Deflect on a Shield

[Stripe]

I'm an idiot. I'm misreading something here somehow because I just can't wrap my stupid brain around what seems to be a total contradiction.

Originally Posted by Kromm

That is correct. To quote Exploits, p. 47:

Magic can provide a DB, too. Only the best magical DB applies – such bonuses don't "stack."

Okay. Got it. No stacking. Only the best. Defending Shield +1, Deflect +2 only gives +2, not +3.

But, that, to me, means Defending Shield is now completely overshadowed by Deflect since it costs a whole lot more and does a whole lot less. I mean, +2 to DB for all defenses to all locations for $10K, or +1 to DB only while blocking for $20K, which are you going to choose?

But, then I read the other half of the quote . . .

Originally Posted by Kromm

Defending Shield does stack nicely.

What? Defending shield does stack with Deflect? But, the quoted RAW literally said, "such bonuses don't 'stack.'"

That's how I know I'm reading something wildly wrong here, or I'm not catching something.

Originally Posted by Kromm

I'd compare the situation to paying 15 points for Combat Reflexes, for +1 to all active defenses (plus a bunch of other nice stuff), vs. paying 25 points for Enhanced Block, Enhanced Dodge, and Enhanced Parry: You get the second thing only after getting the first, cheaper one, and you stack them.

Right. And that's what I thought. Enchant your shield with Deflect +2 for $10,000 then Defending Shield +1 for $10,000 for +2 DB for a parry or dodge, +3 DB to a block.

I know we've been through this on the GURPS forum, but can I get a break down?

1. Joe has a small shield (DB 1) enchanted with Deflect +2 and Defending +1. Sam attacks him. Joe chooses block as his active defense. What is Joe's DB?
   
2. Sam has a breastplate with Deflect +1 and a small shield (DB 1) with Defending +1. Ron attacks his torso. Sam chooses to block. What is Sam's DB?