Dex and weapons

[SingleMalt]

I'm trying to figure out if things like Rapiers, bows, etc use dex, while swords and hammers use spears. The manual says nothing about this - only that rogues use dex and fighters use str. Does this mean a fighter's str would apply to his use of rapiers should he choose that route?

One reason I ask is that I'd like to make a fighter/rogue hybrid at some point. Of course a rogue needs a high dex, but can a fighter apply high dex for any weapons?

[Jamis]

You were already answered over on the official board but I'll post here anyway.

Melee weapons use str and missile weapons use dex.

Except in the case of weapon finesse that allows your character to substitute dex for str when using a melee weapon.

O there are some weapons that can be used as melee or missile weapons, like daggers, spears, etc. If throwing a weapon like that then you use your dex, if attacking normally you use your str.

EDIT:
I'm not positive but I think you have to specify a weapon when choosing weapon finesse. So you only get to use your dex with that paritcular weapon.

[jelenko]

FYI. I've never been asked for type of weapon when adding Weapon Finesse.

[Keill Randor]

When I took Weapon Finesse (for one of my monks), I had to select "unarmed" from a list of possible weapons to which it could apply. According to "official" D&D rules, you would have to take the feat for every weapon with which you wanted to use you DEX modifier towards your melee attack bonus. However, I took that feat in ToEE before the latest patch, so maybe things have changed.

Incidentally, weapon finesse can only be applied to specific weapons. You can't use it on just any old melee weapon that you find - just information. For example, you can apply it to a rapier, but cannot (according to the rules) apply it to a heavy mace. The idea is that weapon finesse can only be used with weapons that are more...well...finesse oriented.

I hope that helps.

[Raumoheru]

and the weapon finesse feat only uses the dex for attack roles not damage.

[Mulligan]

Raumo & the dudes(esses) are right here :

Depending on the ver. of the patch you run the FINESSE feat cold have different effects, BUT IT SHOULD, no matter what, effect your 'to hit roll' modified by DEX for all LIGHT WEAPONS including RAPIER.

LIGHT WPNS are Daggers, S.Sword, Rapier, L.Mace & some Monk Wpns AFAIK.

Note that WPN FINESSE give a bonus TO HIT, not DAMAGE.

STRENGHT is needed to add extra damage to hits.

Hope to help.