I'm making a changeling rogue with a charlatan background. Charlatans get the disguise kit as one of their starting items, but since my character is a changeling, they don't need to use it. Would my character's proficiency with the disguise kit be just as effective for using it to disguise the other members of my party? As far as I know, the rules don't say whether or not I have to use the disguise kit on myself to get the proficiency bonus.
A tool check just summarizes your ability to do a job. Proficiency means you understand its use. That can include helping others or even detection of disguised people.
A check has multiple uses and Dnd is not designed for one check per task but rather multiple ways to accomplish it. A tool check is just a narrow field however a broader skill may apply. They are not exclusive.
Dmg and xanathars have more information. Including options for advantage if two synergize.
If you have proficiency on your sheet then it wouldn't matter who you use it on. I guess it's somewhat assumed a charlatan would use the kit mostly on themselves but maybe they have a grift that requires another person. They would be able to use the kit for that. Just a way to think of it.
A disguise kit is just a bunch of items like dyes, make-up, small prosthetics and such for creating a disguise. You can do the same thing with these things as you can in real life. So can you apply makeup and prosthetics and dyes to other people?
Yes. You can. In fact there are occupations entirely dedicated to doing so. So why do you think you would be unable to in D&D? It's "to make a visual disguise". Nowhere does it say "disguise only yourself". So you can apply the disguise kit to anyone and anything.
If you made a potion with a herbalism kit, could only you drink the potion? If you made a chair with carpenters tools, could only you sit in it?
You can disguise other people. Hopefully this highlights the logic so it'll help with any similar questions you might have with the other tools and kits.
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A disguise kit is just a bunch of items like dyes, make-up, small prosthetics and such for creating a disguise. You can do the same thing with these things as you can in real life. So can you apply makeup and prosthetics and dyes to other people?
Yes. You can. In fact there are occupations entirely dedicated to doing so. So why do you think you would be unable to in D&D? It's "to make a visual disguise". Nowhere does it say "disguise only yourself". So you can apply the disguise kit to anyone and anything.
If you made a potion with a herbalism kit, could only you drink the potion? If you made a chair with carpenters tools, could only you sit in it?
You can disguise other people. Hopefully this highlights the logic so it'll help with any similar questions you might have with the other tools and kits.
I wasn't asking whether or not I could use a disguise kit on someone else, I was asking whether or not I would still get the proficiency bonus.
A disguise kit is just a bunch of items like dyes, make-up, small prosthetics and such for creating a disguise. You can do the same thing with these things as you can in real life. So can you apply makeup and prosthetics and dyes to other people?
Yes. You can. In fact there are occupations entirely dedicated to doing so. So why do you think you would be unable to in D&D? It's "to make a visual disguise". Nowhere does it say "disguise only yourself". So you can apply the disguise kit to anyone and anything.
If you made a potion with a herbalism kit, could only you drink the potion? If you made a chair with carpenters tools, could only you sit in it?
You can disguise other people. Hopefully this highlights the logic so it'll help with any similar questions you might have with the other tools and kits.
I wasn't asking whether or not I could use a disguise kit on someone else, I was asking whether or not I would still get the proficiency bonus.
An even weirder question then.
Why would using it somebody else somehow remove knowledge from your mind?
A proficiency bonus always applies if you have proficiency.
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Yes, you can use your proficiency bonus on the ability check to make a visual disguise.
If the disguised person tries to interact with somebody whilst maintaining their disguise, then they will have to make their own Deception (Charisma) check (since the bluffing is no longer happening in a purely visual manner).
I actually think its a great question. The tools section of XGE might help you.
RAW - no - as its just talking about the person with proficiency...but I just think its out of scope of the rules so,
RAI (IMO) - yes - If someone proficient with a disguise kit applies a disguise (to themselves or any other character), the wearer of that disguise gets advantage on those 4 checks. In that section of XGE, just replace references to 'you/your' with 'the wearer'.
I actually think its a great question. The tools section of XGE might help you.
RAW - no - as its just talking about the person with proficiency...but I just think its out of scope of the rules so,
RAI (IMO) - yes - If someone proficient with a disguise kit applies a disguise (to themselves or any other character), the wearer of that disguise gets advantage on those 4 checks. In that section of XGE, just replace references to 'you/your' with 'the wearer'.
I think you have misinterpreted the question, which was "can you make a disguise for somebody else and still apply your proficiency bonus" and RAW this is yes.
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I think you have misinterpreted the question, which was "can you make a disguise for somebody else and still apply your proficiency bonus" and RAW this is yes.
Nah, 'can you make' is nowhere in the question at all..."Would my character's proficiency with the disguise kit be just as effective for using it to disguise the other members of my party?"
This is an interesting question because a Disguise Kit is pretty much the only tool I can think of where you directly use it on yourself. Nobody bats an eye if you use, say... Proficiency with Smith's Tools to craft a shield for a party member, or use Woodworking Tools to repair a wagon or something.
To answer the question proposed in the thread's subject: Yes. Proficiency with a tool applies to having on knowledge of how to utilize the tool.
Now to the more detailed part of your question; the DM can rule if or how the tool applies to an ability check, and if there are factors that will limit the ability to use the tool. For example, proficiency with cooks utensils does not guarantee the player has access to all necessary ingredients to make a desired meal. Or the quality of raw materials being used to craft an item could limit in what the character can achieve.
