Any way of adding Dex to damage instead of Str?

[Klaus]

Title pretty much says it. I'm looking to building a Dex-based melee character (Weapon Finesse is a given).

 

[Slaved]

The feat Shadow Blade from the tome of battle works for that. It has a limited list of weapons that it works for and you have to be in a shadowstance to gain its benefit but those restrictions are not too bad.

You could simply take 2 levels of swordsage and be pretty well off in this area.

 

[VonRichthofen]

IF you're an Elf: Champion of Corellon.

Otherwise, as noted: Shadow Blade. Very powerful, usually balanced by crappy weapon selection. BUT: Can be used with spiked chain. Again. Recipe for desaster.

 

[pbd]

Also, the "Champion of Corellon Larethian" PrC from "Races of the Wild" gains that ability at 2nd level. Gotta be an elf or half-elf though.

Ah beaten to the punch...

 

[Shadeus]

Not to state the obvious, but Swashbuckler has the Int bonus to damage and frequently graceful fighters have a decent Int. I know that isn't what you asked for, but I guess I wanted to state an obvious option if Dex wasn't possible.

 

[Klaus]

Yeah, I'm aware of the Swashbuckler Int-to-damage (in lieu of Str) and the Champion of Corellon Dex-to-damage (on top of Str).

Seems like a feat that should exist, with Weapon Finesse, Combat Expertise and a decent BAB (say, +6)...

 

[hanniball]

The Corsair nets you Dex to damage at 9th level. It can be found in Dragon #321.

The Fierce enhancement from the Arms and Equipment guide will allow you to transfer your Dex bonus from AC to Damage.

The Sword of Graceful Strikes (A&E again) allows you to use your Dex instead of your Str on melee attacks damage rolls with the sword.

Either way...just my 2 cp

 

[Machiavelli]

These options are, indeed, recipes for disaster. Don't try too hard to optimize them, because they are very fragile.

 

[zypherillius]

Yeah, I'm aware of the Swashbuckler Int-to-damage (in lieu of Str) and the Champion of Corellon Dex-to-damage (on top of Str).

Seems like a feat that should exist, with Weapon Finesse, Combat Expertise and a decent BAB (say, +6)...

i thought swashbuckler added int as well as strength? thats how i read it, and its even more devistating with appropriate magic items

 

[saucercrab]

i thought swashbuckler added int as well as strength? thats how i read it, and its even more devistating with appropriate magic items

[Ed McMahon]
You are correct sir.
[/Ed McMahon]

Int & Str to damage with light & Weapon Finesse-able weapons. It's quite explicit.