understand that taking a negative charisma will really hurt you post patch 9 because most talks auto default to the player character now
I agree we should be able to swap who is talking in conversations, but nevertheless wouldn’t agree high charisma is necessary for a PC. Yes, there are checks that are going to be harder to pass with lower charisma characters, but I find it boring to take the same path every time and don’t think it’s a bad thing to be pushed to solve problems in different ways. It’s still often (not always) possible to achieve similar outcomes by using other non-charisma dialogue checks, detect thoughts, or sneaking or thieving, or just fighting if it comes to that. Of course, if you prefer to solve problems by means of persuasion, deception or intimidation then you’re better off with a higher charisma character, but Larian have generally done a good job of making sure there are other satisfying approaches for characters who have different skill sets.
On the other hand, with the appropiate weapon a Dex build will not have lower damage (longsword and rapier are both 1d8), if you are not satisfied with your damage with 17 Dex and a finesse weapon, you will also not with 16 Str and a strength weapon... Advantage of the Dex fighter is the better ranged weapon damage.
Yep, agreed (at least if we’re talking weapon and shield or dual weapon), which is why when playing elves I prefer to lean into their dexterity advantage and play finesse fighters. Though I do agree you don’t need to, and can get satisfactory strength as long as you’re willing to take lower values on non-essential stats or chug strength potions on the regular. Or if you’re lucky on stat rolling when we get that option.
EDIT: In the full release, a College of Valour bard might be a viable option for a high elf combo magic user and fighter, though they’ll take longer to pump their charisma up, but I wouldn’t recommend for EA as their combat inspiration is currently bugged at level 5 and they don’t get extra attack until level 6. Or we might eventually be able to go for a multiclass Wizard/Fighter.
