How do you increase proficiency with tools in 5e?

How to Increase Proficiency with Tools in 5e

In Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, proficiency with tools is an essential aspect of character development. Whether you’re a skilled artisan, a cunning rogue, or a brilliant inventor, proficiency with tools can give you an edge in various situations. In this article, we’ll explore the ways to increase proficiency with tools in 5e.

Direct Answer:

To increase proficiency with tools in 5e, you can follow these methods:

• Multiclassing: Choose a class that grants proficiency with tools, such as the Artificer or Rogue.
• Backgrounds: Select a background that provides proficiency with tools, like the Criminal or Urchin.
• Feats: Take feats that grant proficiency with specific tools, like the Skilled Feat.
• Racial Features: Some racial features, such as the Decadent Mastery of the Githyanki, grant proficiency with tools.
• Expertise: Take the Expertise feat to double your proficiency bonus.

Understanding Proficiency

Before we dive into the methods, let’s understand what proficiency means in 5e. Proficiency is a bonus that you add to your ability checks, skill checks, and attack rolls when you’re using a tool or skill that you’re proficient in. The proficiency bonus is calculated based on your character level, and it ranges from +2 to +6.

Methods to Increase Proficiency

Multiclassing

Multiclassing is a great way to gain proficiency with tools. By choosing a class that grants proficiency with tools, you can add that proficiency to your character. For example, the Artificer class grants proficiency with all artisan’s tools, while the Rogue class grants proficiency with thieves’ tools.

Backgrounds

Backgrounds are another way to gain proficiency with tools. Some backgrounds, such as the Criminal or Urchin, grant proficiency with specific tools. For example, the Criminal background grants proficiency with thieves’ tools, while the Urchin background grants proficiency with one type of artisan’s tool.

Feats

Feats are special abilities that you can choose to take at certain levels. Some feats, such as the Skilled Feat, grant proficiency with specific tools. For example, the Skilled Feat grants proficiency with one type of artisan’s tool or thieves’ tool.

Racial Features

Some racial features, such as the Decadent Mastery of the Githyanki, grant proficiency with tools. For example, the Decadent Mastery feature grants proficiency with all artisan’s tools.

Expertise

Expertise is a feat that allows you to double your proficiency bonus when you’re using a skill or tool that you’re proficient in. This can be a powerful way to increase your proficiency with tools.

Conclusion

Increasing proficiency with tools in 5e can be achieved through multiclassing, backgrounds, feats, racial features, and expertise. By choosing the right class, background, or feat, you can gain proficiency with specific tools and gain an edge in various situations. Remember to always keep in mind the proficiency bonus and how it affects your ability checks, skill checks, and attack rolls.