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BRC
2008-01-13, 09:32 PM
Apparently, you can, for 50gp, buy an item that gives you +2 on a skill check. Now, for some checks what the item in question is fairly obvious, a book that gives you a bonus on a knowledge skill, a good set of tools for a craft skill, a good set of lockpicks ect. But for other skills, it's not as clear.
What Masterwork tools do you think apply for certain skills.

Diplomacy: a big stick
Bluff: a signed certificate by the council of trustworthyness declaring the holder to be trustworthy
Hide: a large sign that reads "Not here"
Search(trapfinding only): A small model of Admiral Akbar
Intimidate:A spooooky mask
Concentration:Orange Juice (you know, from concentrate...bah, the world is not ready for my wit)
Swim:Pool Noodle
Gather Information:Wikipedia

martyboy74
2008-01-13, 09:37 PM
Escape Artist: Corset

Worira
2008-01-13, 09:37 PM
Use Rope: Rope.

Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll
2008-01-13, 09:39 PM
Jump: moonshoes

AlterForm
2008-01-13, 09:40 PM
Listen: A megaphone, to be held backwards, to one's ear.

Autohypnosis: A mini psychologist with a watch on a chain.

Button Jockey
2008-01-13, 09:41 PM
Survival: Swiss Army knife

KeithTheThinker
2008-01-13, 09:48 PM
Perform: Bottle of Viagra?

Crow
2008-01-13, 10:02 PM
Concentration: A bottle of Advil.

LibraryOgre
2008-01-13, 11:41 PM
Does it say that every skill has an associated Masterwork tool, or that you can buy masterwork versions of extant tools?

KeithTheThinker
2008-01-13, 11:48 PM
Does it say that every skill has an associated Masterwork tool, or that you can buy masterwork versions of extant tools?


Tool, Masterwork: This well-made item is the perfect tool for the job. It grants a +2 circumstance bonus on a related skill check (if any). Bonuses provided by multiple masterwork items used toward the same skill check do not stack.
Well, if it has to mention the "if any", someone's going to find masterwork tools that don't even relate to a skill. I'd assume that masterwork tools can cover every skill and more...

Lord Tataraus
2008-01-13, 11:51 PM
Does it say that every skill has an associated Masterwork tool, or that you can buy masterwork versions of extant tools?

From the SRD:

Tool, Masterwork

This well-made item is the perfect tool for the job. It grants a +2 circumstance bonus on a related skill check (if any). Bonuses provided by multiple masterwork items used toward the same skill check do not stack.

So by my interpretation, every skill has a tool, but not all tools actually give any mechanical advantage.

Edit: ninja'd!!

horseboy
2008-01-13, 11:53 PM
Intimidate: The Blood of my Enemies.

KeithTheThinker
2008-01-14, 12:00 AM
Bwahaha!
Great minds think alike, eh Tatarus?

Decipher script: Babelfish (Failure still translates, but is illegible. Must then make an intelligence check to read.)
Forgery: Xerox machine.
Ride: Pants with sovereign glue on the buttocks. One use only.

LibraryOgre
2008-01-14, 12:01 AM
From the SRD:


So by my interpretation, every skill has a tool, but not all tools actually give any mechanical advantage.

However, wouldn't this presuppose that you are actually going to get some use out of a tool?

Icewalker
2008-01-14, 12:01 AM
Search(trapfinding only): A small model of Admiral Akbar

Yes. This is awesome.

Intimidate: masterwork weapon. two-in-one!
Bluff (for feinting use only): A tiny hand-puppet with a rapier.

TheOOB
2008-01-14, 12:27 AM
Intimidate: Artisan's Tools, no really, you know someone is screwed up when them whipping out there masterwork artisan's tools is enough to provide a bonus to intimidate.

Corlis
2008-01-14, 12:37 AM
Wasn't there an Intuit Direction skill in 3.0? In that case, a compass!

skywalker
2008-01-14, 12:51 AM
Spellcraft:Webster's Dictionary.
Balance:A copy of Quickbooks Pro.

ashmanonar
2008-01-14, 01:34 AM
Search(trapfinding only): A small model of Admiral Akbar


One of our ranged characters is using an Admiral Akbar miniature in our ongoing d20 game.

