In role playing games in general, the expression "sword and board" refers to using a weapon in one hand and a shield in the other hand during combat, as opposed to using a weapon that requires both hands to wield and use effectively. Although the expression uses the word "sword" for aesthetic reasons (the rhyming scheme), the weapon in question can be any one handed weapon.
The monster we're up against next hits pretty hard, so I think I'm going to go sword and board for this battle.
He has to go sword and board because he doesn't have the strength to use a proper two handed weapon!
He has to go sword and board because he doesn't have the strength to use a proper two handed weapon!
by JoshM February 11, 2006