Finding natural resources

[muktidata]

Specifically underground. One of my groups have taken over Ravenloft and its surrounding areas. We now want to find natural resources to offer neighboring lords. We figure if we become an asset to some of our neighbors, they might vouch for us in court as we debate the whole land ownership thing.

So, we need some ways to scour the land for resources. Ore, minerals, gold, and the like. Any ideas?

[linklord231]

Lesser Planar Binding for Earth Elementals?

You may want to show the DM Underdark (not to be confused with Drow of the Underdark, and see if any material from that is applicable. 

[altpersona]

3rd level spell Detect Metal Minerals

imo works best built into a magic item.

the downside is the material component is 10 POUNDS of the material you are looking for. 

[muktidata]

3rd level spell Detect Metal Minerals

imo works best built into a magic item.

the downside is the material component is 10 POUNDS of the material you are looking for. 

Perfect! Now how do I make 10 pounds of what I'm looking for ON THE CHEAP?!

[Keldar]

Locate Object?   

[linklord231]

Perfect! Now how do I make 10 pounds of what I'm looking for ON THE CHEAP?!

Major Creation?  It's limited by volume, not by weight. 

[muktidata]

So am I correct in this:

Level 6 caster casts Detect Metal and Minerals which costs 180g to commission (not counting possible Phantom Steed, Extend Spell, Enlarge Spell, etc). The spell lasts for 60 minutes and they move at 50 a round (on horse-back). The spell has a 60 foot quarter-circle radius so 900 sqft. total. I get lost at the point where they move 50 ft.

Also, what is the best way to make sure they don't double back on a path they've already taken?

Basically, we're trying to scour our newly acquired property (which is huge) for natural resources so we can offer to trade with nearby kingdoms so they will have a reason to back us in court when everyone grabs for our newly acquired Ravenloft property. Also, we just want to know what we have.

[ketaro]

Hire a prospector and a cartographer?

Might as well start there. You're gonna need to hire NPCs for a full blown mining operation if you find anything worthwhile.

[muktidata]

Hire a prospector and a cartographer?

Might as well start there. You're gonna need to hire NPCs for a full blown mining operation if you find anything worthwhile.

Well, we're going to offer such things to neighboring kingdoms unless they'd rather us mine and then trade. I'm actually so confused, though. This whole quarter-circle cone plus movement bit on the Detection spell is destroying my brain.

[SolEiji]

Find a druid to cast Commune with Nature.  It's a mile per level above and 100 ft per level underground, and it calls out "minerals".

[muktidata]

Find a druid to cast Commune with Nature.  It's a mile per level above and 100 ft per level underground, and it calls out "minerals".

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHH my mind is still broken trying to figure out what happens when you move around with a 60ft. long 90 degree cone. AND YOU SHOW ME THIS?! 

It's so much easier!!! 

But thanks! 

[altpersona]

minor side question.

CwN works for a mile deep if you are on the surface but 100 feet deep if you are subsurface?  that sorta sucks / is really handy.

[SolEiji]

minor side question.

CwN works for a mile deep if you are on the surface but 100 feet deep if you are subsurface?  that sorta sucks / is really handy.

I figured it drops to 100 ft/level through rock, so technically if cast on the surface you get a weird dumpling shape.  I don't particularly care to try and map it out, the size is "large enough" generally.