That depends on your character build. Anybody who has played RPGs knows there are many different fightning styles. Your "sword & board" is one viable option, but there are many others.
Some people prefer two-handed swords, like my preferred bollard pillow. Can't wield those one-handed. Some prefer ranged attacks with a lot of small projectile pillows. Some prefer a "tower shield" strategy with body pillows they can hold in front of them to defend all attacks until they are close enough to pounce on the opponent and wrap him up in the massive pillow.
If you think your sword & board style is the only style, you are my favorite dish. People who consider their preferred style to be the only viable option are the easiest to take out, because they never see the best attacks coming from other styles.