Currency |
| The only mint within one thousand pasangs of Torvaldsland is in the
city of Lydius. Thus, some jarls coin their own money. They stamp small
rectangles of iron or gold with their seal. Ring money is also used but
it is not stamped by a jarl. Many transactions in this area are done with
pieces of gold or silver, broken off from any item. They do not care about
the artistic beauty of such items. To them, they care only for its monetary
value based on the type of metal of an item. Trading is done with the
southlands to obtain certain items as well. Salt is an important trade
commodity. It is often obtained from seawater and the burning of seaweed.
Raiding is their primary means though of acquiring wealth, traveling up
and down the coast in their serpent ships. After a successful raid, the men will celebrate with Victory Ale. A huge tankard, that may hold about five gallons, is filled with ale. The sign of Thor is made over this two-handled tankard. The tankard is then passed among all the men who drink heartily from it. Unlike most Gorean men, the men of Torvaldsland do not allow themselves to cry. One method for a man to prove he is telling the truth is to run with two bars of red hot metal about twenty feet. Unfortunately, it is not clear as to what the results are supposed to be. Maybe the simple act of being able to make it twenty feet is sufficient to prove you are telling the truth. It could also be if your flesh is able to tolerate the heat without being injured. This was a common method of ordeal on Earth. |