Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 ArcticFawx Aug 19, 2014 6:45:30	Apologies if this has been addressed already.  The search feature does not appear to be working at the moment.   Suppose you're creating a Wood Elf Cleric.  The Wood Elf Race comes with proficiencies in short swords (among others.)  The Cleric allows proficiency only in simple weapons.     I know the rules generally go general -> specific but in this case I don't think that applies.  Would a Wood Elf cleric be restricted in weapon proficiencies  due to the class, or would the Wood-Elfiness permit greater variety of proficiencies for the Cleric?   My inkling, as a DM, is to resolve it by focusing on the Cleric's deity and mythos, such that they may very well be following a deity that permits the use of such weapons, thus clearing the conflict... but I'd like to know the "official" word on this.
#2 Chimerasame Aug 19, 2014 6:48:58	You get all your proficiencies from any source that gives you proficiencies. It isn't so much a question of general/specific, it's just you add them all together.
(Reply to #2) ArcticFawx	That makes sense.     I was just thinking about the old days, when Clerics could not use any bladed weapon because it drew blood (Not that a swift blow to the head from a mace would be anything like bloodless, but I digress...) in which case a Wood Elf with a sword would be a conflict...   ...but... if the idea here is that Clerics only get simple weapons because their training focuses on basic defense as opposed to martial prowress, then adding additional proficiencies from other weapon types is perfectly reasonable and logical.   Thank you, Chimerasame.
#4 Mistwell Aug 19, 2014 7:11:07	I think it's perfectly reasonable for the DM to say a Cleric of a particular religion is restricted to a set of weapons by mandate of their diety and devotions.  I'd probably give a small benefit to something else in exchange for that, like a +1 hit point added to all healing spells they cast, or access to an additional cantrip, or something like that.
#5 ArcticFawx Aug 19, 2014 7:14:59	Yeah the 2E Legends & Lore was really good about offering selected options for clerics of specific deities, in terms of their weapon proficiencies, armor types, spheres of clerical magic, special abilities, etc.  If I were to formalize something like that in this edition, I'd follow that pattern.   Hopefully a current Legends & Lore book will come out.  (Hint, hint!)
#6 mellored Aug 19, 2014 7:19:02	Things generally go with bonuses now.   So instead of saying "clerics can only use blunt weapons" It's "clerics get +1 to bludgoning damage".     That way you arn't penalized for picking up a holy avenger.