It’s so true—tools in 5e often feel like the forgotten stepchild of proficiencies. I think part of the issue is how vaguely they’re handled in the core rules; they don’t get the same spotlight as skills or combat mechanics. Players overlook them because the system doesn’t prompt their use often enough.
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. Of course, the best way to make money is still to play here https://rynok.biz/, because there are great bonuses and other privileges, but that's not what we're talking about here. 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.
Using Dragon Chess proficiency as a way to analyze tactical situations makes sense, especially if you frame it as your character drawing on their strategic experience from the game. I also like the idea of tying games to insight checks.
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.
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I agree that incorporating games of chance in this context is a great opportunity for socializing and interacting between characters, and overall, it makes the game more dynamic.
I'm starting a new campaign and am building a professional gambler. Your insight into Carousing gave me an idea. I intend to get my DM to allow me to adjust the random Carousing roll by +/- 10 for each Gaming set proficiency to make money during downtime.
Just keep in mind that those skills come with a price - assuming you’re winning regularly because of the skill you’re also more likely to have to deal with sore losers. So be prepared for knife fights and gambling hall brawls
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Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
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Funny you resurrected a thread from last year to make this comment. Tools now have a lot more clear uses in the newest PHB. https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/free-rules/equipment#Tools
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Using Dragon Chess proficiency as a way to analyze tactical situations makes sense, especially if you frame it as your character drawing on their strategic experience from the game. I also like the idea of tying games to insight checks.
I agree that incorporating games of chance in this context is a great opportunity for socializing and interacting between characters, and overall, it makes the game more dynamic.
I'm starting a new campaign and am building a professional gambler. Your insight into Carousing gave me an idea. I intend to get my DM to allow me to adjust the random Carousing roll by +/- 10 for each Gaming set proficiency to make money during downtime.
Just keep in mind that those skills come with a price - assuming you’re winning regularly because of the skill you’re also more likely to have to deal with sore losers. So be prepared for knife fights and gambling hall brawls
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.