Where does the shield go if it's not equipped? Usually, it hangs on the character's back, or it should. Now, in most video games, that shield that's supposed to be there isn't shown, but it should be.
So? Having a heavy wooden object hanging of your back doesn’t exactly help you - if anything it should add negative AC. By the same token an unequipped weapon might do damage to an attacker cause “hey, you turn around and the mace smacks an enemy in the balls by accident”.
If you don’t have something equipped, it should not be a factor in combat. Switching weapons should be limited. I would prefer an ability for more loadouts, rather then forcing one ranged and one melee.
