Alchemist’s Fire

A volatile concoction of flame and fury, igniting battlefields across Toril.

Alchemist’s Fire is a volatile alchemical compound that bursts into sticky, burning flames when exposed to air. Favored by adventurers, soldiers, siege engineers, and saboteurs, it can turn a single thrown flask into a dangerous and persistent hazard. Its destructive potential makes it valuable in both warfare and specialized industrial applications, though its unstable nature requires careful handling.

Usage:
Alchemist’s Fire is thrown as a weapon, shattering on impact and coating the target in burning liquid. The flames cling stubbornly to surfaces, making it effective against creatures, fortifications, and equipment alike.

Type Availability License Tier Source Cost Wholesale Price Base Price Premium Price Weight
Adventuring Gear Uncommon 2 18gp 30gp 50gp 80gp 1 lb

Trade Information

Availability

Alchemist's Fire is primarily produced by skilled alchemists and magical workshops. While uncommon, it can be found in most major cities and military supply markets.

Export Locations: Lantan, Thay, Halruaa

Premium Markets: Waterdeep, Calimport, Athkatla

Exotic Markets: Huzuz, Qudra, Skuld

Exotic Market Notes
Huzuz – Wealthy merchant princes and military forces value imported alchemical weapons that local workshops cannot easily produce at scale.
Qudra – A major crossroads of Zakharan trade, Qudra imports specialized military and industrial goods for redistribution throughout the region.
Skuld – Temples, nobles, and government officials create steady demand for advanced alchemical products imported from foreign markets.

Market Activity

Common Buyers: Adventurers, mercenaries, military engineers, city guards, bounty hunters, siege crews

Common Producers: Alchemical guilds, wizard enclaves, military workshops, artificers, licensed apothecaries

Profit Potential: High

Transportation And Storage

Storage Requirements

Alchemist's Fire must be stored in sealed reinforced flasks protected from impact, heat, and open flame. Bulk shipments require padded containers and careful handling to prevent accidental ignition.

Trade Characteristics

Transport Risks: High

Storage Difficulty: Specialized

Spoilage Risks: None

Inspection Frequency: Frequent

Smuggling Appeal: High

Regulation Level: High

Merchant Notes

Alchemist's Fire is one of the most profitable alchemical products commonly traded throughout Faerûn. Its relatively small size and high value make it attractive to merchants, though accidental breakage can destroy cargo and cause significant liability. Many cities require permits for large shipments, and governments frequently purchase available stock during periods of war, unrest, or siege preparation.

License Tiers

Tier Description

0 - Open

This item may be freely bought, sold, transported, and stored without special permits or registration. Open Trade goods form the foundation of everyday commerce and are rarely subject to inspection beyond normal taxation.

1 - Registered

This item is legal to trade but may be subject to routine taxation, record-keeping, or inspection when transported in commercial quantities. Merchants conducting regular business in these goods are often expected to maintain a recognized trade registration.

2 - Controlled

This item is considered hazardous, specialized, or otherwise regulated. Merchants may be required to obtain a trade license, maintain records of sale, or submit shipments for inspection. Bulk transport is often monitored by guilds, city authorities, or trade officials.

3 - Restricted

This item possesses significant economic, strategic, or industrial value. Trade is limited to approved merchants, guild members, chartered companies, or licensed organizations. Unauthorized possession or transport may result in confiscation, fines, or suspension of trade privileges.

4 - Chartered

This item is subject to monopolies, exclusive trade agreements, state control, or powerful guild charters. Production, transport, and sale are closely regulated. Access is typically restricted to organizations operating under special contracts, noble grants, or government authorization.

5 - Prohibited

This item is illegal to produce, possess, transport, or sell within most jurisdictions. Exceptions are rare and generally require direct authorization from ruling authorities. Violations often carry severe penalties, including imprisonment, asset seizure, exile, or execution.