Tool details are great addition to D&D 5E. Players take a background, and it frequently bestows on them proficiency in a tool kit. This should be as big as getting proficiency in a skill! But no one ever proposed to me “I’ll never use these; can I be proficient with Nature instead?” Maybe because the idea of a tool proficiency at first IS attractive, does help define your character and make you feel like it’s your edge. Anyone might be proficient in Nature, but you can use Tinker’s Tools. Shiny! However, apart from Thieves’ Tools, many sadly fade away to the background. Oh, someone might take out Cook’s Utensils and make the camp a good meal one night, or bring out their Weaver’s Tools and help the mayor’s daughter with a new dress, but all too rare. But recently for whatever reason I’ve seen a bit of a resurgence. In Crusader Road, Angelo has brought out his Cobbler’s Tools nearly every session so far (a cobbler always has good intentions, right?) Same with Amanda’s Cook’s Utensils…”that kitchen is mine!” Well, recently Dawn had a PC with Alchemist’s Supplies, and she asked what she can make or do with them. I printed out the section from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything and handed it to her, it helped a lot. That got me doing more research. XGE goes a long way toward making tools more exciting, but does leave it in the DM’s hands somewhat, yet not exclusively. Cook’s Utensils has a use chart including “Spot poison or impurities in food DC 15”. Well damn that would have been huge at the last Maritime game where I roleplayed a gnome just good enough that, while suspicious, half the party ate his biscuits anyway and got poisoned! Really, none of them would have even known what to look for. But then there’s others, like Thieves’ Tools: “Investigation and Perception. You gain additional insight when looking for traps, because you have learned a variety of common signs that betray their presence.” What the hell does “additional insight” mean? The intro to the tools section on page 78 explains the reasoning for that, and it speaks to the DM: Advantage and Added Benefits, where it suggests PCs with tool proficiency might be better at something which nonproficient PCs are not. Cobbler’s Tools, non-proficient: “I search the boot heels for secret compartments…I got a 14 on Perception. Proficient: “Let me try.” DM: “Roll with advantage”. Gaming Set, non-proficient: “I use Insight on the card playing elf to see if he’s telling the truth…I got a 12.” Proficient: I deal the cards and size up who looks the shadiest.” DM: “Roll Insight with +4 to the roll. I’m not suggesting waving your tool in the DMs face every time a skill check is called for, especially if deep down you really know you’re stretching. “I have Leatherworker’s Tools, I’m a wizard but this way I’m proficient in Leather armor, right?” NO. “I use my Painter’s Tools to draw a fake corridor on the dungeon wall so when the orc runs into it, he’s knocked unconscious!” NO. In other words, don’t be a tool about it. But look here, as DMs need to acknowledge these things, too:
- “I use my Thieves’ Tools’ mirror and blow some sand across that raised flagstone; it might be nothing” …DM checks the DC: 15. He makes it 13 for this PC.
- “A glass floor eh? With my knowledge from Glassblower’s Tools I want to see where a weak point is to shatter it.” DM: “Right there, roll damage and treat it as a critical hit.”
Point is, maybe take a new look at your Tool’s section in Xanathar’s Guide and make some notes on how it can enhance your character with mechanics, or just good roleplaying.
“Joe, I use my Carpenter’s Tools to whittle a duck. If I see a troubled child, I’ll give it to them.” – Dante, my Paladin in Baldur’s Gate.
Jeff Ibach
Dungeon Master
