Amber is fossilized tree resin prized throughout Faerûn for its warm golden hues, natural beauty, and ancient origins. Unlike mineral gemstones, amber is an organic treasure often containing preserved insects, plants, or other remnants of distant ages. Fine specimens are sought by jewelers, collectors, scholars, and arcane researchers, while exceptional pieces with rare inclusions can command substantial premiums in wealthy markets.
Usage:
Amber is commonly carved into jewelry, decorative objects, religious icons, and luxury trade goods. Pieces containing unusual inclusions are highly valued by sages, historians, druids, and arcane practitioners for study and display. High-grade amber is frequently transported alongside other gemstones as a compact store of wealth and a reliable luxury commodity.
| Type | Trade Category | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gemstones | Gems & Precious Stones | Uncommon | 0 | 70gp | 85gp | 100gp | 150gp | n/a |
Production Stage: Finished Good
Item Roles: Trade Good, Treasure
Production Method: Gathering
Amber is more common than many precious gemstones and is often harvested from ancient forests, coastal deposits, and fossil-rich regions. Fine specimens containing preserved insects, plants, or other rare inclusions can command significantly higher prices.
Export Locations: Chult, The Vast, Thesk
Premium Markets: Athkatla, Waterdeep, Calimport
Exotic Markets: Mirabar, Mulmaster, Zhentil Keep
Exotic Market Notes
Mirabar: Mining wealth creates strong demand for luxury goods, while local amber production remains limited.
Mulmaster: Imported amber commands premiums among merchants, artisans, and collectors due to limited regional supply.
Zhentil Keep: Wealthy merchants and officials regularly purchase imported luxury goods, creating steady demand for amber.
Common Buyers: Jewelers, artisans, collectors, nobles, druids, historians, mages
Common Producers: Amber gatherers, miners, foresters, gemstone merchants, coastal traders
Profit Potential: Moderate
Amber should be stored in padded containers to prevent scratching and cracking. While durable enough for normal trade, high-quality specimens and pieces containing rare inclusions require additional protection.
Transport Risks: Low
Storage Difficulty: Easy
Spoilage Risks: None
Inspection Frequency: Rare
Smuggling Appeal: Low
Regulation Level: Low
Amber is a reliable luxury commodity favored by merchants due to its relatively low transport costs and broad market appeal. Specimens containing ancient insects, unusual plant life, or magical traces can fetch several times their normal value among collectors, scholars, and arcane researchers. While ordinary amber is widely traded, exceptional pieces are often purchased by wealthy patrons and museums.
| 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. |