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

Man repairing equipment
Questionable Arcana Crafting System
Item Crafting Rules Artwork Crafting Rules
The Artisan's Tools
Alchemist's Supplies Brewer's Supplies
Calligrapher's Supplies Carpenter's Tools
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
Other Homebrew Rules
Critical Hit Charts Wild Magic
More Martial Actions D&D Drinking Game


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 Tinker’s Tools At A Glance

RAW Cost: 50 GP
RAW Weight: 10 lbs
*Example Items: Small wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, gears, bits of shaped metal, magnifying eyeglass
Crafting Restrictions: Requires Workshop
Mundane Item Crafting: Can the lead the creation of some assembled items, but assist in the creation of a great many items
Magic Item Crafting: Can assist in the creation of a great many items
Artwork Creation: Can create mechanical artwork for sale
QA Artwork Bonus: N/A
Structure Building: N/A
Adventuring Utility: Able to repair items, and understand contraptions.

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

With our guide on the smith’s tools cooling off, the final page of our artisan’s tools compendium is upon us. Those of you capable of using the process of elimination have probably figured out that the last toolkit we will be discussing is the tinker’s tools.

I actually had a bit of trouble figuring out what direction to take the tinker’s tools initially. My first thought was to treat it as a World-of-Warcraft-esque clockwork item creation kit, and have it be used to create all manner of mechanical contraptions. After-all, there is already precedent for this type of setup in the rock gnome background. However, before going down that route, I decided to pull the oxford dictionary definitions of what a tinker is:

NOUN
Definition 1: (especially in former times) a person who makes a living by travelling from place to place mending pans and other metal utensils.
Definition 2: British derogatory A Gypsy or other person living in an itinerant community.
Definition 3: British informal A mischievous child.
Definition 4: An act of attempting to repair something.

VERB
Definition 1: Attempt to repair or improve something in a casual or desultory way.

This was not what I expected. For starters I didn’t know that a tinker was already a profession in former times. Secondly I wasn’t really excited with the idea of turning what could be a really fun and interesting tool, into the metallic equivalent of the cobbler.

In an attempt to try and broaden the description I pulled the Merriam-Webster definition of what tinkering is:

Intransitive Verb
Definition 1: To work in the manner of a tinker; especially : to repair, adjust, or work with something in an unskilled or experimental manner : fiddle always tinkering with his car

Transitive Verb
Definition 1: To repair, adjust, or experiment with

This was more in line with what I was hoping for. I think it is wise to include all of the above definitions when describing a tinker. What this gives us is a toolkit that allows you to repair and modify all manner of metal contraptions. Satisfied with this modified definition I moved forward.

The Broken Road – A History of Tinkering

In the grand scheme of things, the tinker is actually a fairly new profession. The first tinkers didn’t enter the scene until around the 13th century. Originally tinker was a term used to describe a Scottish or English metal worker who would travel from town to town offering their services. For a time the term tinker was somewhat of a racial slur, however eventually the word tinkering was appropriated to mean “the process of adapting, meddling, or adjusting something in the course of making repairs or improvements”.

Over time this profession that was originally focused on fixing metal utensils broadened in scope to fixing… well mostly anything. Eventually tinkers became a travelling handyman of sorts who would go around fixing all manner of objects and contraptions.

Now days anybody who is handy with a toolkit can be considered a tinker. For example Rosie the Riveter, the cultural icon who worked the factories and shipyards in World War II was by all standards a tinker. Although the tinkering profession has for the most part died off, the essence of what it is to be a tinker lives on today in all manner of engineering professions.


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Creating Contraptions – Crafting Items

As I mentioned earlier, a tinker is someone who is very proficient in the art of repairing objects. However, when it comes to creating items from scratch they are somewhat limited.

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.

Mechanically this means that a player with Tinker’s Tools proficiency is able to assist in the creation of a huge number of items, but can only lead the creation of a few.


