One of the more unusual currencies in Creation is the shell money of the West. Commonly thought in the rest of Creation to consist simply of red cowrie shells strung on threads, the shell money is a much more complex and sophisticated currency of shell beads of various colours, sizes, and most particularly, arrangements. The red cowrie bead is the basic bead, but white and purple beads are also commonly used. In themselves, the beads are of minimal value; an entire string of red beads might be enough to buy a meal, if someone were willing to make the trade. They become worthwhile currency when strung together in bands, with the colours, patterns and quality all factoring in to determine a band's worth along with the sheer number of beads. The belts are rarely traded, however, being instead used as a sort of "credit rating." People with many bands or a few highly valuable bands are presumed to provide goods and services of suitable value. If they fail to do so, then people will start to demand the actual bands in payment.
The smallest, simplest bands consist mostly of low quality red beads, with a few white shells for patterning; these bands are typically 12 beads by 6 rows (3 x 1.5 inches), and would typically be held by a person of minimal ability, who would earn in the Realm about a yen per day. From this, the bands can become larger and more elaborate, with the most valuable being intricate and beautiful wall hangings up to four feet by six, too heavy and clumsy to carry and held only by the greatest kings and richest merchants, and commanding a value roughly equal to a dirham, or to a shekel if exchanged for jade. Most Western trade with the rest of Creation is carried out in silver, as jade is considered an undesirable currency due to its Imperial associations and the shell money is not generally esteemed outside of the West.