So, I've been looking all over the interwebs for info on what ability score is associated with smith's tools. Just like skills are associated with certain ability scores, I would assume that tools are as well. It would make sense, right? Well, I haven't found anything that even mentions an ability score associated with a smith's tools check. Str makes sense, but I can also see an argument for Dex. Wouldn't Thief's Tools have Dex associated with it? Same with Woodcarving? Is Smithing one of the ones that doesn't have an associated ability score? Or do none of them apply ability score modifiers?
I think it's situational which ability scores apply, and it might require multiple checks. For example, forging something particularly difficult might require a Con check (standing for hours in front of a hot forge), a Wisdom check (is the metal the exact right temp), and a Strength check (for hammering the metal into the right shape). For something simple, you could use any of those.
So, I've been looking all over the interwebs for info on what ability score is associated with smith's tools. Just like skills are associated with certain ability scores, I would assume that tools are as well. It would make sense, right? Well, I haven't found anything that even mentions an ability score associated with a smith's tools check. Str makes sense, but I can also see an argument for Dex. Wouldn't Thief's Tools have Dex associated with it? Same with Woodcarving? Is Smithing one of the ones that doesn't have an associated ability score? Or do none of them apply ability score modifiers?
Sorta, but not exactly. Tool proficiencies are designed to have very broad applications, yet in practice the system is not nearly polished enough for most DMs to grasp the value.
In the most general sense, having proficiency with a specific tool is, at the DM's discretion, supposed to allow a character to add their proficiency bonus to a related skill check for which they might not already have proficiency. An example might be an Intelligence check to recall specific information about a brewery. Normally, a History (Int) skill proficiency would be applicable, but a good DM would also note that a character with Brewer's Supplies proficiency should be applicable as well.
As XGtE suggests, a good DM should also provide some benefits for situations in which a character has one or more of skill/tool proficiency and/or expertise. Unfortunately, the framework on how tools & proficiencies should interact is way too underdeveloped for most DMs to make use of.
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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.
Alright, thank you both. I appreciate it. The purpose for this check is my Forge Cleric using their Channel Divinity to make weaponry. I understand it doesn't require a check, but the DM asked me to make one to determine how well-made I could make the items. Luckily, I got a nat 20 + 7 + 3 from a Guidance, so it worked out pretty well XD. Regardless, thank you both for the help.
Which abilities you add to skills and tools are ultimately up to DM (they can make you roll a CON stealth check if they feel like it). In this case, I would have gone with WIS (spellcasting mod), but that feature really didn't need a check anyway because God magic.
Which abilities you add to skills and tools are ultimately up to DM (they can make you roll a CON stealth check if they feel like it). In this case, I would have gone with WIS (spellcasting mod), but that feature really didn't need a check anyway because God magic.
I would love to convince the DM of my OotA campaign to allow my Cleric to make Stealth (Wis) checks. "I've clickity-clacked my ass around in Plate for so long that I know how to avoid making excessive noise."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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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So, I've been looking all over the interwebs for info on what ability score is associated with smith's tools. Just like skills are associated with certain ability scores, I would assume that tools are as well. It would make sense, right? Well, I haven't found anything that even mentions an ability score associated with a smith's tools check. Str makes sense, but I can also see an argument for Dex. Wouldn't Thief's Tools have Dex associated with it? Same with Woodcarving? Is Smithing one of the ones that doesn't have an associated ability score? Or do none of them apply ability score modifiers?
I think it's situational which ability scores apply, and it might require multiple checks. For example, forging something particularly difficult might require a Con check (standing for hours in front of a hot forge), a Wisdom check (is the metal the exact right temp), and a Strength check (for hammering the metal into the right shape). For something simple, you could use any of those.
Sorta, but not exactly. Tool proficiencies are designed to have very broad applications, yet in practice the system is not nearly polished enough for most DMs to grasp the value.
In the most general sense, having proficiency with a specific tool is, at the DM's discretion, supposed to allow a character to add their proficiency bonus to a related skill check for which they might not already have proficiency. An example might be an Intelligence check to recall specific information about a brewery. Normally, a History (Int) skill proficiency would be applicable, but a good DM would also note that a character with Brewer's Supplies proficiency should be applicable as well.
As XGtE suggests, a good DM should also provide some benefits for situations in which a character has one or more of skill/tool proficiency and/or expertise. Unfortunately, the framework on how tools & proficiencies should interact is way too underdeveloped for most DMs to make use of.
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.
Alright, thank you both. I appreciate it. The purpose for this check is my Forge Cleric using their Channel Divinity to make weaponry. I understand it doesn't require a check, but the DM asked me to make one to determine how well-made I could make the items. Luckily, I got a nat 20 + 7 + 3 from a Guidance, so it worked out pretty well XD. Regardless, thank you both for the help.
Which abilities you add to skills and tools are ultimately up to DM (they can make you roll a CON stealth check if they feel like it). In this case, I would have gone with WIS (spellcasting mod), but that feature really didn't need a check anyway because God magic.
I would love to convince the DM of my OotA campaign to allow my Cleric to make Stealth (Wis) checks. "I've clickity-clacked my ass around in Plate for so long that I know how to avoid making excessive noise."
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.