Economy & Craft
14.1 Currency System
The Celestial Order does not operate a traditional economy. Members live communally and resources are shared. However, external trade uses Celestial Crystals as a high-value currency:
| Unit | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Shard | Tiny crystal fragment | Equivalent to ~50 gold crowns; used for modest trade |
| Facet | Polished crystal disc | ~500 gold crowns; used for significant acquisitions |
| Prism | Multi-hued crystal rod | ~5,000 gold crowns; used between institutions |
| Resonance Stone | Large, naturally occurring crystal | Priceless; used only for inter-civilizational treaties |
The Order's treasury is the Vault of the Eternal Light beneath the Temple of the First Dawn, guarded by Resonance Wards and Stellar Guardians.
14.2 Key Industries
| Industry | Description |
|---|---|
| Starlight Crystal Mining | Careful extraction from Celestial-Kordilleren deposits; strictly limited by resonance quotas |
| Celestial-Forge Smithing | Crafting artifacts from Celestial Crystals and Temporal Alloy; only licensed Resonance-Weavers may practise |
| Starlight Almanac Production | The Order's primary "export" — annual astronomical and magical reference books distributed to all civilizations |
| Pilgrim Services | Hospice care, guided tours, and resonance-therapy at Quell-Spitzen |
| Oracle Consultation | Civilizations may petition for Oracle readings; fees fund the Order's operations |
14.3 Trade Routes & Partnerships
The Starlight Trade Route runs from the Celestial Mountains through the Verdant Plains to the Azure Coast, connecting the Order to Azarian markets. The route is contested by bandit covens seeking to steal Ætheric Crystals. The Order maintains a Trade Escort of Balance-Wardens for high-value shipments.
Transport: Aetheric Sky-Ships powered by Pyrope's flame and Aether's wind; Temporal Gateways for instantaneous travel (heavily regulated by the Order).