Cartographer's Tools

Name: Cartographer's Tools
Costs: 15 gp
Weight: 6 lb.
Includes: A quill, ink, parchment, a pair of compasses, calipers, and a ruler

A cartographer makes maps. They can scout out unmapped areas, create detailed maps of known areas, or simply mass-produce maps for purchase. A skilled cartographer is often found in a large city where there are abundant adventurers to purchase their maps. You will likely also find them at Universities and accompanying official missions for kingdoms to new or little-known locations.

Cartographer’s Tools Skills and Special Uses

Arcana, History, and Religion. You can use your knowledge of maps and locations to unearth more detailed information when you use these skills. For instance, you might spot hidden messages in a map, identify when the map was made to determine if geographical features have changed since then, and so forth.

Nature. Your familiarity with physical geography makes it easier for you to answer questions or solve issues relating to the terrain around you.

Survival. Your understanding of geography makes it easier to find paths to civilization, to predict areas where villages or towns might be found, and to avoid becoming lost. You have studied so many maps that common patterns, such as how trade routes evolve and where settlements arise in relation to geographic locations, are familiar to you.

Craft a Map. While traveling, you can draw a map as you go in addition to engaging in other activities.

When you might use these tools:

Record the location of a new discovery on a current map
Create a new map (real or fake) of an area or specific location
Attempt to understand hidden messages on a map or follow a coded map (e.g. treasure map)
Calculate exact travel distance or time

Cartographer’s Knowledge

Due to their occupation, a cartographer has a large knowledge base of locations, as well as distances and measurements. You can expect your cartographer to know:

Where all the major cities, mountain ranges, and bodies of water are
A rough estimate of how long it will take to travel pretty much anywhere
A helpful list of nearby cities and towns
Where to find information on landmarks and history
How to NOT get lost

*This represents the average cost of goods. Prices may vary all around the world.

Equipment

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Currency
Precious Gems
Trinkets

Cartographer's Tools