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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Slander" data-source="post: 3767081" data-attributes="member: 1593">We're not talking about how well common people can use weapons, we're talking about how well *heroes* can use weapons. It's been stated that 1st level PCs will be heads and shoulders above the common man. A first level PC isn't assumed to be green ... he's either already somewhat seasoned, has amazing natural talent, or <insert other reason why PCs are greatly better than everyone else around them>. Not receiving some type of bonus for lack of proficiency is more "heroic" to me than being penalized for lack of proficiency.From the little bits we have heard about the new combat, there are some new avenues open to reward proficiency without penalizing non-proficiency. We know that there will be special maneuvers you can make in combat in lieu of a straight-up attack. Non-proficiency might deny you access to those maneuvers. Your rogue can hack away with the great-axe passed down to him by his father just as well as he can with his shortsword. But because he is proficient with his shortsword, he can actually pull off some fancy maneuvers that he just can't manage with the heirloom. Bonus for being proficient, no penalty for not being proficient. Note, I do not consider "not receiving a bonus" a penalty. I don't think my company has docked my pay when our quarterly performance bonus doesn't come through. I just have to work harder to get that bonus.I do get where, realistically, you shouldn't be able to pick up some weapon you've never seen and start soundly thrashing baddies. But the apparent direction of DnD is heroic, bigger than life action. And given that, I think realism can be put on the shelf for an option that makes the characters a bit more heroic.Edit: My definition of "heroic" is Bruce-Willis-Die-Hard hero, not clawed-his-way-to-the-top-through-adversity hero. My impression is that DnD is moving towards the former, and I think the mechanics should reflect that.</blockquote>

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