Mysteries are a unique form of magical energy encapsulated in compact coins, made possible by the invention of a device known as the mill. This groundbreaking invention allowed for the condensation of scattered magical energy from the environment and its compression into a physical form, making magic portable and accessible for use in Terragon.
Originally, mysteries were crafted solely for official use by city guards and mages in the service of the crown. However, it quickly became clear that demand on the city streets was so high that mysteries began to replace traditional coins, ultimately becoming the primary currency.
Initial attempts by authorities to limit access to mysteries and uphold the gold standard failed. Eventually, a decision was made to abandon gold entirely and officially recognize mysteries as currency. In the hands of experienced mages, mysteries pose little risk, but in the hands of inexperienced users, they can be extremely dangerous. A failed spell (NAT 1) can lead to unpredictable and sometimes catastrophic consequences due to the release of wild magic. The strictest punishment—death—is imposed for unauthorized production, distribution, or forgery of mysteries.