tools

I have been struggling with how to handle using tools. For many systems, there is a skill based around professions. Some of these are specific, while others allow you to “fill in the blank.” I often get lost when someone asks about using their tool kit for a job and never really know what to have them roll. I just shrug my shoulders and say, “Um, roll me a _ check?” Yes, usually as a question, not as a statement.

Recently I started to use the Performance skill in place of the old professions, but this is not good either since it directly relates to a character’s Charisma modifier. This is not good for most classes, it also does not make a lot of sense. This has stumped me for many years, and I feel like I’ve always done this wrong (even though I’ve gotten it right on occasion). After chatting with my sister, and re-reading the Player’s Handbook (D&D 5e), I think I finally figured it out!

I was making it much more than it actually is. The rules laid out in 5e are straight forward, do this for that. Very rarely do you find a do what makes sense type of ruling other than when you set a DC for a check. One system that is extremely fluid is 2d20. A player in this system could make an augment over what ability/skill modifiers they should use in a given situation. If the GM agrees, then that is what is used. Well, tool kits work similarly.

The Player’s Handbook says it quite clearly, but for some reason it just didn’t stick with me. “Proficiency with a tool allows you to add your proficiency bonus to any ability check you make using that tool.” This means that whatever ability makes sense, that is the check you use. If fine motor skills are needed because of the intricacy of the work, then use Dexterity. If it is going to take brute force, use Strength. If it takes intimate knowledge, use Wisdom or Intelligence.

I don’t know why this took me so long, but now you don’t have to dig through it yourself. Hopefully I have been able to keep you out of the muck. No more dragging your feet and hoping you called for the right check. Say it with confidence next time, knowing how it works now.