Steel Stock is merchant-grade steel produced by further refining wrought Iron Stock in a charcoal-fired hearth. Through prolonged heating, carburization, repeated folding, and forge welding, skilled steelmakers introduce and distribute carbon throughout the metal, producing harder stock suitable for cutting edges, armor components, tools, and other demanding applications.
Steel Stock represents ordinary commercial-quality steel, not exceptional crucible steel, legendary dwarven alloys, or other specialized materials.
Steel Stock is used wherever the hardness and durability of ordinary wrought iron are insufficient. Weaponsmiths use it for cutting edges and hardened weapon components, while armorers, toolmakers, locksmiths, and other specialized smiths use it for parts requiring greater strength, wear resistance, or the ability to hold an edge.
| Type | Trade Category | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metals | Metals & Ores | Uncommon | 0 | 2.00 gp/lb | 2.50 gp/lb | 3.50 gp/lb | 5.00 gp/lb | 1 lb. |
Production Stage: Refined Material
Item Roles: Crafting Component, Production Material, Trade Good
Production Method: Smithing
Required Tools: Smith's Tools
Production Facility: Forge
Steel Stock is readily obtainable in major metalworking centers but less common in villages and small towns. Production requires quality wrought Iron Stock, large quantities of charcoal, skilled steelmakers, and considerably more processing than ordinary iron. Local smiths may therefore possess small quantities for cutting edges and specialized work without maintaining substantial stocks.
Export Locations: Mirabar, Citadel Adbar, Citadel Felbarr, Sundabar
Premium Markets: Waterdeep, Neverwinter, Baldur’s Gate, Silverymoon, Athkatla
Exotic Markets:
Exotic Market Notes
Steel Stock supports longer-distance trade than ordinary Iron Stock because its substantially greater value per pound makes transportation more economical. Remote regions without skilled steelmakers may import small quantities even when local wrought iron is readily available.
Common Buyers: Weaponsmiths, armorers, master blacksmiths, toolmakers, locksmiths, military suppliers, specialized manufacturers
Common Producers: Steelmakers, master smiths, large forges, dwarven holds, specialized metalworking centers
Profit Potential: High
Steel Stock should be stored under cover in a reasonably dry environment and organized by form, quality, and production batch. Bars and billets require sturdy racks or flooring, while prolonged exposure to moisture should be avoided to limit corrosion.
Transport Risks: Moderate
Storage Difficulty: Easy
Spoilage Risks: Low
Inspection Frequency: Occasional
Smuggling Appeal: Moderate
Regulation Level: Moderate
Steel Stock is a higher-value secondary metal produced from already refined Iron Stock rather than directly from ore. Its manufacture consumes additional charcoal and sacrifices a significant portion of the starting iron through repeated heating, oxidation, trimming, and forge welding. Because steel is expensive, craftsmen commonly reserve it for the portions of finished goods that benefit most from its properties, combining it with cheaper wrought iron when practical. Reliable steel-producing centers therefore support extensive regional trade even where ordinary Iron Stock is locally available.
| 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. |