When you finish a long rest during which you slept in TOOLS AND SKILLS TOGETHER

medium or heavy armor, you regain only one quarter of

Tools have more specific applications than skills. The
your spent Hit Dice (minimum of one die). If you have
History skill applies to any event in the past. A tool such
any levels of exhaustion , the rest doesn’ t reduce your
as a forgery kit is used to make fake objects and little
exhaustion level.
else. Thus, why would a character who has the opportu -
nity to acquire one or the other want to gain a tool profi-
GOING WITHOUT A LONG REST ciency instead of proficiency in a skill?
A long rest is never mandatory, but going without sleep To make tool proficiencies more attractive choices for
does have its consequences. If you want to account for the characters, you can use the methods outlined below.
the effects of sleep deprivation on characters and crea- Advantage . If the use of a tool and the use of a skill
tures, use these rules. both apply to a check , and a character is proficient with
Whenever you end a 24 -hour period without finishing the tool and the skill , consider allowing the character
a long rest , you must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution to make the check with advantage. This simple benefit
saving throw or suffer one level of exhaustion. can go a long way toward encouraging players to pick
It becomes harder to fight off exhaustion if you stay up tool proficiencies. In the tool descriptions that follow,
awake for multiple days. After the first 24 hours, the this benefit is often expressed as additional insight (or
DC increases by 5 for each consecutive 24- hour period something similar), which translates into an increased
without a long rest. The DC resets to 10 when you finish chance that the check will be a success.
a long rest . Added Benefit. In addition , consider giving characters
who have both a relevant skill and a relevant tool profi -
ADAMANTINE WEAPONS ciency an added benefit on a successful check. This ben -
Adamantine is an ultrahard metal found in meteorites efit might be in the form of more detailed information or
and extraordinary mineral veins. In addition to being could simulate the effect of a different sort of successful
used to craft adamantine armor; the metal is also used check . For example, a character proficient with mason’s
for weapons. tools makes a successful Wisdom ( Perception) check to
Melee weapons and ammunition made of or coated find a secret door in a stone wall. Not only does the char-
with adamantine are unusually effective when used acter notice the door’s presence, but you decide that the
to break objects. Whenever an adamantine weapon tool proficiency entitles the character to an automatic
or piece of ammunition hits an object , the hit is a success on an Intelligence ( Investigation) check to deter-
critical hit. mine how to open the door.
The adamantine version of a melee weapon or of
ten pieces of ammunition costs 500 gp more than the
TOOL DESCRIPTIONS
normal version , whether the weapon or ammunition is The following sections go into detail about the tools pre-
made of the metal or coated with it. sented in the Player's Handbook , offering advice on how
to use them in a campaign.
TYING KNOTS Components. The first paragraph in each description
gives details on what a set of supplies or tools is made
The rules are purposely open -ended concerning mun -
up of. A character who is proficient with a tool knows
dane tasks like tying knots, but sometimes knowing how to use all of its component parts.
how well a knot was fashioned is important in a dra- Skills . Every tool potentially provides advantage on a
matic scene when someone is trying to untie a knot or
check when used in conjunction with certain skills, pro-
slip out of one. Here’s an optional rule for determining
vided a character is proficient with the tool and the skill.
the effectiveness of a knot.
As DM , you can allow a character to make a check using
The creature who ties the knot makes an Intelligence
the indicated skill with advantage. Paragraphs that be-
(Sleight of Hand ) check when doing so. The total of the
gin with skill names discuss these possibilities. In each
check becomes the DC for an attempt to untie the knot of these paragraphs, the benefits apply only to someone
with an Intelligence (Sleight of Hand ) check or to slip
who has proficiency with the tool , not someone who sim-
out of it with a Dexterity (Acrobatics) check.
ply owns it.
This rule intentionally links Sleight of Hand with
With respect to skills, the system is mildly abstract in
Intelligence, rather than Dexterity. This is an example
terms of what a tool proficiency represents; essentially,
of how to apply the rule in the “ Variant: Skills with
it assumes that a character who has proficiency with a
Different Abilities” section in chapter 7 of the Play-
tool also has learned about facets of the trade or pro-
er's Handbook . fession that are not necessarily associated with the use
of the tool.
TOOL PROFICIENCIES In addition , you can consider giving a character extra
Tool proficiencies are a useful way to highlight a charac- information or an added benefit on a skill check. The
ter’s background and talents. At the game table , though , text provides some examples and ideas when this oppor-
the use of tools sometimes overlaps with the use of tunity is relevant.
skills, and it can be unclear how to use them together in Special Use . Proficiency with a tool usually brings
certain situations. This section offers various ways that with it a particular benefit in the form of a special use,
tools can be used in the game. as described in this paragraph.

