You know that the one hand mace can be used with a shield?
They dont have to be equal in stats.
You mean a shield that slows you down 50%, reduces your weapon speed and decreases the angle you can block in?
Yeah, you're right. That really is such a huge OP bonus...
/sarcasm.
Look, with alll the shield nerfs, not having a shield is now just as good as having one. When you have a shield you gain the ability to block projectiles, block couches and block from multiple directions. But, you also get reduced movement speed, reduced weapon speed and reduced block angle and reduced feinting potential. Some of these things are more important than others, but that varies for different persons. The point is, "you can use it with a shield" is no longer a valid argument because shields aren't powerfull anymore. You can still use them for what you
need shields for, but the penalties for using one is big enough to make someone without a shield and with a shield equally effective.
PS: The 2h mace can be used with a shield so you fail anyway.