Arrow Catching shield property

[AerynTahlro]

My SearchFu has turned up no other threads on this topic, so either I'm missing something obvious or everyone else ignores this property.

The Arrow Catching property states:
It has a deflection bonus of +1 against ranged weapons because projectiles and thrown weapons veer toward it.

Here is why I am confused...
* This verbiage seems to indicate that the shield itself is gaining a deflection bonus, not the bearer of the shield.
* If the verbiage means that it grants the bearer a deflection bonus, then this enchant is complete rubbish the second you get your hands on a Ring of Protection +2

So how exactly does this work? Why is this a deflection bonus instead of a Shield bonus?

[Grick]

AerynTahlro wrote:

If the verbiage means that it grants the bearer a deflection bonus, then this enchant is complete rubbish the second you get your hands on a Ring of Protection +2

If the point of having it is to raise your AC, then yes. +2 is better than +1.

I think the main use is to pull attacks away from nearby allies.

AerynTahlro wrote:

Why is this a deflection bonus instead of a Shield bonus?

If it was a shield bonus it wouldn't stack with your existing shield bonus. The nice thing about deflection is it'll apply to touch AC, granting a minor benefit when you pull a ray, close bullet, or splash weapon away from an ally.

[AerynTahlro]

I agree that the most important part of the enchant is being able to pull attacks away from your allies.

However, there is precedence for something to increase the existing shield bonus. Having the +1 Deflection vs ranged isn't bad until you get a better bonus from elsewhere. It's just a little odd that the property grants a bonus that ends up being negated elsewhere.

Also, as previously mentioned, the enchant's description doesn't say that you as the bearer/wearer gain a deflection bonus, it says that the shield itself gains a deflection bonus.

[Grick]

AerynTahlro wrote:

Also, as previously mentioned, the enchant's description doesn't say that you as the bearer/wearer gain a deflection bonus, it says that the shield itself gains a deflection bonus.

It would be worse if it applied to the shield, how often does something directly attack a shield?

[Ninjaxenomorph]

Pair with the Deflect Missile feat from the APG for fun, though by itself the power is weak. The problem is that your are gaining a +1, when you already gave up +1 to get the ability. Unless it is a +5 shield or better, it seems a little weak.

[AerynTahlro]

Grick wrote:

AerynTahlro wrote:

Also, as previously mentioned, the enchant's description doesn't say that you as the bearer/wearer gain a deflection bonus, it says that the shield itself gains a deflection bonus.

It would be worse if it applied to the shield, how often does something directly attack a shield?

That question is precisely why I was pointing that text out.