Basco's Handy Bangle (Patreon)

Wondrous item, rare

This shiny platinum bangle is inlaid with arcane runes that seem to be written by different hands. Labels can be read behind each of the adorning runes on the inside of the bangle. As an action, you can touch one of the runes and say the command phrase, “I can do this,” to gain proficiency in the rune’s associated tool for the next 24 hours. The rune glows with arcane energy while in effect. Once a rune is activated in this way, it can’t be activated again until 1d4 days have passed.

There are 10 runes on the bangle that can be activated in this way: alchemist’s supplies, carpenter’s tools, cook’s utensils, leatherworker’s tools, smith’s tools, tinker’s tools, instruments (drum, flute, lute, lyre), navigator’s tools, thieves’ tools, and vehicles (water). If you’re already proficient with any of these tools, your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses the tool while the rune is active.

Basco, the retired wizard of the north, decided to spend his later years developing the trades of the common man. Thinking himself rather clever, he purchased the various tools he considered simple.

A week later, the wizard, in a crazed frenzy of frustration, had proceeded to accidentally break three fingers, singe his eyebrows, poison himself, stitch his favorite robe to the desk, and jam every lock in his home with picks.

He decided he would stick with what he knew, which was magic, and use the knowledge of others instead when he needed it.