I really don't care about the reasoning, not being open minded to shield skilling makes the game more vague and less possible for options. Give the adventurers a damn choice! If gladiators one day can duel-wield, they would be with two swords.

If a Archer think he will need a shield, I think it's his/her right. If some even feel to hold a shield and Scepter, why hold it against them?? Heck, it should be an option to duel-wield shields and that would make this game even greater and more open to customablity of play styles and imagination.

It's not the rationality of the matter, it's the openness to options and to be creative with your class. If you don't like shields, don't use it. If you want shields every way possible, approve this message.

Shield skill for single handed weapon class!