My friend is using a home brew character that he didn't make but it doesn't say it can use it's claws as thieves tools. They have been abusing it and I don't think it's very fair. Should they count as lock picks?
Thieves' Tools. This set of tools includes 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. Proficiency with these tools lets you add your proficiency bonus to any ability checks you make to disarm traps or open locks.
Honestly, I would require them to find some real claws matching what their character has, and then require them to demonstrate that the claws can even reach as needed into a lock. If they cannot or will not do either, say they cant do it in game. If they somehow do manage to show that it can be done, then list the following requirements:
1- they must have thieves tools proficiency.
2- they must succeed on a DC 10-15 Dexterity check to use their claws for lockpicking (it would be harder to use claws than specialized lock picks).
Really, it's as simple as the DM saying "No, claws are not thieves tools. You'll need actual thieves tools in your inventory to do that". No demonstrations needed, no arguing. The DM is the referee, the referee made a ruling.
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Thieve's Tools or Thieves Claws, I can't seem to find the later in the PHB...
There's a case for "rule of cool" in the odd circumstance, but if it's simply "I have the homebrew so I can have the win because reasons", it's a flat out no.
My friend is using a home brew character that he didn't make but it doesn't say it can use it's claws as thieves tools. They have been abusing it and I don't think it's very fair. Should they count as lock picks?
Do you mean 'does' here? Or does the homebrew itself not even say that the claws can be used that way? Is the player basically just deciding this themselves?
I guess I could imagine some sort of needle-thin and super-strong claws that some creature might have. This thing maybe:
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I can't pick a lock with a jelly donut, and only suffer disadvantage on the roll.
It's a judgement call as to whether claws are "close enough" for an improvised tool or not. I would say no, but it's not my game.
Can I pick a lock with a Jelly, Ochre Jelly to be specific, it is acidic and can move through a space as small as 1 inch. I'll just teach it to melt the tumblers in the lock!
I can't pick a lock with a jelly donut, and only suffer disadvantage on the roll.
It's a judgement call as to whether claws are "close enough" for an improvised tool or not. I would say no, but it's not my game.
Can I pick a lock with a Jelly, Ochre Jelly to be specific, it is acidic and can move through a space as small as 1 inch. I'll just teach it to melt the tumblers in the lock!
Hmmm .... give me an Animal Handling check to see if you can control the Ochre Jelly well enough to get it in the lock. I'll give you a +1 on the roll if you can find a Ochre Jellydonut.
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I left a donut sit out on the counter for a week (accidentally) when I went out of town. I suspect I could have picked a lock with it. A big enough lock--or a shaving of the donut.
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I can't pick a lock with a jelly donut, and only suffer disadvantage on the roll.
It's a judgement call as to whether claws are "close enough" for an improvised tool or not. I would say no, but it's not my game.
Can I pick a lock with a Jelly, Ochre Jelly to be specific, it is acidic and can move through a space as small as 1 inch. I'll just teach it to melt the tumblers in the lock!
That is... actually a really cool idea
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You don't know what fear is until you've witnessed a drunk bird divebombing you while carrying a screaming Kobold throwing fire anywhere and everywhere.
I can't pick a lock with a jelly donut, and only suffer disadvantage on the roll.
It's a judgement call as to whether claws are "close enough" for an improvised tool or not. I would say no, but it's not my game.
Can I pick a lock with a Jelly, Ochre Jelly to be specific, it is acidic and can move through a space as small as 1 inch. I'll just teach it to melt the tumblers in the lock!
That is... actually a really cool idea
And I now have PTSD flashbacks to the 3.5 ooze master....
And I now have PTSD flashbacks to the 3.5 ooze master....
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You don't know what fear is until you've witnessed a drunk bird divebombing you while carrying a screaming Kobold throwing fire anywhere and everywhere.
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My friend is using a home brew character that he didn't make but it doesn't say it can use it's claws as thieves tools. They have been abusing it and I don't think it's very fair. Should they count as lock picks?
Do claws look like these?
I don't think that claws qualify, either...
