Arrows

Precision-crafted ammunition, essential for any archer on the battlefield or in the hunt.

Arrows are mass-produced ammunition used by hunters, militias, adventurers, mercenaries, and professional armies throughout Faerûn. Constructed from wood, feathers, and metal heads, arrows are among the most widely manufactured military goods in the Realms. While inexpensive on an individual basis, their constant consumption creates substantial trade volume, particularly during military campaigns and periods of unrest.

Usage

Valued at 1 gp per bundle of 20 arrows, arrows are purchased by hunters, scouts, caravan guards, militias, mercenary companies, and standing armies. Large quantities are routinely transported to military garrisons, frontier settlements, and regions experiencing conflict.

Type Availability License Tier Source Cost Wholesale Price Base Price Premium Price Weight
Ammunition Abundant 0 0.5gp 0.8gp 1gp 2gp 1 lb (per 20 arrows)

Trade Information

Availability

Arrows are among the most common manufactured goods in Faerûn. Nearly every settlement with hunters, guards, or soldiers supports some level of arrow production.

Export Locations: The Dalelands, Luruar, The High Forest

Premium Markets: Waterdeep, Baldur’s Gate, Athkatla

Exotic Markets: Icewind Dale, Chult, Calimport

Exotic Market Notes
Icewind Dale: Limited timber resources and harsh conditions make large-scale arrow production difficult, increasing reliance on imported ammunition.
Chult: Dense wilderness creates constant demand from hunters and explorers, while quality fletching materials and metal components are often imported.
Calimport: Vast population and military demand support large ammunition markets, while quality military-grade arrows are frequently imported from northern producers.

Market Activity

Common Buyers: Hunters, adventurers, soldiers, city guards, mercenaries, scouts, rangers

Common Producers: Fletchers, bowyers, military workshops, village craftsmen, merchant guilds

Profit Potential: Low

Transportation And Storage

Storage Requirements

Arrows should be kept dry and stored in bundles, crates, or quivers to prevent warping and damage to fletching. Moisture can reduce their accuracy and lifespan.

Trade Characteristics

Transport Risks: Low

Storage Difficulty: Easy

Spoilage Risks: Low

Inspection Frequency: Rare

Smuggling Appeal: Low

Regulation Level: Low

Merchant Notes

Arrows are a classic volume commodity. Individual profits are small, but military contracts, militia outfitting, and large hunting communities create consistent demand. Merchants who secure agreements with armies, mercenary companies, or frontier settlements can move thousands of arrows at a time, generating reliable income through volume rather than margin.

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.