Toying with a claws based character, and need to know, if I attack with a claw, does it still constitute a "free hand" for feats like Crane Wing and Deflect Arrows?
Well, I will first mention that you should know that how Crane Wing functions has been changed significantly. It's no longer...as good as it used to be.
But in any event, if you have a claw on your hand, it's effectively the same as using an unarmed strike, which is to say yes it counts as a free hand.
Its not just "not as good", the whole tree became rather trash. For my build specifically, it may have some use because I need my hands for attacks so cant use a shield, but a +4 bonus against one attack...wow.
And Crane Riposte may as well not exist anymore.
Oh well, guess my build woes with cramming Dragon Style in there have been alleviated.
They erratta'd riposte too. It can now be taken the first time someone misses you while you are fighting defensively or in full defense.