Weapon Crafting List
Weapon Cost Weight Crafting Capability
Club 1 SP 2 ASSIST
Dagger 2 GP 1 ASSIST
Greatclub 2 SP 10 ASSIST
Handaxe 5 GP 2 ASSIST
Javelin 5 SP 2 ASSIST
Light Hammer 2 GP 2 ASSIST
Mace 5 GP 4 ASSIST
Quarterstaff 2 SP 4 ASSIST
Sickle 1 GP 2 ASSIST
Spear 1 GP 3 ASSIST
Crossbow, light 25 GP 5 LEAD
Dart 5 CP 0.25 ASSIST
Shortbow 25 GP 2 ASSIST
Sling 1 SP LEAD
Battleaxe 10 GP 4 ASSIST
Flail 10 GP 2 ASSIST
Glaive 20 GP 6 ASSIST
Greataxe 30 GP 7 ASSIST
Greatsword 50 GP 6 ASSIST
Halberd 20 GP 6 ASSIST
Lance 10 GP 6 ASSIST
Longsword 15 GP 3 ASSIST
Maul 10 GP 10 ASSIST
Morningstar 15 GP 4 ASSIST
Pike 5 GP 18 ASSIST
Rapier 25 GP 2 ASSIST
Scimitar 25 GP 3 ASSIST
Shortsword 10 GP 2 ASSIST
Trident 5 GP 4 ASSIST
War pick 5 GP 2 ASSIST
Warhammer 15 GP 2 ASSIST
Whip 2 GP 3 ASSIST
Blowgun 10 GP 1 ASSIST
Crossbow, hand 75 GP 3 LEAD
Crossbow, heavy 50 GP 18 LEAD
Longbow 50 GP 2 ASSIST
Net 1 GP 3 ASSIST

Armor Crafting List
Armor Cost Weight Crafting Capability
Shield 10 GP 6 ASSIST
Padded Armor 5 GP 8 ASSIST
Leather Armor 10 GP 10 ASSIST
Sudded Leather Armor 45 GP 13 ASSIST
Hide Armor 10 GP 12 ASSIST
Chain Shirt 50 GP 20 ASSIST
Scale Mail 50 GP 45 ASSIST
Breastplate 400 GP 20 ASSIST
Half Plate 750 GP 40 ASSIST
Ring Mail 30 GP 40 ASSIST
Chain Mail 75 GP 55 ASSIST
Splint 200 GP 60 ASSIST
Plate 1500 GP 65 ASSIST

