D&D 5E Can you choose a Tool Proficiency as a Skill?

[Elliott Farmer]

So I'm playing a bard and just hit level 3, so it's time to pick my college. I was wondering that if I chose College of Lore and gained three more skill proficiencies, could one of them be a tool proficiency?

 

[iserith]

That's up to your DM, but I wouldn't say "No" to such a request.

 

[pukunui]

Technically I don't think so, but like [MENTION=97077]iserith[/MENTION], I don't think I'd say no.

 

[Plaguescarred]

They should be skill proficiencies, not tools. Even if you select skills which you already have proficiency, you must select a different one of the same kind.

PHB125 Proficiencies: If a character would gain the same proficiency from two different sources, he or she can choose a different proficiency of the same kind (skill or tool) instead.

 

[Sunseeker]

They should be skill proficiencies, not tools. Even if you select skills which you already have proficiency, you must select a different one of the same kind.

PHB125 Proficiencies: If a character would gain the same proficiency from two different sources, he or she can choose a different proficiency of the same kind (skill or tool) instead.

By "the same kind", does it clarify that any?

 

[jayoungr]

How else do you gain new tool proficiencies? A feat?

 

[The Myopic Sniper]

You can get tool proficiencies through downtown training, through the skilled feat, through multiclassing or working out something with your DM. All of those are optional systems though. As a I would allow a player who gave me a good roleplaying reason to have a tool proficiency to have it except perhaps maybe with thieves tools if there was already a Rogue in the party (for niche protection more than balance.)

 

[Plaguescarred]

By "the same kind", does it clarify that any?

To me it does clarify that if you gain proficiency in two identical skills, you must select proficiency in a different skill, which is the same kind of proficiency.

How else do you gain new tool proficiencies? A feat?

The Skilled Feat

 

[Sunseeker]

To me it does clarify that if you gain proficiency in two identical skills, you must select proficiency in a different skill, which is the same kind of proficiency.

Right, I mean though, like lets say two sources give you Proficiency in Stealth. Does that mean you can choose any dex-based skill? Even ones outside your class/background/etc... list? I mean, that's pretty cool, but seems open to abuse.

 

[Plaguescarred]

Right, I mean though, like lets say two sources give you Proficiency in Stealth. Does that mean you can choose any dex-based skill? Even ones outside your class/background/etc... list?.

Yes it means you could pick any other skill of your choice.