Question about Basic attacks on PC sheet

[Blacksheepcomedy]

On a Character worksheet on the right hand side there is a attack workspace, damage workspace and basic attack space. I am very confused by this and wondering if I can get help on the way it works.

I assume the ability bonus mod for basic attack will be STR (for melee), is that correct? and DEX for Ranged?
I assume the basic damage ability bonus is the same format as above, is that correct?

So then basic melee weapon attacks are STR bonuses vs AC
and basic range weapon attacks are DEX bonuses VS AC

I guess the big question is for me, doesn't damage dice input change depending on the weapon used? How do you know what to put there if you haven't bought anything yet

Thanks in advance
LB

 

[mneme]

Basically, you want to put your best basic attack or basic attacks.

Assuming you don't have powers, feats, or class abilities changing it, basic melee is Str, and basic ranges is Dex or Str (depending on whether you're using a Heavy Thrown weapon [Str] or a Ranged or Light Thrown one [Dex]). Also note that if you have a power or feat that you can use as a basic attack, you should put this instead if it's better than your "normal" basic attack -- Wizards should put Magic Missile (if they have it; Mages always will) under Basic Ranged; a Swordmage with Intelligent Blademaster should put Int vs Str (and add Int to damage) under basic melee, etc.

Damage dice (and which stat you use, and how much bonus damage you have from weapon/feats/whatever) are, yes, going to very much depend on what weapon you're using. Functionally you want to put all the ones that apply in the boxes and leave out things you're never going to use -- if you don't carry a melee weapon, you might as well put Str vs AC / 1d4 (fist) under Basic Melee just in case something draws an OA, but if you do you probably don't want to bother. You might want to put two things if, say, you've got two different weapons that are useful in different circumstances (for instance, my storm sorcerer with a lightning dagger+1 and a dagger +2 would put down both for most attacks including basics as sometimes the ability to turn all damage lightning-flavored and the item daily was worse losing the extra +1 to hit and damage; a fighter with a polearm and a craghammer might want to use the polarm at range but switch to the hammer up close, etc).

 

[mcmillan]

I assume the ability bonus mod for basic attack will be STR (for melee), is that correct? and DEX for Ranged?

Mostly, there's also a bonus due to weapon proficiency (usually +2, some weapons have +3) and you also get a bonus equal to 1/2 level. But as far as stats go it's Str for melee and Dex for ranged unless your class has a special feature that changes it.

I assume the basic damage ability bonus is the same format as above, is that correct?

This is correct, and doesn't include the other bonuses I mentioned for the attack roll

I guess the big question is for me, doesn't damage dice input change depending on the weapon used? How do you know what to put there if you haven't bought anything yet
LB

That's why I wouldn't bother trying to figure this out until you've decided what weapon you'll be using.

 

[Blacksheepcomedy]

Thanks guys. I thought this was the case, but just wanted to double check just to make sure
LB