I've always been very familiar with 2e and BG2, but haven't done a lot since then. 5e looks like it is a lot closer to 2e than 3/4 was, which is nice.
My confusion is that you no longer put proficiency points into individual weapons or skills, like longsword, 2 weapon fighting, and so on. In 5e, every character/class has a proficiency bonus based on their level, which will add bonuses to any weapon they are proficient with. In BG2/2e, a fighter could load up proficiency points in a weapon and really outclass other classes with it. In this, it seems like anyone with simple or martial weapon proficiency is basically equal?
Does this mean that a level 3 fighter with a longsword or bow has the same bonus and capabilities as any other class with those weapons proficiencies, like bard, etc?
Or, for example, a cleric has the same bonuses and capabilities with a mace as a fighter or anyone else?
Or am I missing something? What separates a fighter, or rogue, or makes up for their lack of spells and other utility, if a cleric can hit just as well with a mace, or a bard can shoot a bow or swing a sword just as well as them? Can a sorcerer or wizard pick up "martial weapons" feat and swing a longsword just as well as a fighter?
Obviously stats matter, like STR and DEX, but again, is a wizard with 14 dex just as good with a bow as a rogue, ranger, or fighter with 14 dex?
What separates these classes, if anything?
Last edited by cronuss; 05/01/23 08:42 PM.
