Path of the Beast: Action Economy

Hello,

Three part question for my character:

Minotaur, Level 3, Path of the beast barbarian

1. Action Economy

Can someone confirm this is being played accurately? Turn 1, bonus action rage - manifest claws, followed by action - attack using claws. Then, since using claws i get to as apart of the same attack, use claws a second time. To be specific: i can attack on the same round i bonus action rage. My DM is reading it as, turn 1 bonus ation rage, action transform to claws, then turn 2, attack with claws, and use claws a second time. 

2. Free hand wording

If im using a shield in my left hand but i keep my right hand free (no weapon), when i rage and use claws, can i use the right hand for my initial claws attack and still use my right hand for the additional claw? My DM is reading it as I would have to use my left hand for the follow up claw, which would mean i cant have a shield equipped.

 3. Hammering horns

Action economy with hammering horns

Turn 1, bonus action rage - manifest claws, followed by action - attack using claws. Then, since using claws i get to as apart of the same attack, use claws a second time.

Turn 2, action attack using claws, and as long as i hit, i can use hammering horns as a bonus action. If i use this bonus action immediately after the first claws attack, does this negate my ability to follow up with the "as apart of the same attack, use claws again" or can i claw, hammering horn, claw?

Thanks in advance

1. The description of the transformation is, "When you enter your rage, you can transform...Until the rage ends, you manifest a natural weapon..." As I interpret this, the transformation happens as PART of the rage, not something requiring an entire action. So YES, you could: Bonus Action Rage, Action claw attack, then second claw attack as part of that same action. 

2. RAW I'd agree with you, there's nothing stating that you only get the second attack if you have both hands available. I do understand your DM's argument, but since nothing specifies you need the second hand free I'd say you're correct. 

3. I think yes. The minotaur ability reads, "Immediately after you hit a creature with a melee attack as part of the Attack action" - so it's recognizing that your hit could be just part of your attack action. So I'd let you use this and then finish your attack action, which would include any extra attacks you have (like your second claw attack).