A/N: There is a section after the end of the introduction that explains some of the story setting.
THE DRAGON EMPIRE:
REIGN OF THE SKULL KING
Introduction:
Day 21 – Farmer Saul O'Daullen's Place/Barony of Fairbanks/Dragon Empire of Aradanos
(50 Miles north of the Independant City State of Amroth-Lyellus/250 Miles north of the Independant City State of Amroth-Volenska)
Kaine wiped the sweat from his brow as he lifted the axe up for one more blow. A second later the axe came sweeping down and cut the log in half. He had been at it now since noon and it would soon be dusk. Eight hours swinging a damn axe about with barely a word of thanks from Farmer O'Daullen. He'd heard the man paid well for a days work and it had better be the case or there would be hell to pay after all his hard work. He was hoping for at least twenty copper pennies, and he could really hope for a silver shilling, but that was ten times what he expected and he was fooling himself if he thought the old man was that generous.
Sometimes he wished he had not run away from his families farm. It was three weeks ago now and he had been living day to day ever since. There was only one thing he was good at and that was using his grandfather's sword. The old man had taught him eveything he knew and Kaine had been a fast and eager learner. But his father had seen it as a waste of time when he could be taking care of what needed doing on the farm. When his grandfather died two month ago his father's behaviour had changed for the worst. Never a happy man. The only time he seemed to get any pleasure out of life was when he was working the fields or preaching to Kallanis, Goddess of Farmers and Good Harvest. Jacob Rivera was a simple man of simple tastes and only wanted to live a simple life. He wanted the same for his six sons and four daughters. Kaine being the eldest after just turning eighteen was expected to help his father run the farm now his grandfather was dead. But Kaine had different ideas.
He tried to explain to his father that he wished to join the Arch-Duke's army in Amroth-Volenska, the largest city for three hundred miles in any direction from his village of Harwell Crossing. His father was understandably horrified. The Arch-Duke and noble elite of that particular city were infamous for their debauched orgies of blood, sex, and violence. As a devout man of a peaceful and well loved goddess he demanded that his son never speak of it again or recieve a thrashing that was a long time coming and perhaps should have come sooner to instill in his son a sense of discipline and obedience.
Kaine waited until everyone had gone to sleep and close to midnight he packed all his belongings and whatever of his grandfather's travelling gear he could carry and left soon after. He left a small note explaining his reasons. His mother had been a school teacher at the village school before she died and had taught all her children how to read and write.
His belongings and those of his dead grandfather amounted to his grandfather's steel long sword. It was a fine piece of craftsmanship that had seen his grandfather through many wars during his thirty years as a mercenary fighting for the Dragon Emperor in far away lands. His grandfather's steel short sword, long dagger and hunting bow and forty arrows in two arrow quivers. As well as his shield and hardened studded leather armour. He took a set of sturdy travelling clothes, a set of durable work clothes and his finest suit of leisure wear. He took his new pair of travelling boots, and an old pair of tough leather work boots. To carry it all he took his grandfather's large black leather travelling backpack. Also two thick travelling blankets. He sorted through his secret stash of coins that he had been saving since he was a small child and was pleased to see they amounted to a small fortune, at least to him it was a small fortune. Five hundred and seventy eight copper pennies, one thousand two hundred and forty five copper bits, twelve half a shilling coins and his pride and joy 7 silver shillings his mother had given to him for his sixteenth birthday, just before she died two years ago.
He took his waterproof fur hooded travelling cloak and several coin purses he had recently bought for just such an occasion. He placed his half shillings and silver shilings in the smallest leather purse and placed it on the inside of his travelling coat where it would be hard for any thieves to grab it. He placed five hundred copper pennies in the largest of the leather purses and placed it deep within his backpack. He placed the other seventy eight copper pennies in his third purse and placed it in the inside pocket of his shirt. The last purse held the smallest coins, each no larger than his thumb nail. He fastened it to his belt and felt the weight of it immediately. It would be too heavy to carry on his belt. He counted out two hundred copper bits and placed them in his pockets. The rest he left in the purse and put it alongside the other in his backpack.
