Do Uteni lose their shapeshifting ability with cybernetics?

[Vervain]

The Uteni are offered (and are described as enthusiastic for) cybernetics and bionics in their R.C.C. creation. Not just implants, but a bionic limb is expressly offered. It has been written several other places that shapeshifting creatures cannot use cybernetics. Do the Uteni lose their ability to shapeshift if they opt for enhancement?

[ShadowLogan]

For quick reference for others please provide the location in the books (DB5 pg50-1, for those interested).

Uteni do not have full shape-shifting abilities, they have limited shape shifting abilities that basically are restricted to altering their size. And I will point out not all shape-shifters lose their ability, the Auto-G race can receive implants (they just get expelled when the assume a new form, these guys might be the exception to the rule). There are a few other "limited" shape-shifters this question can relate to.

I think it's going to come down to the type of implant received in this case, the less extensive the more likely it won't impact their shapeshifting. And in the case of the Uteni it might be possible regardless, but you'd just end up with the implant limb not altering it's size with the Uteni.

It's going to come down to if the shapeshifting is considered "mystical" in nature or "natural". We know mystical abilities can be disrupted by implants, but "natural" means (like changing color and size can be done naturally) could reasonably not be impacted (aside from the specific region that gets replaced).

[Shorty Lickens]

Yeah that's weird on the same page they say both things. Either the author just plain forgot, or its allowed.
I would agree the size of the implant does not change and that includes a cyborg limb. So they'd be at a slight disadvantage if they changed size a great deal. But I'm guessing the Uteni who get those implants are not in the habit of changing size drastically, especially not if they choose to get cybernetics. And remember the use of that shape shifting is to appear more pleasing or agreeable to whomever is standing across from them, not to intimidate a foe. And for combat they almost always prefer to have someone else do their fighting for them, and in a desperate situation they'd use EBA or PA and weapons, not shape shifting. BUT if it were necessary to escape thru a small portal then they'd gladly shrink and shuck their implants or limbs to do it.