Adventuring Gear Crafting List
Item Cost Weight Crafting Capability
Abacus 2 gp 2 lb. LEAD
Arrows (20) 1 GP 1 lb. LEAD
Blowgun Needles (50) 1 GP 1 lb. LEAD
Crossbow Bolts (20) 1 GP 1.5 lb. LEAD
Sling Bullets (20) 4 CP 1.5 lb. LEAD
Arcane Focus, Rod 10 gp 2 lb. ASSIST
Arcane Focus, Staff 5 gp 4 lb. ASSIST
Arcane Focus, Wand 10 gp 1 lb. ASSIST
Backpack 2 gp 5 lb. ASSIST
Ball Bearings (bag of 1,000) 1 gp 2 lb. LEAD
Barrel 2 gp 70 lb. ASSIST
Basket 4 sp 2 lb. ASSIST
Bedroll 1 gp 7 lb. ASSIST
Bell 1 gp ASSIST
Blanket 5 sp 3 lb. ASSIST
Block and Tackle 1 gp 5 lb. LEAD
Bucket 5 cp 2 lb. ASSIST
Caltrops (bag of 20) 1 gp 2 lb. LEAD
Candle 1 cp OPTIONAL
Case, Crossbow Bolt 1 gp 1 lb. ASSIST
Case, Map or Scroll 1 gp 1 lb. ASSIST
Chain (10 feet) 5 gp 10 lb. ASSIST
Chest 5 gp 25 lb. ASSIST
Climber’s Kit 25 gp 12 lb. LEAD
Clothes, Common 5 sp 3 lb. ASSIST
Clothes, Costume 5 gp 4 lb. ASSIST
Clothes, Fine 15 gp 6 lb. ASSIST
Clothes, Traveler’s 2 gp 4 lb. ASSIST
Component Pouch 25 gp 2 lb. ASSIST
Crowbar 2 gp 5 lb. LEAD
Fishing Tackle 1 gp 4 lb. LEAD
Flask or Tankard 2 cp 1 lb. ASSIST
Grappling Hook 2 gp 4 lb. ASSIST
Hammer 1 gp 3 lb. ASSIST
Hammer, Sledge 2 gp 10 lb. ASSIST
Healer’s Kit 5 gp 3 lb. LEAD
Holy Symbol, Amulet 5 gp 1 lb. ASSIST
Holy Symbol, Emblem 5 gp ASSIST
Holy Symbol, Reliquary 5 gp 2 lb. ASSIST
Hourglass 25 gp 1 lb. ASSIST
Hunting Trap 5 gp 25 lb. ASSIST
Ink Pen 2 cp ASSIST
Jug or Pitcher 2 cp 4 lb. ASSIST
Ladder (10-foot) 1 sp 25 lb. ASSIST
Lamp 5 sp 1 lb. LEAD
Lantern, Bullseye 10 gp 2 lb. LEAD
Lantern, Hooded 5 gp 2 lb. LEAD
Lock 10 gp 1 lb. ASSIST
Magnifying Glass 100 gp ASSIST
Manacles 2 gp 6 lb. ASSIST
Mess Kit 2 sp 1 lb. LEAD
Mirror, Steel 5 gp ½ lb. ASSIST
Paper (one sheet) 2 sp LEAD
Parchment (one sheet) 1 sp ASSIST
Pick, Miner’s 2 gp 10 lb. ASSIST
Piton 5 cp ¼ lb. LEAD
Pole (10-foot) 5 cp 7 lb. ASSIST
Pot, Iron 2 gp 10 lb. ASSIST
Pouch 5 sp 1 lb. ASSIST
Quiver 1 gp 1 lb. ASSIST
Ram, Portable 4 gp 35 lb. ASSIST
Robes 1 gp 4 lb. ASSIST
Rope, Hempen (50 feet) 1 gp 10 lb. ASSIST
Rope, Silk (50 feet) 10 gp 5 lb. ASSIST
Sack 1 cp ½ lb. ASSIST
Scale, Merchant’s 5 gp 3 lb. LEAD
Shovel 2 gp 5 lb. ASSIST
Signal Whistle 5 cp LEAD
Signet Ring 5 gp ASSIST
Spellbook 50 gp 3 lb. ASSIST
Spikes, Iron (10) 1 gp 5 lb. LEAD
Spyglass 1,000 gp 1 lb. ASSIST
Tent, two-person 2 gp 20 lb. ASSIST
Tinderbox 5 sp 1 lb. ASSIST
Torch 1 cp 1 lb. LEAD
Vial 1 gp OPTIONAL
Waterskin 2 sp 5 lb. (full) ASSIST

As you can see the tinker’s tools essentially turn a player into the ultimate assistant. However, the tinker’s tools are able to stand on their own in a couple of scenarios. First off a tinker is able to create any item that can be created via casting(pouring molten metal into a mold) such as spikes or ball bearings. On the other end of the spectrum the tinker’s tools are the ideal kit to assemble complex items that require the assembly of individual parts such as the various kits, or engineered items such as a crossbow.

This ability to lead and more importantly assist in the creation of such a wide range of items also means the tinker’s tools allow a player to work on a massive number of magical items.