He took his silver pendant, a gift from his father depicting the goddess Kallanis. He took his grandfather's golden pendant depicting the goddess Ashira. She was the goddess of luck and good fortune, but also of travellers and adventurers. He really had no right to take his grandfathers belongings, as they all belonged to his father now. But Jacob had threatened to sell them all to help pay for things needed on the farm. Kaine couldn't let that happen. It would insult his grandfather's memory. The golden pendant was probably worth more than the rest of the gear combined. He would never let it go however. He would ware it with pride alongside his father's gift and the pendant his mother gave him. It was a simple copper pendant depicting the goddess Kastalaina. She was the quiet and reserved goddess of study and learning of academics and scholars. She had been very proud to wear it and he would wear it with the same pride as the other two. Lastly was his own silver pendant that he had recently bought for five full shillings. It depicted Banathor the God of Warriors and War. He would wear all four just like many who chose to follow the gods would do, seeking blessings from one or more of the Pantheon. He also took his grandfathers old silver pocket watch. It was still accurate to the minute after all these years, dwarven inventions were famous for their reliability.
Finally he took one of his fathers lanters and five bottles of lamp oil for the dark journey through the night, as well as a tinder box and two boxes of matches. He packed himself several days worth of travelling rations and took two leather waterskins filled with fresh water from the well.
He left quietly without a word to anyone and his journey began.
Day 1 – Midnight, The Road to Amroth-Lyellus starting at the Village of Harwell Crossing/Barony of Brentonshire (150 Miles north of the Independant City State of Amroth-Lyellus/350 Miles north of the Independant City State of Amroth-Volenska)
Fortunately for Kaine the night was good for travelling. The road was very well sign posted with signs every mile or so. The cobblestone road made for an easier journey than taking the short cuts through the countryside. He was managing about three miles every hour at a steady relaxing pace. The roads were lit with bright lanterns every fifty metres. These roads were well travelled highways that led through the centre of the Dragon Empire of Aradanos. Within the first hour three twenty man mounted patrols passed him and each time asked him for his Certificate of Freeborn Citizenship. These documents detailed where he lived, who each member of his family was, his father's profession and most importantly the signed statement of the local lord that said as a Freeborn man of over eighteen years he was free to travel the empire at the local rulers discrestion. The paper work really only protected him from officials of the Empire and offered no such sanctuary from slavers who were well known to take freeborn citizens if they could get away with it.
After five hours and fifteen miles he reached the small village of Ashby Willows. It would be light in an hour at around six o'clock. Kaine took out his grandfathers watch and held it under his lantern. Five minutes past five. Kaine had travelled this road a hundred times before mostly alongside his grandfather. The village of Ashby Willows was the home of his favourite uncle, Sirus. He was the youngest of four brothers and two sisters, Jacob's youngest brother. He owned an inn named The Golden Goose. Sirus fought alongisde Kaine's grandfather for five years as a mercenary. They had fought in over forty battles together and now he was retired early. At thirty years old he had seen enough of violence to last him the rest of his life and beyond. But that wasn't to say he didn't encourage Kaine every chance he got. Jacob and Sirus didn't get along and hadn't spoken in three years. Jacob saw him as a bad influence on his son.
Kaine walked up to the front door of the Golden Goose and gave it a push. Immediately the sound of people talking and laughing and singing met his ears. It was a warm welcome sound, one he had heard countless times before in the Golden Goose but never at this time of day. He walked through the door an unexpected sight to those inside the inn. He looked around the room and recognized everyone present. There were eight people in the room, and his uncle stood behind the bar. Kaine approached the bar with a beaming smile on his face. It was the first time he had seen his uncle since his grandfather's funeral. What he wasn't expecting was the stern look Sirus gave him as he approached.
"Kaine, what in the nine hells are you doing here?" Sirus questioned as he dried off a tankard with an old bar towel.
"What kind of gtreeting is that after all this time, Uncle?" Kaine answered with a wide grin that spoke only too well of what his intentions were.
"You've finally done it then. And this is the first place you come to. Your father is going to have a fit when he realises your gone. Who do you think he will blame?" Sirus tried to look hard faced as he questioned his nephew but he seemed almost as thrilled by the idea as Kaine was.
"He won't come here, Uncle. He's a stubborn man as you know only too well. He'll simply move on to the next son. I feel sorry for Markas as he is the one who will get all the pressure now. But he always was father's favourite and always the most obedient son." Kaine explained.