In your case, if your party consists of a Tabaxi, Dragonborn, Drow, and Elf then the DM can rule a single disguise kit limits your abilities. I would think the DM should allow you to apply makeup to make the party look like they were in an altercation or the appearance of beggars; but a more detailed disguise for each member couldn't be achieved with a single disguise kit. With that said, if you establish a base of operations or you are members of traveling entertainment troupe then it is possible you would have access to disguise kits for each party member and you serve as the makeup and wardrobe artist for the party. Discuss these ideas and boundaries with you DM.
One more thing. While being a Changling helps with your physical appearance and voice, there are other elements essential to pulling off the disguise. The kit also includes props and clothing to pull off a disguise. Perfumes and artificial fragrances may be required to complete the illusion. Finally, some cultures may require makeup as part of the dress, and trying to mimic this with your powers may come off as odd looking and raise more suspicion.
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I'm making a changeling rogue with a charlatan background. Charlatans get the disguise kit as one of their starting items, but since my character is a changeling, they don't need to use it. Would my character's proficiency with the disguise kit be just as effective for using it to disguise the other members of my party? As far as I know, the rules don't say whether or not I have to use the disguise kit on myself to get the proficiency bonus.
A tool check just summarizes your ability to do a job. Proficiency means you understand its use. That can include helping others or even detection of disguised people.
A check has multiple uses and Dnd is not designed for one check per task but rather multiple ways to accomplish it. A tool check is just a narrow field however a broader skill may apply. They are not exclusive.
Dmg and xanathars have more information. Including options for advantage if two synergize.
If you have proficiency on your sheet then it wouldn't matter who you use it on. I guess it's somewhat assumed a charlatan would use the kit mostly on themselves but maybe they have a grift that requires another person. They would be able to use the kit for that. Just a way to think of it.
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
Kinda a weird question.
A disguise kit is just a bunch of items like dyes, make-up, small prosthetics and such for creating a disguise. You can do the same thing with these things as you can in real life. So can you apply makeup and prosthetics and dyes to other people?
Yes. You can. In fact there are occupations entirely dedicated to doing so. So why do you think you would be unable to in D&D? It's "to make a visual disguise". Nowhere does it say "disguise only yourself". So you can apply the disguise kit to anyone and anything.
If you made a potion with a herbalism kit, could only you drink the potion? If you made a chair with carpenters tools, could only you sit in it?
You can disguise other people. Hopefully this highlights the logic so it'll help with any similar questions you might have with the other tools and kits.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
I wasn't asking whether or not I could use a disguise kit on someone else, I was asking whether or not I would still get the proficiency bonus.
An even weirder question then.
Why would using it somebody else somehow remove knowledge from your mind?
A proficiency bonus always applies if you have proficiency.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
If you have proficiency, you have proficiency. You could disguise a pet rat if you were so inclined.
That's what happens when you wear a helmet your whole life!
My house rules
Ask your DM.
[REDACTED]
Yes, you can use your proficiency bonus on the ability check to make a visual disguise.
If the disguised person tries to interact with somebody whilst maintaining their disguise, then they will have to make their own Deception (Charisma) check (since the bluffing is no longer happening in a purely visual manner).
I actually think its a great question. The tools section of XGE might help you.
RAW - no - as its just talking about the person with proficiency...but I just think its out of scope of the rules so,
RAI (IMO) - yes - If someone proficient with a disguise kit applies a disguise (to themselves or any other character), the wearer of that disguise gets advantage on those 4 checks. In that section of XGE, just replace references to 'you/your' with 'the wearer'.
Guide to the Five Factions (PWYW)
Deck of Decks
I think you have misinterpreted the question, which was "can you make a disguise for somebody else and still apply your proficiency bonus" and RAW this is yes.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
Nah, 'can you make' is nowhere in the question at all..."Would my character's proficiency with the disguise kit be just as effective for using it to disguise the other members of my party?"
imo, it’s a ‘is there a benefit’ question
Guide to the Five Factions (PWYW)
Deck of Decks
This is an interesting question because a Disguise Kit is pretty much the only tool I can think of where you directly use it on yourself. Nobody bats an eye if you use, say... Proficiency with Smith's Tools to craft a shield for a party member, or use Woodworking Tools to repair a wagon or something.
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To answer the question proposed in the thread's subject: Yes. Proficiency with a tool applies to having on knowledge of how to utilize the tool.
Now to the more detailed part of your question; the DM can rule if or how the tool applies to an ability check, and if there are factors that will limit the ability to use the tool. For example, proficiency with cooks utensils does not guarantee the player has access to all necessary ingredients to make a desired meal. Or the quality of raw materials being used to craft an item could limit in what the character can achieve.
In your case, if your party consists of a Tabaxi, Dragonborn, Drow, and Elf then the DM can rule a single disguise kit limits your abilities. I would think the DM should allow you to apply makeup to make the party look like they were in an altercation or the appearance of beggars; but a more detailed disguise for each member couldn't be achieved with a single disguise kit. With that said, if you establish a base of operations or you are members of traveling entertainment troupe then it is possible you would have access to disguise kits for each party member and you serve as the makeup and wardrobe artist for the party. Discuss these ideas and boundaries with you DM.
One more thing. While being a Changling helps with your physical appearance and voice, there are other elements essential to pulling off the disguise. The kit also includes props and clothing to pull off a disguise. Perfumes and artificial fragrances may be required to complete the illusion. Finally, some cultures may require makeup as part of the dress, and trying to mimic this with your powers may come off as odd looking and raise more suspicion.