This question might sound easy, obvious or even ridiculous, but... a compass does not appear anywhere in the Equipment section of the Player's Handbook. I'm talking about the regular, non-magical item that was available in previous editions. I'm actually wondering if it has been removed on purpose, to force characters to rely on other means to find their way.
As a 2nd part to my question, I play a rock gnome, artificer. I also have the spell prestidigitation. Would a rock gnome be able to create a compass, through the Tinker feature? Would he be able to do it through the "Right tool for the job" feature of the Artificer? Finally, would he be able to simply make one appear through Prestidigitation? (nonmagical trinket that lasts until the end of the next turn).
A compass should be included in the Navigator's Tool set. So if you just want to the compass, shave of a few GC on the price and that should work.
I'd say an Artificer would be able to make a compass with Tinker's Tools (or other similar tools, up to the DM). Not sure if I'd allow Prestidigitation to create one (it's a bit more complicated than a "trinket") but if your DM is nice, maybe? Just remember that six seconds is a VERY short time to get a bearing using a compass. I'd go with just building one.
I might allow an artificer, or anyone with relevant seeming background, to fashion a primitive floating compass -- a magnet in a bowl of water. Lodestones are material components, so anyone who has a component pouch could feasibly argue they have one on them, or if not it could count as a trinket, especially if it's fashioned specifically for use in a compass (floating fish, or a magnetized needle, etc).
Using cartographer's tools, you can create accurate maps to make travel easier for yourself and those who come after you. These maps can range from large-scale depictions of mountain ranges to diagrams that show the layout of a dungeon level.
Components. Cartographer's tools consist of a quill, ink, parchment, a pair of compasses, calipers, and a ruler.
Navigator's Tools
Proficiency with navigator's tools helps you determine a true course based on observing the stars. It also grants you insight into charts and maps while developing your sense of direction.
Components. Navigator's tools include a sextant, a compass, calipers, a ruler, parchment, ink, and a quill.
Using cartographer's tools, you can create accurate maps to make travel easier for yourself and those who come after you. These maps can range from large-scale depictions of mountain ranges to diagrams that show the layout of a dungeon level.
Components. Cartographer's tools consist of a quill, ink, parchment, a pair of compasses, calipers, and a ruler.
Navigator's Tools
Proficiency with navigator's tools helps you determine a true course based on observing the stars. It also grants you insight into charts and maps while developing your sense of direction.
Components. Navigator's tools include a sextant, a compass, calipers, a ruler, parchment, ink, and a quill.
Note that the pair of compasses referred to the Cartographer's Tools actually refers to a drawing compass as pictured below.
Using cartographer's tools, you can create accurate maps to make travel easier for yourself and those who come after you. These maps can range from large-scale depictions of mountain ranges to diagrams that show the layout of a dungeon level.
Components. Cartographer's tools consist of a quill, ink, parchment, a pair of compasses, calipers, and a ruler.
Navigator's Tools
Proficiency with navigator's tools helps you determine a true course based on observing the stars. It also grants you insight into charts and maps while developing your sense of direction.
Components. Navigator's tools include a sextant, a compass, calipers, a ruler, parchment, ink, and a quill.
Note that the pair of compasses referred to the Cartographer's Tools actually refers to a drawing compass as pictured below.
Totally true and a very good point!
In fact, the book's Spanish translation is incorrect, and both descriptions are translated as "compass" :(
(Cartographer's Tools) This is wrong: "a pair of compasses" is translated as "un par de brújulas", and it should be "un compás"
(Navigator's Tools) This is ok: "a compass" is translated as "una brújula"
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This question might sound easy, obvious or even ridiculous, but... a compass does not appear anywhere in the Equipment section of the Player's Handbook. I'm talking about the regular, non-magical item that was available in previous editions. I'm actually wondering if it has been removed on purpose, to force characters to rely on other means to find their way.
As a 2nd part to my question, I play a rock gnome, artificer. I also have the spell prestidigitation. Would a rock gnome be able to create a compass, through the Tinker feature? Would he be able to do it through the "Right tool for the job" feature of the Artificer? Finally, would he be able to simply make one appear through Prestidigitation? (nonmagical trinket that lasts until the end of the next turn).
Thanks!
A compass should be included in the Navigator's Tool set. So if you just want to the compass, shave of a few GC on the price and that should work.
I'd say an Artificer would be able to make a compass with Tinker's Tools (or other similar tools, up to the DM). Not sure if I'd allow Prestidigitation to create one (it's a bit more complicated than a "trinket") but if your DM is nice, maybe? Just remember that six seconds is a VERY short time to get a bearing using a compass. I'd go with just building one.
Hope that helps!
I might allow an artificer, or anyone with relevant seeming background, to fashion a primitive floating compass -- a magnet in a bowl of water. Lodestones are material components, so anyone who has a component pouch could feasibly argue they have one on them, or if not it could count as a trinket, especially if it's fashioned specifically for use in a compass (floating fish, or a magnetized needle, etc).
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
https://www.amazon.ca/AOFAR-Compass-Multifunctional-Fluorescent-Waterproof-Inclinometer/dp/B07FGF91GZ
or
"Cartographer's tools consist of a quill, ink, parchment, a pair of compasses, calipers, and a ruler. "
When they mention "compasses" plural, my DM rules that it's this device instead: https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Cergrey-200mm-Wing-Leather-Divider-Rotating-Tool-Spacing-Compasses-Edge-Area-Leather-Compass-Tool-Leather-Divider/PRD0YH7GQWI4U6L
Yeah, if it says a pair of compasses, it would be the tool for drawing a circle.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
A player had a similar doubt last session. In case it is helpful to anyone, here are some descriptions from Xanathar's Guide to Everything (p. 78):
(@GregCa already pointed out the description from the Cartographer's Tools)
Note that the pair of compasses referred to the Cartographer's Tools actually refers to a drawing compass as pictured below.
Totally true and a very good point!
In fact, the book's Spanish translation is incorrect, and both descriptions are translated as "compass" :(