D&D 5e – Questionable Arcana – Crafting: Jeweler’s Tools

wide array of blue gemstones
Questionable Arcana Crafting System
Item Crafting Rules Artwork Crafting Rules
The Artisan's Tools
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Cartographer's Tools Cobbler's Tools
Cook's Utensils Glassblower's Tools
Jeweler's Tools Leatherworker's Tools
Mason's Tools Painter's Supplies
Poisoner's Kit Potter's Tools
Smith's Tools Tinker's Tools
Weaver's Tools Woodcarver's Tools
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Although this crafting system leverages many existing mechanics published under the 5e SRD and OGL, the final product is completely home-brewed. The finer details of this system are still being revised, and those changes will slowly be introduced into this document. However, the system as a whole is totally functional and ready to be used in any campaign. Furthermore, the rules and concepts discussed are intended to work in-tandem with the expanded artisan's tools rules found in Xanathar's Guide to Everything. If nothing else I hope this document and its siblings can be used as a source of guidance and inspiration for whatever crafting system you decide to go with.


The Jeweler’s Tools At A Glance

RAW Cost: 25 GP
RAW Weight: 2 lbs
*Items: Pliers, Wire Cutters, Needle and Thread, Clasp, Ruler, Wire
Crafting Restrictions: None
Mundane Item Crafting: Arcane Focus(Crystal, Orb, Rod, Staff, Wand), Holy Symbol(Amulet, Emblem, Reliquary), Signet Ring
Magic Item Crafting: All magical rings, amulets, and jewelry. The full list can be found below.
Artwork Creation: Can create luxurious jewelry that can fetch a high price.
QA Artwork Bonus: Artisan is grant a crafting inspiration dice that can be used on themselves or a crafting companion that is working on the same object during that crafting session.
Structure Building: None
Adventuring Utility: Gains a bonus when attempting to identify gemstones, or prove the validity of gemstones.

* These items are specific to the Questionable Arcana system. Other similar crafting systems may utilitize a different list of items.

Now that we have learned the ins and outs of down to earth craft of woodcarving, I think it is time that we move on to some of the finer things in life. That means today’s look into the convoluted world of 5e crafting will feature an in depth discussion of the Jeweler’s tools and how to use them. However, before we dig into the mechanical potential of these artisan’s tools, I think it is important to step back and analyze what it is that a jeweler actually does.

Traditionally bench jewelers are artisans who use metals, gemstones, and other various materials to create adornments such as necklaces or bracelets. However, a large part of a typical jeweler’s workday features additional tasks beyond the design and creation of their own accessories. Often times they are called in to repair or modify pieces of jewelry made by someone else. Other times they are asked to examine gemstones and jewelry in order to give a customer an appraisal.

Using this broader definition of what a jeweler is let’s dig into some of the mechanical scenarios where use of the jeweler’s tools might be used.


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Crafting Equipment

Unfortunately for jewelers their specialized set of crafting skills does not really allow them to lead the creation of any RAW armor and weapons. However, every weapon and armor in SRD could potentially be adorned with gemstones. This allows the jeweler to participate in the creation of functional artwork, such as a rapier with sapphires embedded in the hilt. Although these types of modifications would not increase the combat effectiveness of the rapier, they could potentially help a player impress a visiting dignitary, or attract the attention of a group of thieves looking for their next mark.

Questionable Arcana Item Crafting Rules At A Glance

Overview: The Questionable Arcana Crafting System is a homebrew set of rules that builds on the RAW crafting system. The goal of the system is to increase the rate that items are crafted while introducing an element of variability(aka dice rolling).

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR THE COMPLETE RULES


Crafting Requirements

  1. A Lead Artisan - An artisan with the appropriate tool who can lead the crafting process.
  2. Crafting Materials - Materials to craft with. The items should be valued at 50% market value for mundane items and 100% market value for magical items.
  3. Means of Production - Any special equipment or location requirements such as a forge for blacksmiths.
  4. Instructions - Memorized instructions for mundane items or a written blueprint for magical items.
  5. Labor - Time and energy measured in 8 hour increments and proficiency dice rolls!

Crafting Capabilities Definitions

  • LEAD - You can serve as the lead artisan when creating this item.
  • ASSIST - You can work under a lead artisan to create this item.
  • OPTIONAL - You could potentially create a non-RAW version of this item at the DM's discretion.
  • N/A - You cannot use this toolkit to contribute to the creation of this item.
  • SPECIAL - Special cases defined on a case by case basis.

Crafting GP Progression Formula

[PROGRESS IN GP] = 5 + (Proficiency_Dice_Roll * 5)


Important Disclaimer: The Questionable Arcana Crafting Rules and lists are not official material. The concepts and ideas provided by this write-up are simply suggestions. I happen to think they are good suggestions, but ultimately your table's DM has the final say when it comes to any and all crafting rulings.

On the other hand, there are several items in the adventuring gear section that a jeweler could potentially lead the construction of, which are listed below.


