Strength

From AoP Wiki

Strength is the first of the seven Specials a character can have a set amount of points in. Strength is important, if you want to wield big weapons, have more HP as well as a higher Healing Rate. Have good protection against Knockouts and Weapon Drops, Have a higher Carry Weight. Do more Melee Damage, have a higher Throwing Range and last but not least have a higher Bleed Resistance.

Each point of Strength adds

Additionally, each point of Strength raises the following starting value of Skills:

In addition, having less Strength then the Weapon you are wielding requires, will severely lower your effective range with that weapon.