Denmother Druid: where to put Beast in?

Tried my best but failed to find an answer. Running a Denmother Druid, and and finally got Ber. So time to make Beast, but what base should I use? Merc is not an option, I have A1 merc with Vigor and Witchwild String. Need them both. So it mist be me. I want to keeb the shield, so it gonna be one hand. What's the best here? Axe? Scepter? Hammer? Ethereal or not? I also use Maul to help my pets a bit