Magic Item Crafting List
Item Rarity Category Crafting Capability
Adamantine Armor – Chain Shirt Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Adamantine Armor – Scale Mail Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Adamantine Armor – Breastplate Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Adamantine Armor – Half Plate Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Adamantine Armor – Ring Mail Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Adamantine Armor – Chain Mail Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Adamantine Armor – Splint Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Adamantine Armor – Plate Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Adamantine Armor – Shield Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Ammunition, +1 – Arrows Uncommon Weapon LEAD
Ammunition, +2 – Arrows Rare Weapon LEAD
Ammunition, +3 – Arrows Very Rare Weapon LEAD
Ammunition, +1 – Blowgun Needles Uncommon Weapon LEAD
Ammunition, +2 – Blowgun Needles Rare Weapon LEAD
Ammunition, +3 – Blowgun Needles Very Rare Weapon LEAD
Ammunition, +1 – Crossbow Bolts Uncommon Weapon LEAD
Ammunition, +2 – Crossbow Bolts Rare Weapon LEAD
Ammunition, +3 – Crossbow Bolts Very Rare Weapon LEAD
Ammunition, +1 – Sling Bullets Uncommon Weapon LEAD
Ammunition, +2 – Sling Bullets Rare Weapon LEAD
Ammunition, +3 – Sling Bullets Very Rare Weapon LEAD
Amulet of Health Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Amulet of Proof against Detection and Location Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Amulet of the Planes Very Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Animated Shield Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Apparatus of the Crab Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Armor +1 – Padded Armor Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +1 – Leather Armor Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +1 – Studded Leather Armor Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +1 – Hide Armor Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +1 – Chain Shirt Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +1 – Scale Mail Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +1 – Breastplate Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +1 – Half Plate Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +1 – Ring Mail Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +1 – Chain Mail Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +1 – Splint Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +1 – Plate Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +2 – Padded Armor Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +2 – Leather Armor Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +2 – Studded Leather Armor Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +2 – Hide Armor Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +2 – Chain Shirt Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +2 – Scale Mail Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +2 – Breastplate Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +2 – Half Plate Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +2 – Ring Mail Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +2 – Chain Mail Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +2 – Splint Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +2 – Plate Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor +3 – Padded Armor Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor +3 – Leather Armor Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor +3 – Studded Leather Armor Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor +3 – Hide Armor Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor +3 – Chain Shirt Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor +3 – Scale Mail Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor +3 – Breastplate Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor +3 – Half Plate Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor +3 – Ring Mail Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor +3 – Chain Mail Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor +3 – Splint Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor +3 – Plate Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor of Invulnerability Legendary Armor ASSIST
Armor of Resistance – Padded Armor Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor of Resistance – Leather Armor Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor of Resistance – Studded Leather Armor Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor of Resistance – Hide Armor Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor of Resistance – Chain Shirt Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor of Resistance – Scale Mail Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor of Resistance – Breastplate Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor of Resistance – Half Plate Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor of Resistance – Ring Mail Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor of Resistance – Chain Mail Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor of Resistance – Splint Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor of Resistance – Plate Rare Armor ASSIST
Armor of Vulnerability Rare Armor ASSIST
Arrow-Catching Shield Rare Armor ASSIST
Arrow of Slaying Very Rare Weapon LEAD
Bag of Beans Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Bag of Devouring Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Bag of Holding Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Bag of Tricks Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Belt of Dwarvenkind Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Belt of Hill Giant’s Strength Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Belt of Stone Giant’s Strength Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Belt of Frost Giant’s Strength Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Belt of Fire Giant’s Strength Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Belt of Cloud Giant’s Strength Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Belt of Storm Giant’s Strength Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Berserker Axe – Handaxe Rare Weapon ASSIST
Berserker Axe – Battleaxe Rare Weapon ASSIST
Berserker Axe – Greataxe Rare Weapon ASSIST
Berserker Axe – Halberd Rare Weapon ASSIST
Boots of Elvenkind Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Boots of Levitation Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Boots of Speed Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Boots of Striding and Springing Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Boots of the Winterlands Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Bowl of Commanding Water Elementals Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Bracers of Archery Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Bracers of Defense Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Brazier of Commanding Fire Elementals Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Brooch of Shielding Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Broom of Flying Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Candle of Invocation Very Rare Wondrous Item OPTIONAL
Cape of the Mountebank Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Carpet of Flying Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Censer of Controlling Air Elementals Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Chime of Opening Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Circlet of Blasting Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Cloak of Arachnida Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Cloak of Displacement Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Cloak of Elvenkind Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Cloak of Protection Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Cloak of the Bat Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Cloak of the Manta Ray Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Dagger of Venom Rare Weapon ASSIST
Dancing Sword – Longsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Dancing Sword – Greatsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Dancing Sword – Rapier Rare Weapon ASSIST
Dancing Sword – Scimitar Rare Weapon ASSIST
Dancing Sword – Shortsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Decanter of Endless Water Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Defender – Longsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Defender – Greatsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Defender – Rapier Rare Weapon ASSIST
Defender – Scimitar Rare Weapon ASSIST
Defender – Shortsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Demon Armor Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Dimensional Shackles Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Dragon Scale Mail Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Dragon Slayer – Longsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Dragon Slayer – Greatsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Dragon Slayer – Rapier Rare Weapon ASSIST
Dragon Slayer – Scimitar Rare Weapon ASSIST
Dragon Slayer – Shortsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Dwarven Plate Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Dwarven Thrower Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Efficient Quiver Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Efreeti Bottle Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Elven Chain Rare Armor ASSIST