"I see you borrowed your grandfather's old travelling gear. It will see you alright on your road ahead. Are you going to sit down now and have a tankard of ale with your old uncle?" Sirus questioned already knowing the young man would love to have his first drink of alcohol.
"If it's alright. You always said i wasn't ready for my first drink."
"But you're a young man now. Almost as old as I was when I set out with father to see the world. Old Marius would be pleased to see his favourite grandchild setting out on his own. But it's a harsh world out there Kaine. Don't let your peaceful and carefree life here fool you into thinking this will be easy. The Empire's a very dangerous place in some of the less civilized regions. I had the luck of going with father and his many years of experience. We were well equipped and well funded. I know you saved some coins all these years, but I think it's time to give you something that will help you greatly on your journey." Sirus said and watched with a pleased look on his face as the curiosity took hold of his nephew until he looked like he would burst with anticipation.
"What is it, Uncle? I thought I had everything i'll need for the journey." Kaine asked with a look of surprise spread across his face.
"Your grandfather was going to give you these things once you were ready. But his sudden illness meant he never got the chance. I promised him before he died that I would ensure you got them if you ever decided to make your own way in life. As I said things are hard out there and these things will help you greatly. Follow me into the back room, we can have a drink later. Nossi take over while i'm in the back." Sirus explained and then called over to the barman.
The back room was a different world to the front of the inn. All around the large room were displays of previous conquests. The stuffed and mounted heads of various strange looking creatures that he had heard all about in his mother's books. He had of course seen the room before in all it's magnificence and splendor. But it never failed to bring an overwhelming sense of wonder to him. There were finely crafted weapons and suits of armour of all description displayed neatly around the room. Odd looking items that he would have to guess at their nature if he hadn't already been told a hundred times before. Items of a magical and fantastic nature that when used in the right hands performed extraordinary feats of impossible tasks. The walls were lined with numerous bookcases stuffed to bursting with all manner of old books, scrolls and tomes.
Kaine went straight to his grandfather's old rocking chair and made himself comfortable. He placed his cumbersome heavy load on the floor next to the chair and waited with anticipation. Sirus fiddled with some hidden switch and a secret panel opened up in the wall. He went inside and minutes later came out with a wooden chest that he placed on the floor in front of Kaine. Sirus took a key on a chain from around his neck and opened the chest. Firstly he took out two scrolls and handed them to Kaine. Kaine put one aside for a moment and opened the other. He bagan reading the official document that explained there was a bank account with the Emporer's Grand Central Bank set up for Kaine Rivera with a total of five hundred and eighty nine gold crowns, plus any interest that it had accumulated in the past two years since the account was opened. It explained he would need this document to deposit or withdraw any funds as well as a copy of his Certificate of Freeborn Citizenship to show as evidence of his identification. The second scroll was a promisory document that let the holder of the document purchase five hundred gold crowns of equipment from the Adventurer's Emporium. Both places were in the city of Amroth-Volenska. All he had to do was go and make his claim. Kaine looked at Sirus with astonishment in his eyes, he was lost for words.
"Well, what do you think about that?" Sirus questioned with a knowing smile.
"I ... I ... I don't know what to say. I didn't think there was that much gold in the entire world. I can't accept it, Uncle."
"Nonesense, there's a similar letter for each of his grandchildren once they reach eighteen years old. He wanted you to have it. Although he rarely mentioned what happend on his journeys across the world he never mentioned just how wealthy he had become. Years of adventuring left him a rich man and now he simply wants to pass it on to those he cares about. And there certainly is more gold out there to be found and earnt. You just have to know where to look." Sirus explained as he got carried away with the moment and the talk of days gone by.
"Take good care of them, Kaine. I've got some old scroll cases in the chest. There's also this." Sirus said handing him another piece of paper. Kaine looked at it and read down a list of twenty six names, address's and their professions.
"What's this, Uncle?" Kaine questioned.
"It's a list of your grandfather's contacts throughout the Empire. All are trustworty and can be relied upon to offer you assistance should you need it. Here's another scroll case, keep it safe.
"Thank you, Uncle. I never expected any of this. What if I had not come here first? I would never have known about any of this."
"We knew you would stop here if you ever decided to leave. As will your father. But like you said he will not come after you. Nothing can get him away from that precious farm of his. That's not all I have for you. These are more of a practical nature." Sirus said with a grin that spoke of mischief.
