Gain Proficiency (sage ability)

Gain proficiency is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Puissance, describing the acquisition of one additional weapon proficiency beyond those granted by the character's character class. The ability assumes that during the course of the character's class training — most commonly that of a fighter or similar combat-oriented class — extra attention was given to broadening the character's experience with different weapons, increasing the range of weapons they can use effectively without penalty.

This added proficiency allows the character to select a weapon that is less commonly used at low levels due to impracticality or situational utility. Examples include weapons with unique applications, such as the bola for entangling opponents, the lance for mounted combat or a pole arm for reach and formation fighting. Likewise, the proficiency may be applied to bludgeoning weapons, which are particularly effective against monsters resistant to slashing or piercing attacks. These types of weapons are often avoided by early-level characters because of their size, limited versatility or logistical demands in tight quarters or dungeon environments.

Though the addition of a single weapon proficiency does not significantly increase the character's effectiveness in combat, it does distinguish them as someone with a broader base of martial training than others of similar experience. For role-playing purposes, this expanded knowledge can serve as a defining character trait. The character might adopt an approach to combat that varies with situation or temperament, choosing to wield different weapons based on mood, symbolic reasoning or ritual habit. Their choice of armament might reflect changing weather, anticipated enemies or personal affectation, allowing for creative expression in gameplay.

The selected weapon must fall within the allowed options of the character's class. For those with the shield as a weapon ability, the shield is a common and practical choice for this additional proficiency, especially for those who favour close-quarters defence or a mixed offensive style.

See also,
Character Background Generator
Hereditary Weapon I (sage ability)