Basic Fantasy RPG Forums

Hi All!

I just found out about BF and really like the simplicity of it and the amazing community! I have a newb question. I am coming from AD&D 2E so I have a TO HIT and DMG bonus. I really like James D. Jarvis' Character Sheet, Version 4. According to this sheet you would add your normal attack bonus + either STR or DEX for either melee or ranged. Do these new numbers indicate your + TO HIT as well as + DMG? Thanks!

For attack, yes. For damage, only melee and thrown missile weapons get a STR bonus. BUT magical bows, etc. do.
Core Rules p. 46:

To roll “to hit,” the attacker rolls 1d20 and adds his or her
attack bonus (AB), as shown on the Attack Bonus table, as
well as Strength bonus (if performing a melee attack) or
Dexterity bonus (if performing a missile attack) and any
other adjustments required by the situation.

p. 48:

If an attack hits, the attacker rolls damage as given for the
weapon. Melee attacks apply the Strength bonus or
penalty to the damage dice, as do thrown missile weapons
such as daggers or spears. Usually, attacks with bows or
crossbows do not gain the Strength bonus, but sling bullets
or stones do.
Also, magic weapons will add their bonuses to damage
(and cursed weapons will apply their penalty).

Thank you for the quick reply! I got confused for a minute there. But it boils down to Base AB+STR or DEX= your + to hit. And your Strength Bonus Only (No Base AB) = + to Damage based on the weapons. Am I thinking that through correctly? Again sorry for the newb question!

STR or DEX bonus/penalty for attack, yes.
STR bonus/pentalty for melee, thrown missile, and magic weapon damage.

Chi is correct, but as usual there can be minor caveats.

Melee Attack - Strength Modifies attack roll
note Combat Options allows for "Light Weapons" where Dex is used instead, but this is more house-rule territory than core-rules.
Melee Damage - Strength Modifies damage roll

Ranged Attack - Dexterity Modifies attack roll
Ranged Damage - no modifier (str nor dex) for many, usually when device propelled such as bows/crossbow (slings being an exception). Strength will modify damage roll specifically for "thrown" weapons such as Spears, Daggers, thrown axes, etc., and also Slings get this Strength bonus.

Comparing to AD&D2E:
In Basic Fantasy you have only one ability modifier, that is used for the attack roll (STR for melee, DEX for ranged) and for some damage rolls instead of having 2 separate bonuses.

Then, instead of having your THAC0, you have your Attack Bonus, that is added to attacks rolls only.

So, on BF you use your Attack Bonus when you would've used your THAC0, and then add your ability bonus the same way you would do it on AD&D for attack and damage

Thank you all for the replies! I get it now Thanks again for the clarification!