Golden Unicorn

Date: End of the First Age
Face Value: 1 GP
Weight: 9 weighs 10 Weight Units
Notes: Collectable, Human, Rare

The coin was normally restruck over Dwarvish or Elvish "Early Age" gold pieces dating back nearly 3000 years. When they restruck these coins, the unicorn head was added, as a small gold plug. The plug resulted in that each coin is slightly overweight, - this generosity is said to be lucky, a blessing from their God. The Golden Unicorn Cult was believed to have been based at a major fortress at southern area of Diamondstade, inland from Van Grutton's Gap. At Star Castle, they toiled to protect and close a magical tear or rent.

The legend of Star Castle goes on to explain how this order endeavoured to unite all kindred's to close the rent in the multi-verse, and, in the meantime, contain a bottomless pit which was it's result. The cult had a huge impact on the development of the common tongue and for a brief time had Dwarf and Orc, Troll and Ent working side by side with Elves and Humans. Some versions of the legend tell of it's success and of the war that followed as the common purpose was lost, others of a great evil that erupted from the bowels of the working and that Gods and Demons rose. There are tales in all major languages but contain little details.

The size and scope of the castle and the magical undertaking required vast amounts of coins to be minted. They are only found in the southern wilds, where they may still be used in trade or barter. It is believed that most of our currency is struck from this gold. The Emperors agents will exchange these coins at 90%. Jewellers and blacksmiths may change at 1:1 as the gold is high grade, but they will not take large quantities. It is still possible to find armour where on or two coins inset, for decoration and good luck.

The Southern Orc tribe values these coins very highly. A standard Orc war chest typically holds 1000 GP but the number of Golden Unicorns in the mix hides it's real value. Battle chests containing 1000 Golden Unicorns are the highest of war prizes. Small wars have been fought over a single Golden Unicorn. When a warlord wishes to raise a mighty army, he sends out envoys, buying allegiance with Golden Unicorns at each tribe, with e promise of more. It is believed that the great Southern Orc Tribes have stockpiles of hundreds of thousands of these coins.

The existence of these coins and the few 'Golden Unicorn Relics' that validate that the Golden Unicorn Cult did exist and become very powerful. Most scholars agree that the initial success and the bloody wars that followed, brought the world into dark times between the Ages. Many tales of the cult are considered myth or fireside fantasy. These coins place the cult's rise to power during the latter Early Age or the Middle Age, during the time of the Green Lizard Cult, when the city of Diamondstade became a thriving regional capital. The Blue Gargoyle Back and Breast is the most noted relic from this time.