It's pretty much up to you and your players; tools in general aren't well explained in 5e, and players in my groups almost never remember to use them.
I have to constantly remind players to mention tool proficiencies that they think could help with something they're attempting, because the Tool Proficiencies section of Xanathar's Guide to Everything recommends granting advantage or added benefits when a player can use both a skill and a tool proficiency for a check. I usually just do advantage, but it's sometimes fun to give extra knowledge or other benefits.
But yeah, for gaming sets it'll come up whenever there's gaming involved; maybe your player challenges someone to a game of dragonchess, or heads to a casino to play cards, you can then use the tool proficiency to supplement whatever else it is you're trying to do (Deception for bluffing, Intimidation if you're trying to make a strategic point while hammering them at dragonchess etc.).
I love creative uses of spells and tools, but in my experience players hardly ever remember they have tools, I mean most of the time they don't even use their damn crowbars for opening things, not sure why tool/item blindness is such a problem…
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However, there could be opportunities. Like you use the gaming set over time to earn the trust of guards. You stop by every so often and play a game with them in the pub when they are off shift. etc.
You kind of have to fish for it, but you can use a gaming set for more than just making some money on the side. Like... let's say you're trying to figure out what kind of person someone you're working with is, but you're not proficieient in insight... see if you can instead challenge them to a game, and mechanically that would just let you make an insight check with proficiency, although the DM might limit what you learn to what could reasonably be picked up in the game you're playing. If you really push it you might even be able to, say... use your Dragon Chess proficiency to get you some bonuses to making tactical decisions... like if you're preparing to infiltrate a bandit camp and you know there are 3 points of entry, you might be able to use your gaming proficiency as insight to get a better idea of which entry point will be the least guarded.
Years ago, gambling was a profession. Individuals would travel with a gambling set to bars, saloons, pubs, etc and run games. So for some characters it could be a source of income.
It is a tool that can be used to mingle and interact in an environment. If the party needs to make contact with a group of bandits then instead of awkwardly walking up to them in the bar, now you can run a game at the table that entices them to come in.
Talk to the DM offline and see if they will allow scenarios where the NPC offers a game of chance to obtain information (and if you are a DM, channel you inner Goonies and use a game set as a way to avoid a trap or reveal a secret)
Maybe use the game to make insight checks to determine if the NPC you are playing against is playing aggressive, conservative, relying on bluffing, etc. This can be a way to learn about a character.
Or when you have a scene where two characters are role playing, then do some side rolls with another PC for copper pieces to pass the time.
Years ago, gambling was a profession. Individuals would travel with a gambling set to bars, saloons, pubs, etc and run games. So for some characters it could be a source of income.
It's actually kind of weird that there's no mention of gaming sets in the rules for Carousing; you could maybe argue adding your proficiency bonus as well as your level if you're proficient with a gaming set, as it's not a huge money spinner, but that would be pure homebrew though. In RAW being good at gambling is no benefit to gambling as a downtime activity, apparently.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
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You can use it to resolve stalemate situations. For ex: the Princess Bride scene between Wesley and Vizzini. The gaming set replaces the poisoned cups, basically.
Years ago, gambling was a profession. Individuals would travel with a gambling set to bars, saloons, pubs, etc and run games. So for some characters it could be a source of income.
It's actually kind of weird that there's no mention of gaming sets in the rules for Carousing; you could maybe argue adding your proficiency bonus as well as your level if you're proficient with a gaming set, as it's not a huge money spinner, but that would be pure homebrew though. In RAW being good at gambling is no benefit to gambling as a downtime activity, apparently.
There's a separate Gambling option, with proficiency with a kit being a substitute for any of the skill proficiencies called for. Carousing is more about socializing and making a connection, so while a game might be an icebreaker, you'd still need Persuasion to seal the deal.
There's a separate Gambling option, with proficiency with a kit being a substitute for any of the skill proficiencies called for. Carousing is more about socializing and making a connection, so while a game might be an icebreaker, you'd still need Persuasion to seal the deal.
I stand corrected, didn't realise there was a specific Gambling downtime activity in Xanathar's Guide to Everything; that one does let you use the gaming kit proficiency if you're not proficient in any of the skills it calls for (Insight, Deception and Intimidation).
I'd probably still allow advantage if they're proficient in both a skill and tool, but adjust the amount of winnings if that tips it too far in the player's favour (getting double your money back is a pretty damned good result for gambling).
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Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
Gaming sets can serve various purposes in tabletop role-playing games, offering players opportunities for downtime activities and adding depth to their characters' experiences.
