Weapon Type
There are five primary weapon categories: light, hand, 2-handed, ranged, and off-hand. Weapon types other than 'hand' (the default weapon category) are displayed in light blue on the Character Sheet, along with Weapon Attributes.
Characters will generally have skills that allow them to use, or improve their skills with, certain weapon types; for example, Warriors can choose Shield Expert (somewhat committing them to one-handed weapon types) or Two Handed Expert (likewise committing to fighting with a two-handed weapon). Mages can learn to use Hand and Light weapons via Arcane Blade; Rogues use Archery to gain ranged-weapon effectiveness. A few other usage limitations are set by the weapon group rather than the type. E.g. Mages having to choose Wand Mastery or Staff Mastery based on their preference; or that Clerics, generally speaking, can use blunt weapons but not sharp-edged ones (a game-balance mechanic that goes back to early Dungeons & Dragons).
For a comparison of the 13 weapon groups that are each assigned one of these types, see the table in Weapon Groups.
Light
These weapons are very light and quick. They primarily require Agility though Strength gives a secondary bonus. Warriors can wield the greatest range though many are exclusively Rogue. Clerics can use hammers and several daggers, Mages can also use numerous daggers and is the only melee weapon they can equip. Warriors and Rogues can learn the powerful Flurry light-weapon advanced skill. All classes can learn
Hand
One-handed weapons, or just hand weapons for short, are of average weight but require some martial training to use. This is the 'default' category of weapons, if a weapon doesn't have a different weapon-type listed then it is hand. These weapons benefit primarily from Strength though Agility gives a secondary bonus. As a general rule Warriors can use any of these weapons, Rogues can use longswords and axes, and Clerics can use maces. (There are some exceptions). The only skill that requires a hand weapon (along with a shield) is the advanced Warrior skill Infantry Training.
2-Handed
These weapons are heavy and only benefit from Strength. Warriors can wield all 2-handed weapons and get the Two Handed Expert skill whereas Clerics can only use mauls and get better results with the Arbenos' Might skill. Use of 2-handed weapons prevents the use of a shield though one can be equipped in readiness for a weapon change.
Ranged
These weapons target opponents at a distance though they can be used in melee range. Careful players use movement, obstacles, and skills such as Kick, Charge or Wand Mastery's pushback, to keep distance. Ranged weapons primarily require Agility though Awareness gives a secondary bonus.
Warriors and Rogues can use bows, there is no difference between longbows and crossbows. Bows are bulky and require two hands to use, this prevents the use of a shield though one can be equipped in readiness for a weapon change. Both classes can learn Rapid Fire, rogues can also learn Archery.
Mages can use wands and staves. Staves are bulky and require two hands like a bow, wands are one-handed and can be used in conjunction with some buckler shields or an Orb. Mages can learn Staff Mastery and Wand Mastery, plus Arcane.
Off-Hand
These weapons are used in conjunction with hand or light weapons, though they can be equipped (but not used) with two handed weapons. Many are for Rogues alone, but Warriors can use several. An off-hand weapon with a Fire enchantment will help permanently kill Trolls. If not utilising an off-hand weapon all classes can have shield options, and Mages can equip an Orb.
