Am I missing something, or is Gyrd Háewanes Sténes pretty impractical for a druid? I gave it to my MC druid this time, instead of letting Aloth have it. But while it's a nice enough weapon, I'm just not seeing much use in the restore spiritshift function. It means I have to spiritshift early, then go back to ranged attacks and have a chance to get it back... except by that time, the battle may well be over.

Personally I prefer using it for a spiritshift druid. It's the ONLY way in the game that you can get a second use of the spiritshift ability in a single encounter. Granted, most encounters end before the expiration period for a single spiritshift, but it's very useful for longer battles. Typically I open with a spell or two, perhaps a defensive buff and returning or relentless storm, and then shift. If the battle's still raging, you can switch to Gyrd, and since the proc rate for restore spiritshift is 20%, you typically do not need to wait long before you can shift and wade into battle again. This is the only good use for Gyrd, IMO. There are better wands/rods/scepters for blaster wizards, and priests are better off buffing and then wading into melee.

and priests are better off buffing and then wading into melee.

 

Skaen priest with Minor Avatar says otherwise.  IMO, it's a great melee build.

I prefer that wand on wizards. It's strange how often it can proc. Aloth procs it on literally almost every shot, which is weird considering the 10% proc chance.

It works with Blast. So if you hit 5 enemies with Blast the chance to dominate is ~41%.

That's why I always gave it to Aloth, yeah. This time I was going to give him Rod of Pale Shades, for chain-stuns using Blast. I might still do that.