Mindtracer

Well, having practiced medieval European sword fighting I've got to say that carrying a shield while wielding a hand-and-a-half sword won't work out well. The so called "bastard sword" is - though of course lighter than a Zweihänder - too heavy for one hand wielding over a longer period of time. You usually hold it in both hands for maximum weapon stability. (Not so much for better striking power since power in sword fighting derives mainly from you legs movement, i.e. from thrusting you body weight in the opponent's direction by a forward step while striking.) The benefit of the "half hand" is that (especially when parrying enemy blows and being in close combat situations) you could let go with one hand - and use your free hand for punching the opponent, breaking his balance or disarming him. ;-) Unfortunately I cannot remember any RPG that has properly implemented such actions so far.