The Challenge Coins

In the shadowed halls of House Alkozomier, the Thieves Guild of Ertha, every member carries a unique token—a bronze coin that serves as their mark of allegiance, their bond of trust, and their proof of identity within the guild. This humble-looking object is far more than mere currency; it is the embodiment of a promise, a challenge, and an unbreakable tie to the guild’s hidden world. Each coin, marked with intricate details that distinguish one from another, weaves a deeper layer of intrigue into the rich tapestry of House Alkozomier.

A Coin of Purpose and Promise

Each bronze coin is individually inscribed with markings unique to its bearer. These marks, often subtle and enigmatic, are a blend of symbols and identifiers that reflect the member’s affiliation, rank, and house within the guild. The coins are more than symbolic—they are active tools of trust and accountability. When a coin is handed to another guild member, it signifies a deed or promise to be fulfilled. Upon completing the task, the coin is returned to its rightful owner, reaffirming the bond of trust within the guild.

This tradition is rooted deeply in the guild’s history. The coins represent the bearer’s honor and loyalty to House Alkozomier. To lose one is not merely a personal embarrassment—it is a breach of the guild’s trust, a stain on the individual’s standing that must be addressed with utmost seriousness.

The Weight of a Lost Coin

The loss of a bronze coin triggers a chain of consequences. First, the member must report the loss to their house, prompting an internal investigation. The guild’s leadership views such an event with suspicion, as a lost coin can compromise the guild’s secrecy. The investigation delves into the circumstances of the loss, examining whether it stemmed from negligence, betrayal, or an unavoidable misfortune.

If the member is found culpable, punishment is swift and severe, ranging from reparations to more stringent consequences, depending on the severity of the breach. Even after the punishment, the individual must prove their loyalty anew. This process often involves undertaking a grueling task or a high-stakes mission that demonstrates their worth to the guild. Only upon successful completion are they granted a replacement coin—a tangible sign of redemption, but one that carries a reminder of their failure.

Mark of Membership

The bronze coins are not merely functional within the guild—they are also a visible mark of affiliation. Each coin bears the name of the member’s house, subtly encrypted into its design. These artistic elements are as much a mark of pride as they are a security measure. A coinholder can present their coin as proof of their allegiance to House Alkozomier, signaling their standing within the guild to those who recognize its significance.

Beyond the guild, the coins carry an air of mystique. Those who know of the guild but remain outside its circles recognize the coin as a sign of influence and danger. To be shown such a coin is to be warned of the bearer’s ties to the Thieves Guild, a silent message that the individual is not to be trifled with.

A Living Tradition of Trust

The tradition of the bronze coin dates back to the First Age, forged in the aftermath of the Shadowgate’s emergence. As the guild rose to prominence, the coin became a unifying symbol, representing the delicate balance between secrecy and unity. While the coin’s design has evolved over time, its purpose has remained steadfast: to bind members to their promises, hold them accountable for their deeds, and reinforce their allegiance to the guild.

This enduring tradition reflects the guild’s core values. House Alkozomier operates on trust, loyalty, and a shared understanding that each member’s actions affect the whole. The coin is a tangible manifestation of these principles, serving as both a practical tool and a sacred emblem of the guild’s identity.

GM Tips

The bronze coins of House Alkozomier offer a unique and versatile storytelling element for Game Masters running campaigns in Dicesongs or similar RPG settings. Here’s how to make them an integral part of your game:

Use Coins as Plot Hooks

Introduce the bronze coin early in your campaign as a mysterious object with cryptic markings. Players might find a lost coin, be tasked with delivering one, or even receive one as a promise of future aid. The coin can serve as a gateway to uncovering the guild’s hidden world.

Create High-Stakes Challenges

Losing a bronze coin can become a major plot point. A player character might face guild scrutiny, forcing them to prove their worth through a difficult mission. Alternatively, retrieving a lost coin could lead to dangerous encounters with rival factions or traitorous allies.

Highlight Guild Dynamics

Use the coins to emphasize the internal structure of House Alkozomier. Let players interact with different houses within the guild, each with its unique coin designs. This can add depth to the guild’s lore and create opportunities for political intrigue.

Foster Moral Dilemmas

Challenge players with the ethical implications of accepting a coin. Does carrying one make them complicit in the guild’s actions? What happens if they fail to fulfill the promise attached to it? Use these questions to deepen your narrative and explore character development.

Design Unique Coin Mechanics

Give the coins tangible benefits in gameplay. For example:

A coin could grant access to guild resources, such as safehouses or informants.

It might serve as a bargaining chip in tense negotiations.

Losing a coin could impose penalties, such as diminished reputation or restricted access to guild benefits.

Tie Coins to Larger Story Arcs

Connect the coins to the broader history of Ertha. Perhaps the markings on an ancient coin reveal secrets about the Shadowgate or hint at a betrayal within the guild. Use these connections to weave the coins into your campaign’s overarching narrative.

By incorporating the bronze coins into your game, you create a versatile and engaging tool for storytelling. The coins are more than tokens—they are symbols of trust, loyalty, and power, providing endless opportunities for intrigue and adventure. Whether your players embrace the shadows or seek to expose them, the challenge coins of House Alkozomier will add depth and mystery to their journey through Ertha.