[Taqwus]

If Ermor can get to Conj 6, Spectres (D-1, two independent random wizardry picks) will help dispose of other gem types; and if one has a surplus of non-death gems before that empowerment or alchemy is an option as well. Plus, there are non-Death sites that can offer substantial benefits; for instance, there are non-Death sites that offer free fortifications (very nice since Dead Ermor may be hurting for gold), and sites that offer forge bonuses will be very helpful for boosting research via mass-produced Skull Mentors.