Eyes of Charming Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Eyes of Minute Seeing Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Eyes of the Eagle Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Feather Token – Swan Boat Rare Wondrous Item LEAD
Feather Token – Whip Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Flame Tongue – Longsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Flame Tongue – Greatsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Flame Tongue – Rapier Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Flame Tongue – Scimitar Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Flame Tongue – Shortsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Folding Boat ASSIST
Frost Brand – Longsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Frost Brand – Greatsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Frost Brand – Rapier Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Frost Brand – Scimitar Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Frost Brand – Shortsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Gauntlets of Ogre Power ASSIST
Giant Slayer – Longsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Giant Slayer – Greatsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Giant Slayer – Rapier Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Giant Slayer – Scimitar Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Giant Slayer – Shortsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Giant Slayer – Handaxe Rare Weapon ASSIST
Giant Slayer – Battleaxe Rare Weapon ASSIST
Giant Slayer – Greataxe Rare Weapon ASSIST
Giant Slayer – Halberd Rare Weapon ASSIST
Glamoured Studded Leather Rare Armor ASSIST
Gloves of Missile Snaring Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Gloves of Swimming and Climbing Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Goggles of Night Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Hammer of Thunderbolts Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Handy Haversack Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Hat of Disguise Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Headband of Intellect Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Helm of Brilliance Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Helm of Comprehending Languages Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Helm of Telepathy Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Helm of Teleportation Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Holy Avenger – Longsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Holy Avenger – Greatsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Holy Avenger – Rapier Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Holy Avenger – Scimitar Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Holy Avenger – Shortsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Horn of Blasting Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Horn of Valhalla – Silver Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Horn of Valhalla – Brass Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Horn of Valhalla – Bronze Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Horn of Valhalla – Iron Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Horseshoes of a Zephyr Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Horseshoes of Speed Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Immovable Rod Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Instant Fortress Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Iron Bands of Binding Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Iron Flask Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Javelin of Lightning Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Lantern of Revealing Uncommon Wondrous Item LEAD
Luck Blade – Longsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Luck Blade – Greatsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Luck Blade – Rapier Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Luck Blade – Scimitar Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Luck Blade – Shortsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Mace of Disruption Rare Weapon ASSIST
Mace of Smiting Rare Weapon ASSIST
Mace of Terror Rare Weapon ASSIST
Medallion of Thoughts Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Mirror of Life Trapping Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Mithral Armor – Chain Shirt Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Mithral Armor – Scale Mail Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Mithral Armor – Breastplate Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Mithral Armor – Half Plate Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Mithral Armor – Ring Mail Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Mithral Armor – Chain Mail Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Mithral Armor – Splint Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Mithral Armor – Plate Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Mithral Armor – Shield Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Necklace of Adaptation Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Necklace of Fireballs Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Necklace of Prayer Beads Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Nine Lives Stealer – Longsword Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Nine Lives Stealer – Greatsword Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Nine Lives Stealer – Rapier Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Nine Lives Stealer – Scimitar Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Nine Lives Stealer – Shortsword Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Oathbow Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Periapt of Health Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Periapt of Proof against Poison Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Periapt of Wound Closure Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Pipes of Haunting Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Pipes of the Sewers Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Plate Armor of Etherealness Legendary Armor ASSIST
Ring of Animal Influence Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Djinni Summoning Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Elemental Command Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Evasion Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Feather Falling Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Free Action Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Invisibility Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Jumping Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Mind Shielding Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Protection Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Regeneration Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Resistance Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Shooting Stars Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Spell Storing Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Spell Turning Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Swimming Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Telekinesis Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of the Ram Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Three Wishes Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Warmth Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of Water Walking Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Ring of X-ray Vision Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Robe of Eyes Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Robe of Robe of Stars Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Robe of Scintillating Colors Very Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST
Robe of the Archmagi Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Robe of Useful Items Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Rod of Absorption Very Rare Rod ASSIST
Rod of Alertness Very Rare Rod ASSIST
Rod of Lordly Might Legendary Rod ASSIST
Rod of Rulership Rare Rod ASSIST
Rod of Security Very Rare Rod ASSIST
Scarab of Protection Legendary Wondrous Item LEAD
Scimitar of Speed Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Shield +1 Uncommon Armor ASSIST
Shield +2 Rare Armor ASSIST
Shield +3 Very Rare Armor ASSIST
Shield of Missile Attraction Rare Armor ASSIST
Slippers of Spider Climbing Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Spellguard Shield Very Rare Armor ASSIST
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
Sun Blade Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Life Stealing – Longsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Life Stealing – Greatsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Life Stealing – Rapier Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Life Stealing – Scimitar Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Life Stealing – Shortsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Sharpness – Longsword Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Sharpness – Greatsword Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Sharpness – Scimitar Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Wounding – Longsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Wounding – Greatsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Wounding – Rapier Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Wounding – Scimitar Rare Weapon ASSIST
