Cartographer (5e Background)

Cartographer

As a Cartographer, you are a master of mapmaking and navigation, skilled in creating accurate representations of the world and charting courses through unknown territories. Whether you're mapping unexplored lands, charting sea routes, or documenting the intricate layout of a city, your expertise lies in capturing the essence of geography and providing invaluable guidance to travelers and explorers.

Skill Proficiencies: Intelligence, Perception

Tool Proficiencies: Cartographer's Tools, Navigator's Tools

Languages: One language of your choice

Equipment: A set of artisan's tools (Cartographer's Tools), a compass, a measuring chain, a parchment scroll, a quill and ink, a magnifying glass, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10gp

Mapmaking Techniques

As a Cartographer, you are skilled in employing various mapmaking techniques to accurately represent the terrain and features of the world. You may choose one specialization from the following list:

d4	Specialization
1	Topographic Maps. Specializing in depicting elevation and landforms, you excel at creating detailed maps that accurately portray the contours of the terrain.
2	Nautical Charts. Specializing in maritime navigation, you excel at creating maps of coastal regions and sea routes, including navigational hazards and tidal patterns.
3	Urban Cartography. Specializing in city mapping, you excel at documenting the layout of urban environments, including streets, buildings, and landmarks.
4	Exploratory Mapping. Specializing in exploration, you excel at mapping uncharted territories and discovering new lands, using a combination of surveying techniques and field observations.

Cartographer's Insight

Your keen eye for detail and intuitive understanding of geography make you an expert in interpreting maps and navigating unfamiliar terrain. You can quickly analyze a map to identify key landmarks, estimate distances, and plot the most efficient routes. Additionally, you can create simple maps of your surroundings using basic materials, providing valuable guidance to your companions during travels.

Suggested Characteristics

As a Cartographer, you possess a deep fascination with the intricacies of the world and a passion for uncovering its secrets. Your experiences have shaped your personality and worldview, influencing how you interact with others and approach challenges.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I am curious and inquisitive, always eager to explore new lands and uncover hidden treasures.
2	I am meticulous and detail-oriented, ensuring that every map I create is accurate and precise.
3	I am patient and methodical, willing to spend hours studying maps and planning routes before embarking on a journey.
4	I am observant and perceptive, noticing subtle details that others overlook and using them to my advantage.
5	I am resourceful and adaptable, able to navigate through unfamiliar terrain and find creative solutions to obstacles.
6	I am introverted and reserved, preferring the solitude of my studies and the quiet contemplation of maps.
7	I am independent and self-reliant, trusting my own instincts and abilities above all else.
8	I am passionate and enthusiastic, eager to share my knowledge and discoveries with others.

d6	Ideal
1	Exploration. I am driven by a thirst for discovery and adventure, constantly seeking to uncover new lands and chart unexplored territories. (Chaotic)
2	Knowledge. I believe that knowledge is the key to understanding the world, and I am dedicated to documenting its wonders for future generations. (Lawful)
3	Freedom. I value my independence and autonomy, cherishing the freedom to roam the world and explore its mysteries. (Chaotic)
4	Unity. I believe that maps have the power to bring people together, bridging the gap between cultures and fostering cooperation and understanding. (Neutral)
5	Preservation. I am committed to preserving the natural beauty of the world, using my maps to promote conservation and environmental stewardship. (Good)
6	Ambition. I aspire to create the greatest maps ever made, pushing the boundaries of cartography and leaving a lasting legacy for posterity. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I am dedicated to completing a comprehensive atlas of the known world, documenting every land, sea, and sky.
2	I owe my life to a mentor who taught me the art of cartography and inspired me to pursue my dreams.
3	I am searching for a lost civilization whose secrets are said to be hidden within the pages of ancient maps.
4	I am indebted to a wealthy patron who funds my expeditions and commissions me to create maps of exotic locales.
5	I am driven by the memory of a loved one who perished due to a navigational error, spurring me to become a master cartographer.
6	I am on a quest to map the fabled lands of legend, seeking to separate fact from fiction and uncover the truth behind the myths.

d6	Flaw
1	I become so engrossed in my work that I often neglect other aspects of my life, including relationships and personal well-being.
2	I am overly critical of my own work, constantly striving for perfection and becoming frustrated when I fall short of my high standards.
3	I sometimes underestimate the dangers of the unknown, assuming that my skills as a cartographer will protect me from harm.
4	I prefer the company of maps and charts to that of other people, leading me to withdraw from social interactions and become isolated from society.
5	I am resistant to change and new ideas, clinging to outdated mapping techniques and refusing to adapt to modern innovations.
6	I have a compulsive need to map every location I visit, regardless of its significance or importance, often at the expense of more pressing tasks.

5.00

(one vote)

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