At each seasonal update the system calculates total GDP and total cash (except for what is held by the non-playing Heralds) in the game. If cash exceeds 14% of GDP, all cash holdings are cut back proportionately and a message in the Herald announces the "deflator" value. For example, if cash was 16% of GDP, 2/16s (or 12.5%) would be deducted from all purses and fief treasuries.