CHAPTER 2 | DUNGEON MASTER ’ S TOOLS

—
 Sample DCs. A table at the end of each section lists
activities that a tool can be used to perform , and sug-
gested DCs for the necessary ability checks.

ALCHEMIST S SUPPLIES
Alchemist’s supplies enable a character to produce use-
ful concoctions, such as acid or alchemist’s fire.
Components. Alchemist’s supplies include two glass
beakers, a metal frame to hold a beaker in place over
an open flame , a glass stirring rod , a small mortar and
pestle, and a pouch of common alchemical ingredients,
including salt , powdered iron , and purified water.
Arcana . Proficiency with alchemist ’s supplies allows
you to unlock more information on Arcana checks in -
volving potions and similar materials.
Investigation. When you inspect an area for clues,
proficiency with alchemist ’s supplies grants additional
insight into any chemicals or other substances that
might have been used in the area.
Alchemical Crafting . You can use this tool proficiency
to create alchemical items. A character can spend
money to collect raw materials, which weigh 1 pound
for every 50 gp spent. The DM can allow a character to
make a check using the indicated skill with advantage .
As part of a long rest , you can use alchemist ’s supplies
to make one dose of acid , alchemist’s fire, antitoxin ,
oil , perfume, or soap. Subtract half the value of the cre-
ated item from the total gp worth of raw materials you
are carrying.

ALCHEMIST ' S SUPPLIES

Activity
Create a puff of thick smoke
Identify a poison
Identify a substance
Start a fire
Neutralize acid

BREWER S SUPPLIES CALLIGRAPHER S SUPPLIES

Brewing is the art of producing beer. Not only does beer Calligraphy treats writing as a delicate, beautiful art.
serve as an alcoholic beverage, but the process of brew- Calligraphers produce text that is pleasing to the eye,
ing purifies water. Crafting beer takes weeks of fermen - using a style that is difficult to forge. Their supplies also
tation , but only a few hours of work. give them some ability to examine scripts and determine
Components. Brewer ’s supplies include a large if they are legitimate, since a calligrapher’s training in-
glass jug, a quantity of hops, a siphon , and several feet volves long hours of studying writing and attempting to
of tubing. replicate its style and design.
I jf i
History. Proficiency with brewer’s supplies gives Components . Calligrapher ’s supplies include ink , a
you additional insight on Intelligence ( History) checks dozen sheets of parchment , and three quills.
concerning events that involve alcohol as a signifi- Arcana . Although calligraphy is of little help in deci-
cant element. phering the content of magical writings, proficiency with
Medicine . This tool proficiency grants additional these supplies can aid in identifying who wrote a script
insight when you treat anyone suffering from alcohol of a magical nature.
poisoning or when you can use alcohol to dull pain . History. This tool proficiency can augment the
Persuasion. A stiff drink can help soften the hardest benefit of successful checks made to analyze or inves-
heart. Your proficiency with brewer’s supplies can help tigate ancient writings, scrolls, or other texts, includ -
you ply someone with drink , giving them just enough ing runes etched in stone or messages in frescoes or
alcohol to mellow their mood . other displays.
Potable Water. Your knowledge of brewing enables Decipher Treasure Map. This tool proficiency grants
you to purify water that would otherwise be undrink- you expertise in examining maps. You can make an
able. As part of a long rest , you can purify up to 6 gal- Intelligence check to determine a map’s age, whether a
lons of water, or 1 gallon as part of a short rest. map includes any hidden messages, or similar facts.

