Plate mail represents the highest standard of conventional armorcraft available throughout much of Faerûn. Forged from precisely fitted steel plates and supported by layers of leather, mail, and padding, a complete suit offers exceptional protection against weapons and battlefield hazards. The immense labor, material costs, and expertise required to produce plate armor make it both a valuable military asset and a symbol of wealth, status, and noble authority.
Plate mail is primarily purchased by knights, noble houses, military officers, elite mercenary companies, royal guards, and wealthy adventurers. Due to its high cost and strategic value, most sales occur through armorers, military contracts, noble commissions, or licensed merchants.
| Type | Trade Category | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armor And Shields | Weapons & Armor | Rare | 3 | 1,000gp | 1,250gp | 1,500gp | 2,250gp | 65 lb. |
Production Stage: Finished Good
Item Roles: Armor, Equipment, Trade Good
Production Method: Smithing
Complete suits of plate armor require highly skilled armorers, quality steel, and significant labor. While available in major cities and military centers, they are rarely found in smaller settlements.
Export Locations: Cormyr, Mirabar, Amn
Premium Markets: Waterdeep, Athkatla, Suzail
Exotic Markets: Icewind Dale, Chult, Damara
Exotic Market Notes
Icewind Dale: Complete suits of plate armor are difficult to manufacture locally, making imported heavy armor highly valuable among wealthy adventurers and regional leaders.
Chult: Skilled armorers and heavy industrial production are limited, allowing imported plate armor to command substantial premiums.
Damara: Frequent military threats and limited large-scale armor production create reliable demand for imported heavy armor.
Common Buyers: Knights, noble houses, military officers, elite mercenaries, adventurers, royal guards
Common Producers: Master armorers, dwarven forges, military foundries, noble-sponsored workshops, guild armorers
Profit Potential: High
Plate armor should be stored in dry conditions and regularly maintained to prevent rust and corrosion. Long-term storage often includes protective oils, waxes, and secure armory facilities.
Transport Risks: Low
Storage Difficulty: Moderate
Spoilage Risks: None
Inspection Frequency: Frequent
Smuggling Appeal: Moderate
Regulation Level: Low
Plate armor is one of the most valuable military commodities commonly traded in Faerûn. Production requires highly skilled craftsmen, substantial quantities of quality steel, and significant labor investment. Many governments monitor large armor shipments closely, particularly during times of war, rebellion, or political instability. Noble-quality, masterwork, and custom-fitted suits often sell for multiples of their standard market value.
| 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. |