Lichefiat

Lichefiat is a fictional monetary system depicted in fantasy literature, tabletop role-playing games, and video games. The name is a portmanteau of lich, a necromantic undead ruler, and fiat, indicating money issued by decree rather than commodity backing. In most portrayals, lichefiat is minted or issued by necromantic authorities governing undead realms and is accepted for trade within those territories and among allied settlements.

Forms of lichefiat can range from coins stamped with sigils to rune-inscribed banknotes or digital-like tokens in game interfaces. Its value is typically sustained by the authority of the lich and by magical or existential guarantees, rather than by precious metals. Some settings tie the currency to souls, life-forces, or arcane favors, linking monetary stability to the ruler’s ability to enforce order or threaten punishment.

Economics surrounding lichefiat often feature centralized control, ritual audits, and security measures such as necromantic seals or warded mints. Counterfeiting is addressed through enchantments, while transfers may involve rituals, oath-bound intermediaries, or gatekeepers who control access to undead markets. Inflation can arise from overproduction of undead labor or necromantic debt policies, whereas deflation may occur if the realm risks collapse through rebellion or blight.

In fiction, lichefiat serves as a narrative device to explore power, fear, and the social costs of rule by a deathless authority. It has no basis in the real world and is used as a conceptual tool within imagined economies.