What are Thieves' Tools?
Thieves' tools are a set of equipment used to help with lockpicking, disarming traps and other thieving activities. Examples of thieves’ tools include lockpicks, crowbars, grappling hooks, wire cutters and saws. According to the Player's Handbook, thieves' tools include a small file, set of lock picks, small mirror mounted on metal handle, set of narrow- bladed scissors and pair of pliers. This full set provides access to what is basically a multitool which can be used for various tasks such as picking locks or disabling traps.
Proficiency in thieves’ tools can be gained through several different ways including classes such as Artificer or Rogue; backgrounds like Criminal or Urchin; feats like Prodigy (exclusive to humans, half- elves and half- orcs) Skilled Feat; Decadent Mastery (Githyanki Racial Feature), Tireless Precision (Vedalken Racial Feature), Specialized Design Warforged Race feature); customizing backgrounds using rules outlined in PHB; or swapping tool proficiencies from one's own race for another of their choice using TCOE race rules.
In terms game mechanics for D&D 5e rules as written vs house rules nothing changes – roll d20 + modifiers when attempting an action involving Thieves Tools. As such they are an invaluable collection of useful implements that can be used for various reasons in play by any character proficient in them.
Uses of Thieves' Tools
Thieves' tools are a must-have for any rogue in Dungeons & Dragons 5e. With the right set of tools, a rogue can pick locks, disable traps and even set up their own traps.
Lockpicks are used to pick locks, but they can also be used to jam a lock by breaking off the pick inside it. The DC for picking a lock is determined by its complexity or if it has been enchanted with spells like Arcane Lock.
When setting up a trap, thieves' tools come in handy once again as they allow rogues to make an appropriate check that determines the DC of the trap. Setting up such traps requires a short rest before attempting this check.
Files can be used to weaken or break metal structures such as jail bars, axles of wagons and carts, railings on balconies and staircases, hinges of doors and trapdoors – all without making noise!
A small mirror is best for peeking around corners or through windows; in rare cases it may grant magic users line of sight to their target from afar. Scissors combined with mage hand can cut small ropes at range too!
There are also some non-typical uses for thieves' tools that few players think about: using small mirrors to look under doors/around corners; filing teeth of keys so they won't work; cutting chunks out from bard's hair with scissors etc.. All these tricks give rogues an edge when exploring dungeons and tackling difficult obstacles!
Using Thieves' Tools in Gameplay
Thieves’ tools are a must-have for any character looking to break into places they don’t belong. In Dungeons & Dragons 5e, these tools can be used to pick locks, disable traps, and open secret doors. Players should look for opportunities to use their thieves' tools in game play – whether it be bribing someone or breaking into the nobleman's mansion.
When using thieves' tools in gameplay, players should think creatively about how they can use them to come up with solutions to problems. For example, if a door is locked and no key exists, players may try picking the lock with their thieves' tool set or searching for hidden buttons that could open the door from afar. Additionally, characters proficient in Thieves' Tools may even attempt more complex tasks such as disabling magical traps or unlocking chests with intricate tumblers.
Players should also remember that there are other ways of getting around locked doors without having to resort to picking them open – such as finding alternate routes or convincing NPCs (Non-Player Characters) who have access to certain areas. Ultimately, it is up to each player on how they choose utilize their skills when playing out scenarios involving locks and traps!
Creative Uses of Thieves' Tools
Lockpicking is a skill that can be used for more than just criminal activities. It has many practical applications, such as opening locked doors or cabinets without the need for keys. This can be useful in Dungeons & Dragons 5e when players find themselves needing to access restricted areas without permission or alerting guards.
Safe cracking is another creative use of thieves' tools. This involves using specialized equipment to open safes without damaging them in order to access their contents safely and securely. In D&D 5e, this could come into play when characters are looking for hidden treasure or valuable items guarded by complex locks with multiple tumblers and combinations that must be figured out before the safe can be opened successfully.
