Chapter 2 : Knowing the rules (and learning to play by them)
I previously told you about the Imperial Regulations on the Status of Silver and Gold (which will from now on be referred to as IRSSG). A decree that everyone in Tamriel has at least heard about since Titus Mede I reinstored order in our economy. But do you ACTUALLY KNOW what these regulations are?
The two most important rules about them are as follow :
1- Merchants affiliated with the Merchants Guild of Tamriel* are the only ones allowed to deal in currency exchange, in the limit of silver currency.
2- Dealings in gold are exclusive to the Imperial Bank, the East Empire Trading Company and exclusive partners.
It's no wonder the Gold Septim has become such a rare sight nowadays. Only a few chosen are allowed to trade it, under strict monitoring.
If you have the means and if you live in an important city, like Anvil in Cyrodiil or Solitude in Skyrim, you will have more chances than others to actually put some in your pockets. But let's not get carried away and instead focus on more down-to-earth and regular solutions.
In-game : the Merchant Guild Note is a very interesting investment that you should definitely consider.
Our first object of interest will be the Merchant Note, or "how paper and ink can become money".
As its name implies, the Merchant Guild Note was originally exclusively reserved to merchants. It was however made available to the general public in 4E89 by imperial decree, under the general 10% commission already established on trade currency.
This piece of paper actually ensures that your money will travel safely on the lawless roads of Tamriel. You see, most highwaymen are completely clueless about their actual value, and will entirely focus on your petty copper coins. They will "let you go with your life" with small money... and will never realise you were actually carrying notes worth thousands of medes, carefully hidden in your books and parchments. They couldn't care less about them... most of those thieves can't read anyway.
So consider this : is it wise to avoid paying a mere 100 extra medes of commission, and carry a thousand (heavy) copper coins on a dangerous trip? Wouldn't your mind feel way more at ease knowing that the worse that could happen would be the loss of just a few? I thought as much.
Reports have been made that the Khajiit caravans roaming Tamriel have started delivering their own "Caravan Notes", emulating the Merchant Guild system. You have to understand that those notes only have value to them, and will not be accepted by any Merchant in Tamriel. They are not delivered under the rules of the IRSSG, and are even outlawed in some provinces and counties of the Empire. You are free to invest your money in any way you wish, but you should carefully consider the pros and cons of engaging in such transaction.
One last thing concerning highwaymen : make sure to hide your silver coins (and obviously gold coins) well. Like said before, they will entirely be satisfied with a dozen copper coins and won't think about looking for more. Also, another pro-tip : travel in rags.
* Reminder : that means pawnshops and general good stores. The seals on the merchant note serve as a reminder.
Furthermore, you will have to use special scrolls for merchants added by mods. See the Exchange Currency mod page for more details.
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