Complete finesse ability

[Kahuna Burger]

For a Prc/guild I'm working on, I'm considering a general Finesse ability. Something along the lines of "You can use your dexterity instead of strength when attacking with any tiny weapon, unarmed, natural or touch attack." I am also considering allowing this to be the default (or a single low level feat) for small characters and medium characters with a higher dex than str. It seems that with certain kinds of attacks having str be the default modifier doesn't make sense, especially for smaller or weaker characters.

Thoughts, existing rules?

Kahuna Burger

 

[Crothian]

You'll be giving a lot of power to dex, already the strongest general attribute while weakening strength, already one of the weakest attributes.

 

[AGGEMAM]

For a Prc/guild I'm working on, I'm considering a general Finesse ability. Something along the lines of "You can use your dexterity instead of strength when attacking with any tiny weapon, unarmed, natural or touch attack." I am also considering allowing this to be the default (or a single low level feat) for small characters and medium characters with a higher dex than str. It seems that with certain kinds of attacks having str be the default modifier doesn't make sense, especially for smaller or weaker characters.

Do not fall in the pittrap of making Dex too valueable.

If you make a PrC, you could either make WFn a requirement or a free virtual feat at 1st level.

Kahuna Burger

'Any of pr***s move, I'll kill every last f***ing one of you!'

 

[seasong]

I disagree with the notion that Strength is the weakest attribute. Strength is the attribute of choice for a combat monster, bar none. It adds to your to hit and your damage. Outside of magic items, you just can't get that kind of bargain.

However, I would make the complete finesse ability part of a feat chain, or otherwise set its minimum level a bit higher. The major disadvantage of the small races is their lack of Strength, and giving them this sort of thing freely takes away that disadvantage without taking away any of their advantages.

 

[Kahuna Burger]

Re: Re: Complete finesse ability

Do not fall in the pittrap of making Dex too valueable.

Since damage is still based on str and dex is limited by good armor, I'm not too concerned about that. Also the proposed ability wouldn't apply to all finessable weapons, just the really little ones.

And, well, its just dumb that touch attacks are based on str anyway...

So is fear of overpowered dex the main comment?

Kahuna Burger

 

[AGGEMAM]

Re: Re: Re: Complete finesse ability

...dex is limited by good armor,

Nope, the 'max dex' only applies to AC.