Hello folks,

I've just started playing as a Wood Elf and I've picked up a few shields through play that the game suggests I can use (highlighted green). However, when I equipt one in my second weapon slot, I can only have one weapon equiped at a time. So, in short, I can only use a bow or a shield seperatly, but not together. This makes sense for bows, but I thought I might be able to use a shield with a crossbow. I'm guessing this isn't the case though?

So is the second weapon slot for a sword or something so you can fight when enemies get in close?

Thanks in advance.

Sorry, the first game

All weapon slots are created equal. If you want to fight with a sword and shield, drag them both into the same slot. If you want a spare bow ready, use that. If you want to carry large weapons that don't fit into your inventory any more, you can stuff them in the weapon slots, as well. It's not your alternate hand; you will get more slots as you level up.

Edit: Also, for Wood Elves, I would recommend always using a long bow. There is no reason to ever switch to melee weapons, even if enemies are close, because long bows are extremely powerful, and I think a bow is required for some of the special attacks. Use the other weapon slots for storage

Both bows and crossbows are two-handed weapons, so you can't use them with a shield.
As it's been said before, I don't recommend using ranged and melee weapons for single character. Specialise in one type and use it. You can have up to five weapon slots (gained as you level up), each of them capable of holding either one two-handed weapon or a single-handed weapon with a shield, or two single-handed weapons (with appropriate skill). For elven archer I recommend sticking to bows, especially longbows (those big 2x5 ones). Keep the best one of each damage type (fire, poison, magic) to be able to deal with enemies with different resistances and vulnerabilities. Weapons with special abilities (extra XP, split, life leech, etc.) are also valuable.