Economics

Ramath-lehi's Khasi

On most of Ramath-lehi, the transferring of money is entirely electronic, and does not assume a zero-sum transaction model. Cards are used to transfer money, matched with a user’s profile. A rechargeable contact-less card used to transfer electronic payments in online or offline systems called Khorta is used everywhere except Bhim. Pendragons can recharge their cards with khasi, Ramath-lehi’s currency, at devices similar to Earth’s automated teller machines (ATMs) which are called khasi transfer machina (KTMs). Transactions may also be made at banks. Other than the card itself, watches and mobile phone covers that function as an anonymous Khorta card are offered. The types of watches available include wrist watches, pocket watches, and watch key chains.

The bio-signature of the card’s owner is encrypted within it, so that if the card is stolen or lost, it cannot be used by another.

Making or recording a payment using the card can be done by holding the card against or waving it over a Khorta card reader from up to a few centimetres away, even if the card is in a wallet or a purse. The Pendragon then needs to place their finger onto the reader so that their bio-signature and the one on the card can be matched up. The reader will acknowledge payment by emitting a beeping sound, and display the amount deducted and the remaining balance of the card.

Bhim's Bhijan

Bhim, rather than using the Khortan card, still uses coins called Bhjian. The main reason for this is the Black Market and Black Rune Casino stalls; rather than buying a Khortan reader, they simply exchange coins in fixed khasi amounts. Bhim traders prefer to use Bhjian at the Black Market over the more convenient Khortan, because it is relatively untraceable. Unlike the Khortan card, there is no electronic trail that can be followed, so transactions can be made securely and anonymously.

Royal Mal Mint

Bhim's most famous (and only) mint, the Royal Mal Mint, is located within the Terhesian Port. It is from that factory that the stable Bhijan currency is produced and controlled.

Bartering for Goods and Services

Bartering is also a very common practise on Ramath-lehi. There are some residents who never touch any form of currency their entire lives. Instead they make a living by exchanging what they have for what they need - or by giving and offering favours. While this practise is not so favourable in larger cities, it is highly used in more rural and agricultural areas where communities are smaller.

Sample Prices

Listed below are a few sample prices to give you an idea of how much the khasi is worth. Bear in mind that the following prices are averages and the actual item may go for more (if a popular brand) or less.

Name	Rural Cost	Urban Cost
Tea	1 khasi	2 - 3 khasi
Flavoured Beverage	2 khasi	2 - 5 khasi
Ticket to a Movie	8 khasi	12 - 17 khasi
Lunch	5 - 8 khasi	10 - 20 khasi
T-shirt Without Any Art	15 khasi	20 - 30 khasi
Handgun	300 khasi	300 - 700 khasi
Basic Cellphone	70 khasi	70 - 120 khasi
Tele-link	Unavailable in rural areas.	650 khasi
Economy Car	3,000 khasi	3,500 khasi