Adventuring Gear Crafting List
Item Cost Weight Crafting Capability
Arcane Focus, Crystal 10 gp 1 lb. LEAD
Arcane Focus, Orb 20 gp 3 lb. LEAD
Arcane Focus, Rod 10 gp 2 lb. LEAD
Arcane Focus, Staff 5 gp 4 lb. LEAD
Arcane Focus, Wand 10 gp 1 lb. LEAD
Holy Symbol, Amulet 5 gp 1 lb. LEAD
Holy Symbol, Emblem 5 gp LEAD
Holy Symbol, Reliquary 5 gp 2 lb. LEAD
Signet Ring 5 gp LEAD
Whetstone 1 cp 1 lb. ASSIST

Furthermore they would easily be able to lead the construction of non-RAW decorative adornments such as bracelets, earrings, necklaces, or circlets. Finally virtually all items in the adventuring gear list can be embedded with gemstones and consequently treated as artwork.

When it comes to crafting magical items, the list of items a jeweler can create is fairly exhausting! At the end of the day virtually any ring, amulet, necklace, etc can be crafted, but an itemized list can also be found below:


Magic Item Crafting List
Magic Item Rarity Category Crafting Capability
Amulet of Health Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Amulet of Proof against Detection and Location Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Censer of Controlling Air Elementals Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Circlet of Blasting Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Crystal Ball Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Crystal Ball of Mind Reading Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Crystal Ball of Telepathy Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Crystal Ball of True Seeing Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Elemental Gem Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Eyes of Charming Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Eyes of Minute Seeing Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Eyes of the Eagle Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Feather Token – Anchor Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Feather Token – Bird Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Feather Token – Fan Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Feather Token – Swan Boat Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Feather Token – Tree Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Feather Token – Whip Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Gem of Brightness Uncoomon Wondrous Item LEAD
Gem of Seeing Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Headband of Intellect Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Helm of Brilliance Very Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Helm of Comprehending Languages Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Helm of Telepathy Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Helm of Teleportation Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Medallion of Thoughts Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Mirror of Life Trapping Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Necklace of Adaptation Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Necklace of Fireballs Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Necklace of Prayer Beads Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Pearl of Power Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Periapt of Health Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Periapt of Proof against Poison Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Periapt of Wound Closure Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Animal Influence Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Djinni Summoning Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Elemental Command Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Evasion Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Feather Falling Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Free Action Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Invisibility Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Jumping Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Mind Shielding Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Protection Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Regeneration Very Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Resistance Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Shooting Stars Very Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Spell Storing Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Spell Turning Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Swimming Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Telekinesis Very Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of the Ram Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Three Wishes Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Warmth Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of Water Walking Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Ring of X-ray Vision Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Scarab of Protection Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Staff of Charming Rare Staff ASSIST
Staff of Fire Very Rare Staff ASSIST
Staff of Frost Very Rare Staff ASSIST
Staff of Healing Rare Staff ASSIST
Staff of Power Very Rare Staff ASSIST
Staff of Striking Very Rare Staff ASSIST
Staff of Swarming Insects Rare Staff ASSIST
Staff of the Magi Legendary Staff ASSIST
Staff of the Python Uncommon Staff ASSIST
Staff of the Woodlands Rare Staff ASSIST
Staff of Thunder and Lightning Very Rare Staff ASSIST
Staff of Withering Rare Staff ASSIST
Talisman of Pure Good Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Talisman of the Sphere Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Talisman of Ultimate Evil Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD

Despite the mechanical differences between wearing and using magical jewelry vs armor and weapons, I would not create any additional mechanics around crafting magical jewelry. I believe that the base rules in both the SRD, and our Questionable Arcana Crafting System are perfectly adequate on their own. So in the spirit of keeping things simple I would recommend you just leave them as is.


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Creating Artwork

Arguably the biggest strength of being a jeweler is the ability to participate in the creation of a wide variety of artwork. Although the list of items they can create on their own is relatively small, knowledge of the process of setting jewels into various materials allows a jeweler to contribute to virtually any piece of artwork.

Questionable Arcana Artwork Crafting Rules At A Glance

Overview: The Questionable Arcana Artwork Crafting System is a homebrew set of rules that allows your players to create potentially valuable artwork. The goal of the system is to allow for crafting options beyond the defined RAW items. This is especially important for artistic toolkits such as the painter's supplies where RAW crafting options are limited.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR THE COMPLETE ARTWORK CRAFTING RULES


Crafting Process

  1. Obtain Means of Production - Obtain any special equipment or set up in a location that allows you to use the artisan's tools. This step does not apply to all kits. For example a smith needs a forge to create art, but a painter can create artwork anywhere.
  2. Roll Artisan's Tool Ability Check - A skill check that involves using the artisan's tool to create a piece of artwork. If you succeed the check add Crafting Progress Roll value to the estimated value of the artwork. If you fail the check no progress is made. If you fail the check by 5 or more you subtract the Crafting Progress Roll value from the estimated value of the artwork.
  3. GP Progression Roll - Roll your proficiency dice to determine how much value is added or subtracted to the estimated GP value of the artwork being created.

