Melee Weapon (type)

Melee Weapon (weapon type) Martial Proficiency 200 hours each This is the unsubtle skill of bashing someone with a killing instrument until they stop making funny noises. Each weapon type is a separate skill. Some time—at least a few hours—is required to familiarize yourself with a new weapon, but no learning roll is required. For example, stabbing with a shortsword and swinging a baton use the same skill (Short), but it takes a while to get completely used to the differences. Flex weapon skill doesn't crossover with non-flex for the same length. For example, training with a flail is very different than with a mace in spite of the similar size and function. The 'reverse specialization' guideline applies to weapons, however. If you have a skill in one weapon proficiency then you can use a similar weapon type you aren't proficient with at a -3 on the attack roll. In other words, you take the unfamiliarity penalty, but get the benefit of your linked weapon skill. The alternative is a -5 unskilled penalty without benefit of any mitigating skill bonus.

Proficiency in the weapon above 5th level automatically includes minor upkeep (i.e. keeping it clean and mostly sharp). Each level of the skill grants a +1 to attack and defend in combat. Every two levels of skill (round up) allow you to parry once per round without using an action.

Weapon types are:
 * Hand: very small, such as knives, blackjacks, and daggers
 * Short: approximately fingertip to elbow length; shortswords and clubs
 * Medium: the length of the arm; arming swords and battleaxes
 * Long: body length or slightly longer; greatswords and staves
 * Polearms: anything larger
 * Short-flex: fingertip to elbow and non-rigid; nunchaku
 * Medium-flex: arm length and flexible; horseman's flails or a short length of chain
 * Long-flex: longer flexible weapons; whips, footman's flails, or length of rope; anything very long and flexible acts more as a ranged weapon and will use that skill (such as a lasso)
 * Mass-weapon: heavier, especially at the business end; battleaxes and flails; there is some crossover with most mass-weapons with other proficiencies, if you have either skill, you can use the weapon
 * Special: some weapons are unique in their use and will require special training in their use; for example, giant scissors, mancatchers, chainsaws, cloaks, three-section staff (yes it's sort of a long-flex weapon, but is deliberately difficult to properly use)