Happy Monday folks! In today’s post, Artisan Tools DnD 5e Explained, I’m going to explain how the tools work in DnD. Fairly simple. So strap in and get ready to dive into this post!
What is an Artisan Tool?
The Artisan Tool in DnD is a simple mechanic. Basically, when you create your character they will likely have Proficiency with one of the Artisan Tools. A character acquires this via either their race, class, background, or feats.
The tools cover a lot of things, things like woodworking tools, or alchemy supplies, usually tied to some kind of crafting. Make sure to discuss with your GM if you wish to make good use of your Artisan Tool.
How do the Artisan Tools work?
When using whatever Artisan Tool you are proficient with you get to add your proficiency to the Ability Check you’re using it for. Simple right?
One of the cool things with Artisan Tool checks as a GM is that it doesn’t need to be the same kind of check every time.
So say the player wants to make some Alchemists Fire using their Alchemy Tools. Well, the first check could be just a simple Int check (which they get to add proficiency to since they are proficient in their tools). Then the next one could be a Dex check to carefully pour the liquid into the appropriate vials without causing an explosion.
So keep that in mind fledgling GMs, you can be creative with your checks, just be careful to balance out how many checks you ask of the player to use their tools to make something. The number of checks should be equal to the value/rarity of what they’re creating.
Artisan Tool Question Time
What are the Different Artisan Tools 5e?
| Item | Cost | Weight |
| Alchemist’s supplies | 50 gp | 8 lb. |
| Brewer’s supplies | 20 gp | 9 lb. |
| Calligrapher’s Supplies | 10 gp | 5 lb. |
| Carpenter’s tools | 8 gp | 6 lb. |
| Cartographer’s tools | 15 gp. | 6 lb. |
| Cobbler’s tools | 5 gp | 5 lb. |
| Cook’s utensils | 1 gp | 8 lb. |
| Glassblower’s tools | 30 gp | 5 lb. |
| Jeweler’s tools | 25 gp | 2 lb. |
| Leatherworker’s tools | 5 gp | 5 lb. |
| Mason’s tools | 10 gp | 8 lb. |
| Painter’s supplies | 10 gp | 5 lb. |
| Potter’s tools | 10 gp | 3 lb. |
| Smith’s tools | 20 gp | 8 lb. |
| Tinker’s tools | 50 gp | 10 lb. |
| Weaver’s tools | 1 gp | 5 lb. |
| Woodcarver’s tools | 1 gp | 5 lb. |
What is the most useful Artisan Tools 5e?
This question is a bit open-ended. It REALLY depends on your setting. So you for sure want to have a think about it and discuss it with your GM.
However, I’d personally say overall, regardless of setting, Alchemist’s Supplies are the most useful. Allowing the crafter to make things like Alchemists Fire, or if you’re GM is kind, potions and other useful tinctures.
Can you use tools without proficiency 5e?
Yes, of course, there is no reason you couldn’t. However, keep in mind if you don’t have proficiency, it’s just a straight roll, with no additional bonuses.
Wrap Up
As always I hope you learned a little about this simple but fun mechanic. Personally, my players rarely use Artisan Tools, and I’ve always wondered about having a setting where you have to be mostly self-sufficient in order to have more use of these tools. I think it could be a fun setting.
Well, that’s it for this post, so until next time, I hope your day is a Critical Success!
TheGM