I'm working on a Pathfinder RPG-compatible setting called Syndecon, and am having a debate with one of the initial test-players about the first set of technological weapons: firearms.
These firearms come in three basic varieties: launchers, longbarrels and steelslingers. Each of them has their own proficiency feat (they do not fall under the "Exotic Weapon Proficiency" category, because if you are not proficient, then you cannot load or reload a firearm). For launcher proficiency, I have Str 13 as a requirement; longbarrel proficiency requires Wis 13, and steelslinger proficiency requires Dex 13. The plan is to have, eventually, other feats with higher stat requirements (much like Two-Weapon Fighting) to improve one's ability with said weapon.
The debate went like this:
Test-Player: "I'm just saying, every other ranged weapon uses dex, and the longbarrel isn't dramatically different. Usually, Exotic Weapon Proficiency doesn't even have a stat prereq. Those are simply built into the relevant trees to begin with, like Two-Weapon Fighting requiring Dex 13. And, why use Wisdom for rifles?"
Myself: "While not entirely realistic, the stat requirements are meant to perpetuate a certain assortment archetypes. The quick-to-action fighter isn't going to have the patience of wisdom to sit back with a rifle and take advantage of its finer functions. The man who values brute strength over technique or skill is more-likely to go for the launcher to pack the biggest punch..."
Generally, those are the two stand-points, and I'm interested in seeing what most people have to say about this. I thought the idea was an interesting one, and a mechanical way to propagate a certain feel through the setting, but if my test-player isn't the only one who feels like this just doesn't make any sense at all, then it would be a bad decision.
What do you all think?