Seems like the simplest solution?
- Warriors and characters with the Weapon Mastery feat learn Masteries with Masteries instead of mastering individual weapons to unlock Masteries.
- A Mastery can be only used by weapons that meat the prerequisites of the mastery. Prerequisites could include:
- Weapon Property
- Cleave- Heavy
- Flex - Versatile
- Graze- Heavy
- Nick- Light
- Push- Two-handed or Versatile
- Sap- Nothing
- Topple- Heavy, Reach, or Versatile
- Vex- Ammunition, Finesse, or Light
- Damage Type
- Crush- Bludgeoning
- Hew- Slashing
- Puncture- Pierce
- Name/Weapon Group
- Chop- Handaxe, Battleaxe, or Greataxe
- Lash- Flail or Whip
- Nothing
- Slow
- Weapon Property
- Weapons with identical statistics are either changed or given specific masteries to become unique
- Sample lists of masteries and weapons are given.
- DMs who dislike specific effects can ban a mastery why keeping the weapon unchanged.
- Less disagreement over which weapon gets which mastery.
- Simple. New players just equip their PC then worry about masteries after or vice versa. They don't have to think about both at the same time.
- Allows for...mastery. Players can learn expertise in choosing mastery setups.
- Future Development. Martial character players can get excited over new masters in future books like spell casters.
- Theme. DMs can tailor their game with custom masteries and 3PP masteries what match the theme of their game.
- High Fantasy Masteries could give Martials super natural powers for a high powered world
- Gritty Masteries could inflict painful wounds and trauma for gritty settings
- Runic and Occult masteries could allow for powerful effects under the explanation of magic.