by LegacyKing » Mon Mar 20, 2017 4:42 am
Let's look at your concern:
You state that there is no Martial Weapon Proficiency slot for Katana, Bastard Sword and Dwarven Axe.
This is an incorrect assumption when you read this statement from the Katana: Characters can use a katana two-handed as a martial weapon, but must take the Exotic Weapon Proficiency (katana) feat to use it one-handed. That is very succinctly stating that yes, there are two slots. Bastard Sword and Dwarven Axe have similar text, but not as clearly written as the Katana.
To recap, in 3.5 edition and Pathfinder, weapons fall into one of three categories - SIMPLE, MARTIAL and EXOTIC. In the instance of Katana, Bastard Sword and Dwarven Axe, they fall into two categories - Martial & Exotic. Exotic unlocks full mastery of the weapon, by allowing the character to use the weapon as One-Handed, instead of Two-Handed. Ergo, these weapons DO have two Proficiencies - A martial slot, and an Exotic slot. Using a chart to classify these weapons is a fallacy, since the descriptive text clarifies the operational rules of the weapon.
Secondly, Proficiency in a weapon negates the Non-Weapon Proficiency penalty imposed by the game system. Since the character is Proficient, they do not get a -4 penalty to using the weapon in combat. That is the definition of being proficient.
In summary, all three weapons ARE classified as Martial Proficiency weapons. Any character can take them as a Martial Proficiency Weapon using the Feat of the same name, and Martial classes automatically have proficiency with those same weapons. The only difference in taking the Exotic Weapon Proficiency for those weapons, is allowing the wielder to use those weapons in One Hand.
As a side note, the PCGen program allows a character to choose any of those weapons if they take the Martial Weapon Proficiency feat. Though, it would be foolish to waste a feat to gain the lower form, when taking the exotic weapon proficiency version is clearly a superior option. It has also been noted that the Cleric War domain grants the highest proficiency allowed for a weapon, such as a Bastard Sword.
Andrew Maitland
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