weapon styles

[Dalamar Stormcrow]

Originally posted by TheGodThatFailed: I myself see this skill as hugley pointless, who's going to take nothing instead of a shield. There are, however, a few situations i can see that it would help in. 1.A character like a mage, who can't use shields, but wants to use a sling or darts ETC. 2.Someone who is always switching from sword to bow, and can't equip a bow in a quickslot becuase 'off-hand is in use' by holding a shield. Instead of being able to switch efficiantly(sp?) he has to go into the iventory screen, and unequip his shield, just to use his bow. Where as if he is skilled in NOT using a shield, he can switch between bow and sword MUCH easyer. These are the only 2 situations i can see this skill being usefull.

3. Kensai

[Klutz]

Just one more minor point about Single Weapon Style in its favor. It is the only weapon style that gives you an increased chance of a critical hit by investing just a single point in it. That's what makes it so good for Thieves, since normally Thieves are only allowed to put a single point into any weapon or style. [And none of the exceptions to that rule include Single Weapon Style or Two Handed Weapon Style, which are the two styles that grant increased chance of criticals.]

Pure mages can't put proficiency points into weapon styles.

Most of the time when I have a warrior who wants to weapon-switch easily with a bow, I have them go with the Two Handed Weapon Style. They get bonus damage in addition to the critical hit chance increase with that style (though you need to invest two points instead of one for the full benefits). There's no shortage of great two-handed weapons to use: just ask Minsc or Keldorn.

[Magness]

I've done the very same thing, Klutz, with an archer, i.e. have an archer use a 2 handed weapon for a melee weapon, often the less popular ones like spear or halberd.

[Dundee Slaytern]

Another point to take note when it comes to Thieves and SWStyle. Critical Hits also applies to backstabs.