There are of course more equipment and services available than can be organized into a manageable set of categories. In order to include those items which do not fit neatly into the other categories, this page has been included.
Tithes & Simony
With very few exceptions (e.g., Wōd), all Cults require tithing in one form or another. Most Cults of the Old Empire and beyond, require that members devote 10% of their yearly gross income to the Cult. This can usually be paid in coin or kind. At harvest times, some communities set aside special collections for this purpose. Oftentimes, membership of the Cult is contingent on these tithes being maintained. Persons or villages who are delinquent in this responsibility are sometimes overlooked for necessary rituals (e.g., atonements, baptisms, blessings, funerals, weddings).
Some Cults embrace the practice of simony. Depending on the severity of one’s sin, a price can be assessed, and payment made to reconcile one’s spirit and stature within the Cult. The only Cults within the Old Empire who make a practice of this are Zyrr and ancient Skaraz.
Tolls
Some roads that are privately maintained require a toll for use. Because tolls (like all incomes) are taxed, misuse of these roads is an offense which can have legal repercussions. In more remote regions, toll-keepers sometimes enter into agreements with bandits and highwaymen who keep an eye out for tokens worn by travelers. Travelers wearing the tokens are not harassed, while all others are fair game. Such agreements are meet with suspicion by tax collectors because bandits rarely account for their “business transactions”.
- Cart (1 Axle): 1/2-1,1/2d
- Livestock: 1/8-3/8d ea
- Person, Afoot: 1/4-3/4d
- Wagon (2 Axles): 1-3d
Usury
Moneylending is an ancient practice whereby a person, bank, or guild loans money for a fee. Fees may be a set payment of coin or products, or may be compounded over periods of time established by the lender. Moneylenders are universally perceived as corrupt despite providing an indispensable service. The only profession more reviled than moneylender is tax collector.