A Review of the Role Playing Game Supplement (5E) Expanded Options #05 – Items of Quality – Tools

(5E) Expanded Options #05 – Items of Quality – Tools by Ismael Alvarez is a role playing game supplement published by Fat Goblin Games for use with Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. As such, it is covered by the Open Game License and some parts are considered to be Open Game Content as a result.

This is a five-page PDF that is available from DriveThruRPG for $1.50 although it was purchased at a greatly reduced price as part of a special bundle. One page is the front cover and one the Open Game License.

The Introduction, which takes up most of the first page, is standard for these supplements. It explains that, in 5E, characters have to rely more on mundane equipment than magical, and quality items allow benefits without being magical in nature. The tools in this supplement offer some advantage when used. There are rules on the creation of quality tools, which can be by accident or by intent. Any tool could become an artisan quality one when manufactured, and an act of heroism (which seems rather less appropriate as an option for tools than it does for weapons) could result in a tool becoming a quality one.

Quality Equipment then lists different tools. There are Impressive, Efficient and Master tools, Instructional Literature and a Portable Toolkit, each with a specific example of such. There is a sidebar on selling quality tools and a table listing costs and restocking master tools. The tools also have price value ranges given.

(5E) Expanded Options #05 – Items of Quality – Tools in Review

The PDF lacks bookmarks and, with only three pages of content, doesn’t need them. Presentation is okay. The text maintains a two-column colour format and a number of errors were seen. For example, the tools table refers to Artisan tools, which are Impressive in the text, list a Portable Master Toolkit, which isn’t mentioned at all in the text, and one example of an item calls the original owner Silthy Alethy, and then Sharon in the text. This really could have done with better editing. The sole illustration is on the front cover. Presentation could be better.

The content of the supplement is interesting, and the examples of each tool are good and can easily be dropped into a campaign. They also give an idea as to how to create such tools. (5E) Expanded Options #05 – Items of Quality – Tools isn’t bad but is let down a bit by poor quality editing and it can be found by clicking here.