Dextrous Fighters?

[Angel Tarragon]

If a character is rolled that has average commoner Strength (10), but rolls very well for Dexterity (16), it would seem that if said character wishes to excel in close combat that by taking the fighter class and taking Weapon Focus (short Sword) and Two-Weapon Fighting that they would fare well in combat. With Weapon Focus and the fighters BAB of +1, there would cancel out the penalties of fighting with two weapons.

Am I missing something here or did I hit the jackpot of an idea for a Dextrous fighter?

 

[Khaalis]

Weapon Finesse would be a better choice than weapon focus. Gain +3 (from your 16 Dex) to attack rolls rather than +1.

 

[Thanee]

Or just become a Swashbuckler [CW].

Bye
Thanee

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Weapon Finesse would be a better choice than weapon focus.

D'OH! Thats what I was thinking to type but actually typed the other. So, now in all actuality, any character in question with these feats would be fighting with a +2/+2 bonus, right?

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Oh, and I don't have Complete Warrior [yet]. I'm still using Sword & Fist.

 

[Khaalis]

From what I see, yes you are correct. Let me sum this up just to be sure I got it all...

Human Fighter 1, with Paired Short Swords, Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse and a Dex of 16 (and Str 10).

Your total attack bonus would be: +2 / +2
BAB = +1
Stat bonus: +3
Off-hand weapon is light and Two-Weapon Fighting feat = –2 / –2

You will gain no damage bonus.

However, as a Human Fighter you get 3 feats at first level (1st, Human, Fighter 1) so you have one more feat to picki.

 

[Sammael]

Weapon Focus seems like a natural choice, to offset the -2/-2 penalty. Besides, you need it for Weapon Specialization, which is another obvious choice because of the lack of Strength bonus.

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

My experience has been that in core D&D/d20, dextrous fighters don't work very well, especially if you don't want to be a genious with swashbuckler levels. I don't like the CW swashbuckler; there are better options out there if you're willing to stray from core. AUs unfettered springs to mind.

 

[Lord Morte]

Khaalis' math looks right. Two weapons is a good way to go for a dextrous fighter, sacrificing two points of bonus for a second attack (and more damage and a second shot at a crit) is a fair trade.

However, as a Human Fighter you get 3 feats at first level (1st, Human, Fighter 1) so you have one more feat to picki.

Like Weapon Focus (to pick up Weapon Specialisation later) or Two-Weapon Defense. Or if you're operating under 3.0, Weapon Finesse in rapier. Using a rapier/short sword combo is a slightly better option as one attack has a better crit range, but is more feat intensive. Even two short sword does have more style...

 

[Darkness]

Oh, and I don't have Complete Warrior [yet]. I'm still using Sword & Fist.

Duelist?