I really don't like how Bethesda handled blocking in Skyrim. It's purely for sword and board warriors, as shield is mentioned in every Block perk discription. Does that mean it will work only for shields now? If not I will have to get shield-exclusive perks to get these working without shield anyway. Why every warrior fighting with two weapons or two-handed one must fight like berserker? Besides, I'm going to play character armed with single sword. Wish me luck I guess.

Edit: I put this thread in spoilers section, because I'm asking how Block skill and perks will work for shieldless characters.

I am also going to use single sword. (illusion alteration and restoration for prebattle buffs) but single sword in the thick. Some of the block perks WILL work for us. I think you can look up 2 handed block (there are about 5 threads on it) since what applies for the 2 handers also applies to one sword/empty offhand.

We do have a stagger punch which is pretty sweet. Just max those 1 hand perks

It's not JUST for sword and board warriors.

Mages can use staff + shield or spell + shield to provide defensive casting. It's also meant to be possible to go shield + shield and bash enemies to death from behind a wall of steel (lol)

The basic perk, some of the bashing perks, and Quick Reflexes work without a shield.

I kinda don't like this either. I mean, if you're using two swords, I can understand not being able to block in order to balance it out, but if you're using a sword and a spell, you should be able to block with the sword. I know, I KNOW! - there's no button available to use for block. I know. Could've been done differently though.

But whatever. There's going to be things we all dislike about this game. There were a TON of things I didn't like about Oblivion, but I played the dikeens out of it anyway. Spent way too much time counting spells and training skills by repeatedly casting or doing other things. Bleh. Glad those days are over.