TomeNET

(7.5a) Start-up blows/round table (BpR)                                         
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Since 4.7.3 the client allows you to see your BpR with lightest existing
weapons of each of the four classes already during the character creation
process, when you distribute your stat points, so you no longer need to study
this table in detail anymore to find out what STR and DEX you'd like to pick.

Here is a table, showing you some BpR numbers you can expect your newly
created character to have, depending on certain combinations of class, STR,
DEX, given for both, lightest possible weapon and startup weapon:
(Don't forget that some classes can dual-wield, adding an extra +1 BpR on top!)

Note: 'Light' weapon may refer to as low as 3.0 lb (varies depending on STR
      and DEX - any weapon that weighs at most 3.0 lb will definitely work).
      Since axes and polearms don't have such light weapons, for most classes
      their requirements to get 3 BpR are different and specifically mentioned.

Class           STR     DEX     Light weapon    Startup weapon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warrior         17      18/10   2               1
                18      10      2               1
                18/10   any     2               1
                18/30   any     3               1-2 (depends on weapon)
                18/40   18/10   4               2
                18/50   any     3               2
                18/70..110 any  3-4             2-3 (depends on weapon)
                18/80   18/10   3-4             3   (depends on weapon)

                for axes, the cleaver is lightest at 4.0 lbs:
                18/40   10      3
                for polearms, the sickle is ligthest at 5.0 lbs:
                18/50   10      3

                note: there are more break points, too many to include all,
                mainly at STR 18/10, 18/20, 18/50, 18/60 and at DEX 18/10.

Istar           -

Priest          18/10   10      2               1
                18/50   10      3               2

Rogue           15      18/10   2               2
                18/10   10      2               1-2 (depends on weapon)
                18/10   18/50   3               3
                18/20   18/10   3               3

Mimic           similar to priest, also:
                18/30   18/10   3               2

                for axes, the cleaver is lightest at 4.0 lbs:
                18/40   10      3
                for polearms, the sickle is ligthest at 5.0 lbs:
                18/50   10      3

Archer          -

Paladin         18/10   10      2               1
                18/20   10      2               1-2 (depends on weapon)
                18/30   10      3               2
                18/20   18/10   3               2

                for axes, the cleaver is lightest at 4.0 lbs:
                18/40   10      3
                for polearms, the sickle is ligthest at 5.0 lbs:
                18/50   10      3

Ranger          similar to priest, also:
                18/50   10      3               2-3 (depends on weapon)
                18/30   18/10   3               2-3 (depends on weapon)

                for polearms, the sickle is ligthest at 5.0 lbs:
                18/70   10      3

Adventurer      similar to ranger.

Druid           -

Shaman          similar to priest.

Runemaster      similar to rogue.

Mindcrafter     similar to ranger.

Death Knight    same as paladin.

Hell Knight     same as paladin.

Corrupt.Priest  same as priest.


So if you're playing a melee-oriented characer, make sure you start with at
least 2 BpR (in some cases you might have to buy very light weapon and discard
your starter weapon to achieve this)!

If you think it's strange that for example 'Mimic fights similar to Priest'
keep in mind that this is not about actual melee potential, but rather about
some sort of 'blows/round improvement curve' displayed by a class.
If a class is busy studying other things in parallel (magic), its improvement
curve gets less steep. :)
This, however, doesn't determine its final melee performance, which is actually
given by the 'Max. base blows/round' shown further above, and other parameters
such as blocking/parrying effectiveness.