Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - Help Tips & Tricks Martial weapons vs Heavy weapons

Is Larian just using two different terms for the same thing? Or is there actually a difference between the two?

For example:
https://imgtr.ee/image/zqJlM
https://imgtr.ee/image/zqizu

There is a difference.
Martial is a broader category.
Heavy Weapon is narrower term, that of bulky weapons usually requiring two hands to use them and thus precluding a shield or off-hand weapon.

https://baldursgate3.wiki.fextralife.com/Heavy

Completely different things.

Martial Weapon relates to if a character is trained in how to use that weapon or not. Heavy weapons are used with disadvantage by small characters, and it affects the Great Weapon Master feat. Most heavy weapons are also two handed, but there are exceptions in PnP.

A rapier is a martial weapon that is not heavy or two handed. A greatclub is a simple weapon that is heavy. A pike is a heavy weapon that can be used one-handed whilst mounted. And so on.

D&D core rules can be found online as a free download.

Thanks so much for commenting, guys! Really helpful!

I'll dig into it some more to get a full understanding before August 3rd