Are you saying that you don't read the book cover to cover, remembering these kind of things?
I did, and it might even have been the equipment section rather than the adventure that I was thinking about.
D&D 5E Tool Use
- Thread starter Springheel
- Start date
I did, and it might even have been the equipment section rather than the adventure that I was thinking about.
iserith
Magic Wordsmith
Something to consider is that the text is basically saying that in all cases given this specific kind of lock, a proficient creature can use thieves' tools to pick it, but the outcome is uncertain and of a moderate difficulty. That is a specific fictional situation it proposes. It doesn't exclude other fictional circumstances.
The same goes for adventures. Most calls for ability checks are for specific tasks that the author suggests have an uncertain outcome. If the player proposes some other task, then a different ability check or DC may apply.
EzekielRaiden
Follower of the Way
I don't think anyone is accusing 5e of having wonderful editing. This isn't even the only time I've heard of this kind of thing, though I fear I can't remember the previous example.
Greenstone.Walker
Adventurer
Improvised Tools
Most jobs cannot be done without tools. You can't pick a lock without picks. You can't make a chair without woodworking tools. However, you can improvise tools. Use a brooch pin to pick the lock. Use a dagger instead of a plane to smooth wood.
I generally allow those who are proficient in the tool to use improvised tools, but not get the proficiency bonus added. I generally don't allow those who are not proficient to use improvised tools at all.
Lore Rolls
Proficient characters are allowed lore rolls appropriate to the tool. Woodworkers can recognise signature styles of well-known carpenters. Stonemasons might know the history of a statue or wall.
Proficiency Required
Sometimes proficiency is just mandatory. Having spent time on stage, I can tell you that someone who doesn't know how to put on makeup is never going to be able to disguise them-self successfully with a disguise kit.
Most jobs cannot be done without tools. You can't pick a lock without picks. You can't make a chair without woodworking tools. However, you can improvise tools. Use a brooch pin to pick the lock. Use a dagger instead of a plane to smooth wood.
I generally allow those who are proficient in the tool to use improvised tools, but not get the proficiency bonus added. I generally don't allow those who are not proficient to use improvised tools at all.
Lore Rolls
Proficient characters are allowed lore rolls appropriate to the tool. Woodworkers can recognise signature styles of well-known carpenters. Stonemasons might know the history of a statue or wall.
Proficiency Required
Sometimes proficiency is just mandatory. Having spent time on stage, I can tell you that someone who doesn't know how to put on makeup is never going to be able to disguise them-self successfully with a disguise kit.
Saeviomagy
Adventurer
No, they can't disguise themselves successfully enough to pass muster in a stage performance (ie - set a high enough disguise DC to 'fool' 100+ people, all of whom know that you are disguised, and so potentially have advantage, all of whom can repeatedly make rolls during the performance).Proficiency Required
Sometimes proficiency is just mandatory. Having spent time on stage, I can tell you that someone who doesn't know how to put on makeup is never going to be able to disguise them-self successfully with a disguise kit.
That's why someone who isn't proficient ends up with a relatively low disguise roll.
Or do you honestly believe that it's not possible for someone without training to put on enough makeup to have a chance to hide their identity from a distracted guard?
Bear in mind that we're talking about 6 months of intensive training too. Wake up, train for 8 hours. For 6 months. If you can get a year of once-a-week classes in a topic and succeed, that's not proficient use of a tool.
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