More Interesting Lock Picking Rules
Honestly, I would require them to find some real claws matching what their character has, and then require them to demonstrate that the claws can even reach as needed into a lock. If they cannot or will not do either, say they cant do it in game. If they somehow do manage to show that it can be done, then list the following requirements:
1- they must have thieves tools proficiency.
2- they must succeed on a DC 10-15 Dexterity check to use their claws for lockpicking (it would be harder to use claws than specialized lock picks).
Really, it's as simple as the DM saying "No, claws are not thieves tools. You'll need actual thieves tools in your inventory to do that". No demonstrations needed, no arguing. The DM is the referee, the referee made a ruling.
My DM Philosophy, as summed up by other people: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rN5w4-azTq3Kbn0Yvk9nfqQhwQ1R5by1/view
Disclaimer: This signature is a badge of membership in the Forum Loudmouth Club. We are all friends. We are not attacking each other. We are engaging in spirited, friendly debate with one another. We may get snarky, but these are not attacks. Thank you for not reporting us.
Thieve's Tools or Thieves Claws, I can't seem to find the later in the PHB...
There's a case for "rule of cool" in the odd circumstance, but if it's simply "I have the homebrew so I can have the win because reasons", it's a flat out no.
Do you mean 'does' here? Or does the homebrew itself not even say that the claws can be used that way? Is the player basically just deciding this themselves?
I guess I could imagine some sort of needle-thin and super-strong claws that some creature might have. This thing maybe:
Is that what he's playing?
Looking for new subclasses, spells, magic items, feats, and races? Opinions welcome :)
Let him do it but with disadvantage on the rolls because they're improvised tools instead of real ones.
Professional computer geek
There are limits to improvised tools.
I can't pick a lock with a jelly donut, and only suffer disadvantage on the roll.
It's a judgement call as to whether claws are "close enough" for an improvised tool or not. I would say no, but it's not my game.
My DM Philosophy, as summed up by other people: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rN5w4-azTq3Kbn0Yvk9nfqQhwQ1R5by1/view
Disclaimer: This signature is a badge of membership in the Forum Loudmouth Club. We are all friends. We are not attacking each other. We are engaging in spirited, friendly debate with one another. We may get snarky, but these are not attacks. Thank you for not reporting us.
Can I pick a lock with a Jelly, Ochre Jelly to be specific, it is acidic and can move through a space as small as 1 inch. I'll just teach it to melt the tumblers in the lock!
Hmmm .... give me an Animal Handling check to see if you can control the Ochre Jelly well enough to get it in the lock. I'll give you a +1 on the roll if you can find a Ochre Jelly donut.
My DM Philosophy, as summed up by other people: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rN5w4-azTq3Kbn0Yvk9nfqQhwQ1R5by1/view
Disclaimer: This signature is a badge of membership in the Forum Loudmouth Club. We are all friends. We are not attacking each other. We are engaging in spirited, friendly debate with one another. We may get snarky, but these are not attacks. Thank you for not reporting us.
I left a donut sit out on the counter for a week (accidentally) when I went out of town. I suspect I could have picked a lock with it. A big enough lock--or a shaving of the donut.
Or this thing.
Looking for new subclasses, spells, magic items, feats, and races? Opinions welcome :)
Given how hard "commercial" donuts get on the counter, I'd give you a +2 on an Athletics check for smashing the lock.
My DM Philosophy, as summed up by other people: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rN5w4-azTq3Kbn0Yvk9nfqQhwQ1R5by1/view
Disclaimer: This signature is a badge of membership in the Forum Loudmouth Club. We are all friends. We are not attacking each other. We are engaging in spirited, friendly debate with one another. We may get snarky, but these are not attacks. Thank you for not reporting us.
That is... actually a really cool idea
You don't know what fear is until you've witnessed a drunk bird divebombing you while carrying a screaming Kobold throwing fire anywhere and everywhere.
And I now have PTSD flashbacks to the 3.5 ooze master....
You don't know what fear is until you've witnessed a drunk bird divebombing you while carrying a screaming Kobold throwing fire anywhere and everywhere.