The main problem with Shapeshifter is that it's micromanagement intensive - a single point in spider form gives you two extra abilities (Web and Poison Spit) for the price of one talent point, for example, but in order to make the most of out of those abilities you need to be continuously weaving in and out of Shapeshifter forms. The 2nd time I played the game I played an Arcane Warrior/Blood Mage and had Morrigan, Wynne and Leliana with me.
Keep in mind that whatever build you manage to find, it'll always take a couple of levels, and if you get burned out through the origin story, you won't get too far in the game. I have never played a Shapeshifter, but I would be interested to know if anyone has managed to make it viable. Dragon age origins arcane warrior/blood mage buildĭragon Age Origins Blood Mage Spells and Benefits.