CHAPTER 2 | DU N G E O N MASTER ’ S TOOLS

CALLIGRAP HER S SUPPLIES Nature . Your familiarity with physical geography
makes it easier for you to answer questions or solve is-
Activity DC
sues relating to the terrain around you.
Identify writer of nonmagical script 10
Survival. Your understanding of geography makes it
Determine writer ’ s state of mind 15 easier to find paths to civilization , to predict areas where
Spot forged text 15 villages or towns might be found , and to avoid becom-
Forge a signature 20 ing lost . You have studied so many maps that common
patterns, such as how trade routes evolve and where
CARPENTE R S TOOLS settlements arise in relation to geographic locations, are
Skill at carpentry enables a character to construct familiar to you.
wooden structures. A carpenter can build a house, a Craft a Map. While traveling, you can draw a map as
shack , a wooden cabinet , or similar items. you go in addition to engaging in other activity.
Components. Carpenter ’s tools include a saw, a ham -
mer, nails, a hatchet , a square, a ruler, an adze, a plane , CARTOGRA PHER S TOOLS
and a chisel. Activity DC
History. This tool proficiency aids you in identifying Determine a map’s age and origin 10
the use and the origin of wooden buildings and other Estimate direction and distance to a landmark 15
large wooden objects. 15
Discern that a map is fake
Investigation. You gain additional insight when in - 20
Fill in a missing part of a map
specting areas within wooden structures, because you
know tricks of construction that can conceal areas from
discovery. COBBLER S TOOLS
Perception. You can spot irregularities in wooden Although the cobbler’s trade might seem too humble for
walls or floors, making it easier to find trap doors and an adventurer, a good pair of boots will see a character
secret passages. across rugged wilderness and through deadly dungeons.
Stealth. You can quickly assess the weak spots in a Components. Cobbler’s tools consist of a hammer,
wooden floor, making it easier to avoid the places that an awl , a knife, a shoe stand , a cutter, spare leather,
creak and groan when they ’re stepped on. and thread .
Fortify. With 1 minute of work and raw materials, Arcana , History. Your knowledge of shoes aids you in
you can make a door or window harder to force open . identifying the magical properties of enchanted boots or
Increase the DC needed to open it by 5. the history of such items.
Temporary Shelter. As part of a long rest , you can Investigation. Footwear holds a surprising number
construct a lean- to or a similar shelter to keep your of secrets. You can learn where someone has recently
group dry and in the shade for the duration of the rest . visited by examining the wear and the dirt that has ac-
Because it was fashioned quickly from whatever wood cumulated on their shoes. Your experience in repairing
was available, the shelter collapses ld 3 days after being shoes makes it easier for you to identify where damage
assembled . might come from .
Maintain Shoes. As part of a long rest, you can repair
CARPENTER S TOOLS your companions’ shoes. For the next 24 hours, up to six
creatures of your choice who wear shoes you worked on
Activity DC
can travel up to 10 hours a day without making saving
Build a simple wooden structure 10
throws to avoid exhaustion.
Design a complex wooden structure 15 Craft Hidden Compartment . With 8 hours of work ,
Find a weak point in a wooden wall 15 you can add a hidden compartment to a pair of shoes.
Pry apart a door 20 The compartment can hold an object up to 3 inches long
and 1 inch wide and deep. You make an Intelligence
CARTOGRA PHER S TOOLS check using your tool proficiency to determine the In-
Using cartographer’s tools, you can create accurate telligence ( Investigation) check DC needed to find the
maps to make travel easier for yourself and those who compartment .
come after you. These maps can range from large-scale
depictions of mountain ranges to diagrams that show COBBLER S TOOLS
the layout of a dungeon level . Activity DC
Components. Cartographer’s tools consist of a Determine a shoe ’ s age and origin 10
quill , ink , parchment , a pair of compasses, calipers, Find a hidden compartment in a boot heel 15
and a ruler.
Arcana, History, Religion. You can use your knowl-
COOK S UTENSILS
edge of maps and locations to unearth more detailed
Adventuring is a hard life. With a cook along on the jour-
information when you use these skills. For instance, you
ney, your meals will be much better than the typical mix
might spot hidden messages in a map, identify when the
of hardtack and dried fruit.
map was made to determine if geographical features
Components. Cook’s utensils include a metal pot ,
have changed since then , and so forth.
knives, forks, a stirring spoon , and a ladle.

