@Arias: Shadow Creature
That's nice. I think I might use that. (I'd have better Fast Healing, and another maneuver, to say nothing of changing stance as a free action with Improved Hylian Bladestyle.)
Also, SirP, can Improved Bladestyle be used without changing weapons? Can changing gear just be switching between two bucklers?
Absolutely.
Absolutely to which one? Or both?
To rephrase:
Question #A, Does IHB actually have to change some piece of gear, or can it be used to just change stance as a free action?
Question #B, Can it be used to just change stance by claiming something so stupid as "I change out my bow... for my bow. Putting it away, then pulling it out, and changing my stance in the process".
Question #C, If neither of the above, could I just buy another Buckler, and use changing it out as the 'gear switch' required in order to change my stance w/o eating my swift action?