Weapon Master vs Trained by a Master

[kirbwarrior]

After reading through TbaM, I realized that it applies to Melee Weapons... Do these stack, for purposes of Rapid Strikes and Parring? This seems way to good to me...

[Walrus]

They don't stack in any way. See Martial Arts.

[B9anders]

Originally Posted by kirbwarrior

After reading through TbaM, I realized that it applies to Melee Weapons... Do these stack, for purposes of Rapid Strikes and Parring? This seems way to good to me...

No they don't. I would suggest applying limitations to weapon master if you have both.

"No reduced rapid strike penalty" and "No reduced parry penalty" I would eyeball at -20% each, for a total of -40%.

[kirbwarrior]

Originally Posted by B9anders

No they don't. I would suggest applying limitations to weapon master if you have both.

"No reduced rapid strike penalty" and "No reduced parry penalty" I would eyeball at -20% each, for a total of -40%.

That sounds good, but what about ranged weapons? I think it would be better to put it on TbaM, mostly because (to me) it shouldn't be on there in the first place. What would the reduction be for just weapons?

[Bruno]

Originally Posted by kirbwarrior

That sounds good, but what about ranged weapons? I think it would be better to put it on TbaM, mostly because (to me) it shouldn't be on there in the first place. What would the reduction be for just weapons?

Ranged weapons still can Rapid Strike, and therefore still qualify for the "No Rapid Strike Penalty Reduction" option. See Martial Arts about ranged rapid strikes, including with a bow or a mittfull of shuriken.

[kirbwarrior]

Originally Posted by Bruno

Ranged weapons still can Rapid Strike, and therefore still qualify for the "No Rapid Strike Penalty Reduction" option. See Martial Arts about ranged rapid strikes, including with a bow or a mittfull of shuriken.

That's actually what I was pointing out, which is why I thought it would be better to put it on TbaM.

[B9anders]

Originally Posted by kirbwarrior

That's actually what I was pointing out, which is why I thought it would be better to put it on TbaM.

The whole point of Trained by a Master is to get rapid strike and multiple parry bonuses that apply to all combat skills.Take these two benefits away from Trained by a Master and all you have is a hugely expensive Unusual Background for being able to buy cinematic skills.

If you don't want it to apply to all combat skills, simply don't take TbaM and go for Weapon Master with the weapons you want it applied to instead.

Combining TbaM with WM is only really a consideration for those who want all the benefits from Trained by a Master but also want the damage bonus from WM for their weapons of choice. In which case, you should put the limitations on WM.