Weapon Focus/Specialization question...

[RigaMortus]

Can one take Weapon Focus and/or Specialization on things like Alchemist Fire, Acid, or Holy Water?

Come to think of it, can one become proficient (perhaps taking Exotic Weapon Proficiency) in "improvised" weapons, such as a table leg, or a chain (off the equipment list) or other such items? I know there is an Exotic Weapon Master that is based on this, but I am wondering if you wanted to make a character concept based on it, would this be "legit"?

 

[Kemrain]

I'd allow you to take Weapon Focus and such for all Grenade-Like Weapons.

- Kemrain the Thrown.

 

[Legildur]

From the SRD:

Weapon Focus - Prerequisites: Proficiency with selected weapon, base attack bonus +1.

Improvised Weapons: Sometimes objects not crafted to be weapons nonetheless see use in combat. Because such objects are not designed for this use, any creature that uses one in combat is considered to be nonproficient with it and takes a –4 penalty on attack rolls made with that object.

So no, not possible to take Weapon Focus/Specialisation in improvised weapons. Also, improvised weapons are objects and not weapons, and therefore Exotic Weapon Proficiency would not apply.

 

[Orm]

From the SRD

To attack with a splash weapon, make a ranged touch attack against the target. Thrown weapons require no weapon proficiency, so you don’t take the –4 nonproficiency penalty.

So no -4 penalty for splash weapons, and you´re proficient with them. Were I your DM, I´d let you spend feats on that. It´s not more powerful than many other feats.
And stylish...

For improvised weapons check the Drunken Master from Sword&Fist. He gets the ability to use almost anything at level 4.

Orm

 

[Tetsubo]

From the SRD:





So no, not possible to take Weapon Focus/Specialisation in improvised weapons. Also, improvised weapons are objects and not weapons, and therefore Exotic Weapon Proficiency would not apply.

What would an actual grenade be considered? A weapon or an improvised weapon? Because that is what these items are, grenades. They are designed to be used as a weapon. As a thrown weapon in fact. The rules may not call them grenades but that doesn't mean they aren't. And if a player wants to have a grenadier, there is real world precedence.

Not only would I allow Weapon Focus and Specialization in Grenades I think I might allow a Grenade Expert Feat. Adding the characters Strength bonus to the thrown range increment. Are any of these weapons so powerful that this would be unbalancing? Heck, Improved Critical (Grenade).

 

[nute]

For grenadelike weapons, I'd possibly allow a Weapon Focus (helps you throw them better), but not Specialization or Improved Critical, because nothing you can do affects their damage - it's independent of any STR bonus. Improved Critical with a weapon that hits everything in its square seems to be counterintuitive - the concept behind Improved Critical is that you know how to hit for the most damage. With a grenadelike weapon, the only thing that matters is THAT you hit, there's no counting for precision.

As for increasing range increments via STR, I'd say no. STR should affect maximum thrown range, but not accuracy. How hard you can throw does not equal how accurate you are.

 

[Orm]

For grenadelike weapons, I'd possibly allow a Weapon Focus (helps you throw them better), but not Specialization or Improved Critical, because nothing you can do affects their damage - it's independent of any STR bonus. Improved Critical with a weapon that hits everything in its square seems to be counterintuitive - the concept behind Improved Critical is that you know how to hit for the most damage. With a grenadelike weapon, the only thing that matters is THAT you hit, there's no counting for precision.

As for increasing range increments via STR, I'd say no. STR should affect maximum thrown range, but not accuracy. How hard you can throw does not equal how accurate you are.

I think Weapon Specialization is fine. It´s just 2 points of damage more per hit. E.g. 1d6 or 1d6+2 isn´t too much for a feat and 4 levels of fighter. At least you have to make a successful touch attack. Hitting the square only deals 1 point splash damage. So maybe WS or Improved Critical only for direct attacks?
BTW, can you sneak attack with grenadelike weapons? Same thing. For the direct attack it should be possible. Imagine some acid in your eyes instead of your leg, for more damage.

After all, an interesting and stylish concept for fighting. But I wouldn´t spend feats and lots of money (at least 10gp for 1d6 acid damage) for that.