Indulgences (Currency)

Indulgences are a currency unique to Amaroth. They represent prayers given to Hesta, the god of the city. They are split into three denominations - Bricks, Walls, and Cathedrals. One Cathedral is equivalent to 4 Walls, and one Wall is equivalent to 30 Bricks.

Appearance
All three denominations of Indulgence look similar from a distance. They are black ingot shaped pieces of mineral around 2cm long. At first glance they appear mirror shiny and opaque, but close examination will reveal a gleaming symbol in the middle of the ingot as though forged from gold wire deep inside. The symbol is what differentiates the three denominations. When the Indulgence is within a Hestan church, the symbol seems to glow with inner light.

Use
Every day a resident or visitor to the city can pray in one of the many Hestan churches and receive a Brick for their contribution. This symbolises the role that prayer plays in maintaining the city wall and building new sections. Priests and Paladins may also offer Indulgences in place of gold to people willing to do favours for the church.

Bricks can be exchanged for a small meal and water at specific churches, meaning that no-one in Amaroth needs to go hungry or thirsty as long as they can pray. The army and the city guard are also paid in Indulgences, which they can exchange in church-run stores for any items they might want. Larger amounts of Indulgences can be saved up to request a boon from The Smiling Prince, the ruler of the city.

Indulgences are unusual for a currency in that they are all slightly inherently magical. When given by a representative of the Hestan church, they are 'bonded' to whoever they are given to. This bond means that only the original owner of the Indulgence can spend it, and robbing them from someone would be pointless. There have however been reports of corrupt priests manipulating the inheritance rules to bequeath the currency of the deceased into the pockets of their murderer.