Unfortunately, he fails at quoting properly whenever I (the trapfinder--I'm a barb, i find them with my face) find a trap.

random11
2008-01-14, 01:58 AM
Intimidate: Dentist's tools.

Actually, it will work a lot better if they look low quality.



Any skill: "<skill name> for dummies" book.

Destro_Yersul
2008-01-14, 01:59 AM
Search: Deerstalker cap
Survival: Swiss Army Knife
Balance: Umbrella

Dervag
2008-01-14, 02:03 AM
Intimidate: The Blood of my Enemies.So, your enemies have specially well-made blood? That costs 50 gp extra?

Kizara
2008-01-14, 02:06 AM
Sense Motive: Beard, preferably white.
Use Magic Device: Cocanie
Jump: Pogo stick
Disable Device: Sledgehammer
Handle Animal: Carrot
Tumble: Grease

Perform: KY-Gel

Funkyodor
2008-01-14, 02:40 AM
Escape Artist: Hand lotion
Search: Red Shirt (Because they always seem to find the bad guys)
Hide: Camouflage armor, helmet, and weapon black.
Survival: One of those knives with the hollow handles filled with stuff.
Balance: Weighted Quarterstaff.

Aquillion
2008-01-14, 03:17 AM
Iaijutsu Focus: A sheath.

Voyager_I
2008-01-14, 05:26 AM
Diplomacy: ICBM, preferably with nuclear warhead
Tumble: Helmet
Bluff: Obvious Toupee made from real hair
Perform (Gangsta Rap): Gold Chain, Gold Tooth, Gold Chain, Gold Watch, Gold Chain, Diamond Earring, Gold Cross (on Gold Chain), all fake.
Knowledge (Metagame): Extensive supplement collection

random11
2008-01-14, 05:30 AM
Knowledge (Metagame): Extensive supplement collection

For only 50gp? I wish it was that cheap!

Glyphic
2008-01-14, 05:43 AM
I tried talking my DM into letting me use a focus crystal for UMD..

It didn't fly. (but I could. Woooooooooooosh!)

Rad
2008-01-14, 08:08 AM
A masterwork dictionary (Speak Language)

that also gives meaning to the "(if any)" clause :smallbiggrin:

BRC
2008-01-14, 08:31 AM
Diplomacy: ICBM, preferably with nuclear warhead


so a more extreme, less metaphorical version of the big stick

Voyager_I
2008-01-14, 08:38 AM
It's worked pretty well for the last 50-odd years, hasn't it?

Just remember, the bonus from each one stacks, so you have to have more circumstance modifiers than the other guy, even if it starts to break your WBL.

Telonius
2008-01-14, 09:03 AM
Disable Device: Monkeywrench.
Gather Information: Bottle of alcoholic beverage.
Disguise: Groucho Marx nose and glasses.
Handle Animal: Leash and one of those clicky things the Dog Whisperer uses.
Autohypnosis: Gold pocketwatch, with a picture of a car on it.

AlterForm
2008-01-14, 09:37 AM
Perform(Dance): A bright-red bodysuit and a zombie mask

Perform(Hammertime): Overly large parachute pants

Curmudgeon
2008-01-14, 04:19 PM
I understand the amusement value of this thread, but I thought I'd point out that many of these masterwork tools are already spelled out. Here's what's in the SRD:
Alchemist’s Lab
An alchemist’s lab always has the perfect tool for making alchemical items, so it provides a +2 circumstance bonus on Craft (alchemy) checks. It has no bearing on the costs related to the Craft (alchemy) skill. Without this lab, a character with the Craft (alchemy) skill is assumed to have enough tools to use the skill but not enough to get the +2 bonus that the lab provides.

Artisan’s Tools, Masterwork
These tools serve the same purpose as artisan’s tools (above), but masterwork artisan’s tools are the perfect tools for the job, so you get a +2 circumstance bonus on Craft checks made with them.

Climber’s Kit
This is the perfect tool for climbing and gives you a +2 circumstance bonus on Climb checks.