Sword of Wounding – Shortsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Talisman of Pure Good Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Talisman of the Sphere Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Talisman of Ultimate Evil Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Trident of Fish Command Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Club Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Dagger Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Greatclub Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Handaxe Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Javelin Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Light Hammer Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Mace Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Quarterstaff Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Sickle Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Spear Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Crossbow, light Rare Weapon LEAD
Vicious Weapon – Dart Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Shortbow Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Sling Rare Weapon LEAD
Vicious Weapon – Battleaxe Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Flail Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Glaive Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Greataxe Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Greatsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Halberd Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Lance Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Longsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Maul Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Morningstar Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Pike Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Rapier Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Scimitar Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Shortsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Trident Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – War pick Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Warhammer Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Whip Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Blowgun Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Crossbow, hand Rare Weapon LEAD
Vicious Weapon – Crossbow, heavy Rare Weapon LEAD
Vicious Weapon – Longbow Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vicious Weapon – Net Rare Weapon ASSIST
Vorpal Sword – Greatsword Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Vorpal Sword – Scimitar Legendary Weapon ASSIST
Wand of Binding Rare Wand ASSIST
Wand of Enemy Detection Rare Wand ASSIST
Wand of Fear Rare Wand ASSIST
Wand of Fireballs Rare Wand ASSIST
Wand of Lightning Bolts Rare Wand ASSIST
Wand of Magic Detection Uncommon Wand ASSIST
Wand of Magic Missiles Rare Wand ASSIST
Wand of Paralysis Very Rare Wand ASSIST
Wand of Polymorph Very Rare Wand ASSIST
Wand of Secrets Uncommon Wand ASSIST
Wand of the War Mage, +1, +2, or +3 Uncommon Wand ASSIST
Wand of Web Uncommon Wand ASSIST
Wand of Wonder Rare Wand ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Club Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Dagger Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Greatclub Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Handaxe Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Javelin Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Light Hammer Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Mace Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Quarterstaff Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Sickle Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Spear Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Crossbow, light Uncommon Weapon LEAD
Weapon +1 – Dart Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Shortbow Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Sling Uncommon Weapon LEAD
Weapon +1 – Battleaxe Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Flail Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Glaive Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Greataxe Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Greatsword Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Halberd Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Lance Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Longsword Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Maul Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Morningstar Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Pike Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Rapier Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Scimitar Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Shortsword Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Trident Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – War pick Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Warhammer Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Whip Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Blowgun Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Crossbow, hand Uncommon Weapon LEAD
Weapon +1 – Crossbow, heavy Uncommon Weapon LEAD
Weapon +1 – Longbow Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +1 – Net Uncommon Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Club Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Dagger Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Greatclub Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Handaxe Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Javelin Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Light Hammer Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Mace Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Quarterstaff Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Sickle Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Spear Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Crossbow, light Rare Weapon LEAD
Weapon +2 – Dart Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Shortbow Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Sling Rare Weapon LEAD
Weapon +2 – Battleaxe Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Flail Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Glaive Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Greataxe Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Greatsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Halberd Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Lance Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Longsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Maul Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Morningstar Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Pike Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Rapier Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Scimitar Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Shortsword Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Trident Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – War pick Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Warhammer Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Whip Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Blowgun Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Crossbow, hand Rare Weapon LEAD
Weapon +2 – Crossbow, heavy Rare Weapon LEAD
Weapon +2 – Longbow Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +2 – Net Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Club Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Dagger Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Greatclub Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Handaxe Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Javelin Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Light Hammer Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Mace Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Quarterstaff Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Sickle Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Spear Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Crossbow, light Very Rare Weapon LEAD
Weapon +3 – Dart Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Shortbow Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Sling Very Rare Weapon LEAD
Weapon +3 – Battleaxe Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Flail Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Glaive Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Greataxe Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Greatsword Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Halberd Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Lance Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Longsword Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Maul Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Morningstar Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Pike Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Rapier Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Scimitar Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Shortsword Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Trident Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – War pick Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Warhammer Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Whip Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Blowgun Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Crossbow, hand Very Rare Weapon LEAD
Weapon +3 – Crossbow, heavy Very Rare Weapon LEAD
Weapon +3 – Longbow Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Weapon +3 – Net Very Rare Weapon ASSIST
Well of Many Worlds Legendary Wondrous Item ASSIST
Wind Fan Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Winged Boots Uncommon Wondrous Item ASSIST
Wings of Flying Rare Wondrous Item ASSIST