Artisan's Tool Ability Check Formula

[Ability Check DC]* = [Target Item's Current Estimated Value]** / 10

* Values are rounded down and the Max DC is 20
** Does not include the value of materials used to create the artwork. For example the value of any gemstones installed using a jeweler's tools are not used to calculate the ability check DC.


Crafting Progress Roll

[Target Item's Estimated Value] = [Target Item's Current Estimated Value] +/- ([Proficiency Dice Roll] x 5)


Important Disclaimer: The Questionable Arcana Artwork Crafting Rules and lists are not official material. The concepts and ideas provided by this write-up are simply suggestions. I happen to think they are good suggestions, but ultimately your table's DM has the final say when it comes to any and all artwork crafting rulings.

The catch is that applying this expertise generally requires expensive materials in the form if gemstones. This means that there are some additional up-front costs to having a jeweler contribute to an artwork project. On top of the usual base cost detailed in the Questionable Arcana Artwork Crafting System, the jeweler must install the jewels themselves into the artwork. At minimum the jeweler must install 10 GP worth of gemstones per crafting session. The jeweler can either install a full gemstone worth at least 10 GP, or cut pieces of more valuable gemstones to meet the GP requirement.

Artwork Example: Malachite Signet Ring

A player proficient with the jeweler’s tools decides that they want to make a signet ring, then install malachite gems along the outside of the ring.

On the first day the jeweler rolls to create as many signet rings as possible. Because a signet ring is a mundane item there is no ability check. The player rolls a 3 on their crafting progress check, resulting in 20 GP worth of crafting progress. Since mundane items require half of an item’s value in material costs, the player spends 10 GP to create 4 signet rings valued at 5 GP each.

The player then takes one signet ring, and spends 7 days adding full malachite gemstones to the ring in an artistic manner. The player is able to succeed their ability check on the first six days and they roll the following scores on their crafting progress roll: 3, 5, 2, 6, 6, and 4.

This means after 6 days the ring is worth 6*5(base value added) + 28*5(crafting progress rolls)+6*10(value of malachite gemstones) = 170 GP Artistic Value + 60 GP Gemstone Value = 230 Estimated Artwork Value.

On the 7th day the player must beat a difficulty check of 17(The material value of the gemstones is not included when calculating the artisan’s tool ability check DC) to increase the value of the artwork, but even after using the crafting inspiration die their highest roll is an 11. This means that not only did the jeweler fail to improve the quality of the artwork, but they actually damaged the artwork. The malachite gemstone is not added to the artwork, and after rolling a 5 on the crafting progress roll a total of 5(base value added) + 5*5(crafting progress roll) = 30 GP is REMOVED from the estimated value of the artwork. This leaves the artwork at a value of 140 GP artistic value + 60 GP gemstone value = 200 GP Estimated Artwork Value.

Not wanting to press their luck any further, the player decides stash the artwork away to be sold later. The player then moves on to adding gems to the next of the 3 remaining signet rings.

The act of adding brilliant gemstones to a piece of art can have an inspirational effect on the jeweler, as well as other artists working on the artwork. As an added bonus, whenever a jeweler is working on a piece of artwork, they are given a crafting inspiration token for that day.

Crafting Inspiration Token

An artisan with a crafting inspiration token is able to use the token when rolling an artisan’s tool ability check. Using the token grants themselves, or another player working on the same item advantage on the artisan’s tool ability check. You can choose to use a token after the artisan makes its roll, but before the DM determines the check’s outcome.

This ability to lift up the creative potential of other artisans makes jewelers a cornerstone of any artistic team.

The gemstones that are added to the item retain their full value regardless of the irregardless of the result of the artisan’s kit ability check. This means that should a piece of artwork be destroyed, all gemstones can be recovered and reused in other projects.

Knowledge of Jewels

A jeweler’s extensive experience with gemstones gives them and edge when it comes to identify and appraise gemstones. Anytime a character is either identifying or appraising a gemstone they are able to add their jeweler’s tools proficiency bonus to any intelligence check made when trying to identify a gemstone. This may not be needed in some instances where the validity of the stone can be confirmed, but in special instances such as identifying counterfeit gemstones this bonus can be invaluable.

Optional Rule: If you usually use a different proficiency to identify gemstones such as Intelligence(Investigation), then the proficiency bonus is still added to the check on top of any other relevant proficiency bonuses.

Final Thoughts

The Jeweler’s Tools is a strong tool-kit for the adventuring type. The prevalence of magical adornments makes the Jeweler’s Tools an attractive choice for adventurers looking to craft or enchant their own finery. Also, the utility a jeweler adds to any artwork project gives the kit a nice edge over some of the more popular kits like the Smith’s Tools or Alchemist’s Supplies.

Overall the Jewler’s Tools is one of the most well rounded types of Artisan’s tools available, and should be welcome in just about any party configuration.


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