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With an addition of "Ranged" or "Melee".

Yes, I like to dream. :P 

I want to see a ridiculously broad assortment...basically an expansion to the old Arms and Equipment guide.

However I'd like to see realistic rules regarding proficiency in said weapons. The old 2nd edition handling of groups and combat styles got close, as did the weapon mastery system from basic. Some sort of hybrid of those two would just about be perfect.

I would like to see the reload mechanic (for crossbows and guns) fade into the sunset.  When I have a weapon, I want to be able to use it each time my turn comes up.

I also want to see class-based weapons go away.  Gandalf is probably one of the most iconic wizards out there, at the very least, he is among the most recognized, and Gandalf uses a longsword while wizards in 3e couldn't.  I have to ask "why does class matter when it comes to weapon choices?"  What does it really add to the game, other than a feat tax to be able to fulfill a character concept.

I also want to see the whip as a viable weapon choice.

May 15, 2012 -- 12:29PM, MechaPilot wrote:

I would like to see the reload mechanic (for crossbows and guns) fade into the sunset.  When I have a weapon, I want to be able to use it each time my turn comes up.

I also want to see class-based weapons go away.  Gandalf is probably one of the most iconic wizards out there, at the very least, he is among the most recognized, and Gandalf uses a longsword while wizards in 3e couldn't.  I have to ask "why does class matter when it comes to weapon choices?"  What does it really add to the game, other than a feat tax to be able to fulfill a character concept.

I also want to see the whip as a viable weapon choice.

Ignoring guns and focusing only on the crossbow aspect, removing the reload mechanic imbalances the weapon. The only reasons everyone didn't have a heavy crossbow were cost, encumbrance and time to reload. Knowing that D&D is iffy at best when it comes to economy and weights that leaves only reload as a reason to consider taking something else. In all other ways the crossbow was vastly superior to the alternatives. So it's both a matter of realism and balance.

I think you're missing the point of a class based game. Class matters with weapon choice because that's what a class based game is...differences among the classes concerning their role, what they do, how they do it, etc. Remove that and you're left with nothing more than a set of power options and a few mechanical variances, which is mostly a skill/power based game, not a class based one. I don't personally mind the idea of taking weapons outside of class parameters, so long as it's costly and more difficult (or impossible) to approach the skill levels of other classes. While this is a rare departure from realism for me I find it necessary in order to honor the spirit of the game, and the mechanical foundation it's based upon. Let a wizard use a sword, at a penalty. Let them become proficient in it at twice cost or with a tradeoff loss or slowing of inherent magic user powers. Never let them approach mastery with it however.

I'll bring up something I just posted in another thread concerning an orc magic user merc I'm playing in a campaign now. He always wanted to be a legendary fighter, but was a runt and lacked the basic aptitude. His study of magic is confined solely to making him a worthy fighter. He therefore learns only attribute boosters, speed enhancers, weapon and armor spells, etc. In this way he is able to mimic a frontline fighter but does so AS a wizard. In my opinion this retains the class based nature of the game while still allowing the type of flavoring you're longing for.

I agree that whip is an awesome weapon that has lost something in later editions. About the best handling of it was under basic D&D's weapon mastery system.