[Blitz]

I can't think of a single other Pretender that is available to 14 of the land races, with the sole exception being on the grounds of 'theme'

I guess you don't play Marignion much. Even as a blood race, they were not allowed to use the VQ, obviously a thematic choice as Marignion ARE a blood race. Marignion cannot use any undead pretenders. I believe the Lich and Archlich are available to ALL races, even underwater ones... Except Marignion. They are the only race that could use neither the VQ or the GK... leaving them with second tier SC choices of which the best are the Virtue and the Lady of Fortune. Neither of these are comparable to a post-nerf VQ or GK. Don't feel bad for Ermor.