whats all this 1 hand no shield malarky?
Because, there is no build that will test your footwork, timing, or battle awareness quite like a 1h/no shield build. There are no "crutches" and you're constantly at a disadvantage. Everyone out ranges you, almost every weapon will block stun you and you have no protection from ranged. There are no hilt-slashes, turtling, or polestun.
No build is more rewarding for the players with the skill to make it work.