Kelpie Snare

[Gallant One]

I got an ethereal Kelpie Snare. Is this a good merc weapon? I know it is slow (damage is pretty high for a mid level unique), but I thought it might be good to use on my merc. I am using a Frost Zealot, so enemies are going slower. I thought freeze+slow from KS would be a nice combo.

Also, can the "ryme" rune word be used in a necromancer's shrunken head (is it conisdered a shield)?

[Are]

Eth Kelpie is a pretty good merc weapon, yes. I use it a lot on my characters, until they're high enough level to wear Bonehew, and sometimes I never replace it. Especially for casters Kelpie is a great merc weapon. It's often recommended to switch to it for Act Bosses even if you use another higher damage weapon normally.

Necro Shrunken Heads do count as shields, and can be Rhymed or Splendored.

[Hrus]

Kelpie is good because of it's slow, which makes act bosses really easier (they don't attack and casting spell as much...)