Money

OOC Functions

For the most part, the information in this article exists to help those roleplaying transactions. It doesn't change the fact that players will still be dealing in Hekayti credits in code, or the fact there isn't a separate banking system to store money in.

What is Money?

Generally speaking, money serves three fundamental uses.

• Medium of exchange - Money serves to make commerce easier than bartering.
• Unit of account - Money provides a way to give a numeric valuation to goods and services.
• Store of value - Generally speaking, money serves the ability to be easily stored without losing much value.

What this boils down to for most people is that using IC currencies is far easier than barter. However, other kinds of items can be used for currency, especially in areas with unstable economies. In real life, gold often serves this purpose. In some areas, items with a generally acknowledge value, like cigarettes, can also function as currency.

What does money look like in Hiverspace?

Most characters within Hiverspace will experience money in a few different forms.

Electronic Transfers

The most popular type of monetary exchanges in Hiverspace. This consists of using a card or some other method to direct funds be moved from one account to another.

Traits often seen by this type of money:

• Convenient
• Nearly instant
• Traceable

Certified Money Card

The idea of a certified money card is that it works similar in principle to electronic transfers, but in a carried form. This is not dissimilar to gift cards that are used in real life.

Traits often seen by this type of money:

• Convenient
• Portable
• Nearly Instant
• Can be used most places where an electronic transfer can be
• Difficult to trace

The downside to this form of money is that, should the money card be lost, it can not be easily recovered.

Physical Currency

Physical currency are things like paper money and coins.

• Least Convenient form of money
• Portable
• Slowest form of money transfer, since bills and coinage need to be counted
• Difficult to trace

Like money cards, they are not easy to recover. If the physical currency is lost, it is gone.