User blog comment:Prof. Draco/RP/ Cursed be he.../@comment-4273152-20130524081332/@comment-4273152-20130524185342

"Oh, that's what the paiza is for. In the time of the mongol empire, messengers or other travelers often had to pass checkpoints set up to prevent invaders and offer a place to rest. For easy access, messengers and important mechants were given a pass called a paiza, a small medallion that let the guards know at a glance that the person was allowed passage. This particular one was owned by an imperial messenger, thus increasing the importance of the holder. Now as an artifact, anyone will see it as an approprite form of ID or passcard. I simply put it in the bag and it gets an instant pass through security. Quite helpful for smuggling priceless relics."