Weapon Proficiencies
Weapon proficiencies define what weapons and equipment your character has been trained to use effectively. These proficiencies represent your class's combat training and determine what gear you can wield without suffering penalties to your attack rolls.
Understanding Weapon Proficiency
When you are proficient with a weapon, you can add your proficiency bonus to attack rolls made with that weapon. Without proficiency, you can still attempt to use the weapon, but you cannot add your proficiency bonus, making you significantly less accurate and effective in combat.
Weapon proficiencies reflect your character's background, training, and the typical tools of their trade. They help establish both your combat capabilities and the narrative flavor of your character's approach to conflict.
Categories of Weapon Proficiency
Weapon proficiencies are typically organized into broad categories that group similar weapons together:
- Simple weapons: Basic, easy-to-use weapons that require minimal training, such as clubs, daggers, and simple ranged weapons
- Martial weapons: Advanced weapons requiring extensive training and practice, including sophisticated melee and ranged weapons
- Specialized equipment: Unique or unusual weapons that require specific training, such as exotic weapons or advanced technological devices
- Improvised weapons: The ability to effectively use objects not designed as weapons in combat situations
Class Training Reflects Purpose
Different classes receive different weapon proficiencies based on their role and background. A military-trained class might have extensive martial weapon training, while a scholarly class might be limited to simple weapons but have proficiency with specialized research tools.
Some classes also gain proficiency with specific equipment beyond weapons, such as shields, armor types, or technological devices that support their particular approach to heroism.
Expanding Your Arsenal
While your class provides your basic weapon proficiencies, there are often ways to gain additional proficiencies through character advancement, special training, or multiclassing. However, your starting proficiencies shape your character's initial combat style and tactical options.
Strategic Considerations
Your weapon proficiencies influence both your equipment choices and your role in combat. They determine what weapons you should prioritize acquiring and what combat tactics will be most effective for your character.
Understanding your proficiencies also helps in team coordination—knowing what weapons each team member can use effectively helps in distributing found equipment and planning tactical approaches to different challenges.