In my other thread, What if you had to learn to use weapons?, I presented an idea for requiring characters to level up to get access to better weapons. One objection to this idea is that, ordinarily, any random NPC can wield any weapon, and making 1st level characters only able to use daggers is silly.
What are other ways that we can make weapon choice interesting and substantial?
There are issues with weapons as they are now.
Other than not having proficiency in a weapon, which is easily overcome, why would a character proficient in many want to switch?
Notably, d10 melee weapons are rarely used, although they do have the reach property.
Also, versatile weapons are rarely used, because they aren't really that versatile. (It's difficult to switch back and forth from using a shield.)
Why use a shortbow rather than a longbow?
Why ever use a sling?
Why not use the most damaging crossbow you can get?
etc.
Now, there are power issues with two-weapon fighting. This is fixed by removing the bonus action for the second attack and making it the second half of the main attack.
Here are some other ideas:
d12/2d6 weapons could give -1 attack or -5 speed.
d4 weapons could give +1 attack or +5 speed.
Versatile weapons could have the following rule:
What are other ways that we can make weapon choice interesting and substantial?
There are issues with weapons as they are now.
Other than not having proficiency in a weapon, which is easily overcome, why would a character proficient in many want to switch?
Notably, d10 melee weapons are rarely used, although they do have the reach property.
Also, versatile weapons are rarely used, because they aren't really that versatile. (It's difficult to switch back and forth from using a shield.)
Why use a shortbow rather than a longbow?
Why ever use a sling?
Why not use the most damaging crossbow you can get?
etc.
Now, there are power issues with two-weapon fighting. This is fixed by removing the bonus action for the second attack and making it the second half of the main attack.
Here are some other ideas:
d12/2d6 weapons could give -1 attack or -5 speed.
d4 weapons could give +1 attack or +5 speed.
Versatile weapons could have the following rule:
Versatile Weapons
While wielding a versatile weapon and a shield, you may choose to make a two-handed attacked, with your shield hand helping the attack. However, when you do so, you do not gain the shield's benefit to your AC until the start of your next turn.
While wielding a versatile weapon and a shield, you may choose to make a two-handed attacked, with your shield hand helping the attack. However, when you do so, you do not gain the shield's benefit to your AC until the start of your next turn.