I think we're getting close to being on the same wavelength. I'll take this slowly. What I think is happening is that your batches of arrows are unique. In other words, they are either separately identified or perhaps they contain differing numbers of arrows. But you have 'take' checked and a picture for inventory with the same inventory name. Since they are unique on the map, the Coldstone engine puts them into inventory as separate items but because you can't have two separate items with the same name, the CGE adds the number 2 to the second item entered.
Here's what you have to do: Remove the inventory picture from the items by unchecking the 'over-ride default inventory picture' on the Misc tab for items which will be placed on the map and uncheck the box marked 'take'. Now create a new item which you can name invArrows. This item has no pictures on the 'display' tab of the item editor but does have the inventory picture of your three arrows. Now go back to your items for the map and in the box marked 'Action link - Edit' place an item wizard which puts one invArrows into inventory. (Here is where you can limit the inventory display to one if you wish.) For this you do not use 'drop item' as such but rather an item wizard in the action link which drops one if the conditional says there is already one there.
This is, BTW, exactly what I had to do for about 400 toadstools in my plugin.
Since 'take' is no longer checked, you will not get the floating name "arrows" which rises like the mist on a September morning. If you want this effect, it can be done by creating an animation of the word and placeing the animation stamp into the action link as well.
Are we now coming close to a meeting of the minds?
Edit: Actually the item with the inventory picture should be named "Arrows" and the batches of arrows on the map can be named anything else you want because the one in inventory will have its name displayed and the ones on the map will never show their names.
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(This message has been edited by Rubber Ducky (edited 07-30-2003).)