For all people here who would like a little bit of a challenge here is a playstyle that isnt seen often on the field.
SWASHBUCKLIN'
(aka using a 1 handed weapon without a shield)
First thing first this require skill in manual blocking, go practise it with a 2 hander if you must but practise first, you can try to go after peasant to get the hang of it, helped me a lot on my way there. You can keep a shield at the beginning to help agaisnt better players if you want, its up to you.
Well it is pretty close to fighting with a 2 handed weapon but on paper you will de toast'd agaisnt everything.
So keep these things in mind:
Generally you'll have the speed advantage, makes spamming easier, but you shouldnt relay on it too much. This allows you to pump a bit more in str to compensate for the lower damage output of your weapon. You wont need shield skill, at least not as much (I get 3-4 points in shield/athletics/weapon master). The rest goes in str since you will bounce a lot more often otherwise.
However your weapon is also lighter which mean than you well feel some sort of ''stun lock'' every once in a while when you parry an attack. After getting stun locked, you shouldnt try to attack as most of the time your enemy will be faster, having his (or her!) attack ready while you were busy being stunned.
More of a general tip really but getting used to your weapon range helps a lot! Go use it in single player a bit if you aren't sure.
Since you wont need a super shield and that 1 handers are cheaper than 2 handers, you will be able to afford a better armor, use that to your advantage. I personally prefer to go in plate with that but its quite hard right now. (Y'know... upkeep and all that crap bla bla bal :wink:)
Feinting is your friend too, with your high speed you may be able to sneak a hit or two. Dont abuse it however, as an impatient one might just smash through your wiggling.
Well I think I covered all that was needed for this, good luck to you and maybe the Swashbucklin' spirit be with you.
Your grand Swashbucklere'
Bobthehero
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Play in first person, its awesone, practise in singleplayer if need be
Useful tip from other users
1-on-1, fighting without a shield is still superior. In addition to the weapon stun, your weapon length allows the polearm or large 2hander user to kite you. Bob mentioned this, but I think it needs to be emphasized. You have to be aware of how far away the enemy is at all times. If they're out of reach or at an angle where their longer weapon will hit you first despite your faster weapon speed, you're going to have to block or dodge multiple times. Going on the defensive and lulling them into a sense of security is often advisable, unless you're facing a skilled player.
By Kalam