[url="http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Shapeshifter"]Here[/url] at the bottom it says there was a bug in damage calculation while being shapeshifted so that strength is used instead of magic to determine your damage output.
Can anyone confirm this? I for one can confirm quite the opposite. Both my main char and Morrigan have exactly 14 strength, while my main character has significantly higher magic attribute. Both have only one point spent in the shapeshifting tree. However, my main character's spider form does more damage than Morrigan's.(13.8 vs. 18.4 or something like that)
So long,
Sol
Side Note: Please don't use this thread for shapeshifter bashing or telling me that I should pick another specialization anyway! I only wish to clarify if the correct attribute is used for damage calculation in shapeshifted forms.
Shapeshifting bug?
I'll give you both.. and more. :devil: 
It's based on Strength.. BUT a higher Magic score results in a higher Strength, but only marginally so. (..actually I suppose it's more appropriate to state it as "spell power" instead of magic, but frankly the system is lame.)
So that's ONE reason why the specialty SUCKS!
But wait, there's more!
Arcane Warrior "combat magic" does NOT translate through, but it can be "ON" and still consume mana. Moreover, other "spells" by your character cannot be "ON" while shape-shifted.
The "weapon damage" spells provided by others in your party like "frost", "fire", and "telekinetic" - will show up on your character sheet, but don't provide any benefit.
The "swarm" shape is nature damage only, and doesn't hurt undead.
On the other hand item bonuses (other than attack/damage) do seem to work. So an Arcane Warrior isn't a total waste here, the ability to wear armor seems to work. (..note that I stated: "seems", I wasn't going to try and spend the time necessary to verify this.)
The damage score listed in your character sheet is rarely achieved, often 2 points LOWER as an average in my experience. Worse, the damage is pitiful for all but bear form WITH the Mastery "spell" AND the exceedingly short term "Rage" feature "ON" ..unless of course you happen to have a high Strength.
You can't consume anything, or use anything other than your special attacks from that form. Notably you can't use a healing poultice. So you have to shift back into human form for that, AND if you do so you the "cool-down" period is ridiculously long, basically not allowing you to heal yourself.
It's based on Strength.. BUT a higher Magic score results in a higher Strength, but only marginally so.
(..actually I suppose it's more appropriate to state it as "spell power" instead of magic, but frankly the system is lame.)So that's ONE reason why the specialty SUCKS!
But wait, there's more!
Arcane Warrior "combat magic" does NOT translate through, but it can be "ON" and still consume mana. Moreover, other "spells" by your character cannot be "ON" while shape-shifted.
The "weapon damage" spells provided by others in your party like "frost", "fire", and "telekinetic" - will show up on your character sheet, but don't provide any benefit.
The "swarm" shape is nature damage only, and doesn't hurt undead.
On the other hand item bonuses (other than attack/damage) do seem to work. So an Arcane Warrior isn't a total waste here, the ability to wear armor seems to work. (..note that I stated: "seems", I wasn't going to try and spend the time necessary to verify this.)
The damage score listed in your character sheet is rarely achieved, often 2 points LOWER as an average in my experience. Worse, the damage is pitiful for all but bear form WITH the Mastery "spell" AND the exceedingly short term "Rage" feature "ON" ..unless of course you happen to have a high Strength.
You can't consume anything, or use anything other than your special attacks from that form. Notably you can't use a healing poultice. So you have to shift back into human form for that, AND if you do so you the "cool-down" period is ridiculously long, basically not allowing you to heal yourself.