And a campaign exists in which the vehicles (land) tool proficiency, even if not often rolled, is in constant usage.
Something being the right tool for a job that only comes up in certain circumstances isn't a "useless tool" it's a tool with a clear use that simply isn't being utilized.
That is not a fact.
1. On some level I agree but again if it's THAT niche dose it really need to be in 5e? The game where essentially the DM is the one to fill in the gaps.
2. I disagree due to the fact that if the skill system was to be supported in a way that was absolutely concrete it would be designed as such. As of now its really fast and loose. So if your charismatic or convincing enough you feasibly use a skill check in place of a tool. Or for a variety of other off the wall things
[MENTION=6803572]Kite474[/MENTION],
Perhaps a few examples of how you perceive being able to bypass tool proficiency with a skill check will help me understand? And/or a few examples of which tools you feel are the most "useless"? I'm curious.
Sure thing!
Lets start form the top.
Crafting Tools: A few players I have met and have seen done so via compounded skill checks. For example I have made a clock using a combination of slight of hands/dex checks and intelligence. This is one of the few times we have really used crafting, because as I said unless you know everything the DM is willing to allow it can be verywell worthless to take
Disguise Kit: Combo of either spells or decpetion. Or really really good deception checks.
Forgery: Ill admit we have not done enough political campaigns to really used this, but it did come up once... We used a deception check and an Investigation check. Depending on your DM you could probably just use 1 of those skills
Gaming Set: Pure Fluff
Herbalist Kit: NOT USELESS!.... Early on. Later you tend to get enough gold you dont need to bother
Musical Instruments: In my experience most players and DM's elect to just let the user roll preform
Navigators Tools: This is one that depends much more on your GM, but we used survival and perception for this
Poisoners: NOT USELESS!.... Poison could be clearer though.
Thieves Tools: NOT USELESS!... However I have seen instances of sleight of hand abuse
Land Vehicles: Animal Handling
Sea Vehicles: NOT USELESS!.... kind of either. Survival was used once or twice.
And their we are. I must say its actually been a pleasure typing this all out. It's fun to be more active on the forums. Thank you both kindly and I mean that sincerely