deference to them as well. Moreover, it is possible to confine to government agencies the technology for heating raw obsidian and molding the ore into chips. Thus they can enforce a necessary, though arbitrary, value within city walls. Those who cannot or will not craft for themselves use these obsidian chips throughout the city as legitimate exchange for goods and services. – from The Chronicle of Pagan (Ultima VIII)
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Trivia[edit]
- Obsidians are found in all places, even where it is illogical – like in the Shrine of the Ancient Ones.
- For whatever reason, changelings can be found carrying obsidians.
- Money is actually nearly pointless in Ultima VIII. There are only five vendors in the entire game, and of those the only one who is truly important is Mythran. The others either offer useless items or items that can be found easily.
| Currencies | |
|---|---|
| The Currencies | Dirt money ☥ Emeralds ☥ Filari ☥ Gold coins ☥ Guilders ☥ Monetari ☥ Obsidians |