Quote Originally Posted by Nate the Snake View Post
I fail to see how a barbarian can't hit just as hard with a rapier as with anything else.
That's (partially) why I left the "(stat) to damage" open for debate.
He can hit just as HARD with a Rapier, if Str to damage.
But actually HITTING would be a little more difficult.

Defending my point of view from a Flavor Perspective:
Barbarian swings Battle Axe at Guy-in-Full-Plate (GiFP).
Battle Axe is big heavy weapon, it doesn't matter where GiFP gets hit, it will hurt.
Barbarian swings Rapier at GiFP.
Rapier is a light slashing weapon, Full Plate is a good defense against light slashing weapons, and Barbarian lacks technique (10 Dex remember), so the Barbarian would 'connect' with the weapon, but it would just 'bounce off' the thick plating most of the time, doing no damage (effectively a Miss)
Swashbuckler with Rapier (10 Str, 18 Dex) DOES have technique, would be more able to hit GiFP in the vulnerable places.

This is why I suggested that only 'certain' weapons be "Finesse ONLY", you don't need to waste a feat, but you can only apply Dex with fewer weapons.