Can a Cleric use a Battleaxe?

[caudor]

I'm confused about the weapon use rules. For example, I know the Cleric is proficient with simple weapons and get the prof. bonus when using these weapons. But can a Cleric use a weapon from the Military group at all (just without the bonus)?

I'm just wondering if someone untrained in Military weapons can grab one and use it in a pinch.

How does this extend to superior weapons?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[Baumi]

He can attack with any weapon he want, but as long as he doesn't have the weapon-proficiency, he doesn't get the proficiency-bonus for it.

 

[caudor]

That's how I was hoping it worked. Thank you

 

[Griogre]

Superior Weapons are different from other weapons (check PH 215). If you are not trained in them you can't use them.

 

[Fede]

Superior Weapons are different from other weapons (check PH 215). If you are not trained in them you can't use them.

Where does it say that you can't use a superior weapon if you are not trained? I read page 215 but didn't find it.

 

[Griogre]

In the section about Weapon Catagories - the last two sentances of the 1st paragraph:

... Superior weapons are even more effective than military weapons
but require special training to use. You can learn to use a superior weapon by taking the Weapon Proficiency feat.

 

[Baumi]

That is only fluff to explain why most classes don't give you proficiency with them (and therefore have to use a feat).

 

[MatthewJHanson]

That is only fluff to explain why most classes don't give you proficiency with them (and therefore have to use a feat).

That's my interpretation too.

 

[Mistwell]

Superior Weapons are different from other weapons (check PH 215). If you are not trained in them you can't use them.

I disagree, and I think you are reading too much into a fluff description. You can use ANY weapon you do not have training in, and the only "penalty" is not being able to get the proficiency bonus. In your interpretation, you couldn't even use it an improvised weapon

 

[AbdulAlhazred]

Yeah, I agree. Absent some official ruling to the contrary from WotC on that I think all it is trying to convey is that superior weapons are hard to get proficiency in (ie there are few (if any) classes that START with proficiency in any of them.