Do you need to put a pip in Scimitar proficiency to gain the +1 APR benefit from Belm?

thesoloer

Or can I just not put any pips in Scimitars and still gain the +1 APR to my main hand?

simples

yes

edit: as in, yes you can just not put any pips in scimitars.

question: if you get an extra apr, does it always apply to your main hand?

Flashburn

Belm gives an extra main-hand attack to your character whether they're proficient in scimitars or not. Same goes for Kundane.

jackjack

@Flashburn‌ speaks the truth. Having said that, there's nothing wrong with throwing 1 - 3 pips in there, if you have them and plan on using a scimitar for any length of time.

mumumomo

Scimitars are anyway one of the best weapon class :
- in BG1 you have 2x +2 scimitars available quite early. And you can get drizzt +3 scimitars
- in BG2 you can get belm and usuno's +4 from the start. That's a verypowerful combo.
- later on, you can use the scarlet ninja to with UAI (thieves only) and spectral brand.

Bottom line is, invest some PIPs and use them.