Usually, yes, but it depends on the the check. Most times, when unlocking a door or disarming a trap, it'll specify something like "Make a DC 10 Dexterity check using thieves tools", but you could also be asked to make an Intelligence check to maybe identify the mechanism for example.
It's definitely up to the DM to decide the correct ability score and any relevant proficiency for an ability check.
Assuming that the character is proficient with Thieves' Tools, here's some examples:
"Pick this lock on this chest" - DEX + proficiency bonus "Disable this trap that has a dozen failsafe triggers" - INT + proficiency bonus "Impress someone with how good you are at manipulating a lock with your tools" - CHA + proficiency bonus
It is safe to assume it will always be Dexterity for the average DM. I occasionally like to throw in a trap or two that requires an intelligence or wisdom check instead. I also allow my players to set traps using an intelligence check, and if they roll well the DC for the trap increases, or they roll poorly and it decreases.
I added 'Thieves Tools' as a custom skill on my rogue's character-sheet, because that let me set it up to auto-add my dex-bonus and my Expertise bonus, otherwise i'd definitely forget the latter.
If the DM wants me to be smart about something, he can ask me to roll perception or insight while I'm working.
If the DM wants me to be smart about something, he can ask me to roll perception or insight while I'm working.
The DM can ask you to roll whatever they want. If they decide this trap is intelligence-based because you need to "be smart about something" then you're going to roll your thieve's tools proficiency + Int mod + expertise.
Expertise replaces proficiency, you don't get to use both.
But regardless of whether you're doing something brainy or not, the actual usage of thieves tools is dex-based. Knowing which wires to mess with is insight or intelligence or whatever, but actually manually doing those things is clearly something requiring dexterity.
If you're pedantic and/or it confuses you then sure, it would be better to say that you roll proficiency(expertise) + ability modifier. I also don't limit my players by saying proficiency in thieve's tools only applies to whether or not they can use the physical tools themselves. If you have trained to have knowledge about various traps, you would know that some traps can be disarmed in ways that do not require manual dexterity. I'm not going to deny them their proficiency bonus just because they used their wits instead of a tool to disarm it.
Expertise replaces proficiency, you don't get to use both.
But regardless of whether you're doing something brainy or not, the actual usage of thieves tools is dex-based. Knowing which wires to mess with is insight or intelligence or whatever, but actually manually doing those things is clearly something requiring dexterity.
No, it’s whatever the DM tells you it is. That’s not even an optional rule the way mixing ability scores and skill proficiencies is. Tool proficiencies are deliberately not linked to any specific ability score. It’s always up to the DM to determine which ability score is most appropriate.
If your DM always uses dexterity, there’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s not the only option.
I could imagine a Wisdom (Thief's Tools) check for opening a combination safe, carefully listening for the clicks as the bearings move inside the mechanism.
I could imagine a Wisdom (Thief's Tools) check for opening a combination safe, carefully listening for the clicks as the bearings move inside the mechanism.
Or, to put it another way, Rogues are not SAD...
Attribute dependence is usually based on combat effectiveness, otherwise every class would be MAD by similar reasoning.
Tools don't have a specific button since they don't have an intrinsic ability score connected to them the way skills do. You have to just make an ability roll and add your PB manually.
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I know this may seem obvious, but when using Thieves' Tools, you role for dexterity, right?
Usually, yes, but it depends on the the check. Most times, when unlocking a door or disarming a trap, it'll specify something like "Make a DC 10 Dexterity check using thieves tools", but you could also be asked to make an Intelligence check to maybe identify the mechanism for example.
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Yes most Tool Checks for Thieves' Tools use Dexterity. A DM might change the Ability Score for a specific check based on the situation.
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D&D Beyond FoundersIt's definitely up to the DM to decide the correct ability score and any relevant proficiency for an ability check.
Assuming that the character is proficient with Thieves' Tools, here's some examples:
"Pick this lock on this chest" - DEX + proficiency bonus
"Disable this trap that has a dozen failsafe triggers" - INT + proficiency bonus
"Impress someone with how good you are at manipulating a lock with your tools" - CHA + proficiency bonus
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It is safe to assume it will always be Dexterity for the average DM. I occasionally like to throw in a trap or two that requires an intelligence or wisdom check instead. I also allow my players to set traps using an intelligence check, and if they roll well the DC for the trap increases, or they roll poorly and it decreases.
I added 'Thieves Tools' as a custom skill on my rogue's character-sheet, because that let me set it up to auto-add my dex-bonus and my Expertise bonus, otherwise i'd definitely forget the latter.
If the DM wants me to be smart about something, he can ask me to roll perception or insight while I'm working.
The DM can ask you to roll whatever they want. If they decide this trap is intelligence-based because you need to "be smart about something" then you're going to roll your thieve's tools proficiency + Int mod + expertise.
Oh okay, cool. Thanks everybody.
Expertise replaces proficiency, you don't get to use both.
But regardless of whether you're doing something brainy or not, the actual usage of thieves tools is dex-based. Knowing which wires to mess with is insight or intelligence or whatever, but actually manually doing those things is clearly something requiring dexterity.
If you're pedantic and/or it confuses you then sure, it would be better to say that you roll proficiency(expertise) + ability modifier. I also don't limit my players by saying proficiency in thieve's tools only applies to whether or not they can use the physical tools themselves. If you have trained to have knowledge about various traps, you would know that some traps can be disarmed in ways that do not require manual dexterity. I'm not going to deny them their proficiency bonus just because they used their wits instead of a tool to disarm it.
No, it’s whatever the DM tells you it is. That’s not even an optional rule the way mixing ability scores and skill proficiencies is. Tool proficiencies are deliberately not linked to any specific ability score. It’s always up to the DM to determine which ability score is most appropriate.
If your DM always uses dexterity, there’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s not the only option.
I could imagine a Wisdom (Thief's Tools) check for opening a combination safe, carefully listening for the clicks as the bearings move inside the mechanism.
Or, to put it another way, Rogues are not SAD...
Attribute dependence is usually based on combat effectiveness, otherwise every class would be MAD by similar reasoning.
I'm just trying to figure out how to use it on beyond. Where is the button to click to use it...
There isn't one. The DDB character sheet sucks sometimes.
Tools don't have a specific button since they don't have an intrinsic ability score connected to them the way skills do. You have to just make an ability roll and add your PB manually.