The Shielded Fighter's Active Defense feature reads as such:
Active Defense (Ex)
At 3rd level, a shielded fighter gains a +1 dodge bonus to AC when wielding a shield and fighting defensively, using Combat Expertise, or using total defense. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels beyond 3rd. As a swift action, he may share this bonus with one adjacent ally, or half of the bonus (minimum +0) with all adjacent allies, until the beginning of his next turn.
This ability replaces Armor Training 1, 2, 3, and 4.
If I'm reading it correctly, I have to be using one of the following along with carrying a shield.
- Fighting Defensively
- Combat Expertise
- Total Defense
Looking at these three options, it makes me feel that I need to take Combat Expertise (which requires 13 Int). I wasn't planning on taking Combat Expertise (nor 13 Int), but that seems the best option.
Fighting Defensively really hurts attack with -4 To-Hit. And you only get +2 AC. Of course CE will eventually give a -4 attack, but you'll also get +4 AC.
Total Defense is nice. But then I can't attack or get AoO. As a frontliner, I need to be doing some damage. So unless the situation applies, I can't regularly use Total Defense.
I would love advice telling me otherwise. But it seems like if I don't want this feature to be a total waste or simply go unused, that I should take CE (and 13 Int).
What do you guys think?
Definitely going Combat Expertise, as I just discovered the Threatening Defender trait. I know it only helps attack rolls by 1, but better than nothing. And it certainly makes CE way more valuable than Fighting Defensively. So 13 Int it is!
If you can afford the feat, use a Madu as a weapon. It also really helps CE.
What about considering the "Crane Style" tree?
I don't know what other feats you have, but they might be worth it. Unfortunately, the second feats of the 3-feat trees are usually not great.