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?