Weapon Trait — Finesse

Finesse weapons let you use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack rolls (but not damage).

Mechanical Effect:

• You can use your DEX modifier instead of STR modifier for attack rolls with this weapon
• Damage still uses STR modifier (unless you have an ability that changes this, like the Thief Rogue racket)
• You choose which modifier to use each time you attack — it's not forced

Why It Matters:

• DEX-focused characters (Rogues, some Monks, Swashbucklers) can hit accurately without STR investment
• Thief Rogues specifically add DEX to damage with Finesse weapons, making STR unnecessary
• Precision Rangers and Champions with DEX builds benefit

Common Finesse Weapons:

• Rapier, shortsword, dagger, whip, sickle
• All unarmed attacks (fists are Finesse by default)

Finesse + Agile: Many finesse weapons are also Agile (shortsword, dagger), making them ideal for multi-attack DEX builds. The combination gives you accurate first attacks (DEX) with reduced MAP on follow-ups (Agile).

Tactical Note: Finesse is the gateway trait for DEX-based melee builds. Without it, DEX characters must use ranged weapons or accept lower melee accuracy.