I haven't played it yet, but am planning on picking it up here in the next week or so, but here's my guess on it.
It's a melee weapon, probably slower than 1handers+shield, and you lose the defense of a shield on your other arm. My guess would be…
Going magic all the way. Planning on using a mix of Greater Magic and Spell Chanting for the healing/buffing that I can give to my team/clan. It's gunna be sweet!