ToME: the Tales of Maj'Eyal

I wanted to raise a question that could lead to a discussion. Why don't the warrior classes (and Sun Paladins) have access to the dual weapons skills?

My first post!

Aberk

there is a non-rogue melee class that has access to the dual weapon tree.
(and hopefully there will be more in the future)

You actually don't have to have the dual weapon trees to wield two weapons at once - any character can have a one handed weapon in the main hand, and equip a knife in the other - the only reason you don't see builds doing this is that a shield, more often than not, is more efficient in survival than having a knife in the off-hand.

You also have to consider that there are many equipment-dependent skills. Like Shield Pummel for fighters or Stunning Blows of the berzerker. Besides, in most cases, it doesn't really make much sense. I mean, a Paladin wielding two weapons? It sounds to me a bit off.

I have to respectfully disagree with the previous comment. The beauty of Tome is that skills determine the character's abilities and not the class name. Players should have the option to make whatever character they want as long as it is balanced. For instance, if you want to make an elf who uses heavy armor, fights with two weapons, and is constantly going with an aura of whatever, you should totally be able to do that. I would just like players to have the ability to combine skill sets as they see fit.

This post is totally not intended to start a flame war. I enjoy this discussion and hearing all of the different opinions.

I'll agree that it's fun to have crossover skills for a given class, but as ToME is class-based at the moment, it stands to give each class sets of exclusive, iconic skills. Maybe dual-wielding wouldn't be such a game-breaking addition if it were to become a learn-able skill, but not my any measure IMHO should every skill be acquirable. As much as I daydream of having bloodthirst on my arcane blades or reavers, it just shouldn't happen.

Also, your scenario of a heavy armor wearing, dual wielding, aura-radiating character already sort of exists as an unlockable class.

As a final note, it was said by darkgod that classes will not be balanced relative to one another. A mechanic that is totally game-breaking, however, is a different story.

edit: typo

I don't see dual wielding weapons that big a deal.

For starters, any character can already have a dagger in the off hand. Sure, a long sword is badder, but it is only a difference of degree, not kind. Then, a character having a second weapon gives up the use of a shield, which makes many talents unusable.