I begin this review by thanking Aenarion’s Coven for sending us a digital copy of The Wanderer Cartographers; we’re talking about a small handbook for D&D5e that introduces a new guild of cartographers. It consists of 13 pages, including all the necessary details to define the guild and incorporate it into any campaign.
This small compendium is exclusively available in English and only in digital format on DriveThruRPG for approximately $3.95 (around €3.70 at today’s exchange rate) or on Aenarion’s Coven’s Etsy profile at the same price.
The Wanderer Cartographers: a Neutral Guild
The Wanderer Cartographers contains the history, ideals, and rules of the eponymous guild of cartographers; it also provides methods to incorporate it into a campaign, access to its ranks for player characters, and a list of NPCs that are part of the guild.
Founded by Mol’Capoor, a drow wizard, about 200 years ago, the Wanderer Cartographers were established to map the world for clients in exchange for compensation. This guild’s defining feature is its neutrality, as Mol’Capoor believed that no one would betray someone capable of providing highly detailed maps to potential adversaries.
Alongside Mol’Capoor, serving as the archivist, the Wanderer Cartographers consist of three types of members.
- The Wildlands Cartographer specializes in mapping untamed lands and the treacherous Underdark.
- The Urban Cartographer excels at mapping urban environments and uncovering hidden passages and traps.
- Lastly, the Keeper, an exceptional fighter trained in both martial arts and magic, ensures the survival of the cartographers.
Noteworthy aspects of The Wanderer Cartographers include detailed descriptions and maps of the guild’s headquarters. The simplicity of these descriptions allows Dungeon Masters to add their own creative touches while staying true to the authors’ vision.
Layout and Readability
With its classic layout, easy-to-read font, and parchment-colored background, the handbook ensures a pleasant reading experience. The addition of a handwritten font for certain sections, such as the Guild affiliation contract, adds an immersive touch for players.
The letter written in a font that mimics handwriting does not hinder the smoothness of the manual; it is a beautiful prop for the players: the Guild affiliation contract.
The maps of the headquarters are very well done, as is customary with Aenarion’s Coven products, although I found the lack of other illustrations to be a drawback considering the overall quality of the product.
Conclusion of The Wanderer Cartographers Review
In conclusion, I found The Wanderer Cartographers to be a rather interesting supplement to integrate a new faction into D&D5e campaigns; the narrative ideas that can arise from this compendium are numerous.
If you want to fill the game world with fearless explorers who have political weight, this manual is for you!