I'd like to make a more serious attempt at CF, and I thought these mage classes might be interesting. (As long as I'm going to die a lot, it might as well be with something I enjoy.) Would you please give me some advice about how they play?

It's hard for me to judge shapeshifters because I can't see what forms can do. Do forms provide much tactical variety? Are there any first shapefocuses to avoid if I want to be useful to groups?

Transmuters certainly look like they're great in groups. Are they also capable of some solo exploration, or are they dependent on more damage-oriented classes?

I expect to try joining the Heralds. Would either class obviously be more welcome?