Re: an idea to reduce turtling
 

By the way, it's actually even EASIER to do in Dom2 because the map command #startspell works. I believe spell modding works the same way in Dom2 as in Dom3, but I actually don't own Dom2 so I can't advise you there.

Re: an idea to reduce turtling
 

Well, I like the idea of not having the mages do the research.
I like the idea of giving the map more points of strategic interest for the late game, too, but those will be around early on also and just another bonus for the bless rushers.
How about giving each nation a shapechanging unrecruitable researcher instead of the starting scout. Different shapes produce different research but need different upkeep?