I am looking for some advice of the advanced and expert players.

Since the start of the game I have found three decent swords: diamond epee, demonsbane and bloodlust. But among my melee characters is only one sword specialist, a fighter. The others are Myles (thief, daggers), Vi (walkyrie, polearms) and a barehanded monk (martial arts). My ranger is solely using bow weapons. Especially the polearm skill of Vi is highly welcome to protect a flank and at the same time fight frontline opponents. The ranger often protects the other flank.

Now I'm wondering if I should replace the shield of my fighter (heater shield, AC 3, +5 to shield) with one of the a.m. swords. The 9th level fighter's shield skill is 20 (15+5), his dual weapon skill is exactly zero. But I fear that I got penalties using two swords with such a lousy dual weapon skill. What should I consider?

• RE: dual weapons or shield?,Indigo (Guest), 04:14 AM, May-12-04
• If you don't imnd...,Avatar (Guest), 04:59 AM, May-12-04
• RE: dual weapons or shield?,rbrown, 11:09 AM, May-12-04

First of all, you can only use those swords in the primary hand. So daggers (and later, maces and staffs) are the options for second weapon, unless you are a samurai. Perhaps there are non-samurai secondary-hand swords out there, but if so I haven't noticed.

Even so, I think it's worth it. In the beginning, a few AC doesn't matter (I get hit all the time anyway), and later, a fighter will probably have the HP (and AC) to take a bit more damage.
Dual-weilding does give a slight penalty, but two ekstra attacks with two swings with a dagger with instant kill bonus........

Losing ranged weapon capibility one of the best things you can do for melee is arm Myles with Bloodlust and Thieves Dagger. Close in he will be as or more deadly than your fighter.

I always give a sword to the rogue, with a dagger (stiletto if possible) in the other hand. I also give a polearm (Mystic Spear eventually) to the ranger for close-in work.

Fighters usually get a sword and Thieves Buckler. The speed bonus on the shield helps their attacks and can boost armor by 1 if their speed is high enough.

Eventually you will get two Really Good Swords, and a shot at the Light Sword if you know how to play for it. A rogue is absolutely devastating with those Really Good Swords.