[RPG] What kind of tools would be used to carve bone

dnd-5eequipment

Related question: Is it balanced to replace a musical instrument proficiency from my character's background with an artisan's tool proficiency instead?


I'm designing a Wood Elf Outlander Warlock (in D&D 5E) who only has one hand. This makes my arm nearly useless. As an Outlander, I am proficient with a musical instrument, and have skill proficiency in Survival.

I have designed the character as a self-sufficient hunter, who uses everything from a kill: hides for clothes, meat for food, and bones as a carving medium.

What I would like to do is trade the musical instrument proficiency for a proficiency with a type of artisan's tools that would be used in carving bones into practical things I could use, or decorative items I could sell.

What kind of tools would be used for bone-carving?

Best Answer

"Bone-carving artisan tools" is fine

The Player's Handbook, page 154 "Tools" doesn't have the exhaustive list. It describes "examples of the most common types of tools" instead:

Artisan's Tools. These special tools include the items needed to pursue a craft or trade. The table shows examples of the most common types of tools, each providing items related to a single craft. Proficiency with a set of artisan's tools lets you add your proficiency bonus to any ability checks you make using the tools in your craft. Each type of artisan's tools requires a separate proficiency.

Since there are no special rules for any of these types, sticking to this particular list doesn't make much sense — you are free to choose any type you want.

Rule-wise, "artisan tools" is a single concept. It wouldn't be really "homebrewing", because there are no new rules being introduced — you just say "I am proficient in this particular type of craft" and use the same mechanics for crafting as for other artisan tools types:

Crafting

You can craft nonmagical objects, including adventuring equipment and works of art. You must be proficient with tools related to the object you are trying to create (typically artisan's tools).