Disguise Kit
The kit is the perfect tool for disguise and provides a +2 circumstance bonus on Disguise checks. A disguise kit is exhausted after ten uses.

Healer’s Kit
It is the perfect tool for healing and provides a +2 circumstance bonus on Heal checks. A healer’s kit is exhausted after ten uses.

Magnifying Glass
This simple lens allows a closer look at small objects. It is also useful as a substitute for flint and steel when starting fires. Lighting a fire with a magnifying glass requires light as bright as sunlight to focus, tinder to ignite, and at least a full-round action. A magnifying glass grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Appraise checks involving any item that is small or highly detailed.

Scale, Merchant’s
A scale grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Appraise checks involving items that are valued by weight, including anything made of precious metals.

Musical Instrument, Common or Masterwork
A masterwork instrument grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Perform checks involving its use.

Thieves’ Tools, Masterwork
This kit contains extra tools and tools of better make, which grant a +2 circumstance bonus on Disable Device and Open Lock checks.

Saddle, Military
A military saddle braces the rider, providing a +2 circumstance bonus on Ride checks related to staying in the saddle. If you’re knocked unconscious while in a military saddle, you have a 75% chance to stay in the saddle (compared to 50% for a riding saddle).
The following are in Complete Adventurer, starting on page 122:
Animal Training Kit
+2 circumstance bonus on Handle Animal checks.

Balance Pole
+2 circumstance bonus on Balance checks.

Camouflage Kit
+2 circumstance bonus on Hide checks.

Forgery Kit
+2 circumstance bonus on Forgery checks.

Listening Cone
+2 circumstance bonus on Listen checks.

BRC
2008-01-14, 04:43 PM
I understand the amusement value of this thread, but I thought I'd point out that many of these masterwork tools are already spelled out. Here's what's in the SRD: The following are in Complete Adventurer, starting on page 122:
Oh we know, but thats not the point

Riffington
2008-01-14, 08:14 PM
Many DMs do not read the rules to suggest that Every skill has a masterwork toolkit, that every masterwork toolkit costs 50gp, or even that every skill has only one masterwork toolkit. Just that many skills have a masterwork toolkit, and the typical price should be 50 gp.

For example, it might be the case that Use Magic Device has no associated masterwork toolkit, and that a variety of Intimidate masterwork toolkits exist, with prices ranging from 1cp (rolling pin) to 20,000 gp (oh, that army). Nevertheless, at most one toolkit applies to any roll.

XiaoTie
2008-01-14, 08:51 PM
Hide: Cardboard Box

horseboy
2008-01-15, 12:56 AM
For example, it might be the case that Use Magic Device has no associated masterwork toolkit

Indecipherable interlingual drawings of how to use a magical device. With one screw and a shelf peg missing.

Ganurath
2008-01-15, 01:12 AM
Appraise: Magnifying Glass
Balance: Tighrope Pole
Bluff: Slightly Psychic Paper A shiny, distracting brooch
Climb: Climbing Spikes
Concentration: Glasses that turn black in the lenses whenever there's danger coming.
Craft: Masterwork Artisan's Tools
Decipher Script: A Roseta Stone
Diplomacy: A Coat of Arms
Disable Device: A Wrench
Disguise: Double-Sided Clothes
Escape Artist: Automated Shoulder Re/Dislocater
Forgery: The Original
Gather Information: The Local Paper
Handle Animal: A whip designed less for harm and more for noise.
Heal: Scapel and gauss.
Hide: Dark Gray Cloak
Intimidate: Spiky Tatoo
Jump: Interior Boot Padding
Knowledge: Relevant Book
Listen: Ear Cone
Move Silently: Exterior Boot Padding
Open Lock: Thick Pick, enough to reduce risk of breaking.
Perform: Clown Car Flamboyant Costume
Profession: Varies based on job.
Ride: Blinders
Search: Nearsighting Glasses
Sense Motive: A Monkey
Sleight of Hand: Clawed Glove
Spellcraft: A Monocle
Spot: Farsighting Glasses
Survival: Hatchet
Swim: Floaties
Tumble: Elbow/Knee Pads
Use Magic Device: Artifice for Dummies
Use Rope: Boy Scout Manual

Talic
2008-01-15, 01:27 AM
So, your enemies have specially well-made blood? That costs 50 gp extra?

