Drow Hand Crossbows cheaper in the Underdark?

[ReeboKesh]

Hi all. I'm just wondering if there is an official (or unoffical) rule for the price of Drow Handcrossbows in the Underdark? Say you wanted to start a drow character in the underdark, would be the cost of the Drow Handcrossbows be the same as the standard PHB price? I always assumed this was due to the rarity of such an item.
Thoughts?
Reebo

 

[Starglim]

The 3e price for a hand crossbow doesn't assume that it's a drow weapon. It costs more because it's harder with mediaeval craft skills and materials to make a weapon that small but still able to do measurable damage to an armoured warrior.

 

[Moonstone Spider]

Is there any particular advantage to using a hand crossbow? They seem awfully weak, being of a lower damage die, and higher price, than a light crossbow and being exotic weapons to boot.

 

[WarlockLord]

They're concealable. This is why drow like 'em. With drow sleep poison, it's like pulling a concealed gun. This is one of the reasons I like drow.

 

[Zzyzx]

Being able to shoot one handed without penalty is good too. Means you can do something else with the other hand, like poke someone with a rapier or something.

 

[orcmonk220]

Being able to shoot one handed without penalty is good too. Means you can do something else with the other hand, like poke someone with a rapier or something.

I dunno why, but I suddenly had Van Helsing flash through my head. Dunno if he even uses a crossbow and sword at the same time. :\

I think it depends where you shop. If it were me, I'd allow them cheaper in places with high Drow populations, but the same price everywhere else. Alternatively, kill a drow and take their weapon with the sleep poison bolts and all!