Active Shield Defense

Shield Specialization (PH2) , Proficiency with shields,

When fighting defensively and using a shield, you do not take the standard fighting defensively penalties on attacks of opportunity. When using the total defense action and a shield, you still threaten the area around you as normal. You can make attacks of opportunity with a -4 penalty.

A fighter can select Active Shield Defense as one of his fighter bonus feats.

You take a -4 penalty on all attacks while fighting defensively. You cannot attack while using the total defense action.

When fighting defensively and using a shield, you do not take the standard fighting defensively penalties on attacks of opportunity. When using the total defense action and a shield, you still threaten the area around you as normal. You can make attacks of opportunity with a -4 penalty.

You take a -4 penalty on all attacks while fighting defensively. You cannot attack while using the total defense action.

A fighter can select Active Shield Defense as one of his fighter bonus feats.

Your expert use of your shield allows you to strike at vulnerable foes even when you forgo your own attacks in favor of defense.