So can Duelist Fighting Style use Sword and Shield or not?

[Aksolotli]

So there seems to be inconsistencies that can the Duelist Fighting Style use shield or not. Same for Torch.

Now what i understood in e5 your one hand must be empty of anything but can be used for pouches or tools like Bards, Rogues, Druids etc... But you can not use Shield or Torches.

Now it seems like some DMs can allow use of Shields and Torches.

What is the case currently in EA? How is the Duelist Fighting Style defined?

How should it work in your opinion?

In my Opinion using Shield, or Torch should be allowed because fully empty hand is very bad only for +2 modifier. (Later in the game you could use 2x +3 Weapons and 3+3=6 is more than 2+3=5.)

[Ghost]

It's intended to work with shields. Torches are a bit of a weird one here, since (in BG3) they're basically flaming clubs.
*Specifically it's no weapon in the other hand, which shields aren't.

[Aksolotli]

Originally posted by Ghost:

It's intended to work with shields. Torches are a bit of a weird one here, since (in BG3) they're basically flaming clubs.
*Specifically it's no weapon in the other hand, which shields aren't.

So for a Tank Duelist is a great choice. Very nice. While i'm conflicted with Torches too but i must say Torch will always a light source and be a Fireclub and even on end game it will never be +2 or +3. And if there just happens to be over +1 Torch in the game it should always classify as a Weapon.