There could be a casino or carnival or gambling den in a city. Or you go undercover as a dealer or game runner. Roleplaying but it could also be that you have to beat someone at a game to get information or a quest. And, you could make money with it.
The game seems to go thru cycles where tools and mundane equipment get a lot of use and then not much use. Some of that has to do with the rule set and 5es rule set doesn’t really focus on mundane items including tools. The other side of it seems to be whether the DM is running a real world where the PCs are involved in off “duty” activities regularly or if the world is really a backdrop to dungeon crawls with the downtime basically hand waved in a half session.
Gaming sets serve multiple purposes beyond roleplaying. They enhance immersion, offer customization, and provide tactile feedback. These sets allow players to fully engage with their favorite games, whether through specialized controls, better graphics, or improved audio.
Are you an AI?
---
What use do they have in real life? They keep you from getting bored when you have to be somewhere doing nothing in particular. They give you something to steadily improve at with low risk. They're an excuse to socialize and they fill in awkward silences. Now, the core question: Why would you, the player, choose to have your character be GOOD at them, when you could instead pick, like, another tool. Right? Some of those tools have clearly defined uses that can get you an edge in the combat simulator side of D&D, though often it's pretty minimal and/or roundabout. Gaming sets don't, do they? How can you use gaming sets to affect the combat game at all, much less affect it to your benefit?
Well, like mentioned before, you can use them to get gold, which you can exchange for weapons, armor, or magic items. That's it, as far as RAW is concerned. Is it an optimal choice? I don't know, I haven't crunched the numbers. I expect not, because it requires investment in tools first, and it doesn't benefit from any of the equipment you're incentivized to collect. Instead consider pit fighting, would be my immediate impression.
Other ideas... A DM could require Concentration checks to stay awake on long watches, and use the gaming sets to give advantage? You could make an opponent "tilted" by trouncing him in a game, then maybe he'd have disadvantage on something in a fight.
Think of them as tools for social interactions not combat. Games like checkers, chess, backgammon and go started as training in tactical thinking for warriors/politicians and being skilled was a sign of your ability in social manipulation as well as strategic and tactical warfare. Cards are games of skill far more than they are of luck with just enough luck built in to keep the game interesting. Dice etc are more luck based games - the reality is you want to be the “house” skimming a little from each bet for the right to make bets. Same thing can apply in game - your status can be shown by the games you are skilled in playing - high status: chess, backgammon, go, medium status: checkers, cards, low status: dice etc.
There's a UA rogue subclass (Wild Card) that has different abilities based on using different gaming sets, if you're speaking of a strictly mechanically functional use.
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My best guess would be for roleplaying, but I can't think of any other reasons why these exist.
Same as any tool I suppose…it’s all rollplaying. But specifically we’ve used proficiency with cards several times
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It's pretty much up to you and your players; tools in general aren't well explained in 5e, and players in my groups almost never remember to use them.
I have to constantly remind players to mention tool proficiencies that they think could help with something they're attempting, because the Tool Proficiencies section of Xanathar's Guide to Everything recommends granting advantage or added benefits when a player can use both a skill and a tool proficiency for a check. I usually just do advantage, but it's sometimes fun to give extra knowledge or other benefits.
But yeah, for gaming sets it'll come up whenever there's gaming involved; maybe your player challenges someone to a game of dragonchess, or heads to a casino to play cards, you can then use the tool proficiency to supplement whatever else it is you're trying to do (Deception for bluffing, Intimidation if you're trying to make a strategic point while hammering them at dragonchess etc.).
I love creative uses of spells and tools, but in my experience players hardly ever remember they have tools, I mean most of the time they don't even use their damn crowbars for opening things, not sure why tool/item blindness is such a problem…
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
They really are more flavor.
However, there could be opportunities. Like you use the gaming set over time to earn the trust of guards. You stop by every so often and play a game with them in the pub when they are off shift. etc.
You kind of have to fish for it, but you can use a gaming set for more than just making some money on the side. Like... let's say you're trying to figure out what kind of person someone you're working with is, but you're not proficieient in insight... see if you can instead challenge them to a game, and mechanically that would just let you make an insight check with proficiency, although the DM might limit what you learn to what could reasonably be picked up in the game you're playing. If you really push it you might even be able to, say... use your Dragon Chess proficiency to get you some bonuses to making tactical decisions... like if you're preparing to infiltrate a bandit camp and you know there are 3 points of entry, you might be able to use your gaming proficiency as insight to get a better idea of which entry point will be the least guarded.
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Roleplaying and you can use them to play for money (gamble).
