Shield armor check penalty question

[Theinexplicablefuzz]

I'm looking at purchasing a quickdraw shield for my current character, but i'm not sure how the armor check penalty works.

If I have my shield unequipped and on my back, do I still suffer the penalty?

[Marius Castille]

No. You only suffer the penalty while using the shield. However, the shield would still add to the character's encumbrance.

[Theinexplicablefuzz]

thanks! i looked everywhere for that.