I'm looking to prestige my Shielded Fighter after level 9 (since the archetype is rather underwhelming to me now) in order to get the second Shielded Fighter rank and Shield Buffet ability. Stalwart Defender seems to fit my style the best, but I have some questions about its Defensive Stance ability.
Since movement while in Defensive Stance cancels it, you simply choose not to move during a round correct? Instead of that move action, can I substitute Shield Buffet against a legal target while remaining in Defensive Stance? Are there other useful move action replacements that I should look to pick up?
Next questions have to do with Throwing Shields. First, does Shield Master apply to them as well as my shield bashes with my other equipped shield? Second, since I have Two Weapon Fighting in order to get to Shield Master, can I attack a ranged target with my Throwing Shield and a melee target with my other shield? Third, if my Throwing Shield is enchanted with the Returning property, does that allow me to use my iterative attacks from a full attack action or does it not return during my attack? Finally, assuming the answer to Shield Master affecting Throwing Shields is true, is there any reason not to constantly fight defensively while dual wielding shields? It seems I would have a +4 AC bonus (boosted by Active Defense from Shielded Fighter) without taking penalties all while boosting the AC of those around me by 1 (as a swift action).
Many thanks for your patience and any help.
