[thejeff]

I haven't tried the reverse communion with Skratti. Seems to me the fatigue would be too high. Mostly from the Sabbath Slave. I'm not sure it gives enough advantage over even minimal gear, though it'd be faster to set up in a pinch.

As for shape-shifting, the script you describe should leave him in Skratti form. If you left out "change shape", then he will change again, to wolf form, after the battle. This is why I usually change to werewolf form outside of battle and take the extra fatigue casting buffs.

I'd stick with prophetizing the herse. With that bless, Woodsmen should do well for initial expansion. Then maybe Jarls once I've got another fort up. Skratti thugs usually wait until I can get some gear. Shrouds, Frostbrand & a shield, at least.
Prophet thugs take penalties outside your dominion which can be crippling, so I hate to rely on them. In the long run, I don't see a great advantage to a Skratti prophet thug over one with a Shroud. I guess you could put better armor on the prophet.