The Republic is a prosperous and wealthy land. It has the benefits of a tropical climate but is spared the worst element of such a climate in a lack of mosquitoes. The land itself is rich and fertile; farmers can easily get three crops in a year. They have a system of rotating fields, growing four crops in a field, then leave it fallow for two years. So far, this system has kept the soil fertile. Common crops are wheat, corn, vegetables of all sort, and fruit.
Likewise, the waters close to the islands teem with edible fish. Fishermen haul in enough fish each day to easily support many towns and cities. In fact, the Republic has a glut of fish, and many fishermen go bankrupt because fish is too cheap for them to make ends meet. Thus, the business has become rather cutthroat and deadly, as established fish monger families work to suppress newcomers to the business.
The islands of the Republic were once fairly rich in iron, gold, nickel, and other common metals, but a millenium of mining has played out many veins. These days, the Republic seeks out new sources on nearby islands and asteroids. So far, the Republic has barely scratched the surface of the wealth of these new sources, and they will provide wealth for centuries to come.
The coinage of the realm resembles most other currencies throughout Known Space in terms of weight and shape. However, the coins are all minted to be unique to the Republic. The copper piece, known as the Hawk, is minted with the profile of a bloodwing hawk and rider in flight on one side and the date minted on the other. The silver piece, known as the Prowler, is minted with the profile of a hunting cat, ready to strike on one side, and the date mined on the other. The gold piece is called the Sunbird and is minted with a bird's eye view of a sunhawk on one side and again the date minted on the other. The platinum piece, commonly referred to as the Empress' Kiss, is minted with the profile of the Empress on one side and again the mint date on the other. The Republic mints no electrum piece.
Other types of currency found in the Republic include the Empress' Star, a platinum piece with the profile of the Empress on both sides, with small sapphires for eyes. An Empress' Star has a value of 500 gp inside the Republic, but varies greatly outside of the Sun's Girdle, depending on rarity and the whims of collectors. Another type of currency is a small strip of gold, about 4" x 2" x 1". It is carved with the symbol of the Republic, but the stars are tiny rubies. This strip is called a Republic Pride, and carries a value of roughly 2000 gp inside the Republic.
