ok, back to the pricing issue.
i usually evaluate job wages not only by their buying power but also by the "whole package" if that exists.
a good way that has served me well was the Ale/Beer comparison.
Ale and beer were crucial in medieval times not only as a substitute for unsafe drinking water but also as significant sources of energy and nutrition.
Clean Water Substitute
1. Water Purification: During the brewing process, water is boiled, which kills harmful pathogens and bacteria. This made ale and beer safer to drink than untreated water from rivers, wells, and other sources, which were often contaminated.
Source of Energy and Nutrition
1. Caloric Content: Ale and beer provided a substantial amount of calories. In an era where food security was a constant concern, these beverages contributed to the daily caloric intake, especially for laborers who required a high-energy diet to sustain their physically demanding work.
2. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: The grains used in brewing, such as barley, wheat, and oats, were rich in carbohydrates, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals. When fermented, they retained many of these nutrients, making ale and beer a nutritious drink.
3. Protein and Fiber: Unfiltered ales and beers contained residual yeast, which added protein and fiber to the diet. This was particularly important during the winter months or times of poor harvests when other sources of protein and fiber might be scarce.
4. Hydration and Electrolytes: While alcoholic beverages do have a diuretic effect, the lower alcohol content of medieval ales and beers (compared to modern varieties) meant they could still contribute to hydration. Additionally, the brewing process left minerals in the drink, which helped replenish electrolytes lost during hard labor.
Social and Cultural Importance
1. Daily Consumption: Ale and beer were staple beverages, consumed daily by people of all ages, including children. They were often part of every meal, from breakfast to dinner, ensuring a consistent intake of energy and nutrients throughout the day.
2. Community and Economy: Brewing was often a communal activity, with households or local taverns producing their own ale and beer. This fostered social bonds and contributed to the local economy. In monasteries, brewing was an important economic activity, providing monks with sustenance and a means of income through sales.
Historical Evidence
1. Dietary Records: Historical records, including household accounts and monastic annals, show that ale and beer were essential components of the medieval diet. For example, workers on estates were often provided with daily rations of ale as part of their compensation.
2. Archaeological Findings: Excavations of medieval sites frequently uncover brewing equipment, such as vats, barrels, and remnants of malted grain, indicating the widespread and routine nature of beer production and consumption.
Ale and beer in medieval times were more than just beverages; they were vital components of daily life, offering a safer alternative to water, a reliable source of energy and nutrition, and playing a central role in social and economic activities. The brewing and consumption of these drinks were deeply embedded in the cultural and practical aspects of medieval society.
Unsuitability for Player Characters in Roleplaying Games
In the context of a roleplaying game, player characters (PCs) typically engage in adventures and quests that require resources and tools. The economic reality where the lowest wage job pays only the equivalent of 4 pints of beer per day would be entirely unsuitable for PCs for the following reasons:
1. Resource Acquisition:
- Equipment and Supplies: PCs need to purchase equipment, weapons, armor, and other supplies to succeed in their quests. An income equivalent to 4 pints of beer per day would be insufficient to acquire even the most basic adventuring gear.
- Living Expenses: PCs also need to afford lodging, food, and other daily expenses while traveling or resting. Such low wages would make it impossible for them to sustain themselves during their adventures.
2. Motivation and Engagement:
- Reward and Incentive: The low wage offers little to no incentive for PCs to take on challenging and dangerous tasks. Adventurers are motivated by the promise of significant rewards, both monetary and otherwise, which such wages cannot provide.
- Character Development: Part of the appeal of roleplaying games is the development and progression of characters. With such meager earnings, PCs would struggle to progress and improve, leading to a lackluster and unengaging gaming experience.
3. Narrative Consistency:
- Economic Disparity: The game's narrative would suffer from the inconsistency of having heroic characters who are unable to afford basic necessities. This disparity can break the immersion and believability of the game world.
- Adventure Feasibility: Many adventures and quests assume that PCs have the resources and capabilities to undertake significant challenges. A wage equivalent to 4 pints of beer per day undermines the feasibility of these adventures.
Conclusion
The scenario where the lowest wage job pays only the equivalent of 4 pints of beer per day highlights a fundamental misalignment between wages and the cost of living. For player characters in a roleplaying game, such low wages are entirely unsuitable, as they undermine the ability to acquire necessary resources, diminish motivation and engagement, and disrupt narrative consistency. To ensure a fulfilling and immersive gaming experience, PCs need access to adequate resources and rewards that reflect their efforts and adventures.
sorry but i used chatgpt to translate my german
