CURRENCY
Pre-ascendancy period, the barter system was the most used manner of trade among the familial clans that ruled over towns in their area of the continent. It was an effective way of exchanging goods or services but, through the course of years, it was also often the cause of discord among traders. Many felt that certain exchanges weren't actual equivalents of the commodities that were traded and so, bloodshed was often the consequence.
Apart from being one of the most powerful men with the Gift, Tsi Sgili also had the mindset of a cunning merchant and currency was one of the foremost issues that he addressed when he was crowned the first Emperor. To him it made sense to address the issue of having a unified system of payment that'll apply to all the areas that he rules. It meant less warring between clans and it was an easier way of keeping track of taxes that accounted for the expenses that were necessary for the building and upkeep of the Imperial City.
Convening with his brilliant generals, who were also his advisers, they set a particular currency that was viable then and, up to this day, is still currently used in the Empire. It had boosted the need for certain minerals, which in turn created an actual industry and more opportunities for even the lowest to rise in riches. As soon as it was implemented, coin was used as a medium of exchange for goods and services, currency was made the basis for trade.
Below are the coins that were chosen and are still used in current Sgili time:
BI
Bi is a jade coin that is equivalent to 10 gold coins, this is the highest amount of currency and is mostly available to affluent families (whether royal, noble or commoner). The jade is a precious mineral that is mined only in specific locations apart from Bhalta. There are very few mines located in different areas around the Empire but only the Davaschi Feudal Lords have neither confirmed nor denied if there was any on their Isles. This mineral is a status symbol of power and wealth and Emperors often generously awarded jade statues or coin to loyal subjects that have accomplished feats or conquests in the name of the Empire.
JIN
Jin is a gold coin that in RL, would've been our 100 USD.
YIN
Yin is a silver coin that is equivalent to our RL 50 USD.
TÓNG
Tóng is a copper coin that is equivalent to our RL 20 USD.
GUULIN
Guulin is a brass coin with the least amount of value, it is equivalent to our RL 1 USD.
(Moderator's Note: Do not over-complicate things and simply take the figures at face value. I have quoted several actual amounts for better understanding but please do NOT equate everything to what we can buy in real life, this is still a fantasy environment so let us chill about certain aspects.)
Moderators: FairestEyes TheGreatMouse