There is contradicting info regarding what "cp" - the in-game currency - actually stands for. As far as I can tell, there is no clear cut definition within the game, and the supplemental content has conflicting definitions. Obviously it is one of: "coppers", "copper pands", "copper pires", or "copper pieces" (uncommonly).
This might seem like semantics, but I think its a pretty interesting, so why not get into it. Here's what I've surmised:
- Pillars of Eternity is confirmed to treat cp as "copper pands", as it is stated in the Almanac on page 17 (see this reference) referring to pands as the "domestic currency". This is mirrored in the strategy guide, but the guidebook and manual don't mention anything. Pires were not a thing yet, and were only added in Deadfire.
- The pen and paper RPG treats cp as "copper pires", clearly stated on page 44, mentioning that they're "...the base unit of currency in most parts of the Old Empires, Eastern Reach, and the Deadfire Archipelago".
- Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire doesn't seem to have any exact definition or evidence to support either side. Most of the time when you sell items or recieve money, it is directly added to the count, skipping any itemisation. When you are given an actual currency item, the type goes along with whatever the narrative requires (a Vailian would typically give you pires or suoles, an Aedyran would give you skeyts or fennings etc). The amount of instances where you are given copper pands versus pires in conversations and interactions is about the same. In the guidebook there is no mention of pands whatsoever, while copper pires get an entire section.
CompleCCity and I briefly discussed this a while back on Template talk:Cp2, and he seemed to be convinced that cp meant "coppers" as a generic term to refer to all the separate low value currencies for each region - awld for Eir Glanfath, pands for The Dyrwood, pires for the Vailian Republics, and skeyt for the Aedyre Empire. While at the time, I was convinced that cp only ever meant "copper pands" from that one paragraph in the almanac. Now, the lack of evidence for poe2 and the contradicting statement in the PnP RPG makes me wonder otherwise, and makes his theory seem the most plausible.
I'd be interested to find any more evidence for either side, or something that clearly states what "cp" in Deadfire stands for, but for now I've changed the sentence at the top of Currency to be more in line with the above theory since it's more universal. Macklin (talk) 17:08, 18 March 2021 (UTC)