Alternate Weapon Proficiency Systems

[kitcik]

This is a good idea. I would make it a skill trick and have it cost 2 skill points for the effects you describe (2 skill points gets you proficiency in either 4 simple weapons, 2 martial weapons or 1 exotic weapon). You can take this skill trick any number of times (for different weapons).

 

[nonsi256]

Well, if you're still serching, you might find my version interesting (just download my HR and scroll to post #4). It's a bit radical, but might give you some ideas.

 

[airwalkrr]

I find the Weapon Groups variant from Unearthed Arcana and also available from the d20srd here provides the perfect mix of simulationism and simplicity. I don't like my rules to be too complicated, and I think the core rules are a bit too complicated, having separate lists for every single class. Why can a bard use a longsword but not a bastard sword or a greatsword? Things like this seem arbitrary and somewhat nonsensical. Weapon Groups isn't what I would call perfect, but it is close enough that I don't think it needs any revision and I tend to use it in all my 3.5 games.