In D&D 5e, tools are consumable items that allow players to perform specific actions or pass Ability Checks.
Some tools are purely decorative, while others can actually be beneficial in the campaign. We rate them based on how often they will be needed and their mechanical advantages.
Disguise Kit
The Disguise Kit is an invaluable asset to characters seeking to be more sneaky or uncover deceptions. This skill is part of the Rogues’ Tool Proficiency List and can be particularly beneficial to Thief, Arcane Trickster, Mastermind, and Inquisitive subclasses.
Start by crafting a disguise with this tool. It can be done as part of taking a long rest or by dedicating 10 minutes for changes that slightly alter your appearance, and 30 minutes for drastic transformations.
In Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, there are several base difficulty classes for actions required by the Disguise Kit, such as concealing bruises or injuries and imitating a humanoid’s appearance. Both can be accomplished with an Intelligence check but may require a Deception check for full success.
Another intriguing ability relates to creating forgeries, such as creating a fake map using cartographer’s tools or falsifying documents with weapon schematics. While this skill may not be essential in most campaigns, if your character needs the ability to secretly deliver items or relics, then this might be an invaluable trait for them.
Another useful application of the Disguise Kit is to make yourself appear more intimidating. Whether it’s making yourself appear sickly, elderly, or imposing, this ability can be used to intimidate others and is an essential skill for any Rogue to possess.
Carpenter’s Tools
Carpenter’s Tools are essential tools needed to construct a wooden structure. These include hand tools, power tools and accessories necessary for completing various projects.
A carpenter’s essential toolbox must include the trusty hammer. To keep it balanced and safe for use, balance the claw-shaped head of the hammer against a sturdy finish handle.
Another crucial piece of carpentry equipment is a square, which makes it simple to draw lines and cut angles accurately. Investing in several sizes of square is advised as each size serves a different purpose and improves measurement accuracy.
A tape measure is an indispensable tool for all carpenters, as it accurately measures all kinds of wood pieces and projects. There are various types of tape measures available, such as electronic and mechanical models; make sure you get one with the right precision for your needs.
For even better accuracy, consider investing in a rule or straight edge. These offer more precise measurements than measuring tape can provide and they fold into multiple sections for convenient storage.
Backsaws are indispensable tools in any carpenter’s toolbox, as they specialize in cutting mortise and tenon joints as well as dovetail joints. Powered by a heavy strip of brass or steel, backsaws can effortlessly slice through hard materials with ease. Furthermore, these saws may also be used for decorative work like curved cuts or dados.
Jeweler’s Tools
Jewelers craft masterpieces out of precious stones and metals to create works of art. Their pieces may range from simple jewelry for everyday people, cultural pieces, ceremonial items or even enchanted items.
They employ precise motions and precision in their crafting, polishing gems and restoring tarnished jewelry. Their creations transform ordinary metals into stunning works of art.
Jeweler’s tools typically consist of a small saw, hammer, files, pliers and tweezers. Depending on the project at hand, you may also require small cauldrons, tongs, molds or other tools not included in standard inventory of Jeweler’s Tools.
One of the most essential jeweler’s tools is a bench vise. This allows jewelers to hold their workpieces firmly while freeing both hands for shaping and detailing their jewellery pieces.
Another essential tool is a crimp tool. This device marks a crimp in the wires of a jewellery piece, keeping beads and stones securely fastened at one location on the wire so they won’t move around.
There are various shaped engraving tools that can be used to carve out specialty shapes in metal or other materials for jewellery pieces. These tools come flat, round, or beveled and allow the user to carve intricate shapes into the metal while creating stone patterns on the jewellery piece.
Land & Water Vehicles
Amphibious vehicles are unique vehicles that can traverse both land and water. Initially designed for military use, this type of vehicle has since found applications such as transporting troops or cargo.
Amphibian vehicles can be an invaluable asset in mining and engineering applications. These vehicles enable transport of equipment across flooded areas, inaccessible terrains, and other hazardous situations that would not be possible with wheeled transportation alone.
These vehicles may also be equipped with flotation screens and/or flotation collars to give them extra buoyancy in the water, enabling them to wade through deeper waters where they would not typically venture. This makes them invaluable tools for mining operations as well as rescue vehicles during natural disasters.
Amphibious vehicles can also be employed for civil engineering and recreational activities, granting those living near water access to their desired area without having to own a boat or take time out on long drives through it. Furthermore, these types of cars have the unique ability to travel on roadways that do not usually permit wheeled transportation – they make traveling through water much easier!
Amphibious vehicles were originally developed to aid military personnel traverse rivers, lakes and seas while under attack from enemies. However, they have become increasingly popular as civilians begin utilizing them for various purposes.
Leatherworker’s Tools
Leather crafters rely on a variety of tools to make their job easier. These may be general items suitable for various tasks or specialized items tailored specifically to certain projects.
For instance, rosette cutters are an invaluable tool for crafting rosettes and other shapes from leather. These come in both hand-held and table-top varieties.
A clicker press is an incredible machine that exerts immense force onto small areas, pressing metal dies to cut out pre-formed shapes. These can be a time saver when creating large numbers of leather pieces in a short amount of time.
Finally, a leather punch is an effective tool for punching holes in materials. While they tend to be heavy and take up considerable table space, leather punches can be worth investing in if you frequently perform high-volume production or repetitive hole punching work.
A tack puller is another common leatherworking tool that can come in handy. This tool typically has a V-slotted metal tip which helps pry up tacks and nails that have become stuck to leather goods.
A sanding block is an indispensable tool in the leatherworking arsenal, as it can be used to smooth over edges for a polished appearance. This helps with sealing, burnishing and edge painting as well as cleaning dents and scratches caused by handling leather.
Mason’s Tools
Masons are renowned for their skill in building structures with brick and stone. Although not a particularly common profession, their role is vital in any campaign.
With any tool, proficiency in this skill gives your character a boost on any ability checks they make when using its tools for trade. Furthermore, these abilities require knowledge of various materials like specialized stones like granite or marble – giving them an edge in their trade.
This proficiency also grants you the unique capability of forging documents or seals. While this is not a commonly occurring occurrence, it could be something worth considering in an intense campaign.
Proficiency in this skill also grants you the power to decipher treasure maps, discovering things like their age or hidden messages. Knowing these techniques makes it much simpler to spot fakes when working with maps.
Tinker’s Tools are an uncommon but useful tool used for repairing various objects. While this makes for fast repairs on most things, its ease of use when working with something less common may make it more challenging.
Knowledge of this skill allows you to add your proficiency bonus to all ability checks that involve it, making it a highly useful ability. If your game involves many time-sensitive projects, having this skill can prove immensely beneficial.