[fantasma]

I chose the fountain for two rreasons:
first, I didn't know of the blood druids.
second, the fountain is cheap and let me chose the other things that are more important, like good scales and access to other paths.
fourth, I disagree that Marverni cannot do without the pretender helping against the rush. With level 3-4 research + 3 fortresses in year one, which they should pursue anyways, they can make a miserable day for the rusher (probably for themselves as well, though). It really depends whether fatigue, poison, mind burns or blade wind are needed.

But it could well be that I underestimate the early game vulnerability.