The Law of Exchange

What the Law Means

In Airovale, every gain exacts a cost. A zeppelin saves lives in a storm at sea, but can only rise when the equivalent weight of survivors is matched by treasure cast overboard, lovers unite only by surrendering something dear, and heroes trade their safety for lives at risk. This ethic binds the saga—from the storm storm of Mahala's curse to choices in Deceptive Time. The idea is a choice made everyday, a parent needs to work to feed their child, but to provide they have to leave the child--An exchange to realize another gain. There is no right or wrong, only choices. That said, imagine something you want, and the moment it is yours, you think only of the next thing you want. No gratitude, just continuous want. How long until a pattern of insatiability becomes the default? In Canyon Myst the crew of the Nereid are lost to the winds, without food, fuel, or direction. Their desires were simple, to survive. But once they land in the tropical paradise of Canyon Myst, what happens?

TL;DR; Before you think of the next thing you want, take a breath and be grateful for all you have. The Law of Exchange does not give anything without taking something else away.

Other Examples in the Saga

• Temple Gold: Wealth that cannot be carried through the storm becomes an anchor.
• Kael’s Dive: Time traded for lives in a black sea, returning with empty hands yet a fuller home.
• Canyon Myst: The village thrives by balance, guarded by fae and the old rule—nothing for nothing.

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