Getting back to the original topic...
I tend to take a Death-10 Pretender when I play C'tis. Note that I still only have the demo, but the ability to rout entire armies with Terror cannot be underestimated. With a Saurolich or Prince of Death, C'tis can use this to take many provinces early. I generally play on lower Indep. Strength, so this might fall into the equation somewhere, but OTOH, you have a greater chance of hitting something with the Terror.
Please note: I generally do _not_ take Death-10 if I'm playing for a Bless strategy. With the Serpent Dancers, Air is almost essential, and you can combine it with either Fire or Water (Fire is easier, with the Phoenix) for a really brutal combination.
I was hoping that Death-9 might turn the Sacred Serpents into Tomb Wyrms, but it doesn't seem to, which I find distinctly odd. Ah well.
Bayushi Tasogare