[Scott Hebert]

Well, the Medusa has the same paths as the Great Mother, with 1 greater magic (Nature, I _think_), and costs less. If you're wanting those paths for their excellent Rituals (rather than an overt combat Pretender), I would go with the Medusa.

As for the Scorpion King, he's a tougher sell. Still, he seems to have uses as an early combatant. As Abysia, you could arm him with 2 Fire Swords and send him out to attack provinces early, for instance. He also is the only Pretender with Fire and Earth magic innate.