CHAPTER 2 | D U N G E O N MASTER ’ S T OOLS

 History. Your knowledge of cooking techniques al- FORGERY KIT
lows you to assess the social patterns involved in a cul- A forgery kit is designed to duplicate documents and to
ture’s eating habits. make it easier to copy a person’s seal or signature.
Medicine . When administering treatment , you can Components . A forgery kit includes several different
transform medicine that is bitter or sour into a pleasing types of ink , a variety of parchments and papers, several
concoction. quills, seals and sealing wax, gold and silver leaf , and
Survival. When foraging for food , you can make do small tools to sculpt melted wax to mimic a seal.
with ingredients you scavenge that others would be un- Arcana. A forgery kit can be used in conjunction
able to transform into nourishing meals. with the Arcana skill to determine if a magic item is
Prepare Meals . As part of a short rest , you can pre- real or fake.
pare a tasty meal that helps your companions regain Deception. A well-crafted forgery, such as papers pro-
their strength. You and up to five creatures of your claiming you to be a noble or a writ that grants you safe
choice regain 1 extra hit point per Hit Die spent during passage, can lend credence to a lie.
a short rest , provided you have access to your cook’s History. A forgery kit combined with your knowledge
utensils and sufficient food. of history improves your ability to create fake historical
documents or to tell if an old document is authentic.
COOK ' S UTENSILS Investigation. When you examine objects, proficiency
Activity DC with a forgery kit is useful for determining how an ob-
10 ject was made and whether it is genuine.
Create a typical meal
10
Other Tools . Knowledge of other tools makes your
Duplicate a meal
forgeries that much more believable. For example, you
Spot poison or impurities in food 15
could combine proficiency with a forgery kit and profi-
Create a gourmet meal 15
ciency with cartographer’s tools to make a fake map.
Quick Fake . As part of a short rest , you can produce
DISGUISE KIT a forged document no more than one page in length. As
The perfect tool for anyone who wants to engage in part of a long rest , you can produce a document that is
trickery, a disguise kit enables its owner to adopt a up to four pages long. Your Intelligence check using a
false identity. forgery kit determines the DC for someone else’s Intelli-
Components. A disguise kit includes cosmetics, hair gence (Investigation) check to spot the fake.
dye , small props, and a few pieces of clothing.
Deception. In certain cases, a disguise can improve FORGERY KIT
your ability to weave convincing lies. DC
Activity
Intimidation. The right disguise can make you look 15
Mimic handwriting
more fearsome , whether you want to scare someone
Duplicate a wax seal 20
away by posing as a plague victim or intimidate a gang
of thugs by taking the appearance of a bully.
Performance . A cunning disguise can enhance an au - GAMING SET
dience’s enjoyment of a performance, provided the dis- Proficiency with a gaming set applies to one type of
guise is properly designed to evoke the desired reaction. game, such as Three-Dragon Ante or games of chance
Persuasion. Folk tend to trust a person in uniform. If that use dice.
you disguise yourself as an authority figure, your efforts Components . A gaming set has all the pieces needed
to persuade others are often more effective. to play a specific game or type of game, such as a com -
Create Disguise . As part of a long rest , you can plete deck of cards or a board and tokens.
create a disguise. It takes you 1 minute to don such a History. Your mastery of a game includes knowledge
disguise once you have created it. You can carry only of its history, as well as of important events it was con -
one such disguise on you at a time without drawing nected to or prominent historical figures involved with it .
undue attention , unless you have a bag of holding or Insight. Playing games with someone is a good way to
a similar method to keep them hidden . Each disguise gain understanding of their personality, granting you a
weighs 1 pound . better ability to discern their lies from their truths and
At other times, it takes 10 minutes to craft a disguise read their mood.
that involves moderate changes to your appearance, Sleight ofHand . Sleight of Hand is a useful skill for
'