"Uncle, you've given me enough already. I can't possibly take any more." Kaine argued unenthusiastically as he looked as every bit curious as Sirus was to see his face when he gave them to him.
Sirus handed him a leather case about the size of a book and unfolded it. Inside was a curious collection of thieves tools. Lockpicks and items of unkown use. Then he handed him a plain silver ring with a strange inscription on the inside. Next was a black cloak of extraordinary design and craftsmanship. After this came a pair of fine black leather light boots. Finally an eighteen inch dagger that looked like it could cut through just about anything it was used on.
"Firstly is my old set of picks and tools. Now don't get me wrong. I don't want to set you off on the wrong path and see you get hung for your troubles. But i'm offering you an alternative path." Sirus said with sly amusement.
"Uncle, the only reason you would have these is to pick or make locks. Somehow i don't see you as the locksmith type." Kaine said with more than a hint of curiosity at his Uncle's previous professions.
"I wasnt always on the right side of the law. If you're curious as to how to use them go to this address in the city and ask for a man named Franco Xavalius. Show them this pendant and all being well they should introduce you to some interesting characters who will have some opportunities for aquiring wealth that aren't taught anywhere else. The ring will help to conceal your presence from prying eyes. The cloak will allow you move in the darkness and shadows unseen. The boots will adjust to fit your feet and will provide you with a silent step when you don't want to be heard. And finally a dagger that can cut though steel like it's made from paper should things go wrong and violence is required. I do not give you these items lightly. Your grandfather probably wouldn't aprove and i still think it best to try other professions before you turn rogue. But at least you'll have the choice if needed. Finally I have this. A gift from me, just a little something to help you get to the city in one piece."
Kaine took the large purse and poured the contents onto the table. Inside were silver and gold coins and a handful of small gemstones. Also an old key. He quickly set about counting them and when finished they amounted to two hundred silver shillings, and twenty gold crowns. The gemstones at a guess were worth a small fortune and would have to be valued at a jewellers in the city. Kaine's mouth was once again open wide with shock. Again lost for words.
"I hope it's enough to get you to the city. Unless you buy something expensive or are robbed on the way you should have enough to last you for months. The key is to an old safety deposit box with the Duke's Imperial Bank in the city. Inside the box are letters of ownership to various things you may find useful on your travels. As I have no intention of going back to the city again they would serve a better purpose if you used them. I'll let it be a surprise for when you arrive. It will give you something to aim for during all that walking. I take it you are walking. You could travel to Amroth-Lyellus and get a ride on the steam train to the city. Or even buy a horse with those gems, or hire a wagon or carriage. You could even go by airship if you're feeling particularly brave and adventurous."
"I'll see how I feel once I reach Amroth-Lyellus. I don't mind walking the whole way and working to keep myself while I'm travelling. But are you certain, Uncle? I feel guilty taking such treasures away with me. Won't you need them yourself?"
"I have enough to last me until I'm old and grey. Finally i'll pack you some supplies for the journey ahead. You'll need plenty of food and water and something a bit stronger to keep you warm on those cold summer nights. Pack everything away in your backpack and lets join the others in the bar. We'll have something to celebrate now your taking your first steps into the world."
Kaine carefully packed everthing away in his already heavy backpack. He noted carefully everything he stored and where it was located so he could find it later if needed. When he was finished he stood up and walked over to Sirus and put his hand out to thank him. Sirus gathered him up in a big bear hug, almost lifting him off his feet. He then guided him with his arm around Kaine's shoulder to the bar where he intended to have at least a few last drinks with Kaine before he left. Kaine couldn't stop smiling. He hadn't expected any of this. It would mean he didn't have to rely on his meagre savings while he found himself work. Only fate could have guided him here first, he said a prayer thanking the gods and offered up a few words for his mother and grandfather aswell.
Kaine had drunk ale with his Uncle and the other regulars at The Golden Goose from six in the morning until noon. Considering he had never drunk a drop of alcohol before he was surprised he had managed to stay on his feet for so long. Finally he had wobbled and fell laughing on his back before curling up in a ball on the floor and going to sleep. Sirus would have left him where he dropped but the boy was snoring and starting to annoy the customers. Although that didn't stop them laughing at his expense. Sirus and Nossi carried him into the backroom and placed him in front of the blazing log fire. Sirus's dog Whiskey had come in from outside in the yard and cuddled up next to him. The big old sheep dog was never happier than when he was asleep in front of that fire.
