Shattered Kingdoms

Why can't barbarians dual wield?

With the Health Pool and Possible Damage Output of Barbarians the idea of them dual wielding especially in Heavy armor is kind of rediculous.

Well swashies only ever learn second attack thus limiting them to four obviously. There would just need to be a speed adjustment to the barbarian were he to dual wield, might actually make people use axes again! I don't know, was just a thought, I think it could be done if balanced properly, to straight up GIVE them dual wield, would probably be too powerful. But if the speed were to be adjusted whilst using the dual wield skill, I think it wouldn't be so bad, barbarians would only be able to use parry defensively so I doubt they'd be super tanks this way. It would just be another form of damage output. And just in my imagination, I usually don't see a barbarian with a shuriken or a bandalore and a shield, but a battleaxe in one hand and a hatchet in another? I can see that. Maybe its just me though.

I think there are probably better ways to make axes viable, if that's the main impetus behind this suggestion.

No, making axes more viable is not the main objective is this. Simply a possible bonus were it to come to fruition. Though oftentimes I'd find myself rather engaging in a more RP based equipment style rather than the "most effective" equipment style.

No.

Giving them more offensive capability is just plain dumb.

I think someone has been playing Diablo 2... or watching Diablo 3 trailers.

What would swashbucklers do?

I vote yes if, when they dual wield, they can't wear armor and must rely only on their toughness ability. That may even make MR barbs playable (kinda) again.