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My players regularly use gaming set to bet gold while playing Baldur' Bone dice ;)
Years ago, gambling was a profession. Individuals would travel with a gambling set to bars, saloons, pubs, etc and run games. So for some characters it could be a source of income.
It is a tool that can be used to mingle and interact in an environment. If the party needs to make contact with a group of bandits then instead of awkwardly walking up to them in the bar, now you can run a game at the table that entices them to come in.
Talk to the DM offline and see if they will allow scenarios where the NPC offers a game of chance to obtain information (and if you are a DM, channel you inner Goonies and use a game set as a way to avoid a trap or reveal a secret)
Maybe use the game to make insight checks to determine if the NPC you are playing against is playing aggressive, conservative, relying on bluffing, etc. This can be a way to learn about a character.
Or when you have a scene where two characters are role playing, then do some side rolls with another PC for copper pieces to pass the time.
It's actually kind of weird that there's no mention of gaming sets in the rules for Carousing; you could maybe argue adding your proficiency bonus as well as your level if you're proficient with a gaming set, as it's not a huge money spinner, but that would be pure homebrew though. In RAW being good at gambling is no benefit to gambling as a downtime activity, apparently.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
You have a valid reason to sit at a table, drink, and quote Doc Holliday. I need no other reason than this!
You can use it to resolve stalemate situations. For ex: the Princess Bride scene between Wesley and Vizzini. The gaming set replaces the poisoned cups, basically.
There's a separate Gambling option, with proficiency with a kit being a substitute for any of the skill proficiencies called for. Carousing is more about socializing and making a connection, so while a game might be an icebreaker, you'd still need Persuasion to seal the deal.
I stand corrected, didn't realise there was a specific Gambling downtime activity in Xanathar's Guide to Everything; that one does let you use the gaming kit proficiency if you're not proficient in any of the skills it calls for (Insight, Deception and Intimidation).
I'd probably still allow advantage if they're proficient in both a skill and tool, but adjust the amount of winnings if that tips it too far in the player's favour (getting double your money back is a pretty damned good result for gambling).
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
Gaming sets can serve various purposes in tabletop role-playing games, offering players opportunities for downtime activities and adding depth to their characters' experiences.
There could be a casino or carnival or gambling den in a city. Or you go undercover as a dealer or game runner. Roleplaying but it could also be that you have to beat someone at a game to get information or a quest. And, you could make money with it.
Food, Scifi/fantasy, anime, DND 5E and OSR geek.
just a fun tool for roll playing in the game
The game seems to go thru cycles where tools and mundane equipment get a lot of use and then not much use. Some of that has to do with the rule set and 5es rule set doesn’t really focus on mundane items including tools. The other side of it seems to be whether the DM is running a real world where the PCs are involved in off “duty” activities regularly or if the world is really a backdrop to dungeon crawls with the downtime basically hand waved in a half session.
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
Are you an AI?
---
What use do they have in real life? They keep you from getting bored when you have to be somewhere doing nothing in particular. They give you something to steadily improve at with low risk. They're an excuse to socialize and they fill in awkward silences. Now, the core question: Why would you, the player, choose to have your character be GOOD at them, when you could instead pick, like, another tool. Right? Some of those tools have clearly defined uses that can get you an edge in the combat simulator side of D&D, though often it's pretty minimal and/or roundabout. Gaming sets don't, do they? How can you use gaming sets to affect the combat game at all, much less affect it to your benefit?
Well, like mentioned before, you can use them to get gold, which you can exchange for weapons, armor, or magic items. That's it, as far as RAW is concerned. Is it an optimal choice? I don't know, I haven't crunched the numbers. I expect not, because it requires investment in tools first, and it doesn't benefit from any of the equipment you're incentivized to collect. Instead consider pit fighting, would be my immediate impression.
Other ideas... A DM could require Concentration checks to stay awake on long watches, and use the gaming sets to give advantage? You could make an opponent "tilted" by trouncing him in a game, then maybe he'd have disadvantage on something in a fight.
Think of them as tools for social interactions not combat. Games like checkers, chess, backgammon and go started as training in tactical thinking for warriors/politicians and being skilled was a sign of your ability in social manipulation as well as strategic and tactical warfare. Cards are games of skill far more than they are of luck with just enough luck built in to keep the game interesting. Dice etc are more luck based games - the reality is you want to be the “house” skimming a little from each bet for the right to make bets. Same thing can apply in game - your status can be shown by the games you are skilled in playing - high status: chess, backgammon, go, medium status: checkers, cards, low status: dice etc.
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
There's a UA rogue subclass (Wild Card) that has different abilities based on using different gaming sets, if you're speaking of a strictly mechanically functional use.