TOPIC: Gear - Has Anyone Used Them?

So I have tokens like a grappling hook and marking chalk. Has anyone used tokens like these, and what for? Please let me know - I'm curious what you guys have done with that kind of stuff.

I love gear tokens and am always looking for opportunities to use them. I have used or (seen them used) to rescue players from gelatinous cubes (looking at you Jackoftradze) and spider webs and to douse fires. The only limits are your creativity, DM flexibility, and time constraints. I find that most DMs like it when players use gear tokens to think outside the box, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the flow.

Having the rope to throw across the chasm use to help you in puzzles. If you had the gear you gained access to the rope earlier in the room instead of having to search for it.

I will mention that you typically have more opportunity to use gear tokens in TrueGrind, but I have seen them used in the dungeon quite a bit as well.

Boilerplate wrote: I love gear tokens and am always looking for opportunities to use them. I have used or (seen them used) to rescue players from gelatinous cubes (looking at you Jackoftradze) and spider webs and to douse fires. The only limits are your creativity, DM flexibility, and time constraints. I find that most DMs like it when players use gear tokens to think outside the box, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the flow.

Lol! That gelatinous cube solution was great and kudos tot he DM who created rules on the fly to allow us to do it.

In the old days (2007-2009) I remember using them in the dungeon all the time. In fact, the Steel Mirror was vital when fighting the Gorgon a few years ago.

During Grind at True Adventure, our Wizard used a Tinder Twig and torch to light-up an otherwise hindered-by-darkness-combat.

I also seem to remember prodding a monster who appeared as a statue with a 10 ft pole in order to wake it and give us a chance at initiative. I also seem to remember throwing rations at a group of charging werewolves to distract them so we could attack them.


We still try to use them whenever we can as it adds to the role-playing element of TD which seems lessened in recent years and something I hope TD returns to whenever it has the opportunity.

I think some of the DMs tend to use their discretion a bit more while others are a little more strict on "by the book" or module in this case.

There are 2 sides, if one DM lets you do it, then all should. That can be tough if they don't communicate it to their leadership.

On the other hand, it is fun to find new and interesting ways to make things happen.

Our rogue used a Polymeric Decoy (duck) as a squeaky toy to distract a blink dog in Grind.

That's hilarious!

I also have a polymeric decoy. Does it only function as a rubber duck?

Also, on an unrelated note, tell me what exactly is the function of a rubber duck. Aggressively Eats Sausage

Xaros999 wrote: I also have a polymeric decoy. Does it only function as a rubber duck?

Note, some players hide polymeric decoys in the dungeon. Pick them up at your own discretion.

Graven wrote:

Xaros999 wrote: I also have a polymeric decoy. Does it only function as a rubber duck?

Note, some players hide polymeric decoys in the dungeon. Pick them up at your own discretion.

This practice is now heavily frowned upon, by the way. DMs are now told to discourage/prevent it.

Fiddy wrote:

Graven wrote:

Xaros999 wrote: I also have a polymeric decoy. Does it only function as a rubber duck?

Note, some players hide polymeric decoys in the dungeon. Pick them up at your own discretion.

This practice is now heavily frowned upon, by the way. DMs are now told to discourage/prevent it.

Good to know. Is it specifically ducks, or does that include leaving helpful stuff. I know in the past I've come across scrolls, and wondered if other players left them, or if it was part of the design of the room.

Graven wrote:

Fiddy wrote:

Graven wrote:

Xaros999 wrote: I also have a polymeric decoy. Does it only function as a rubber duck?

Note, some players hide polymeric decoys in the dungeon. Pick them up at your own discretion.

This practice is now heavily frowned upon, by the way. DMs are now told to discourage/prevent it.

Good to know. Is it specifically ducks, or does that include leaving helpful stuff. I know in the past I've come across scrolls, and wondered if other players left them, or if it was part of the design of the room.

I'm pretty sure it is just ducks. Leaving helpful items is completely fine.