[Cor2]

Here is something I struggled with as a Newb: You have to take into account Starting paths, cost for new paths and starting dominion when looking at the price of a pretender.

IF you want an earth 9 bless It may seem like a good idea to get a crone and buy earth 9, cuz she costs 10 points. In reality its cheaper to buy a cyclops even though it costs more at the base. (as sector24 pointeed out)

Some rules of thumb/ tips:

never go with dominion under a 4. 6 or higher is reasonable.

As far as blesses go, choose what complements your national holy troops. Mages like earth, fire is good for argatha b/c of their crap attack.


Blood 9 bless is considered by many to be the worst bless and a waste of points.

Remember that certain immobile pretenders can teleport (not the sphinx). Meaning that they can open a can o' woop *** late game, especially if high in astral. This is often very suprising the first time its used.

A pretender with no magic paths has little risk associated with dying, besides preist time spent calling god or possible afflictions. Conversely Rainbow pretenders suffer the worst from death.

Its usually good to make sure you have astral, so if your nation does not have it your pretender should.