Weapon specialization -old vs. new

[Aerendil]

Anyone else miss the way it was previously implemented?

The way it is now is obviously more PnP-correct. But it just feels less Fighter-like to me.

The best way I can explain this is with a comparison of a Fighter/Kensai and a Ranger/Tempest. Yes, I know, I know... try not to cringe too much.
But as it stands right now, you've got the Tempest that could equip dual longswords, or dual rapiers, or a longsword and kukri, or battleaxe and hand axe, or any of several dozen combinations, and have his/her Tempest bonus apply irregardless (just so long as he/she is using TWF).

However, a Fighter/Kensai is limited to just one weapon choice, really. All the weapon specialization / greater weapon spec feat bonuses, weapon spec enhancement bonuses, and Kensai bonuses will apply only to *one* weapon. So, in essence, if you go TWF, you're practically forced to go the twin weapon style.
And aside from dual dwarven axes, dual bastard swords, or dual khopeshes, how many other weapon types do you think we'll see unless they're built for flavor? :/

Now maybe I'm just being silly here, but I missed having Improved Crit: Slashing, and Wpn Spec / Gtr Wpn Spec: Slashing, and being able to switch between any combination of slashing weapons to suit my needs.
To me that's what being a Fighter was all about - versatility.

And these days, the Tempest captures that more than Kensai does :/
Sure, Kensai will have some great bonuses. But with that build, I'd be using the same twin weapons all the way from level 1 to 16.
And at 16 what would I do? I know, I know - craft twin greensteel weapons!!

Zzzzzzzzzz....

[Silverjade]

I can see it now drow male ftr with scimys named driz-it(sp?) as a 18ftr/2rog with umd =P.

[Justicesar]

The Kensi Weapon Mastery is on top of the weapon spec type (slashing) for example and weapon type specific (Dwarven Axe) for example.

[Laith]

while the fighter might be about versatility, a kensai is about complete focus into a single weapon. Not a single weapon type, from what i understand: a single weapon.

there are 2 other fighter PrEs coming out as well. i'd wait for purple dragon knight before getting up in arms about lost versatility.

if you're talking about the Weapon Specialization enhancements, then yes: the cost/benefit ratio is silly when you buy each weapon type individually.

[Aerendil]

Maybe because I'm semi-delusional in my lack-of-sleep-due-to-having-the-flu state, but wasn't the Fighter Weapon Spec. line changed to be specific to one weapon (as per the PnP rules)?

Or am I confusing things?

[Silverjade]

Maybe because I'm semi-delusional in my lack-of-sleep-due-to-having-the-flu state, but wasn't the Fighter Weapon Spec. line changed to be specific to one weapon (as per the PnP rules)?

Or am I confusing things?

Awwww hope you get better soon!.Nooo i do not think its being/was changed.

[Laith]

Maybe because I'm semi-delusional in my lack-of-sleep-due-to-having-the-flu state, but wasn't the Fighter Weapon Spec. line changed to be specific to one weapon (as per the PnP rules)?

Or am I confusing things?

the Weapon Specialization, Weapon Focus, and Improved Crit feats give to all weapons of a certain group (slashing, piercing, bludgeoning, ranged, thrown).
the Weapon Specialization enhancements are taken individually (longsword, bastard sword, etc).

[Aerendil]

the Weapon Specialization, Weapon Focus, and Improved Crit feats give to all weapons of a certain group (slashing, piercing, bludgeoning, ranged, thrown).
the Weapon Specialization enhancements are taken individually (longsword, bastard sword, etc).

Bugger. I had a feeling I was confusing those.

Right, I'll shut up and go to bed now, hahaha.
Thanks for the clarification Laith.