The blood need not be well-made, so long as the wine glass you drink it from is.



Sense Motive: A Monkey


5 year old child, by the writing of the Non-Cliche Ultimate villain guide.

Ganurath
2008-01-15, 01:36 AM
5 year old child, by the writing of the Non-Cliche Ultimate villain guide.No, you misunderstand. The Monkey attacks the potential liar, and they'll be too distracted to think of an effective lie. Although the kid is good, provided it's an evil campaign and you can buy children at the market for five platinums!

slayn
2008-01-15, 01:39 AM
intimidate-horse whinner

Talic
2008-01-15, 02:05 AM
No, you misunderstand. The Monkey attacks the potential liar, and they'll be too distracted to think of an effective lie. Although the kid is good, provided it's an evil campaign and you can buy children at the market for five platinums!

Kidnap, Charm Person, and all the candy they can stomach.

Aquillion
2008-01-15, 02:19 AM
Many DMs do not read the rules to suggest that Every skill has a masterwork toolkit, that every masterwork toolkit costs 50gp, or even that every skill has only one masterwork toolkit. Just that many skills have a masterwork toolkit, and the typical price should be 50 gp.

For example, it might be the case that Use Magic Device has no associated masterwork toolkit, and that a variety of Intimidate masterwork toolkits exist, with prices ranging from 1cp (rolling pin) to 20,000 gp (oh, that army). Nevertheless, at most one toolkit applies to any roll.I don't think anyone could seriously interpret the rules to require that a 50 gp masterwork tools be available for every skill; in fact, it's pretty obvious that that's not the intention (since many skills have already-existing tools defined that cost more than 50 gp; it would be flatly absurd to suggest that the rules allow a 50 gp, 1 lb tool to provide the bonus to alchemy when a 500 gp, 40 lb laboratory is described just above it to get the same effect.)

They simply say that when a tool that grants a +2 bonus to a particular skill exists and is available, 50 gp and 1 lb is a good place to start if you don't have any other guidelines. It doesn't mean you can actually walk into a shop, slap 50 gp on the counter, and demand an item that grants +2 to autohypnosis, concentration, or UMD checks, say.

Talic
2008-01-15, 02:24 AM
It doesn't mean you can actually walk into a shop, slap 50 gp on the counter, and demand an item that grants +2 to autohypnosis, concentration, or UMD checks, say.

Of course not. Shopkeepers aren't familiar with +2 to a UMD check.

Sstoopidtallkid
2008-01-15, 02:28 AM
UMD: Black hat
Listen: Ear Trumpet
Swim: Water Wings
Escape Artist: Black Hat
Knowledge: Unabridged Encyclopedia Britanica
Bluff: Black Hat:smallbiggrin:

Ganurath
2008-01-15, 02:33 AM
Of course not. Shopkeepers aren't familiar with +2 to a UMD check.Unless the campaign has an order similiar to 8-Bit Theatre's Red Mages. I mean, seriously, nobody noticed the math after all those millenia? You'd think a lich might have published a thesis or something.

Aquillion
2008-01-15, 02:36 AM
Of course not. Shopkeepers aren't familiar with +2 to a UMD check.Well, there you go!

PC: Oh, also, I'd like to buy a tool that gives +2 to a UMD check.
DM: Is that what you say to the shopkeeper?
PC: No! I ask for it by name!
DM: ...is it too much for me to ask exactly what it is you're buying?
PC: You know... that thing that gives the bonus to the other thing! Here, look, it's right here in the rulebook... The, um, 'tool!' Yeah, that's the ticket, a masterwork UMD tool! And I'd like a masterwork concentration tool and a masterwork autohypnosis tool, too, while I'm at it.

horseboy
2008-01-15, 02:36 AM
So, your enemies have specially well-made blood? That costs 50 gp extra?

Well, okay, containers to hold it in.