Deflective Shield (Ex)
At 2nd level, an armor master specializes in using his shield to deflect attacks. He gains a +1 bonus to his touch AC, and this bonus increases for every four levels beyond 2nd (to a maximum of +6 at 20th level); however, this bonus cannot exceed the sum of the armor and enhancement bonus to AC provided by the shield that the armor master is currently carrying.
This ability replaces bravery.
This is the 2nd level ability of an Armor Master fighter. The interesting part is that this ability doesn't say that the armor master needs to be holding the shield, just carrying. He can just sling it over his back or keep it generally on his person, and he could be specified as carrying the shield.
Is this correct, in terms of RAW?
No, he has to be using the shield to benefit. Sheesh.
Th rules are not going to always repeat themselves. Yes you have to be actually using the shield. You can not use the shield if it is stowed away.
Darn. Oh well. Would have made the archetype more flexible in build choice.