I still remember ages ago... I just started seriously playing crpg. I remember the map was Native - City (the khergit/steppe one with a tower in the middle). Some Pecores guy had a military pick, (elite cav?) shield, crossbow, and steel bolts. He held off waves off attackers alone, beat good players 1v1 in melee, and made excellent shots with his crossbow. I wanted that build as soon as I saw it. He could do everything, Ranged, offensive melee, defensive melee, he was a jack of all trades. I wanted to be that guy.
I actually haven't tried building for that until now. I'm going for 18/24 shielder/1H at 32. After that I plan to get WM and level my crossbow skill. With that build you can fight in almost any strat battle, and you can change your equipment radically to different styles as you level.
Thanks Pecores, you inspired me to be a good 1h/shield/xbow hybrid.