So while the list of magic items this kit can lead the creation of is somewhat limited, the overall number of items it can potentially help create in the game is the largest in 5th edition.

Although the tinker’s tools can be used to fix things on the road, a workshop is required if you want to use the tinkers tools to serve as the crafting lead on an item. This is because a workbench is require to manage the delicate construction process of these engineered items. However, as always at the DM’s discretion you may be able to create or purchase a mobile workshop that allows you to work on your wares on the road.

Crafting standard magical items is the same as most other crafting kits.

CRAFTING EXAMPLE: WEAPON +1 – HAND CROSSBOW

Recipe: Crossbow, Hand +1
Item Rarity: Uncommon
Total Material Cost: 575 GP
Item Type: Wonderous Item
Item Origin: SRD
Materials Required: Materials to create a Crossbow, 500 GP worth of gemstones


Item Description: You have a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic hand crossbow.


Crafting Instructions: Go through the usual steps of assembling a hand crossbow. During the crafting process you need to channel magical energy through the entire frame of the crossbow, but you need to spend the majority of your time on the string. Once you can detect magical energy being tranferred to loaded bolts the process is complete.

The mechanical nature of the items the tinker’s tools can lead the creation of allow for a more creative approach to home-brew than most kits. As alluded to in the intro you could allow the player to introduce mechanical components to existing items to create interesting effects.

From a crafting mechanics standpoint you should treat these engineered items exactly like magical items. This means you still need the base components of a recipe, materials worth the total cost of the item, and all of the usual means of production.

However I would recommend still these engineered items as “mundane” items for the sake of dealing damage. This means that creatures resistant to non-magical damage would still be resistant to these items, unless there are additional magical enhancements done to the item above and beyond the engineering work.


Item Value Description
Scoped Light Crossbow 1000 GP A crossbow that allows the user to use their bonus action to look through the scope. While looking through the scope the user can make a single ranged weapon attack with advantage, however their peripheral is reduced resulting in all weapon attacks against the user having advantage. The scoped effect lasts until the start of the user’s next turn.
Gyromaul 500 GP A maul with a gyroscope embedded in the head. Whenever the user rolls a 1 or a 20 with a weapon attack, the gyroscope is activated. The user rolls a 20 sided dice and one of the following effects happens:

1: The Gyromaul recoils directly back at the user and hits the user for 2d6 bludgeoning damage.
2: The Gyromaul recoils with such great force that the user must succeed a DC 10 Strength check. On failure they lose grip of the gyromaul and it launches itself in a random direction within 5 feet of the user.
3: The Gyromaul recoils with such force that it causes the user to fall prone.
4-10: The Gyromaul recoils wildly causing you to spin in a clockwise direction. Roll 2d6 bludgeoning damage on the first target you come in contact with originating from the intended target. If a full spin is completed and no target is hit, the original target takes an additional 2d6 bludgeoning damage.
11-17: The Gyromaul recoils wildly causing you to spin in a counter-clockwise direction. Roll 2d6 bludgeoning damage on the first target you come in contact with originating from the intended target. If a full spin is completed and no target is hit, the original target takes an additional 2d6 bludgeoning damage.
18: The Gyromaul strikes with such force that it causes the target to fall prone.
19: The Gyromaul strikes with such great force that it causes the target to get pushed 1d20 feet away from the attacker.
20: The Gyromaul recoils you back into perfect combat stance. Add another swing to your attack action. This attack is also subject to the Gyromaul effect table should the next roll be a 1 or a 20.
Adventurer’s Safety Goggles 100 GP The wearer of these goggles has advantage on savings throws against blinding effects.
Gnomish Net Projector 250 GP A one handed device design to fire nets across great distances. Can launch a loaded net with a range of 40/80 feet. Reloading a net takes 1 minute. Net is not included.
Entangling Arrow 10 GP An arrow that deals 1 damage and releases a set of spinning bolas mid flight that limit the arrows range, but entangle targets on hit. If a target is entangled they must make a DC 15 Dexterity check or be knocked prone. While entangled the target is incapacitated, and the targets movement speed is cut in half and has disadvantage on grappling checks. The entangling effect only works on creatures of a Medium size or smaller. The creature can use their action to perform a DC 10 Dexterity, or DC 10 Strength check to try and escape the bolas.
Exploding Arrow 50 GP An arrow that deals triggers an explosion on contact, dealing 1d4 fire damage, and 1d4 thunder damage. All targets within a 5 foot radius of the target, including the target must make a DC 15 constitution save or be blinded and deafened until the end if their next turn.

