There's also something to be said for weight here. A shield weighs roughly
10 lbs for the small races, +2.5(dirk)-10(screaming mace) lbs for your
weapon. Presently I dual wield a combine long (7.5) and a dirk (2.5) for a
total of 10#. When you add in the weight of bronze plate, even for a small
race it adds up fast. With 3 backpacks, instruments, 10 food/water, full
bronze armor (minus the hideous helm for wood elves), and my weapons, I
weigh in at roughly 75#. So going INTO the dungeon I weigh that much. Thank
goodness for strength items and spells. since being overweight has an affect
on your agility (movement speed slows, greater percentage chance of being
stunned) you definitely want to watch your weight if you will be
fetching/pulling for your group.

Ariell Thunderwolf, Karana