The light crossbow is one of the most widely used ranged weapons in Faerûn, valued for its accuracy, reliability, and ease of training. Favored by hunters, city guards, caravan escorts, mercenaries, and militias, it offers substantial striking power without requiring the extensive practice demanded by traditional bows. Its broad appeal and practical design make it a staple of both civilian and military markets.
Light crossbows are commonly purchased by hunters, guards, scouts, mercenaries, adventurers, and militias. Their ease of use and dependable performance make them popular among individuals and organizations requiring effective ranged weapons with minimal training requirements.
| Type | Trade Category | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weapons | Weapons & Armor | Common | 1 | 18gp | 22gp | 25gp | 40gp | 5 lb |
Production Stage: Finished Good
Item Roles: Equipment, Trade Good, Weapon
Production Method: Woodworking
Light crossbows should be stored in dry conditions to prevent warping of wooden components and corrosion of metal mechanisms. Long-term storage often includes waxed coverings or protective cases.
Export Locations: Cormyr, Amn, 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 consistent demand for imported ranged weapons and replacement equipment.
Chult: Explorers, hunters, and expedition companies frequently purchase durable ranged weapons suited to wilderness travel.
The Moonsea: Frequent conflict, mercenary activity, and frontier dangers support strong demand for reliable military equipment.
Common Buyers: Hunters, adventurers, city guards, mercenaries, caravan guards, scouts, militias
Common Producers: Bowyers, weaponsmiths, military workshops, dwarven craftsmen, merchant guilds
Profit Potential: Moderate
Light crossbows should be stored in dry conditions to prevent warping of wooden components and corrosion of metal mechanisms. Long-term storage often includes waxed coverings or protective cases.
Transport Risks: Low
Storage Difficulty: Easy
Spoilage Risks: None
Inspection Frequency: Occasional
Smuggling Appeal: Moderate
Regulation Level: Low
Light crossbows occupy an important niche between hunting equipment and military arms. Their accessibility, effectiveness, and broad market appeal ensure steady demand throughout Faerûn. While individual sales generate moderate profits, merchants often realize their greatest returns through militia contracts, caravan outfitting, and military procurement during periods of unrest
| 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. |