Freshly removed from livestock and game animals, raw hides are among the most important renewable resources in Faerûn’s economy. Before they can be crafted into useful goods, hides must be cleaned, cured, and tanned to prevent decay. Ranchers, hunters, trappers, and butchers commonly sell raw hides to tanners, who transform them into durable leather used to produce armor, clothing, containers, tack, and countless everyday goods. While the quality of a hide varies by species and condition, all serve as valuable raw materials for the leather trade.
Raw hides are processed by tanners into leather, forming the foundation of countless leather goods including armor, backpacks, pouches, waterskins, harnesses, saddles, belts, and travel equipment.
| Type | Trade Category | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leather And Hides | Leather & Hides | Common | 0 | 8 cp | 1 sp, 5 cp | 2 sp | 4 sp | 8 lb |
Production Stage: Raw Resource
Item Roles: Production Material, Trade Good
Production Method: Alchemy
Raw hides are produced wherever livestock are raised or game animals are hunted. Cattle, deer, elk, goats, sheep, boars, and many other animals provide hides suitable for tanning. Ranchers, hunters, trappers, and butchers commonly sell fresh hides to local tanneries before deterioration can occur.
Export Locations: Cormyr, The Dalelands, Amn
Premium Markets: Waterdeep, Baldur’s Gate, Athkatla
Exotic Markets: Evermeet, Lantan, Thay
Exotic Market Notes
Evermeet: Leather goods and raw materials are scarce due to limited livestock and careful stewardship of natural resources.
Lantan: Skilled craftsmen import quality raw materials for specialized manufacturing.
Thay: Demand from craftsmen, military suppliers, and state-sponsored industries creates profitable opportunities for imported hides.
Common Buyers: Tanners, leatherworkers, armorers, outfitters, merchants
Common Producers: Ranchers, hunters, trappers, butchers, livestock farmers
Profit Potential: Low
Fresh hides must be salted, dried, or otherwise preserved soon after harvesting to prevent rot and spoilage. Untreated hides deteriorate rapidly when exposed to heat and moisture.
Transport Risks: Moderate
Storage Difficulty: Moderate
Spoilage Risks: High
Inspection Frequency: Rare
Smuggling Appeal: None
Regulation Level: Moderate
Raw hides are a cornerstone of the leather industry. Although highly perishable before tanning, they remain in constant demand wherever leather goods are produced. Merchants capable of preserving and transporting hides efficiently can reliably supply tanneries and craftsmen across Faerûn.
| 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. |