The advantages of single specialization in a melee weapon are altered for
characters of 1st through 3rd levels, as shown in Table 1. The +2 hp damage
bonus is reduced to +1, and the attack routine is changed to four attacks every
three rounds. The official advantages of single specialization are not gained
until 4th level.
Double specialization in a melee weapon is not possible until a fighter
attains the 7th level. Double specialization grants only a +2 on "to
hit" and damage rolls.
Characters may receive double and triple specialization in missile weapons as
well - a change from the official rules. Double specialization cannot be
achieved until 7th level, and triple specialization must wait until 10th level,
as with melee weapons. Tables 2-4 give the bonuses for bows, crossbows, and all
other hurled or missile weapons. In each table, under the range columns, two
numbers are given for each level of specialization. The number before the slash
is the "to hit" bonus; the number after the slash is the damage bonus.
The number of attacks for each missile weapon at a given experience level is
unchanged form the weapon specialization Table for Fighters and Rangers in Unearthed
Arcana, page 18, regardless of double or triple specialization.
Rangers suffer an odd problem when they specialize in bows. Because each
ranger must spend all three of his weapon proficiency slots in order to
specialize in a bow, he cannot be proficient in any melee weapon until he
attains 4th level. Some Dungeon Masters may feel this is an unfair penalty to be
imposed upon a bow-specialist Ranger to use one of his non-weapon
proficiency slots as a fourth weapon proficiency slot with which the
bow-specialist can acquire one melee weapon of proficiency.
Some weapons, such as the spear, dagger, and hand axe, can be considered both
melee and missile weapons. Just because a Fighter is specialized in wielding a
hand axe in melee does not mean he is also highly skilled in throwing that axe.
Melee and missile specialization in a single weapon must be considered
separately. The DM might allow a PC to obtain both forms of specialization in a
weapon. For example, a Fighter who has melee specialization in the spear at 1st
level might take missile specialization with his spear at 4th level by expending
weapon proficiency slots. At 7th level, the Fighter takes double specialization
with the spear as a melee weapon, and at 10th level, he takes double
specialization as a missile weapon. The Fighter may ultimately attain triple
specialization with the spear in melee and as a hurled weapon at 16th level.
Table 1
Melee Weapon Specialization
