[ano]

Try a race that doesn't need a bless and has access to earth or astral magic (bakemono, for instance). Take prince of death with dom9 (to get awe) and d3 (you may take more if you like, but that's not necessary). Forge him an earth shield from the trinkets (one for 5 gems with bigger parry - I don't remember exactly) and later some armor and weapon (his Rod of death is AN, but doesn't use strength of wielder), but that's not necessary for expansion too - only shield is needed.
And enjoy... He will easily take out even rather big armies of indies with the orders "hold, hold, attack archers".
Or try S3 or E3 wyrm. This guy is amphibious, can attack on turn 2 and doesn't need early forge, but definitely needs research in alteration (ironskin, body ethereal, personal luck) and conjuration (if you took E3 then you definitely need earthpower). However, he is weaker later on.
Or take a dormant titan sized god with good magics that can be used for self buffing and good items. He won't help with expansion much, but will be a powerful sc later.