and 30 minutes for one that requires more exten - cheating at a game, as it allows you to swap pieces,
sive changes. palm cards, or alter a die roll . Alternatively, engrossing
a target in a game by manipulating the components with
DISGUISE KIT dexterous movements is a great distraction for a pick-
DC pocketing attempt.
Activity
Cover injuries or distinguishing marks 10
GAMING SET
Spot a disguise being used by someone else 15
Activity DC
Copy a humanoid ’s appearance 20
Catch a player cheating 15
Gain insight into an opponent ’s personality 15 I A
I
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CHAPTER 2 | DUNGEON MASTER ’ S T OOLS 8l

f
 GLASSBLOWER S TOOLS This insight proves handy when you make Arcana
Someone who is proficient with glassblower’s tools checks related to gems or gem-encrusted items.
has not only the ability to shape glass, but also spe- Investigation. When you inspect jeweled objects, your
cialized knowledge of the methods used to produce proficiency with jeweler’s tools aids you in picking out
glass objects. clues they might hold .
Components. The tools include a blowpipe , a small Identify Gems. You can identify gems and determine
marver, blocks , and tweezers. You need a source of heat their value at a glance.
to work glass.
Arcana , History. Your knowledge of glassmaking JEWELER ' S TOOLS
techniques aids you when you examine glass objects, Activity DC
such as potion bottles or glass items found in a treasure Modify a gem ’ s appearance 15
hoard. For instance, you can study how a glass potion Determine a gem ’ s history 20
bottle has been changed by its contents to help deter-
mine a potion ’s effects. (A potion might leave behind a
LAND AND WATER VEHICLES
residue, deform the glass, or stain it.)
Proficiency with land vehicles covers a wide range of op-
Investigation. When you study an area , your knowl-
tions, from chariots and howdahs to wagons and carts.
edge can aid you if the clues include broken glass or
Proficiency with water vehicles covers anything that nav-
glass objects.
igates waterways. Proficiency with vehicles grants the
Identify Weakness. With 1 minute of study, you can
knowledge needed to handle vehicles of that type , along
identify the weak points in a glass object. Any damage
with knowledge of how to repair and maintain them.
dealt to the object by striking a weak spot is doubled .
In addition , a character proficient with water vehicles
is knowledgeable about anything a professional sailor
GLASSBLOWER S TOOLS
would be familiar with , such as information about the
Activity DC sea and islands, tying knots, and assessing weather and
Identify source of glass 10 sea conditions.
Determine what a glass object once held 20 Arcana . When you study a magic vehicle, this tool pro -
ficiency aids you in uncovering lore or determining how
HERBALISM KIT the vehicle operates.
Proficiency with an herbalism kit allows you to identify Investigation, Perception. When you inspect a vehi-
plants and safely collect their useful elements. cle for clues or hidden information , your proficiency aids
Components . An herbalism kit includes pouches to you in noticing things that others might miss.
store herbs, clippers and leather gloves for collecting Vehicle Handling . When piloting a vehicle, you can
plants, a mortar and pestle, and several glass jars. apply your proficiency bonus to the vehicle’s AC and sav-
Arcana . Your knowledge of the nature and uses of ing throws.
herbs can add insight to your magical studies that deal
with plants and your attempts to identify potions. VEHICLES
Investigation. When you inspect an area overgrown Activity DC
with plants, your proficiency can help you pick out de- Navigate rough terrain or waters 10
tails and clues that others might miss. Assess a vehicle’ s condition 15
Medicine . Your mastery of herbalism improves your
Take a tight corner at high speed 20
ability to treat illnesses and wounds by augmenting your
methods of care with medicinal plants.
Nature and Survival. When you travel in the wild ,
LEATHERWORKER S TOOLS
your skill in herbalism makes it easier to identify plants Knowledge of leatherworking extends to lore concern -
ing animal hides and their properties. It also confers
and spot sources of food that others might overlook .
Identify Plants . You can identify most plants with a knowledge of leather armor and similar goods.
quick inspection of their appearance and smell.
Components. Leatherworker’s tools include a knife ,
a small mallet , an edger, a hole punch , thread , and
HERBALISM KIT leather scraps.
Arcana . Your expertise in working with leather grants
Activity DC you added insight when you inspect magic items crafted
Find plants 15 from leather, such as boots and some cloaks.
Identify poison 20 Investigation. You gain added insight when studying
leather items or clues related to them , as you draw on
JEWELER S TOOLS your knowledge of leather to pick out details that others
Training with jeweler ’s tools includes the basic tech- would overlook .
niques needed to beautify gems. It also gives you exper- Identify Hides. When looking at a hide or a leather
tise in identifying precious stones. item , you can determine the source of the leather and
Components . Jeweler’s tools consist of a small saw any special techniques used to treat it. For example,
a and hammer, files, pliers, and tweezers.
Arcana . Proficiency with jeweler’s tools grants you
you can spot the difference between leather crafted
using dwarven methods and leather crafted using half-
ling methods.
knowledge about the reputed mystical uses of gems.
boS
82 > CHAPTER 2 | DUNGEON MASTER ’ S T O O L S
r LEATHERWORKER ' S TOOLS
Activity
Modify a leather item ’s appearance
DC
10
NAVIGATOR
Activity
Plot a course
S TOOLS
DC
10
Determine a leather item’s history 20 Discover your position on a nautical chart 15

