A bundle of crossbow bolts consists of twenty sturdy projectiles crafted for accuracy, penetration, and reliability. Featuring sharpened metal heads, durable wooden shafts, and carefully fitted fletching, these bolts are the preferred ammunition of hunters, city guards, mercenaries, and soldiers throughout Faerûn. Their compact size and widespread demand make them one of the most commonly traded military supplies in the realm.
Crossbow bolts are expended whenever a crossbow is fired. Experienced users can often recover a portion of their ammunition after a battle, provided the bolts remain intact. Because of their affordability and utility, most travelers who rely on crossbows carry multiple bundles during extended journeys.
| Type | Trade Category | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammunition | Weapons & Armor | Abundant | 0 | 0.5gp | 0.8gp | 1gp | 2gp | 1.5 lb (20 bolts) |
Production Stage: Finished Good
Item Roles: Ammunition, Consumable, Trade Good
Production Method: Woodworking
Crossbow bolts are produced wherever crossbows are commonly used. Military workshops, fletchers, and town craftsmen manufacture them in large quantities, making them readily available throughout most civilized regions.
Export Locations: Amn, Cormyr, Sembia
Premium Markets: Waterdeep, Baldur’s Gate, Athkatla
Exotic Markets: Icewind Dale, Chult, The Moonsea
Exotic Market Notes
Icewind Dale: Harsh conditions and limited manufacturing capacity create steady demand for imported ammunition.
Chult: Explorers, hunters, and expeditions consume large quantities of bolts while relying on imported manufactured goods.
The Moonsea: Frequent conflict, mercenary activity, and monster threats create consistent demand for military supplies and replacement ammunition.
Common Buyers: Crossbowmen, adventurers, city guards, mercenaries, hunters, military forces
Common Producers: Fletchers, military workshops, bowyers, village craftsmen, merchant guilds Profit Potential:
Profit Potential: Low
Crossbow bolts should be stored in dry conditions and protected from moisture that could warp shafts or damage fletching. Large shipments are commonly bundled in crates, barrels, or military supply wagons.
Transport Risks: Low
Storage Difficulty: Easy
Spoilage Risks: None
Inspection Frequency: Rare
Smuggling Appeal: Low
Regulation Level: Low
Crossbow bolts are a classic volume commodity. Individual bundles generate little profit, but steady consumption by hunters, guards, mercenaries, and military organizations ensures reliable demand. Merchants often move bolts alongside weapons, armor, and other military supplies as part of larger contracts or caravan cargoes.
| 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. |