Gleaming Sigil

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Gleaming Sigils are magical items used by wealthy Eretreban Midianites to aid in their financial transactions. For particularly well-off individuals, the amount of money that changes hands regularly can be prohibitive to physically transfer. To address this issue, Gleaming Sigils are used to off-load the accounting to the Midianite Bank-Temples.

Midianites of high enough standing can request a unique personal stamp from the Bank-Temples, which can then be used to apply their personal Sigil. Both the visual design and the magical traits of each stamp are distinct enough from each other that they can be tied to only a single individual. These stamps are almost always highly ostentatious in appearance, often made of solid gold or even more valuable materials, though the details of their constructions depend on how much the Midianites are willing to donate to the Bank-Temple.

On completion of a trade agreement or other deal, the paper on which the terms are drawn up is then stamped with the Gleaming Sigils of all participants. Doing so immediately updates the Bank-Temples that a transaction has taken place, which prompts them to move any relevant funds. Stamps need no ink to make a mark, as their symbol is purely magical in nature. Sigils usually have a dim yellow glow when applied, and take the form of a two to three inch wide circle with many highly detailed geometric shapes contained within.

Outside Eretrebus, Gleaming Sigils see very little use. Merchants in other nations generally do not accept such a means of conducting business, as without having good standing at a Bank-Temple (and being a Midianite themselves) there is no way to ensure any payment is actually transferred. Similarly, non-Midianites in Eretrebus widely see the Sigils alone as worthless.

Many attempts have been made to counterfeit Gleaming Sigils, but none have yet been successful. Between their intricate designs, purely magical nature, and connections to the Bank-Temples, the Sigils have proven themselves as a reliable way for Midianites to conduct their business.