[Lazy_Perfectionist]

As for fire-themed, I was going to avoid war machines, since its very uncharacteristic of Dominions3. Though, now that I think about it, there are those Clockwork Horrors and Mechanical Men. I could maybe equip one with "Burning Fists" or something like that.

The problem with my Oceania is I can't proceed until I decide whether they start in the ocean, or on the land. How critical is being the only one starting in the water to LA R'lyeh? Historically, I wouldn't expect to find Oceania underwater anymore, in context of the rest of the game. Only in the shallows, at most. Even atlantis was driven out, and they drove Oceania out first.

A unique site idea- The Coast/Vents of Burning Blood.
Generates water, fire, blood slaves. Allows recruitment of Reborn, Ravaged, and Hulks.

The people of oceania fell before the might of Atlantis and R'lyeh before finding refuge in the boiling seas/burning island, where they hid for centuries while R'lyeh dominated the sea, avoiding the uncomfortable heat. With the opening of the gate into the void, the mermen of Oceania have sought divine guidance.

The heart of Oceania's secret is the sacred hydrothermal vents at the heart of their island/sea. It keeps the waters warm enough that R'lyeh ignored them for centuries, before the opening of the void gate. Occasionally, Mermen patrolling the borders manage to free slaves- Mermen or Atlantian. Unfortunately, those freed have little mind left- left behind they would provide valuable information to the enemy. Cared for, they would be a horrible burden. The former slaves are taken to the sacred flame and cast in. Those who have mind enough left are purified of R'lyehs taint, while those too far gone are left as mindless bloodslaves, bereft of all strength.

(Capital Only)
The Reborn are Mermen/Tritons who survived the holy flame and took on its traits. Fierce warriors radiating heat, they can wield some minor magics. The Hulks are Atlantian Shamblers with little mind left, but forever free of R'lyeh's control. They retain just enough mind to hate R'lyeh with a burning passion, but not enough pride to remember the old rivalry between the races of Atlantis and Oceania. The Ravaged are those whose physical bodies could not withstand the flames, and nearly became one with them. Freakish but powerful mages when commanding.

The Ravaged can also be created by lesser flames set up by priests, but only with the Great Flame do they retain enough of a mind to lead.