This troper, who used to hang out with SCA members as well as LAR Ping, can tell you two things about dual-wielding: first, it's not that hard to get the hang of, and the penalties in RP Gs such as D&D are greatly exaggerated. (I would impose a -1/-2 to hit rather than -2/-4, or no penalty with either Dual Wield proficiency or Ambidextrous merit. Note that I'm right-handed IRL, not ambidextrous, and dual-wielding is my preferred swordfighting style). And second, Giacomo di Grassi (mentioned under "Real Life") is half-right: if you use a smaller and lighter weapon in your off-hand (e.g. katana and wakizashi, rapier and main gauche or smallsword, etc.) or two smaller weapons (paired ninja-to or daggers, for example), it's not that hard if you practice a decent amount. As for twin katana, paired rapiers, etc., unless you're both really strong and fairly well-coordinated, he's right about having to be ambidextrous.
Also, dual-wielding takes a LOT of stamina and speed. Mighty Glaciers need not apply.
This troper, who used to hang out with SCA members as well as LAR Ping, can tell you two things about dual-wielding: first, it's not that hard to get the hang of, and the penalties in RP Gs such as D&D are greatly exaggerated. (I would impose a -1/-2 to hit rather than -2/-4, or no penalty with either Dual Wield proficiency or Ambidextrous merit. Note that I'm right-handed IRL, not ambidextrous, and dual-wielding is my preferred swordfighting style). And second, Giacomo di Grassi (mentioned under "Real Life") is half-right: if you use a smaller and lighter weapon in your off-hand (e.g. katana and wakizashi, rapier and main gauche or smallsword, etc.) or two smaller weapons (paired ninja-to or daggers, for example), it's not that hard if you practice a decent amount. As for twin katana, paired rapiers, etc., unless you're both really strong and fairly well-coordinated, he's right about having to be ambidextrous.
Also, dual-wielding takes a LOT of stamina and speed. Mighty Glaciers need not apply.