Andor's Trail

So I'm level 22, and until reading forums on this site I've not given much thought to my off-hand. As a matter of fact, I've gone the entire game with it empty. Any shield is gonna bring down my AC, and any weapon is gonna bring down my number of attacks. So my question I guess is this: is it worth it either way? Weapon or shield? Thinking back, maybe some of the game would have gone more in my favor if I had properly used my off-hand, but I just can't imagine giving up AC OR number of attacks. Btw my AC is %216, attack is 6-17, and me BC is %79/1, whatever that /1 means. Health is 68. Any input would be appreciated.

The /1 is your Damage Resistance. That means from each succesfull hit of your opponent 1 damage point is subtracted.
There are opponents in the game against which high BC is useful, so carry a shield with you and equip it when you need it.
A second weapon is useful when you learn and enhance two-handed-combat skills.

Ah. Puts it more into perspective, although I'll probably continue to one-hand it for as long as possible. Thanks.