D&D 5E (2014) Gaining new weapon proficiencies

[Herobizkit]

I scoured the playtest, but I don't see a way for a character to learn a new type of weapon in which they are not already proficient.

I had a swell idea for a Mountain Dwarf Battle Wizard who struts into battle with medium armor and hammer...

Did I miss it, or is the "Weapon Proficiency" feat M.I.A.?

 

[fba827]

it's not there in this playtest.
currently only way to get proficiency is via class.
i suspect that later on there will probably be a feat for it or something, but for now, no, there isn't. unless your DM wanted to start houseruling it as some sort of benefit from a made-up specialty (dwarven specialist, level 1 gain profieicny in medium armor and axe and hammer weapons.. whatever), but i'd suggest not houseruling if you are trying to get the 'playtest' experience (to do surveys, etc)

 

[MoonSong]

I'm starting to fear we will never see proficiency feats, with the current clinical and grouped approach for feats I don't see how they could make if fit on a specialty (what other feats could go on such a specialty?). Which I find sad, to me weapon proficieny feats are the archetypical example of a good feat.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

I am not sure, if weapon proficiency feats are needed. Why not just allow to train in a different weapon once in a while.

 

[Jeff Carlsen]

I am not sure, if weapon proficiency feats are needed. Why not just allow to train in a different weapon once in a while.

I kind of agree with this. It doesn't cause any significant imbalance if my character knows how to use a mace and wants to learn to use a sword. Besides, feats are optional, so I don't think we should tie proficiency to them.

 

[Gorgoroth]

.

+1 I agree with not requiring a feat to learn a new weapon.

Maybe a new weapon category though. But that makes sense to keep it within classes. If you want to pick up those weapons, take a level in that class or somehow multiclass in it. I disagree vehemently with requiring a whole feat for just one weapon.

I'd like to see all dwarves know how to use all axes and hammers, all elves to know how to swing a shortsword or longsword and a bow. Even better, add that as a background. If your background can tweak the skills you gain access to, why not the weapons?

I don't see why only an elf wizard can use a longsword, but a human one with the right background can't. Gandalf, anyone? well, he was a demigod, but the point remains. If you pick a weapon-focused background you should be able to mix n match. Wizards focused on their spells should be more likely to pick a background that benefits their core competencies.

That said, I'd like to see people be able to pick up single a free weapon prof or a skill prof at level 5, without spending precious feats.