Make weapon finesse baseline for everyone

[Torrance]

Hi,

Would it be possible to make it so that if your dexterity is higher than your strength (base dexterity  or even with buffs) you get the effects of weapon finesse automatically?

If it's too complicated to script, why not grand the feat to everyone? Weapon finesse is not a pre-requisite for any other feat and I honestly never understood why it's even a feat in the first place.

Another suggestion, if the above is considered too 'op', why not give it to certain classes like at rogue level 2 or something of the sort?

[Moonlighter]

strong agree

[djspectre]

Normally I would agree with this because that's how 5th Edition works, but since NWN and EFU are based on some hybrid of 3rd and 3.5e, I can't say this would be preferable.

I totally understand WHY this is preferable, but it would fundamentally alter how certain classes and builds work to the point of possible imbalance.

[VanillaPudding]

Stemming from some discussions in discord recently, this is actually a pretty good suggestion in terms of offering some variety in what typical classes are doing in terms of builds and such!

[Richørd]

My question would just be

why should everyone get weapon finesse for free?

[Random_White_Guy]

Honestly I do kind of like this idea.

The idea that certain weapons are just inherently dex-based, etc. Picking up a rapier if you're more nimble/etc lends to the style so a FIghter with a Rapier who was dex based would just naturally flow with it. Same for say - an elf who decided to pick one up, natural grace, etc. Plus as an eternal rogue player, having more lateral moves for feats is never a bad thing.

[Electrohydra]

I am 110% behind this suggestion.  Requiring a feat just to be able to use your weapon in the way it's intended is the most egregious feat tax there is and kind of an antiquated concept. (Newer editions of D&D and similiar do away with the feat and just make it part of  the core rules).

For people who think it would be unbalanced, well let's take a look at who uses finesse:
-DEX Fighters. We've had a few successful of these, though they remain a minority compared to the number of STR Fighters.
-DEX Rogues: These are very popular, but tend to in most cases be skill monkeys that are not exactly combat monsters.
-Monks.

[Howlando]

Sorry I don't think this is necessary.

[SunrypeSlim]

I'm not sure I like this as a free bonus feat for every character. The specific reason I thought of first was polymorph and alter self.

But I do like the idea of giving Finesse as a perk option for Rogues, Sorcerers, and Bards.

-For Rogue, even as a bonus feat, this is appealing.
-For Sorcerer, a Dexterity-based perk with Weapon Finesse at 1, and then bonuses to speed and Parry.
-For Bards, as a first level perk. Although while we're here, Bards ought to just receive Rogue minor perks.

[MAGIC]

Could we remove the 1 BAB requirement at least? It would be nice for a dex focused rogue, bard or other class to be able to pick up this feat at char creation instead of having to wait until lvl 3.

[the battle of marathon]

weapon finesse will give you strength rogues for days and days, lol

[Moonlighter]

weapon finesse will give you strength rogues for days and days, lol

? ? ?

this literally doesn't follow

[the battle of marathon]

it literally means that the feat is not worth taking

[Sem]

it literally means that the feat is not worth taking

You aren't actually making or contributing a real point or bothering to explain it so I'm not sure why you're in the thread.


As for the actual suggestion, I think it would be a fine change. Though I wonder if it wouldn't be more favorable to give it as part of a few perks instead of a free-for-all handout.

Rogue minor perk for weapon finesse, for example.
Self Taught, Vagabond, Duelist for fighters