MASON S TOOLS PAINTER S SUPPLIES

Mason ’s tools allow you to craft stone structures, includ- Proficiency with painter’s supplies represents your
ing walls and buildings crafted from brick. ability to paint and draw. You also acquire an under-
Components. Mason’s tools consist of a trowel , a standing of art history, which can aid you in examining
hammer, a chisel , brushes, and a square. works of art.
History. Your expertise aids you in identifying a stone Components . Painter’s supplies include an easel , can -
building’s date of construction and purpose, along with vas, paints, brushes, charcoal sticks, and a palette.
insight into who might have built it . Arcana, History; Religion. Your expertise aids you in
Investigation. You gain additional insight when in- uncovering lore of any sort that is attached to a work of
specting areas within stone structures. art , such as the magical properties of a painting or the
Perception. You can spot irregularities in stone walls origins of a strange mural found in a dungeon.
or floors, making it easier to find trap doors and se- Investigation, Perception. When you inspect a
cret passages. painting or a similar work of visual art , your knowledge
Demolition. Your knowledge of masonry allows you of the practices behind creating it can grant you addi-
to spot weak points in brick walls. You deal double dam- tional insight.
age to such structures with your weapon attacks. Painting and Drawing . As part of a short or long rest ,
you can produce a simple work of art. Although your
MASON S TOOLS work might lack precision , you can capture an image or
Activity DC a scene, or make a quick copy of a piece of art you saw.
Chisel a small hole in a stone wall 10
PAINTER S SUPPLIES
Find a weak point in a stone wall 15
Activity DC

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Paint an accurate portrait 10

Proficiency with a musical instrument indicates you are Create a painting with a hidden message 20
familiar with the techniques used to play it . You also
have knowledge of some songs commonly performed POISONER S KIT
with that instrument . A poisoner’s kit is a favored resource for thieves, assas-
History. Your expertise aids you in recalling lore re- sins, and others who engage in skulduggery. It allows
lated to your instrument. you to apply poisons and create them from various
Performance . Your ability to put on a good show materials. Your knowledge of poisons also helps you
is improved when you incorporate an instrument treat them.
into your act. Components . A poisoner’s kit includes glass vials, a
Compose a Tune . As part of a long rest , you can mortar and pestle, chemicals, and a glass stirring rod .
compose a new tune and lyrics for your instrument. You History. Your training with poisons can help you
might use this ability to impress a noble or spread scan - when you try to recall facts about infamous poisonings.
dalous rumors with a catchy tune. Investigation, Perception. Your knowledge of poisons
has taught you to handle those substances carefully,
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT giving you an edge when you inspect poisoned objects or
Activity DC try to extract clues from events that involve poison.
Medicine . When you treat the victim of a poison , your
Identify a tune 10 .i/fl
knowledge grants you added insight into how to provide
Improvise a tune 20
the best care to your patient.
Nature , Survival. Working with poisons enables
NAVIGATOR S TOOLS you to acquire lore about which plants and animals are
Proficiency with navigator’s tools helps you determine a poisonous.
true course based on observing the stars. It also grants Handle Poison . Your proficiency allows you to handle
you insight into charts and maps while developing your and apply a poison without risk of exposing yourself to
sense of direction. its effects.
Components. Navigator’s tools include a sextant , a
compass, calipers, a ruler, parchment , ink , and a quill . POISONER 'S TOOLS
Survival. Knowledge of navigator’s tools helps you
Activity DC
avoid becoming lost and also grants you insight into the
Spot a poisoned object 10
most likely location for roads and settlements.
Sighting . By taking careful measurements, you can Determine the effects of a poison 20 /
determine your position on a nautical chart and the
time of day.
*
CHAPTER 2 | DUNGEON MASTER ’ S TOOLS 83
-4
/
 .
Arcana and History, Your expertise lends you ad -
ditional insight when examining metal objects, such
as weapons.
Investigation. You can spot clues and make deduc-
tions that others might overlook when an investigation
1
involves armor, weapons, or other metalwork .
Repair. With access to your tools and an open flame
hot enough to make metal pliable, you can restore 10 hit
points to a damaged metal object for each hour of work.

