If memory serves...... Back when version 1.0 was released, Shields were their own class that leveled independently, so any tank had to level their weapon (one handed sword/dagger) and a Shield (provoke, shield slam, etc: All the tanking skills were in there). A player could equip a second weapon (dagger) instead for more slots to attack with since I *think* there was something with the cooldowns that made it advantageous (maybe it was TP generation, the system was all screwed up back then). Since skill point gains were shared between the two weapons, you'd basically level a tank at half speed.



It was changed to just bake Shield skills into the GLA class. (which really made things a lot better)



that's the origin of the sword/shield/dagger thing (or at least how my addled brain remembers it). I often think they would have been better off just making the sword and shield a matching set like pugilist weapons (which means that yes, you would have a shield made from Ifrits skull.. BadAss). Would have cut down on the confusion and complication, but it seems that old design still shows it's ugly mug every now and again. So clearly, when it comes to dual wield weapons they're much better off going with a single item than having to collect two drops.



On a side note. Thief with dual wield has always seemed really dumb to me.....How are you supposed to be stealing things when you have no free hands? Thieves used small knives to cut the purse strings of a mark and make off with their coins (thus terms like "Cutpurse"), you'd need your other hand available to catch the purse. I really don't think Dual Wielding weapons is nearly as common or useful as fantasy games would have us believe. That being said, an Escrima stick using class would be pretty darn cool.



Personally, I'd give the Thief class a Kukri blade, stylish and functional.