Kaine woke eight hours later. He looked at his grandfather's watch. It was twenty past eight in the evening. He shook his head as though that would get rid of the headache that was pounding through his skull. He gave Whiskey a few strokes and stood up. He poured himself a drink of water from the jug on the table into a glass next to the jug. He took long gasping gulps until there was none left and immediately refilled it and repeated it until the jug was empty. This was not how he intended to start his journey. But he had to admit to a fondness for ale, wine and whiskey. He also believed at some point during the day Sirus had given him his grandfather's old longpipe. He had immediately taken to the pipe and apart from some initial coughing and spluttering he thought it tasted surprisingly good.
He looked over at his gear, all was where he had left it. Additionally there was two weeks worth of travelling rations, his grandfather's longpipe and a large leather pouch of Red Dragon Weed, a strong concoction of smoking tobacco. A full bottle of Dornham's Finest Whiskey. There was also a set of travelling utensils that he had not thought to bring. Several large towels. A small framed shaving mirror and straight edge razor. Three bars of soap and a hairbrush. Obviously his young cousin Megan was responsible for the cleaning items. She was always nagging everybody to look and dress smartly. He was sorry he'd missed her but she would have gone to sleep by now.
Once again he rearranged his backpack to fit everything inside and then went to find his Uncle. It was a warm and friendly goodbye as he set off along the road on his way to the nearest city the stars beginning to appear in the sky on a clear cold night.
The Story Setting
Locations:
Independant City State of Amroth-Volenska, The Golden Coast - City of Slaves, City of Delights, City of Untold Pleasures, Jewel of the Golden Coast, City of Gold, City of Wonders
Population: 758,000 Residents, Upto 850,000 Visitors, 2,550,000 Slaves
Ruler: Grand Arch-Duke Fernandos Romelleski XII
Government: Ruled with an iron fist by the Aristocracy
(Nobles/Merchants Guilds/Banks/Churches/Military/Secret Police)
Military: (Add to total population) 55,000 City Guard, Upto 180,000 Militia, 35,000 Professional Soldiers, 10,000 Noble Knights of the Flaming Sword Holy Order, 18,000 Secret Police (Black Cloaks), Upto 150,000 Mercenaries, 100,000 Sailors (Navy), 50,000 Marines (Navy)
Notable Organizations and Locations: Holy Order of the Flaming Sword, Church of Balthazar the Blackheart, House of the Inquisitor (Black Cloaks), House of the Overseers (Slave Traders), House of Corrections, University of Magic, Thieves Guild, Assassins Guild, Adventurers Guild, House of the Warrior, Pleasure Palaces, Slave Markets, The Arena, Grand Dukes Palace, The Naval Dockyards, Grand Dukes Fortress, The Armoury, The Forges, The Adventurers Emporium, Towers of the Arch Mages, Steam Train Station, Airship Port, Griffons Roost, Pegasus Stables, Horse Trainers Stables, The Grand Museum, The Grand Dukes Imperial Bank, The Moneylenders Temple, Grand Council Halls, The Duke's Vaults, Clock Tower, The Emperor's Grand Central Bank.
Independant City State of Amroth-Lyellus
Village of Harwell Crossing in the Barony of Brentonshire (Population: 256, Ruler: Twelve Man Council chaired by the village mayor, Notable Locations: Rivera Farm, Notable People: Jacob Rivera, Kaine Rivera, Mayor Augustus Raventree III, Local Lord – Sir Gaston Dusonne, Armed Forces: 55 Local Part Time Militia, Lord's Tower in centre of village: 20 full time professional guardsmen, led by Gregor Blackhand – Sergeant at Arms.
Village of Ashby Willows in the Barony of Darringshire (Population: 459, Ruler: Twelve Man Council chaired by the village mayor, Notable Locations: The Golden Goose Inn, Notable People: Sirus Rivera, Natisha Rivera, Megan Rivera, Mayor Davius Falkirk, Local Lord – Sir Perionne Dusonne, Armed Forces: 100 Local Part Time Militia, Lord's Tower in centre of village: 30 full time professional guardsmen, led by Vance Jasselle - Sergeant at Arms.
The Gods: (The Aradanos Patheon of the Dragon Empire)
Azmoranthus – God of Dragons, Emperors, Kings, Rulership.