SMITH ' S TOOLS

Activity DC
Sharpen a dull blade 10
Repair a suit of armor 15
Sunder a nonmagical metal object 15

THIEVES TOOLS
Perhaps the most common tools used by adventurers,
thieves’ tools are designed for picking locks and foiling
traps. Proficiency with the tools also grants you a gen-
eral knowledge of traps and locks.
Components . Thieves’ tools include a small file, a set
of lock picks, a small mirror mounted on a metal handle,
a set of narrow-bladed scissors, and a pair of pliers.
History. Your knowledge of traps grants you insight
when answering questions about locations that are re-
nowned for their traps.
Investigation and Perception. You gain additional in -
sight when looking for traps, because you have learned
a variety of common signs that betray their presence.
Seta Trap. Just as you can disable traps, you can also
POTTER S TOOLS set them. As part of a short rest , you can create a trap
Potter’s tools are used to create a variety of ceramic ob- using items you have on hand. The total of your check
jects, most typically pots and similar vessels. becomes the DC for someone else’s attempt to discover
Components . Potter ’s tools include potter’s needles, or disable the trap. The trap deals damage appropriate
ribs, scrapers, a knife, and calipers. to the materials used in crafting it (such as poison or a
History. Your expertise aids you in identifying ce- weapon) or damage equal to half the total of your check ,
ramic objects, including when they were created and whichever the DM deems appropriate.
their likely place or culture of origin .
Investigation, Perception. You gain additional insight THIEVES ' TOOLS
when inspecting ceramics, uncovering clues others Activity DC
would overlook by spotting minor irregularities. Pick a lock Varies
Reconstruction. By examining pottery shards, you
Disable a trap Varies
can determine an object ’s original , intact form and its
likely purpose.
TINKER S TOOLS
POTTER ' S TOOLS A set of tinker’s tools is designed to enable you to repair
many mundane objects. Though you can ’ t manufacture
Activity DC much with tinker’s tools, you can mend torn clothes,
Determine what a vessel once held 10 sharpen a worn sword , and patch a tattered suit of
Create a serviceable pot 15 chain mail.
Find a weak point in a ceramic object 20 Components . Tinker’s tools include a variety of hand
tools, thread , needles, a whetstone, scraps of cloth and
SMITH S TOOLS leather, and a small pot of glue.
Smith’s tools allow you to work metal , heating it to History. You can determine the age and origin of ob-
alter its shape, repair damage, or work raw ingots into jects, even if you have only a few pieces remaining from
useful items. the original.
Components. Smith’s tools include hammers, tongs, Investigation. When you inspect a damaged ob -
charcoal , rags, and a whetstone. ject , you gain knowledge of how it was damaged and
how long ago.

CHAPTER 2 | DUNGEON MASTER ’ S TOOLS

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Repair You can restore 10 hit points to a damaged ob -
SPELLCASTING
ject for each hour of work. For any object , you need ac-
cess to the raw materials required to repair it . For metal This section expands on the spellcasting rules pre-
objects, you need access to an open flame hot enough to sented in the Player's Handbook and the Dungeon Mas-
make the metal pliable. ter's Guide, providing clarifications and new options.

