How long do arrows stick in the ground/targets/practice dummies until they vanish?

[Ⱑⱃⱁⱀ]

I would like to know how long I can wait at most until I collect my ebony arrows from the solitude guard practice targets :)

[Grathagis]

If you have the DLC is is much more easier to make them yourself. As for your question, why don't you just test it out ?

[EbonHawk]

Depends, it seems, on whether your character or an enemy shot them in the game, or if they were placed there by the designers. If you're talking about ones placed in targets or just lying around in areas for you to pick up as "loot", then those are permanent. They'll remain in place until someone picks them up. If you're talking about the ones fired by enemies, NPCs, or your character, then they usually persist until you exit the current cell; if you're in a dungeon or other interior space, then exit and come back, they'll likely be gone. Same for ones fired and left on the ground or stuck in things; if you enter a dungeon or other interior place, then go back outside, they're usually gone.

I haven't experimented with "quick transitions" though. You could test it out by going to a mine or a building's entrance and fire or drop an arrow at the door or cave entrance, then enter and exit the place, and check to see if they're still lying where you left or shot them. But, IIRC, a new cell load clears them from memory and flushes them from the world. I haven't played Skyrim in days and might not for several more, so I can't test this for you anytime soon, most likely. That's what I remember though. And my memory's not that great. :-(

[troylights]

I've found things that I tossed out of my inventory quite some time later, still in the same spot, even after visiting other areas of Skyrim. Arrows are a bit harder to find due to their shape, though. I do have to wonder how much littering is tolerated by the game engine, though.

[EbonHawk]

Originally posted by troylights:

I've found things that I tossed out of my inventory quite some time later, still in the same spot, even after visiting other areas of Skyrim. Arrows are a bit harder to find due to their shape, though. I do have to wonder how much littering is tolerated by the game engine, though.

Ok, maybe I'm off then. Could it be "time" related? Maybe it's one of those 30-day in-game time limit things.... Other stuff seems to happen after 30 game days go by....

[DragonMaster]

Well now this one I wouldn't be able to answer because I don't use a bow. I prefer a crossbow and was so greatful when they were added to the game. Vampire Crossbow is one of the coolest crossbows out there. Find it here. http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/23587/?