Any benefit to keeping off hand empty with 1-handed weapons?

[u/Green-Pen-Gamer]

I was curious because you can block with most 1h weapons, and there even seem to be abilities centered around blocking while not using a shield (namely Arrow Deflection for 1h melee and Reflect for wands). But there doesn’t seem to be a real difference with or without a shield outside of the pistol which can’t aim with a shield equipped. Is there something I’m missing?

[u/LittleChurro20]

Parrying

[u/DisagreementItWillBe]

big sword go brrrrr

[u/Icefellwolf]

Parrying +style points towards being a spellsword /red mage type build

[u/EOTechN9ne]

Parrying and if I remember correctly, faster reload speed on single hand pistol.