I would think that lvl 17 a shield would give you a better benefit. At a
higher level, when you dual wield skill is higher, using two weapons would
be more effective.

Of course it is a Catch-22. You are not going to be able to dual wield
effectively at high levels unless you practice at lower levels.

Wayne

> Date: Fri, 9 Jul 1999 10:58:29 -0700
> From: RON_TALBOT@...
>Subject: Shield or dual wield?
>
> Fellow Bards,
>
> I've been off for awhile so excuse me if this topic has been
> beaten to death already.
>
> Which is better; using a good shield (SBS or darkwood for
> example) or using dual wield? I'm approaching 17th and have even
> procured a Dragoon dirk in anticipation of dual wield but my friend
> feels it is more advantageous to carry my SB shield saying that the
> additions damage form the occasional (why?) second strike does not
> outweigh the defensive bonus of the shield. I end up tanking about
> half the time so this is an important question.
> My friend was on beta so I usually trust his judgment. (And he is
> also one of those power gamer types that always calculates everything
> to the nth degree.)
>
> So let me know what you all think. Shield or dirk?