Constructed from carefully fitted wooden staves bound by metal or wooden hoops, barrels are among the most important storage containers in Faerûn. Their durable design allows them to safely transport liquids, grains, salted foods, and countless other commodities. Found aboard ships, in warehouses, and throughout marketplaces, barrels are indispensable to nearly every aspect of trade and commerce.
Barrels are commonly used to store and transport liquids, preserved foods, grains, trade goods, and industrial materials. Their sturdy construction protects cargo during long journeys, making them a standard container for merchants, brewers, farmers, and ship captains.
| Type | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Containers | Abundant | 0 | 1gp | 1.5gp | 2gp | 4gp | 70 lb |
Barrels are among the most common manufactured goods in Faerûn. Produced by coopers in nearly every sizable settlement, they are essential for storing, transporting, and preserving food, drink, and commercial cargo.
Export Locations: Amn, Cormyr, Sembia
Premium Markets: Waterdeep, Baldur’s Gate, Athkatla
Exotic Markets: Icewind Dale, Chult, Tashluta
Exotic Market Notes
Icewind Dale: Durable storage containers are valuable imports due to limited local cooperage and harsh conditions.
Chult: Barrels are constantly needed for transporting food, water, trade goods, and expedition supplies through the jungle.
Tashluta: Busy maritime trade creates strong demand for containers capable of handling bulk goods and long-distance shipping.
Common Buyers: Merchants, brewers, vintners, farmers, ship captains, caravan operators
Common Producers: Coopers, lumber mills, trade guilds, shipyards, craftsmen
Profit Potential: Minimal
Barrels should be stored upright in dry conditions when empty. Exposure to excessive moisture or prolonged dryness can cause staves to warp, crack, or loosen.
Transport Risks: Low
Storage Difficulty: Easy
Spoilage Risks: None
Inspection Frequency: Rare
Smuggling Appeal: Low
Regulation Level: Low
Barrels are one of the foundational commodities of commerce. While individual units carry little value, their universal usefulness creates constant demand. Merchants often purchase barrels in large quantities to support shipping, brewing, food preservation, and long-distance trade operations.
| 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. |