What's the deal?

Like all commands, it has a helpfile outlining its basics that you can access from either the website or within the game.

Does it come with skills, like specializations;

Yes. They're available here and here, as linked from the parent helpfile. It's a good idea when playing a new class to look at 'help classname' as well as all the cross-referenced helpfiles inside (here, including Empowerment and Paladin Code, the latter of which may be new to you). After that, check the "Classes" link in the sidebar and you'll get a list of all the skills and supplications.

and if so, is either one more powerful than the other?

I don't think so. The general rule is that if we thought one was "better", we'd be adjusting one or the other so that fact was no longer true. Characters have been successful with both-- obviously the shield specialization is more defensive and the weapon specialization is more offensive, so choose something that suits your style of play more.

valguarnera@carrionfields.com