Jaerys Volcaryon
Sword for Hire
- Objective: To create a new form of "currency" to be used across Gaia.
- Category: Coin
- Image Credit: Here, headers and dividers made by Nefadar
- Development Thread: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Name: Deathmarque
- Affiliation: Anyone can use a deathmarque, though they are most commonly seen within groups of mercs, pirates, criminals, and other unsavory types of people.
- Craftsman: The forging of a deathmarque is no different from a common coin, save for the black finishing used in its construction. Despite this, many craftsmen refuse to make such a coin, for they want no part in its use.
- Availability: Semi-Unique . Due to the rather taboo nature of the coin's usage, there aren't many in circulation. In order to get one, an individual would have to actively seek it out, likely ending up among people that are less than trustworthy, and possibly dangerous.
- Materials: Deathmarques are made from a variety of metals, including bronze, iron, and copper. The material itself does not matter, though craftsmen will usually lean toward cheaper metals for the coin's construction.
- Magical: No
- Tradable: Yes
- Customisable: No
- Description: At first glance, the deathmarque appears to be little more than a common coin, though at a closer look, it retains a much darker meaning. One may find the initial appearance odd due to its blackened nature, and once one gazes upon the skull relief upon the coin's face, the purpose becomes much more grim. It is an ill omen, and even laying one's eyes upon it almost seems to spell woe.
- Set in Stone: Once this coin is received, the recipient can almost guarantee that they will be dead within a fortnight.
- As Good as Gold: As soon as the contract is complete, the coin is as good as any other form of credit upon asking for payment, and the person that enacted the kill shall be paid in full.
- Few and Far: These coins are quite difficult to come across, and therefore cannot be used lightly.
- Little More than Blood: This coin holds no value outside of its distinct purpose, making it unusable in most transactions.
There have always been forms of punishment within less than savory circles, but with the growing, sprawling populace of Man, methods were taken to ensure at least a modicum of consistency. Despite their treacherous ways, the criminal and the forgotten had to find some semblance of order. So, in the wake of trying to find some level of order, many organizations began enacting the use of this coin to mark those that were no longer serving their purposes, marking those individuals for death.
Over time, the use of this coin has spread throughout the continents of Gaia, reaching the furthest corners of mankind's reach. Though the minutiae of the transaction may change, the general method always remains the same. Once the coin is passed, the receiver will never be rid of it. Should they attempt to separate themselves from the coin, it will matter little, for they cannot escape their fate. Though one could simply discard the coin, the practice has remained active for so long that none would dare dream of it.
Once their life has been taken, the killer smears the victim's blood upon the deathmarque, bringing it back to the one that issued the kill as proof of a contract completed. Payment is often issued once the contract is completed, though the details of payment can vary from contract to contract.
The tradition of the deathmarque is so ingrained within many social circles, that many won't even attempt to run from it. Those that have lived with a deathmarque hanging over their heads for years will even use it as a tool to show their own ability, frightening off those that may threaten their wellbeing. But no matter one's skill or ability, there will always be the looming threat of death hanging over their head, making them a target forevermore…
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