If you really want to see how gold can sink use bodkins and long bow
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I'm using MW long bow, MW tatar arrows and body armour set wich gave me some protection.
With this combination I'm gaining money really slow.
If you want to earn more money change your arrows (you probably using bodkins) to tatar or barbed ones.
Also remember to use proper side weapon for horn bow: cheap but usefull in combat.
0 slot weapons are mostly for blocking, but if you are good u can make some killl with them
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(for eg. hand axe costs 70 gold)