Overall, understanding how to use thieves’ tools creatively can give D&D 5e players an advantage over their opponents by allowing them access to places they would otherwise not have been able to get into on their own merit. With the right skillset and equipment, these tools can provide invaluable assistance during game play and help characters achieve goals they wouldn't have been able to accomplish on their own.
Can I use Thieves’ Tools even if I am not Proficient?
Although proficiency with Thieves' Tools is not necessary to use them, it does provide certain advantages. Proficiency grants a character advantage on any Dexterity (Thieves' Tools) checks that involve using the tools. It also allows them to add their proficiency bonus when attempting to open locks or disarm traps.
Those without proficiency can still attempt these tasks, but they will be at a disadvantage and will not receive any bonuses from their ability scores or other proficiencies. As such, they may find themselves taking longer than usual to complete the task or failing altogether if it's too difficult for them.
There are several ways for characters who are not proficient in Thieves’ Tools to gain this skill. Rogues and Artificers gain it by default as part of their class features; Criminal, Urchin, and Urban Bounty Hunter backgrounds grant this proficiency as well; and lastly, the Skilled feat grants this proficiency when taken as a Feat option.
For those who do not have access to any of these options, there is an alternative: training with someone proficient in Thieves’ Tools. This requires either 250 days of training (at 1 gp per day) or 10 workweeks (at 25 gp per week). However, this option must be approved by the Dungeon Master before undertaking it. Additionally, Intelligence modifier reduces time necessary to learn the skill (- Int Mod does not increase amount of time needed). There is also a variant rule which states that characters automatically succeed on checks with DCs up until Level 10 (DC 15 after Level 11).
Overall, while having proficiency in Thieves’ Tools provides many benefits when attempting tasks related to lockpicking or disarming traps, it is possible for non-proficient characters to utilize these tools under specific circumstances and with DM approval.
Do I get Advantage because I am Proficient with a Tool?
Being proficient with a tool can give you an advantage in Dungeons & Dragons 5e. According to the Dungeon Master's Guide, having proficiency with a tool allows you to add your proficiency bonus to any ability check that uses the tool. This is particularly useful when attempting tasks such as lockpicking or disarming traps, which often require Dexterity-based checks.
For example, a level 3 rogue who is proficient in Thieves’ Tools (17 Dex) would roll a d20 + 5 (+3 dex modifier; +2 Tool Proficiency). Without Thieves’ Tools Proficiency they would only be able to add their dexterity modifier when attempting the same task. Thus, being proficient does not necessarily mean more likely to succeed than nonproficient PCs – it simply means that they get an extra bonus on their roll.
In addition to this benefit, combining character's proficiency/ability modifier with d20 roll when using thieves' tools and lockpicking can give them an Advantage during Character Building. Furthermore, Xanathar's Guide To Everything suggests additional advantages that being proficient in thieves’ tools can offer as an optional rule: namely, knowledge of traps and other devices commonly encountered by adventurers.
Overall, having proficiency with a tool can be invaluable for navigating areas that may otherwise not be accessible without them – making it one of the most useful skills for any party!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy Thieves Tools in D&D 5E?
Yes, thieves tools are relatively inexpensive and common items available at most locksmiths/shops.
What stat do thieves' tools use in D&D 5e?
Most uses of thieve’s tools, to pick locks or disarm traps, use a simple dexterity check to which you can add your proficiency bonus if you are proficient. If using the expanded rules from XGTE, may be able to use intelligence or wisdom for certain rolls; though this is not exactly the same as using thieves’ tools it will still utilize one's proficiency.
Can thieves' tools break in D&D 5e?
It is unlikely that they would unless someone deliberately tries breaking them – lockpicks never break while picking a lock (unless magically enchanted with destructive spells).
Do I need Thieves Tools for my campaign setting in D&D 5E?
Not necessarily – other ways exist such as breaking down doors or taking trap damage instead.
