There are plenty of cheap weapon options that will serve you well into your late 40s. Green Jaded Broadsword, Jarsath Trident, and up to 20 Vilks Dark Defender will also serve you well. You can probably get a defender for free
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And once you do hit 50+, buffs will see your str and dex maxed in no time. But, up until that point, stats from race and item will sure as hell matter.
(I vote wood elf warrior because they look sexy in plate and we alrdy got too many ogres!)