Give it a try CursedShadow and let us know if that worked. In my fighter's four quick weapon slots I ususally have: bow, two-handed sword, long sword, mace/flail. (Mace or flail to beat on skeletons)
I use the bow for the ranged attacks. As monsters close to melee distance, I switch to one of the other weapons without equipping shield. If I'm in an area and know that I cannot use the bow, I remove it and the two-handed sword from my quick weapon slots, place them in the inventory slots, equip shield, use long sword, engage. You can also switch weapons and equip shield when paused (even in the middle of combat), but some get
if you tell them that. Full report on my desk tomorrow morning, soldier.