Allowing Non-fighters to specialize?

[retan]

In my campaigns I have seen several characters who were primarily other classes take four levels of fighter just for the weapon specialization. As my players think that weapon specialization is that powerful, I would not allow it as a general feat.

-- Retan

 

[FreeTheSlaves]

The taking of four levels does seem the balanced road.

Given my wishy washy thoughts I will stop this in its tracks and simply require 4 fighter levels. This is not too much an issue as players and I agree that taking 4 fighter levels is not a punishment.

That and I think the barbarian should take some melee feats to capitalize on the strong rage ability.

Now my thoughts turn to my 3rd level paladin's progression, spell & mount or feats...

 

[Stalker0]

Remember that weapon spec isn't just a feat, its a class ability of the fighter, the only unique one they have.

So no, given weapon spec to the barb and paladins is a bad idea, imho, they have other ways of cranking out the damage. After all, barbs get rage, which gives them +2 to attack and damage or +4 to damage if they power attack. Palys get smite, bless weapon-holy sword, and other defensive powers.

 

[Kweezil]

In my games I use system I've used for about a year without a problem, based on a house rule I found on these boards a while ago.

Weapon Specialisation - needs a different name
Prerequisite: Base Attack Bonus +4, Weapon Focus with chosen weapon
Bonus: You gain a +1 to damage rolls with your chosen weapon.
Special: this feat may be taken multiple times. Each time it is taken it applies to a different weapon.

Weapon Specialisation becomes a class feature of the Fighter and Psychic Warrior classes (as they were the only ones that could access it in Core Rules). For every x levels the character gains an additional +1 to damage with his Specialised weapons, where x is 4 for Fighters and 6 for Psychic Warriors. This stacks with the +1 from the Weapon Specialisation feat.

I've found this represents the Fighter's skill at arms very well, promotes people taking more than just 4 levels of Fighter (to combine with Bbn, Pal or Rgr), and allows other classes to squeeze a little extra damage out of their chosen weapons.

I should probably rename the feat to prevent confusion, but I'm not sure what to call it.

 

[SpikeyFreak]

I think it is too unbalancing to give specialization to any but the fighter. It is the ONLY thing a fighter gets that is unique.

Besides it doesnt add that much damage (at 20th max = 4pts per round). Get a +2 STR item and you have the same bonus.

Weapon Spec is +2 to damage.

--Helpful Spikey