[HoneyBadger]

What if bless effects were independent of the magic schools? I think that would be a nice feature too, if you separated the two. That would let you build up your physical Pretender-choosing areas of dominion, instead of magic paths, and these "areas of dominion" (War, Nature, Death, Love, Medicine, the various elements, Forging, whatever) would then grant your Pretender stat bonuses, and your sacred troops blessings.

For instance: A high Forging "area of dominion" might grant additional strength, protection, and a Forging bonus, while Love area might grant awe, 'unit heals afflictions', and perception.

The magic paths could still be incorporated-like you could choose your Pretender to have dominion over Fire, and maybe a high enough dominion would grant bonuses to fire magic, or you could choose him or her to have dominion over Magic, and through that, gain a research bonus and a nice discount when purchasing Paths.

It would allow spells to be kept along the same lines they are now-with the potential for expansion still in the future-but allow for many more Bless effects, and allow you to personalize (and pimp out) your Pretender.

You'd pick a Chassis-which might come with some Areas of Dominion and starting Magic Paths, or just great stats/special abilities.

Then you'd pick your Areas and pay for them, which would increase some stats, maybe lower a few others. Then (while I'm brainstorming) maybe you could pick a special ability or two and pay for them (fire resistance, an extra head, an additional form, whatever), or an affliction of your choice (limp, lost an eye, low MR, etc.) for a few extra points, and then finally, you add magic paths-which can still bump up your stats a bit.

Instead of just paying for Dominion, your Dominion would be equal to your number of Areas. You'd no longer get Awe based on your Dominion, it'd be a special ability that you'd either have to pay for, or that came with an Area.