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Message: <blockquote data-quote="airwalkrr" data-source="post: 3323406" data-attributes="member: 12460">I am conflicted about something. I like the weapon proficiency systems in all three editions of the game, including some variants, for various reasons, but none of them stand out. For those unfamiliar with the systems, here is the basic idea of each.1e AD&D and 2e AD&DEach character class chooses a small number of weapon proficiencies at 1st level and gains an additional proficiency at set increments of levels. Martial classes like fighter and paladin gain more at 1st level and gain additional proficiencies more often than less martial classes like thieves and spellcasters like clerics or magic-users (the 1e version of the wizard). Additionally, each class receives a different penalty when using weapon with which the character is not proficient with martial classes having a lesser penalty.3e D&DEach character class has the same weapon proficiencies as every other member of that character class. The weapon proficiency lists are fairly extensive, often including all weapons of a particular class (such as martial weapons). These lists are often specialized only by characters wishing to take weapon proficiency feats (a rare occurence except in the case of exotic weapons). Weapon nonproficiency penalties are universal (-4).Weapon GroupsI forget where this system originated, but I know it was around before 3e. An example appears in the 3e Unearthed Arcana. Much like AD&D core rules, each class chooses proficiency with a certain number of weapons, however the choice is limited to classes of weapons like small swords or spears, rather than individual weapons. For example, a fighter might be proficient in large swords, axes, and spears. In some variants, characters gain new weapon proficiencies at various levels often based on the nature of the class. Weapon nonproficiency penalties may be universal or may be based on class.So which characteristics do you prefer to play with? Feel free to discuss your choice in addition to voting in the poll since I am interested in reasons as well as pure opinions. For clarification on the poll, I expect for you to vote for at least one option from choices 1-3, at least one option from choices 4-5, and at least one option from choices 6-8 (i.e. vote for a minimum of three characteristics). Feel free to select more than three characteristics however if you enjoy playing with more than just one or have no strong preference for what you consider to be otherwise good choices.Myself, I like the idea of personalized lists, but I enjoy the simplicity of 3e blanket proficiencies giving players little to worry about. I feel perhaps weapon groups is the best compromise, but then how to deal with it? I am not familiar with Basic and Expert editions although my understanding is that they were somewhat simpler than 1e AD&D.</blockquote>

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