Buckler question.

[tburdett]

If an archer is wearing a masterwork +1 Buckler with the Speed special ability from Defenders of the Faith what penalties would he suffer when using the bow? Does he lose the Haste?

 

[Someone]

1) You have no penalties to attack roll with a bow or crossbow while wearing a buckler. Even if it´s a normal buckler.

2) Being basically an "use activated" item, you gain the benefits of the buckler´s enchant... sorry, magic, whenever you use it. That is, I think you don´t keep the Haste effect, since you lose the AC bonus given by the buckler when you fire a bow; from the FAQ:

<<The Player´s Handbook says you can use a buckler and
fire a bow or crossbow without penalty. Does this mean you
get the armor bonus from the buckler while firing the bow
or crossbow?

No. You can´t use the buckler´s armor bonus during any
round when you fire the bow or crossbow. Once you fire, you lose the buckler´s armor bonus until your next turn.>>

 

[Mahali]

1. No penalties
2. No benefits either. Just like a weapon with Defending you actually have to use a shield (i.e. get the Armor Bonus) to use the magic, not just have it strapped to your arm or on your body.