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Are You Ready to Rock? | Tool Time with Mason’s Tools in 5E D&D

Masonry is everywhere in Dungeons & Dragons. From elven spires towering into the sky to ornate dwarven halls literally carved into the mountains the stonework of fantasy worlds are staples of the genre. Before we begin let’s remember while proficiencies are a core mechanic of fifth edition D&D, tool proficiencies don’t really fit neatly into the idea of proficiencies when it relates to skills and are more nebulous by design. When playing a character with an intrinsic tool proficiency, make sure to talk with your Dungeon Master about how you want that to look for your character. And with that out of the way, let’s talk about mason’s tools in 5E D&D!

5E D&D tool time – mason’s tools

“Mason’s tools consist of a trowel, a hammer, a chisel, brushes, and a square.”

Right out of the gate I’ll say mason’s tools are pretty straightforward. They’re used for stoneworking in its various contexts. Whether working as an artist on statuary and embellishments or as a brick layer, mortar crafter or otherwise mason’s tools are for you. From iconic locations like the Coliseum to the fountains and piazzas I can’t help but have Greece and Rome come to mind with this set of tools.

I feel a bit silly leaning into the whole “dwarves are master stone workers” thing because it feels cliché but at the same time the dwarf race literally has an ability making them better at knowing about stonework. Now in all fairness I headcanon this is a result of dwarven schooling and the apprenticeships they take as well as the fact of living surrounded by stone would likely make it a focus of your culture.

Stonework in Theros

Something far more interesting and pertinent to what I just mentioned feels better. With mason’s tools evoking images of Greece and Rome I think Theros would be a fantastic place to explore masonry and a variety of stone crafts. What’s more the book is riddled with stone imagery and iconography. Stonework tells stories in Theros and are such an intricate part of the culture that being a skilled mason would likely be incredibly lucrative in that setting.

If we extrapolate from our own history the areas that inspired Theros were incredibly political, full of backstabbing and corruption. This sort of political conniving and whatnot would likely surround masons in particular given the significance of stone sculpture and carving.

In the world of Theros these things could be doubly so as the gods themselves walked freely and bask in the stone artwork recounting their escapades. To be a mason in Theros would be a dangerous yet thrilling profession and could easily be the hook to a grand odyssey within the realm. Just imagine being part of such an important aspect of culture in a politically motivated supernatural setting!

Masons tools & skills

Arcana. In terms of Arcana I know I probably sound like a broken record but magical applications and enchanted statues — especially animated statuary and constructs — are an obvious go to. I also picture  a mason trained in Arcana would have especial knowledge of golems and golemancy, as well as artifice.

History. The obvious application here is knowing who made what and any historical significance of stonework.

Investigation. This would likely help you inspect inconsistencies in stonework and aid with finding secret doors and such. Another application is probably being able to spot a fake or counterfeit version of whatever you examine and if any part is falsified including repairs.

Perception. I actually disagree with Xanathar’s Guide to Everything on this one and think spotting secret doors belongs under Investigation as stated above. However, being able to tell what kind of stone is used through touch and appearance absolutely makes sense to me when it comes to Perception.

Sleight of Hand. Mason’s tools let you chisel rock and stone yet without a delicate hand the whole thing crumbles.

What do you think?

Have you played a character with mason’s tools proficiency in 5E D&D? What other applications of mason’s tools can you come up with? Let us know in the comments!