Str vs. Melee, Dex vs. Ranged...

[Abelard]

I only got the CD-ROM's for the game (from a friend), not the manual, so I'm not sure if this is covered in there:

What is the difference between Strength and Melee (or Dexterity and Ranged)? For example, I realize that the ability score is the prerequisite for bigger and better weapons, armor, etc., but which determines how often I hit the nasties?

Does the skill score affect damage, or just "to hit" probability?

[Hippy Lettuce]

STR for melee and DEX for ranged...

The more you use your melee skill, the stronger you get, and the more experienced you get using melee weapons. In turn, you have a better chance of hitting, causing more damage, dodging...

The more you use your ranged skill, the better your dexterity gets... In turn, you become more acurrate, better damage...

If you notice on the description of any weapon you find, melee has a strength requirement, and ranged has a dexterity requirement in the description...

[raphjd]

Also, when using a sword, your dex. goes up, but very slowly; the same with bows and strenth.

Some Ranged weapons later in the game have Strenth requirements also.