Dex conferring "to hit" as opposed to Str

[Thorvald Kviksverd]

I agree that it makes DEX too important--unless a couple of other things are changed as well (and maybe even then).

What I do in my Basic D&D campaign...

When wielding a weapon one size category smaller, the user may choose to use his DEX Mod rather than his STR Mod as an attack bonus; however, when doing so, he no longer gains a STR bonus to damage (STR penalties still apply though).

When wielding a light weapon, the character has no choice, he must use the above rule and apply his DEX Mod in lieu of his STR Mod for To Hit rolls.

I think this provides both some nice variation and some interesting tactical choices.

 

[mikebr99]

My group and I were using the average of STR and DEX as a 'to hit' bonus in 2e before we upgraded. But we haven't touched this reule yet in 3e.

 

[Tony Vargas]

Though it's not completely unrealistic to have either STR or DEX (or both) improve your chance to hit, in 3E, it'd make DEX too powerful a stat - which would also have the side effect of making heavier armor even less desireable, BTW.

Some systems do use DEX for both attack and defense - Champions, for instance, uses a DEX-based combat value for both... but then DEX costs three times as much as STR, too.

 

[Ace]

We used to allow Str or Dex as a to hit bonus in Second Edition but I think it wouldn't be a good idea in 3rd. You might allow weapon finness to be used with any weapon if you liked. Thats would be OK IMO

 

[Al]

Let us compare Strength and Dexterity:

Dexterity gives bonuses to:
Hit with ranged weapons
Initiative
AC
Reflex saves
Lots of skills

Strength gives bonuses to:
Hit with melee weapons
Damage with melee weapons
Damage with ranged weapons (some, or some up to a point)
A few skills.

Now, if Dex were to control hits with melee weapons, that would leave Strength miserable on just damage. Yet more significantly, Dex would control hitting with both ranged and melee weapons, initiative, AC, reflex saves and lots of good skills. No other ability score could possibly compete (except for primary spellcasting attributes for primary spellcasters). Weapon Finesse was instituted to give an option, and restricted to certain weapons to avoid 'breaking' Dexterity. Changing the 'to hit' would destroy this (and eliminate Weapon Finesse, causing a reworking of prestige classes).

 

[Kershek]

What I do in my Basic D&D campaign...

When wielding a weapon one size category smaller, the user may choose to use his DEX Mod rather than his STR Mod as an attack bonus; however, when doing so, he no longer gains a STR bonus to damage (STR penalties still apply though).

When wielding a light weapon, the character has no choice, he must use the above rule and apply his DEX Mod in lieu of his STR Mod for To Hit rolls.

This wouldn't work too well; the people who have high dex scores will probably not have a high strength, therefore basically getting weapon finesse for free.

 

[Thorvald Kviksverd]

This wouldn't work too well; the people who have high dex scores will probably not have a high strength, therefore basically getting weapon finesse for free.

It's been a while, a character still gets his STR Dmg Bonus in 3e when using weapon finesse doesn't he? (If not, ignore what follows )

I don't think it would be unbalancing for a character with average STR and high DEX to use this option and effectively gain weapon finesse for free; and the stronger characters, who also happen to be dexterous, will face some interesting tactical choices--while the strong clumsy types may well wind up flailing about rather ineptly (albeit, with great force).

Perhaps for the stronger types, who want to utilize both their STR and their DEX to full advantage at all times, you could rule that weapon finesse allows them to do so--so a character wielding a weapon one size smaller with weapon finesse would gain his DEX Mod as an attack bonus, AND his STR Mod as a damage bonus. Similarly, you could allow a strong but clumsy character to apply "finesse" to a light weapon, in order to avoid having to use his DEX Mod as an attack modifier--instead using his STR for both attack and damage.

Anyway, just a few odd thoughts off the top of my head

 

[Grommilus]

Don't know why everyone here seems to think dex is the end all be all..
Str is useful for alot more than to hit and damage, like for the most basic of dungeon HACKING, take one half-orc, arm with sledge hammer, find locked door or chest, apply liberally. Most parties I've been playing in recently have lacked rogues.

Grom

Remember, a sledgehammer is also known as a Barbarian Lockpick.

 

[AGGEMAM]

Remember, a sledgehammer is also known as a Barbarian Lockpick.

Or as a 'monster-wake-up-now-and-get-organized-in-your-defence' device.

 

[Grommilus]

heh, if they don't have a guard posted at the door i'm bashing in, then they're too dumb for me to worry about anyways =)

Grom