Kallanis - Goddess of farmers and good harvest.
Ashira - Goddess of luck and good fortune, travellers and adventurers.
Kastalaina - Goddess of study and learning, academics and scholars.
Banathor - God of warriors and war.
Bane
Baradorn
Balur
Mystra
Mystrella
Mystrana
Thorok
Tyrokoth
Turanis
Kestra
Lallani
Lukrana
Lorn
Thargos
Hoth
Farador
Dennevar
Razallan
Rorken
Zeveron
Kallista
Kornos
Balthos
Vordoth
Mariqa
Urielle
Orthos
Currency:
1 copper bit or copper lord – tiny copper coin
10 copper bits = 1 copper penny
1 copper penny or copper baron (local currency with the local baron's head on the coin) -Small copper coin
100 copper pennies or barons = Half a Silver Shilling – Small silver coin
Half a silver shilling or silver duchess (currency with the local duchess's head on the coin)
200 copper pennies or barons = 1 Silver Shilling – Large silver coin
1 silver shilling or silver count (currency with the local Count's head on the coin)
4000 copper pennies or barons or 20 Silver Shillings = 1 Gold Crown – Large gold coin
1 gold crown or gold duke (currency with the local duke's head on the coin)
10 gold crowns = 1 gold dragon – Small gold trade bar
1 gold dragon (currency with 1 of the nine half dragon sorceror kings on the bar)
50 gold dragons = 1 gold emporer – Large gold trade bar
1 gold emporer (used for trading in large sums of money. Currency with the Dragon Emperor's head on the bar)
Typical Common Costs:
Travelling Rations – stays fresh for a week (1 weeks worth) – 20 copper pennies-100 copper pennies
Loaf of Bread – 1 copper penny
Bowl of Soup – 1 copper penny
Piece of Cheese – 1 copper penny
Small Cheese Wheel – 10 copper pennies-20 copper pennies
Large Cheese Wheel – 50 copper pennies-100 copper pennies
Giant Cheese Wheel – 1 silver shilling-5 silver shillings
Glass of Milk – 2 copper pennies
Glass of Fresh Water – 1 copper penny
Glass of Cheapest Gutrot Wine/Spirits – 1 copper penny
Glass of Cheap Wine/Spirits – 5 copper pennies
Glass of Wine/Spirits – 50 copper pennies
Glass of Expensive Wine/Spirits – 1 silver shilling-10 silver shillings
Plate of Scrap Meat (Gristle and bone included) – 5 copper bits
Slice of Meat – 2 copper pennies
Large Plate of Meat – 5-10 copper pennies
Small Meal (Meat and Vegetables) – 7-12 copper pennies
Large Meal (Meat and Vegetables) – 10-15 copper pennies
Mug of Herbal Brew – 1 copper penny
Mug of tea or coffee – 2 copper bits
Pot of tea or coffee (serves four) – 6 copper bits
Tankard of Ale/Mead/Cider – 5 copper bits
A night in the barn – 5 copper bits
Common Doss House Room for 1 – 2-5 copper pennies
Small Inn or Tavern Room for 1 – 20-50 copper pennies
Cheap Hotel Room for 1 – 200-500 copper pennies
Steel Sword – 10 silver shillings-25 gold crowns (depending on quality and craftsmanship)
Large Shield - 10 silver shillings-25 gold crowns (depending on quality and craftsmanship)
Leather Suit of Armour/Hardened Studded Leather – 5 gold crowns-50 gold crowns (depending on quality and craftsmanship)
Steel Dagger – 1 silver shilling-5 gold crowns
Set of Work Clothes – 1 silver shilling-5 silver shillings (depending on quality and craftsmanship)
Set of Sturdy Travelling Clothes – 2 silver shillings-10 silver shillings
Pauper's Outfit – 100 copper pennies – 500 copper pennies
Rags – 1 copper penny-10 copper pennies
Strong pair of travelling or work boots – 1 silver shilling-5 silver shillings
Sturdy Leather Backpack – 1 silver shilling-5 silver shillings
Travelling Blanket – 1 silver shilling
Fur Hooded Travelling Cloak – 1 silver shilling-10 silver shillings
1 set of Steel Travelling Pots, Pans Cutlery – 100 copper pennies-2 silver shillings