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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Celtavian" data-source="post: 1657426" data-attributes="member: 5834">reSwinging a sword like a baseball bat will only get you killed. I've watched and participated in one on one combat with weapons. You have to be rather quick to parry and counterstrike. You rarely get to use your full strength during combat. You are more often than not engaging in strikes and counterstrikes to slowly wear down and wound your opponent until you create an opening for a dehabilitating or lethal strike. It takes alot of endurance and dexterity to properly handle a sword without swinging once and leaving yourself open to attack if you miss.Sword fighting is not like this at all. It is a very refined art even in Europe, even amongst folk like the Vikings who often employed a sword and shield fighting style.Strength is meaningless if you don't have the Dexterity to apply it. I am very strong, but I've had trouble striking smaller quicker people with equal combat training. Just as an example, I am 5'11", 290 lbs, bench press anywhere from 375 to 400 lbs depending on my cycle. I am a good deal stronger than about 90 to 95% of the best fighters in the history of the world, but I guarantee you that someone quicker will kick my ass with a weapon. Quick allows you strike and counterstrike much quicker than larger, stronger people who are not as quick. In real life, strength gives a great advantage in grappling and damage resistance, or I sould say weight and size give a great advantage in grappling and damage resistance. I speak from experience in this case. But Strength alone does not grant a great advantage in weapon use or striking save that you can use a heavier weapon and strike with more power.Most game systems use dexterity because it is considered hand-eye coordination. D&D has been using Strength so long they are probably loathe to change. Maybe 4th edition will finally make the move to Dex based combat, which I greatly hope they do.</blockquote>

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