I have no fucking clue what I'm doing in this game so I'm going to start again. I need some starting tips pls.

What build should I go for? In my first game I tried a Druid Avenger because turning into a salamander sounded funny. But I'm not even sure how I should be using the character because any damaging spells are only onces a day so they're basically useless. Also I have no idea what level I get to shapeshift or what weapon I should have chosen.

Anyway, how the hell do you play this game and what character build should I roll?

EDIT: Thank you for the well-thought-out and in-depth answers. I appreciate it!