TINKER S TOOLS PERCEIVING A CASTER AT WORK

Activity DC Many spells create obvious effects: explosions of fire,
Temporarily repair a disabled device 10 walls of ice, teleportation , and the like. Other spells,
such as charm person, display no visible, audible , or oth -
Repair an item in half the time 15
erwise perceptible sign of their effects, and could easily
Improvise a temporary item using scraps 20
go unnoticed by someone unaffected by them . As noted
in the Player 's Handbook , you normally don ’ t know that
WEAVER S TOOLS a spell has been cast unless the spell produces a notice-
Weaver’s tools allow you to create cloth and tailor it into able effect.
articles of clothing. But what about the act of casting a spell? Is it possible
Components. Weaver’s tools include thread , needles, for someone to perceive that a spell is being cast in their
and scraps of cloth. You know how to work a loom , but presence? To be perceptible, the casting of a spell must
such equipment is too large to transport. involve a verbal , somatic, or material component . The
Arcana, History. Your expertise lends you additional form of a material component doesn ’ t matter for the
insight when examining cloth objects, including cloaks purposes of perception , whether it ’s an object specified
and robes. in the spell ’s description , a component pouch , or a spell-
Investigation. Using your knowledge of the process of casting focus.
creating cloth objects, you can spot clues and make de- If the need for a spell’s components has been removed
ductions that others would overlook when you examine by a special ability, such as the sorcerer’s Subtle Spell
tapestries, upholstery, clothing, and other woven items. feature or the Innate Spellcasting trait possessed by
Repair. As part of a short rest , you can repair a single many creatures, the casting of the spell is imperceptible.
damaged cloth object . If an imperceptible casting produces a perceptible ef-
Craft Clothing . Assuming you have access to suf -
fect , it’s normally impossible to determine who cast the
ficient cloth and thread , you can create an outfit for a spell in the absence of other evidence.
creature as part of a long rest.
IDENTIFYING A SPELL
WEAVER S TOOLS
Sometimes a character wants to identify a spell that
Activity DC
someone else is casting or that was already cast. To do
Repurpose cloth 10 so, a character can use their reaction to identify a spell
Mend a hole in a piece of cloth 10 as it’s being cast , or they can use an action on their turn
Tailor an outfit 15 to identify a spell by its effect after it is cast .
If the character perceived the casting, the spell’s ef-
WOODCARVER S TOOLS fect , or both , the character can make an Intelligence (Ar-
Woodcarver’s tools allow you to craft intricate objects cana) check with the reaction or action . The DC equals
from wood , such as wooden tokens or arrows. 15 + the spell’s level. If the spell is cast as a class spell
Components . Woodcarver’s tools consist of a knife, a and the character is a member of that class, the check
gouge, and a small saw. is made with advantage. For example, if the spellcaster
Arcana, History. Your expertise lends you additional casts a spell as a cleric , another cleric has advantage on
insight when you examine wooden objects, such as figu - the check to identify the spell. Some spells aren ’ t asso-
rines or arrows. ciated with any class when they’re cast , such as when a
Nature . Your knowledge of wooden objects gives you monster uses its Innate Spellcasting trait.
some added insight when you examine trees. This Intelligence (Arcana) check represents the fact
Repair. As part of a short rest , you can repair a single that identifying a spell requires a quick mind and famil-
damaged wooden object. iarity withlhe theory and practice of casting. This is
Craft Arrows . As part of a short rest , you can craft true even for a character whose spellcasting ability is
up to five arrows. As part of a long rest , you can craft Wisdom or Charisma. Being able to cast spells doesn’ t
up to twenty. You must have enough wood on hand to by itself make you adept at deducing exactly what others
produce them . are doing when they cast their spells.

WOODCARVER S TOOLS INVALID SPELL TARGETS

Activity DC A spell specifies what a caster can target with it: any
Craft a small wooden figurine 10 type of creature, a creature of a certain type (humanoid
Carve an intricate pattern in wood 15 or beast , for instance), an object , an area , the caster,
or something else. But what happens if a spell tar-
gets something that isn ’ t a valid target? For example,

CHAPTER 2 | DUNGEON MASTER ’ S TOOLS