Claw shape and shields

[CPFCPF]

Hello folks,

i recently killed my whole group of players and now everybody is creating a new character. Two of them want to play a beastmaster and came up with a question I could not answer: is it possible to combine claw shape with a shield?
The description says it alters both hands to claws. Is it still possible to hold a shield with those claw hands? Is it still considered unarmed combat, if you wield a shield? Do you need both hands to inflict the damage of claw shape?

I'm not sure about this and would be glad about some clarification.

[Slimcreeper]

I personally would allow a shield in the off-hand. I think the adept would have enough control of the effect that it could affect each hand differently.

[Kosmit]

I would say no but for fluff not mechanical reasons. Feral, animal fighters need to behave like them

[Mataxes]

Yes, Claw Shape can be used in conjunction with a shield.

[Lys]

Claw Frenzy, on the other hand, probably requires the use of both hands.

[The Undying]

Yes, Claw Shape can be used in conjunction with a shield.

Can you explain the rational behind this?

Claw Shape is a damage replacement for unarmed combat.

Many characters employ shields when engaged in combat, foregoing the use of both hands in order to give them additional protection. A character using a shield is restricted to using one-handed weapons only.

Maybe it's just me, but unarmed combat really brings up the idea of bare-knuckle boxing, which is always done with two fists, which kind of violates this idea.

[Kosmit]

You can use one punch, shield bash combination. Unarmed combat is not only for punches, and swift kick is not only for kicks.

[The Undying]

swift kick is not only for kicks.

This is definitely wrong.

If the adept has free use of a leg he may kick an opponent

It really can't be more clear than that.

[Mataxes]

Yes, Claw Shape can be used in conjunction with a shield.

Can you explain the rationale behind this?

The character could be carrying a shield with one hand and strike with the other, using Claw Shape for damage.

What reason would there be to restrict it?

[Mataxes]

swift kick is not only for kicks.

This is definitely wrong.

If the adept has free use of a leg he may kick an opponent

It really can't be more clear than that.

He's probably referring to prior editions where it is called out that t'skrang can use their tails. (I don't think it's explicitly called out as such in ED4, as I'm not near my books, but I don't see any reason to prohibit it.)