The Takeway: The tinker’s tools can be used to lead the creation of a handful of items, but they are able to assist in the creation of an immense number of items. At the DM’s discretion you could also use the tinkers tools to create home brewed mechanical equipment.


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Clockwork Michelangelo – Engineering Artwork

If you have ever entered a toy shop you know that there is a market for all manner of mechanical toys and oddities. By tapping into the amateur engineer side of a tinker’s description, using the Questionable Arcana Artwork Crafting System or similar the tinker’s tools is able to create all manner of mechanical 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.

There is actually already a precedent in the SRD for this type of item. The Tinker trait of the Rock Gnome background allows you to create similar items in the form of Clockwork Toys, Fire Starters, and Music boxes. At first I had concerns with this tinker’s tools functionality stepping on the toes of the Tinker trait, but there are some key differences between the tinker devices, and mechanical artwork.

  1. Crafting Time: Tinker toys only require an hour to create, artwork requires 8 hours per session.
  2. Crafting Cost: Tinker toys require an up-front cost of 30 GP to permanently have 3 toys that you can keep changing. Mechanical Artwork is a major coin sink.
  3. Means of Production: Tinker toys can be created anywhere. Mechanical artwork requires a workshop.

Based on these differences I believe that tinker toys and mechanical artwork can exist side by side without invalidating the existence of each other. However, because of the experimental nature of the artwork, I would not confer any bonuses or penalties to creating or selling mechanical artwork.

The Takeaway: The tinker’s tools can create mechanical artwork in the form of mechanical toys and oddities. However unlike most kits there are no bonuses given to this kit in the Questionable Arcana Artwork Crafting System.

Tools For Every Task – Adventuring Utility

As you might have concluded, there is quite a bit of utility beyond item creation that the tinker’s tools provide.

For starters as the history of the tinker profession implies a tinker can repair all manner of items. There are actually some very good rules for making repairs in Xanather’s Guide to Everything that I would recommend using. However, in leiu of those rules another homebrew option for repairing can be found below:

Questionable Arcana: Repairing

A player looking to repair an item needs to roll a DC 20 tinker’s tools check. Below are the possible outcomes of the check:

SUCCESS: The player figures out a way to repair the object without additional materials.
FAIL BY 4 OR LESS: The player can repair the object, but needs additional materials. The cost of the materials is left to the DM’s discretion
FAIL BY 5 OR MORE: The player is unable to attempt to repair this object until after they complete a long rest.

NOTE: These are not official rules. Please refer to the 5th edition literature for Adventure League compliant mechanics around repairing items.

Apart from repairing, proficiency in the tinker’s tools gives the player insight into all manner of mechanical contraptions. As a result you are able to look through the mechanical underpinnings of devices and figure out what the intended effect of the device is. For example you might notice an unusual turn style on a keep wall, and after investigation determine that it is used to raise and lower a nearby gate.

The Takeaway: The tinker’s tools can be used to repair all manner of items. Furthermore proficiency with this kit allows you to investigate all manner of mechanical contraptions, and determine what they do.

Conclusion

Unsurprisingly the tinker’s tools ended up being a very strong kit. The ability to work on nearly every item in the game coupled with strong home-brew potential make this kit a useful additional to any player character. This is especially true if the crafting “basics” such as the blacksmith’s tools and leatherworker’s tools are already covered by other party members.

It is really hard to make a case against selecting this toolkit. At worst you are able to maintain the party’s equipment on the road, and at best you become the right hand man of every artisan in your group.


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