Questions about natural attacks

[Veven1290]

My duskblade died last night in an E6 game so there is really no hope for resurrection.

My new character is a human bard/crusader with white raven tactics. I grabbed the Draconic Creature template (i would be dragonborn but don't feel like serving Bahaumut) to get dragonfire inspiration too.

Draconic creatures gain two claw attacks. Correct me if i'm wrong (never played a creature with natural attacks before) but it sounds like i can use my longsword and both of the claws in a full attack (claws at a -5 penalty). Is this right?

Also, if i am wielding a one-handed weapon and a shield, or a two handed weapon, is it still possible to make these claw attacks in a full attack even though my hands are occupied?

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

If you're using your hand to attack or defend with a shield (unless it's a buckler, in which case all the normal offhand weapon buckler rules apply), you can't use that hand's claw attack that round.

 

[Empirate]

Also, if i am wielding a one-handed weapon and a shield, or a two handed weapon, is it still possible to make these claw attacks in a full attack even though my hands are occupied?

There has been a ruling in the FAQ (iirc) that you can put a hand on your two-handed weapon or remove it as a free action. This means you cannot only cast spells while holding onto a Greatsword - by RAW you can also make a claw attack in the same round you attack with that Greatsword!

Of course, a sane DM will not allow the FAQ ruling to go that far...

 

[Dandu]

Well, at least the bard gets his spells.

 

[Wyvernhand]

You could use non-handed weapons. Unarmed strike, armor spikes, most hidden blades, a weighted cloak, and a few others are all weapon that don't occupy your hands. That means you can still make claw attacks while wielding them. You'd get your full set of iteratives (including TWFing iteratives, if you have the feats), and THEN make your secondary natural weapon claw attacks. More attacks means more delicious DFI damage per round.